35 record(s) found
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Exploring the Secret Life of Trees Grade 2 to 9
- University of Illinois Extension-
10375
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This animated video explains in detail how an acorn becomes a tree. The audio uses simple terms, however some vocabulary may need further explanation with younger grades. The slides can be advanced or reversed with the buttons provided on the pages. This is a modern version of the old fashioned film strip. The narration is also available in Spanish.
In the Classroom:
This is ideal for use on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Due to the ability to easily pause the video, students can take notes directly from the whiteboard. Create a guided note sheet to accompany the interactive by capturing the screens into PowerPoint slides or a smart notebook and put blank text boxes over the writing so that students can enter the information as they watch it. This is a great one to save in your favorites for an Earth Day activity! Have student create their own “tree stories” using digital pictures of a tree they know and narrating it on Voicethread, reviewed here. |
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Discover the Forest Grade K to 8
- Where the other you lives-
10163
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Bring the forest into your classroom with these educational interactives. Match animal tracks, learn how to use a compass, and create leaf rubbings. Download and print the "Book of stuff to do outside." Sound can be turned on or off along the bottom of the site. This site requires Adobe reader. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Discover the forest from the classroom. Find nature sounds and create your own nature podcast or audio recording. Use a site such as PodOmatic (reviewed here). Collect leaves from around the area to create your own leaf rubbings and posters. Create animal tracks of domestic animals to view the difference in tracks. |
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The Greens Grade 3 to 8
- -
10077
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Meet the Green cousins, Dex and Izz, who are on a mission to make the world a little greener. Watch videos of Dex and Izz attempting to educate a whole cast of characters, including Dex's mom, Izz's dad, Granny, her cat, and the crazy neighbor lady, on how to become a little more earth friendly. These characters keep Izz and Dex on their toes throughout each comically, animated episode. Each episode has corresponding links that are filled with educational information about recycling, reusing and reducing. There is also a simple Blog (written by Izz and Dex). This site requires Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Share this site on your interactive whiteboard or projector. This site is a perfect addition to Earth Day activities! Incorporate literacy skills into the site by having students read the silly blogs of each character. Extend into a writing assignment by having students create their own personal Green characters and write their own blogs for each episode. |
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Act Green Grade K to 8
- Scholastic-
9987
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Act Green provides many avenues for students to learn about going green and to put their green ideas into action. The site includes “100 Ways to Act Green,” printables, and many other features! Join the site for free (no email address is required) and become part of the Green Team by fueling the Greenerator! Students earn points for taking green action and can even become Greeniacs! This site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
This outrageously green site can serve as a guide for Earth Day activities. Extend it further and start a class project that could expand throughout the entire school and community. Share the interactives and other ideas on your projector or interactive whiteboard. Highlight some of the “100 Ways to Act Green” in your classroom. List this site on your class website for families to use at home. Have cooperative learning groups explore various facets of this site and complete a simple video sharing their findings. Share the videos using a site such as Teachers.tv (reviewed here). |
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Explore a Tropical Rainforest: An Earth Day Project, 2009 Grade 6 to 12
- TeachersFirst-
9958
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Field trips may have disappeared into the cloud of economic distress, but TeachersFirst is cooperating with another non-profit, The RiverRidge Foundation for Environmental Research and Education (RiverRidge), in planning some special events for you to “be there” as scientists, just in time for April and Earth Day. RiverRidge has invited TeachersFirst users and their students to virtually Explore a Rainforest along with a group of 8th-12th grade scientists who will be visiting Costa Rica, April 4-12, 2009.
In the Classroom:
See the specific information for getting your class involved, including a step-by-step list and tips on the project wiki. Make learning personal and real for your young scientists. |
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The Dirt on Soil Grade 2 to 6
- Discovery Education-
9758
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View what lives in the soil. Learn the difference between soil and dirt, and look at soil profiles. Join the "Soil Safari" to navigate through the soil layers and view microscopic soil creatures and learn how chemicals can destroy the soil. The interactive Soil Safari challenges students to find a soil organism that can eat a certain chemical. They must find it in time to save the meadow! Hurry! Don’t forget you need Flash for the fun. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Use this site to earn about layers of the soil and organisms found there. Analyze soil core samples from areas in the community to determine soil composition and view some of the soil under a microscope. Use information from the site to identify environmental concerns in your or other areas. Have the students work with partners and try out the interactive challenge. This site could bring new meaning to “earth” day! |
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Real Trees 4 Kids Grade K to 12
- The National Christmas Tree Association-
9677
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Trees, trees, and more trees - that is what you find at this site. There are lesson ideas and activities for all grade levels (K-12). The activities are broken down into grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Each level includes several "Teacher's Guides." In grades K-2, the site's goal is for students to learn about trees and their parts using writing, science, and math! The Grades 3-5 section focuses on the life cycle of conifer trees. This level also discusses how real trees are recycled, the types of trees grown on farms, and new vocabulary words. In grades 6-8 students learn about the life cycles and scientific names of the trees and take a look (first-hand) into the life of a real tree grower. Grades 9-12 challenges students to dig deeper into the soil and check out how REAL TREE growers keep their crops healthy, how supply and demand works, and more details about conifers. There are many other highlights at this site: ready to go units, photos, and more. The TF editorial staff checked many of the links; there were two not working at the time of this review. However, the other 30-40 links did work. This site requires Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Use this site to "spruce" up Earth Day or your study of plants and trees! The Teacher's Guides are basically ready-to-go units of study. Some of the activities are more interactive than others. If you are looking for a more "technology" friendly activity, consider having students create a wiki guide to the various trees in their hometowns (or around their school). Or have them create a video “Tree Tour.” Share the videos using a tool such as SchoolTube (reviewed here). |
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Planet Green Game Grade 6 to 12
- Starbucks-
9567
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How much do you know about energy and conservation? Use this free game to learn basic information. Students enter a name, choose a character, and a mode of transportation. Previous plays may generate a code that allows upgrades to hybrids. Move your character by using the arrows on your computer or by clicking on the map or destinations pictured along the bottom. Once you arrive, click on each destination to receive quiz questions and add green features to the building. Features added are shown after the quiz is completed. End the game whenever you need to, however the maximum points cannot be earned. Download a badge after completion of the game. Music plays throughout the game and can be turned off at any point in the game. Clicking on "Learning more about climate change" provides some great resources and ideas for classes or students to follow. This site requires Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Have students use the game to check on prior knowledge about climate change and conservation and energy issues. Have students compile a list of surprising facts and information learned throughout the game. Students can create a plan to increase the awareness of those in their school or community. Have groups of students create an action plan that includes a problem, data, and suggested solutions to the problem. Students can research green initiatives of other businesses, schools, and communities. |
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Environment Grade 1 to 3
- Manatee School District-
9549
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This site explores the environment: the establishment and meaning behind Earth Day, recycling, trash, air pollution, water pollution, and habitat destruction. Each topic includes several hyperlinked texts that take you to pictures, diagrams, or more information. There are also buttons on each page that say "read." This feature reads the information to the student. The site also includes interactives, online quizzes, and lots of other Earth friendly information. Each topic includes 10+ links to pictures, diagrams, and definitions. Of those many links, two were not working properly at the time of this review. However, nearly all links are working at this "hot topic" website. This site requires Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Share this site on your interactive whiteboard or projector around Earth Day. Since each topic has links, read aloud features, and online quizzes, why not focus on one topic per week (or month) during your science class. Have students brainstorm ways that they can help to protect our environment. Have students work with a partner to explore various sections of this site (don't forget the headsets). |
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Human Footprint Grade 3 to 10
- National Geographic-
9512
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This interactive takes a look at the effect of typical human consumption on the planet. Students can see how the bread they eat or the newspapers they read tax the resources of our earth. There is also information about water consumption, diapers (and the crude oil they require), eggs, and more. The highly visual display of the site is well balanced with facts. Comparisons between the U.S., the U.K, and Japan provide interesting contrasts in resource usage between nations. This site requires Flash. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Fire up the projector or interactive whiteboard to use this site when beginning a unit on natural resources, agriculture, environment, green living, or cultural comparisons. Ask your students to research other items that might be included in the comparison besides newspapers, potatoes, gas, etc. Have them make charts or online presentations to display consumption information in a similar fashion. Save this site in your favorites to use for Earth Day. |
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Think Green Grade 4 to 12
- Waste Management-
9489
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Use Think Green, a site created by Waste Management, to obtain information about everyday recycling and waste management as well as environmental protection. View "Our commitment" to view a message overview and their environmental commitment. Ads do appear under this tab but do not run generally on all pages of the site. "Waste As a Resource" offers information on Landfill Gas To Energy, Waste-To-Energy, Recycling, and Beneficial Land Reuse. The site also offers many "Case Studies" on how companies are being inventive in waste management and energy use. View "Media" for more information about "Burning Questions," "Fuel for Thought," "Secret Life of Landfills," and "Second Life." "Point of View" offers thoughts from others in academic and business institutions. Click "News" which is a pop up of news items. A caution that "Greenopolis" leads to an online community and may not be appropriate for all students. This site requires Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Use this site for mining for information and examples of waste management and energy production. Use this site for background information and practical applications of what students have researched. Use examples to audit local businesses, residence practices, and waste management procedures to offer solutions. Use information to compare and contrast different environmental practices in terms of effectiveness, cost, and sustainability. Have students create videos to demonstrate their knowledge. Share the videos on a resources such as SchoolTube SchoolTube (reviewed here). |
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Green School Project Grade K to 12
- Green School Project-
9470
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Don’t throw away those empty printer cartridges; make money by sending them to the Green School Project. This organization helps save the planet by recycling inkjet and laser cartridges, cell phones, and PDA devices. It doesn’t cost you a thing. They supply your prepaid shipping materials and free marketing materials. The site does require you to create an account (simple and free). Sign up at this site and start earning funds for your school immediately. Although TeachersFirst does not normally review fundraising sites, this project is an environmental lesson and project in one. This site also includes lesson plans, printable worksheets, literature lists, and web resources.
If you are looking for other "green" fundraising opportunities, check out the Greenraising: Eco-Friendly Fundraising site (reviewed here). This site requires Adobe Acrobat. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Click on the left link, "Lesson Plans and Activities" for more ideas on teaching students about recycling. Check the site frequently, as they offer 'specials' which translates to more money. If you submit a lesson plan on recycling, you earn a $10 credit. How about holding a 'green' competition to see which classroom submits the most items.
Get parents involved. Make sure they are aware via your website and newsletter about submitting these items to the school. Many parents will be able to contribute items from their workplace that was otherwise destined for the landfill. |
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EcoKids Grade K to 8
- Earth Day Canada-
9335
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This clever, creative, and entertaining resource is a must for elementary science classroom! Click to enter the Room 26: Kids or the Teachers' Lounge. Kids from all over the world can learn oodles from this Canadian ecology site. Teachers will find a trove of information and instructional materials as well. You will appreciate the Earth Day activities and information. There are also numerous educational interactives highlighting the food chain, bugs, animal adaptations, acid rain, transportation, and other topics. Students can participate in interactive stories; play and learn with more than 50 ecology-based on-line games and activities; learn about a variety of topics including wildlife, energy, and environment issues; and print out word games or coloring sheets.
Be aware: recently, this site started to offer certain features of the Teacher's Lounge to "members only." Membership is FREE, but does require an email address. The link for students does NOT require membership to access the interactives, information, or printables. This site requires Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
There is SO much to look at and explore, so browse through the offerings, create a plan for your students based on their age and ability level, then mark the site as a favorite on classroom computers. Upper elementary students can use it as an independent learning center. Younger children may need help with some of the text, so consider using an interactive whiteboard or projector and exploring the activities as a class. Click on “Downloads” on the bottom left to find printables, including coloring sheets of Canadian wildlife and various ecology-related worksheets and lesson plans. Click on the ‘games and activities’ tab and use the interactive whiteboard or projector for whole class eco-minded fun. ESL and ELL teachers, don’t miss the ‘teacher’ section for a cache of activities written for your ELL/ESL students.
Interested students will use this one for hours, so some directions will be important for classroom use. |
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Breathing Earth Grade 3 to 12
- David Bleja-
9321
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SEE the relative contributions to carbon dioxide emissions country by country. Students roll the mouse over countries on a flattened world map to see what the carbon dioxide emission of each. The featured country's pertinent facts pop up, including emissions, populations, and birth/death rates. Countries are color-coded to indicate rates of carbon dioxide emissions. The pop-ups of births and deaths are fascinating (they occur in real-time). The bottom of the site includes a detailed legend; be sure to check it out. Note that spelling is Australian ("tonnes" vs "tons"). You can turn off the audio at the lower left. This site requires Flash. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
This site has countless uses in the classroom of various grade levels. Share this site on a projector or interactive whiteboard. With younger classes, use this map to teach about map legends. Use this when studying ecosystems, environmental issues, economics, current events, world birth and death rates, pollution problems, and conservation. Leave the site open for a few hours for students to see the changes. This site is an excellent resource for research projects on countries throughout the world. |
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Solar Energy Education Grade K to 10
- Tucson Electric Power Company-
9305
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Learn about how solar energy begins and is used by all living things. Areas of the animated information can be clicked to find even more details about the formation of fossil fuels, photovoltaic cells, and differences between seasons. A text only version of the site can be accessed. A glossary provides easily understood definitions of many of the terms. Activities for teachers to use include: "Solar Energy Activity," "Photovoltaic Energy Activity," "Solar Thermal Energy Activity," and "Chemical Energy Activity." These are available as an Adobe PDF download. Additional resources are provides as weblinks that can provide additional information. This site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Use this animated site for students to gain background information about Solar Energy. Students can then work in groups to investigate various concepts from the animation. Student groups can also investigate renewable vs. nonrenewable energy sources following this introduction. Students can create posters using conventional materials or many of the multimedia applications for a digital version. Students can create a pamphlet, draft a letter, or editorial for change in energy policies, etc. With younger grades, share the website on an interactive whiteboard or projector. |
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The Ozone Resource page Grade 8 to 12
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration-
9261
