This is the latest website from the Exploratorium's _Origins_ series -- a Web-based project that "explores the origins of matter, the universe, earth, and even life itself." In "Astrobiology: The Search for Life," visitors can read up on Earth's extreme environments that support life and serve as models for extraterrestrial environments. The site also introduces some of the scientists working in...

Created by the folks at the Science Education Resource Center (SERC) at Carleton College, the Earth Exploration Toolbook (EET) was created "to support access to and effective use of scientific datasets and analysis tools by the educational community." The chapters of the Toolbook provide educators step-by-step instructions for using Earth system science datasets and scientific analysis tools....

What goes on during an earthquake? Who came up with the theory of plate tectonics? What can the fossil record tell us about the evolution of life on Earth? These are all fine questions, and students and educators with a thirst for geological knowledge will find the answers to these (and many more) questions in the "Earth Revealed" television series. Offered as part of the Annenberg Media website,...

The American Geological Institute organizes Earth Science Week (ESW) each year in October "to help the public gain a better understanding and appreciation for the Earth Sciences and to encourage stewardship of the Earth." The website offers highlights, evaluations, and news clippings of past ESW events. During the months leading up to ESW, users can search for Earth Science events taking place in...

The American Geological Institute's Earth Science World website serves as a gateway to the geosciences. Visitors can find climate data for stations throughout the world. Users can search great images of volcanoes, lakes, minerals, dunes, and much more. The site provides a helpful interactive geological time scale. Educators and students can discover activities and themes for future Earth Science...

Created and maintained by the Massachusetts Geological Survey, this set of remarkable resources is the perfect thing for earth science teachers working with high school and college students. Adapted from original resources from the from the Maine Geologic Survey and the Kentucky Geologic Survey, these resources are organized into nine areas, including Lesson Plans, College Educators, and Fact...

A partnership among school systems, the U.S. Federal interagency program, the U.S. State Departments, colleges, universities, and over 100 other countries; this Web site provides an extensive look at GLOBE -- a worldwide hands-on educational experience for elementary to high school students. Educators can view guides and learn about student activities dealing with atmosphere, hydrology, soil, and...

NASA's Earth Observatory is a "freely-accessible publication on the Internet where the public can obtain new satellite imagery and scientific information about our home planet." The Earth Observatory feature presented in this Web site introduces documented changes in plant productivity over the last two decades -- the warmest decades on record. The study, based on satellite imagery and ground...

In the 19th century, the height of a learned experience might be taking part in a salon in the grand quarters of a beautiful manse. In our own time, it's much easier to take part in such erudite explorations. This online Phenomena salon is "a gathering of spirited science writers who take delight in the new, the strange, the beautiful and awe-inspiring details of our world." Hosted by National...

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publishes the "Science Matters" newsletter to inform the general public about its research and advocacy activities on behalf of the American public. The newsletter was first published in 2010, and is a terrific source of information on everything from green chemistry to renewable energy. In the About this Issue area, visitors can learn about the topical...