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New Interactive Map Tracks Ocean Dead Zones

The World Resources Institute has announced that new research from WRI and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) identifies over 530 dead zones and an additional 228 sites worldwide exhibiting signs of marine "eutrophication" -- or over-fertilized areas due to agricultural run-off. These areas and the information about them have all been put on a map that allows users to see what is happening where, including access to photos, articles and other information.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Education Site

This comprehensive website produced by NOAA provides myriad resources for educators. It includes overviews of the larger dynamics that shape ocean life- coasts, tides, marine life, climate, etc.- so that teachers can integrate this information into their curriculum.

BRIDGE Ocean Education Website

Brought to you by the National Marine Educators Association, this website compiles a host of free resources that approach ocean education from many different fields from standard science to literature. It includes lesson plans, professional development opportunities, and a resource library to stay up to date with the latest ocean research.

The Chernobyl Disaster by Science NetLinks

By examining the case of the Chernobyl nuclear meltdown in 1986, students study the adverse effects of high doses of radiation on biological systems.

Forest Fires by Discovery Education

Students will understand the benefits and problems associated with fire and the role that fire plays in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

ESA21: Environmental Science Activities for the 21st Century


ESA21 offers over 40 activities that engage students in a variety of environmental topics. The activities rely on a mixture of hands-on, field and Web-based experiences that give students a deeper understanding of the issues. Topic areas include: air, environmental science basics, the biosphere, earth, energy, home life and pollution.

Hybrid Automobiles

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The reduction of fossil-fuel consumption and exhaust pollution are two goals of present-day automobile design. Hybrid automobiles tackle this design issue by maintaining the range and re-fueling advantages of internal combustion engines, while incorporating the environmentally desirable characteristics of electric motors. In this lesson, students will learn the basic principles of engines, motors and generators, how hybrid vehicles work, and the pros and cons of both traditional and hybrid technology vehicles.

Climate Change Investigations

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This free, multi-disciplinary, hands-on curriculum from The Keystone Center encompasses many subject areas including biology, earth science, chemistry, physics and ecology as well as language arts, math and social studies.

Build a Model Wind Turbine

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This lesson, created by PBS, gives students the opportunity to explore wind power using a hands-on approach. Students builid model wind turbines and experiment with how to cope with changes in weather and improve efficiency.

This activity correlates with National Physical Sciences content standards.

Activities that use Photovoltaic Cells


If your classroom has access to a photovoltaic cell, the following activities can be utilized. These activities are meant to teach students about how light is converted to energy and to show how renewable sources of energy can be used in greening buildings.

The following activities REQUIRE a PV cell: