Zoom into Maps
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/ndlpedu/features/maps/introduction.html
Zoom into Maps is a learning Web site that utilizes the Library of Congress Geography and Map Division’s digitized Map Collection. This very well designed site takes students through different subject areas including local geography, exploration and discovery, migration and settlement, environmental history, pictorial maps, and more. They will learn how to analyze maps, get to know various features they contain, and discover what can be learned from them. Interesting and non-technical text accompanies each page, which, along with the truly fascinating maps and good site design, will surely hold the attention of students for hours. [JAB]
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The Remote Sensing Integrated Unit
http://waves.marine.usf.edu/oceans_menu/oceans_menu_activ.htm
The Remote Sensing Integrated Unit is a collection of lessons related to satellites and remote sensing. As part of the University of South Florida Making Waves Web site, the activities include seven lessons with titles such as remote sensing in history, graphing stratospheric ozone, visible and infrared imaging, and creating your own satellite. Students will learn about this potentially difficult subject by doing a variety of hands-on and easy-to-understand activities and by completing various quizzes and worksheets. The site does a good job of presenting a unique collection of resources for students and educators. [JAB]
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Science Challenge Questions and Answers
http://www.usgs.gov/sci_challenge.html
The Science Challenge Questions and Answers Web site is a collection of 196 questions and answers addressing Earth and Planetary Science topics provided by the US Geological Survey. A very non-technical site, visitors will find a one-page list of questions and answers that include: What is the age of planet Earth?; What is the largest volcano in our solar system?; Do earthquakes occur in the central portion of the United States?; What is the surface temperature of Venus?; Are there any naturally occurring dams along the Colorado River?; What is the distance from the surface of Earth to its center?; and much more. Although it doesn't contain any fancy online tricks or even graphics, the very interesting questions provide a great way for students to learn about the earth. [JAB]
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Mineralogy 4 Kids Rockin Internet Site
http://www.minsocam.org/MSA/K12/K_12.html
The Mineralogical Society of America's Mineralogy 4 Kids Rockin Internet Site is described as "The BEST Place to Learn about Rocks and Minerals." Subjects include Minerals in Your House, Mineral Groups and Properties, Mineral Games, and All About Crystals. Another activity is entitled Rock Cycle, which offers a well done graphic and description of how rocks are transformed into the three major families: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. The additional links that are provided throughout the site give visitors a chance to further explore these subjects and learn even more. Overall, the site does a good job of providing attractive graphics and well written dialogue. [JAB]
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Mineral Quizzer
http://sial.org/geology/minq/
Jeremy Mates, who works for the Department of Genome Sciences at the University of Washington, maintains the Mineral Quizzer Web site. The quiz is described as an electronic way of testing and/or improving your working knowledge of mineral names and their formulas. Perfect for students of mineralogy, petrology, or even basic geology, users can choose the number of questions they want to answer, the mineral group to be tested, and either multiple choice or fill in the blank question types. This unique and helpful resource offers students an easy-to-use and challenging educational tool to reinforce their learning. [JAB]
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The Underground World of Caves
http://cdis.missouri.edu/studentinfo/coursedata/6252/6252.asp
The University of Missouri Center for Distance and Independent Study offers the Underground World of Caves Web site. The course includes an interactive step-by-step method of completing ten lessons that include everything from cave formation, cave life, cave ecology and conservation, and caves in the US, to general caving safety, moving through a cave, rappelling in caves, and ropes and belaying. Two online exams are included, as well as a photo gallery, additional links, and more. [JAB]
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Making Energy Fun and Safe
http://www.powerhousekids.com/
The Making Energy Fun and Safe Web site is made possible by utility corporation Alliant Energy. The colorful cartoon feel of the site provides kids a fun way to learn the basics of electricity with topics such as What is Energy?, How Do I Use Energy?, and How Electricity Gets to Your House. Other sections of the site include ways to save energy and electricity safety at home, including many interactive games that are related to all of the topics covered. This well designed site does a great job of introducing a large amount of information in a format that is easy and fun for kids to explore. [JAB]
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Internet Geography
http://www.internetgeography.co.uk/
Created by teacher Anthony Bennett, the Internet Geography Web site seeks to be a center for shared geographical resources and knowledge. A wide range of information and teaching tools can be found here, including links to original works that describe general physical, environmental, human, and economic geography subjects. Special sections of the site are geared specifically for students and teachers; the site provides them with homework help and lessons for teaching geography. Additions are regularly made to the site, making repeated visits necessary and fruitful. [JAB]
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