EARTH AND ENVIRONMENT

Backyard Jungle
http://www.backyardjungle.org/
(Big Chalk.com Top Web Site)

You don’t have to travel any further than your own backyard—and your computer—to take a look at the science that’s just out the back door. This kid-friendly online community allows users to create maps of their natural surroundings (both real and imaginary) and chart the flora and fauna they see. Users vote on their favorite backyard, post photos, and discuss the wonders of their own little slice of nature. ( This site uses Shockwave and Flash .)

Global Climate Change Research Explorer
http://www.exploratorium.edu/climate/
(Pirelli Award)

More than just a window on the weather, this site explains how climate change affects everything from stratospheric temperatures to the golden toad of Costa Rica. Graphs, articles, and maps monitor humankind’s impact on the planet we call home. ( This site uses Shockwave and Flash .)

NASA Earth Observatory
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/
(Webby Award)

Catch up on current earth-related news through this resource-filled site. Educators can choose from a variety of experiments about natural phenomena, such as the wind speed of hurricanes. Peruse through aerial and satellite photographs of the blue planet and learn about pioneers in geoscience. ( This site uses QuickTime.)

Earth as Art
http://landsat.gsfc.nasa.gov/earthasart/index.html
(Scientific American Sci/Tech Award)

Don’t let the less-than-fancy front page fool you: There’s art in here. NASA’s Landsat has taken some remarkable pictures of our earth and given us views that would be at home on the walls of your local gallery. Browse by continent, or look through the index of all the photos at once.

USGS Learning Web
http://interactive2.usgs.gov/learningweb
(New Scientist Weblinks selection)

This resource-packed site is a boon for K–12 teachers and students: loads of lesson plans and activities, including Topo Bingo, as well as project ideas and homework advice.