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Use this site to understand the ozone and how it affects our air quality and life here on Earth. Satellite imagery of ozone holes includes an updated daily picture and comparison over the last decades. NASA facts listed on the side include an opportunity to learn more about the information presented, watch satellite images from the last 7 days, view animations, compare year-to-date, and look at the annual records since 1979 using "Ozone Hole Watch." Information about the ozone and how it is measured is explained in detail here. "Explore the ozone with NASA" by viewing a short video that outlines the ozone and discusses new research and climate change. Use the "Resources for News Media" to view the Multimedia gallery for pictures of the largest ozone hole on record, the Arctic vortex, and Earth's Atmospheric Layers. Information about ozone depleting chemicals and ozone chemistry is also found here. View video of the ozone missions from NASA. "Ozone Hole 101" provides basic content about the ozone that is easy to understand for students. Read interesting information such as "Ozone levels drop when hurricanes are strengthening" and "Ozone hole is a double record breaker." This site requires Quicktime and animations require Flash. You can get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Students can use the resources in "Ozone Hole Watch" to determine the trends in the ozone either daily or over the years. Further research involving political, consumer, and environmental trends can bring insights into effects on the ozone layer. Using the wealth of material on the site, students can use the information to create a "Handbook of the Earth" (as an example) to understand how the ozone affects us in our current and future lives. Students can also work in groups and be assigned portions of the content to study. They can then present their findings to the rest of the class (using a multi-media presentation). Students can use this information in conjunction with environmental or Earth Day activities in or out of class. |
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Freecycle Grade K to 12
- The Freecycle Network-
9252
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Need a bookcase or rug for your classroom or home office area? Perhaps you have extra, personally-purchased classroom supplies that you no longer use. There is a solution to both dilemmas—Freecycle! Check this site to see if there is a local Freecycle group in your area. With 4,336 groups and growing, there’s a good chance one is in your neighborhood. Twenty five states currently have participants. This grassroots, non-profit network’s aim is to get unused ‘stuff’ into the hands of someone who can use it, and most importantly, they want to keep it out of our clogged landfills. Teachers are the most resourceful people on earth, and Freecycle is here to help fuel that creditable reputation. Membership is free –check it out!
In the Classroom:
Share this site with your class as an idea for Earth Day or being “green.” Encourage your school service club or student council to consider launching a Freecycle project. Be sure to list the link on your class website, so parents can freecycle too. |
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Global Warming Grade 5 to 8
- Chris Clementi-
8893
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This information-rich website offers a WebQuest (which could almost be an entire unit) devoted to Global Warming. It provides an eclectic look at this "hot topic." The teacher-creator also provides excellent video clips and learning activities. The culminating activity challenges students to create a short movie (using Windows Movie Maker) and to write a one-page newsletter about the specific topic they have researched. A short assessment tool is available at the "evaluation" link. For younger students, please view the videos before sharing them with your class. Some are rather graphic for elementary students. This website requires Flash and Adobe, get them from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Use this "hot topic" website to spark your students' interest in the environment. Even if you don't have time to complete the entire WebQuest, using the short videos and other information would be beneficial to any class studying the effects of global warming or even the environment in general.
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EducaPoles Grade 3 to 8
- International Polar Foundation-
8735
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EducaPoles' goals are to educate children and young adults about the science of the polar regions by offering fabulous interactive explanations of the science involved with climate change, teacher "dossiers" about hot polar topics, frequently updated news, publicity about upcoming polar events, etc. The offerings in the "Fun Zone" are actually quite instructional, but in kid-friendly format, such as an interactive comic book, animations, videos, and "games" which are actually quizzes. Subjects covered on this site include many hot environmental concerns such as the melting of the polar ice caps, endangered animals, wind power, climate change, renewable energy, polar bears and penguins, etc. ALL interactives and videos require Flash. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page..
In the Classroom:
Teachers can use the provided "dossiers" for lesson planning. The interactive explanations and animations are ideal for interactive whiteboard, projector, or partner explorations at classroom computer clusters or on laptops. Partner better readers with weaker ones in the elementary grades if students are working on their own, and turn up the sound for some great sound effects and audio. Teachers may also submit requests for more information about topics they don't see covered here. Videos appear to "stream" with a few bumps in the audio, so preview to be sure you can hear well enough! The audio text shows in screen so you can always follow along. |
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The Recycling Game Grade K to 1
- BBC-
8495
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This interactive recycling game challenges students to determine if various items are made of plastic, glass, or paper. Students simply click on the items and drag the items into one of three bins (plastic, glass, or paper). spoken voice and word choices are British, so you may see some puzzled faces when the student first hear the terminology, but the illustrations will help them recognize the objects. And you will have a chance to talk about vocabulary in different parts of the English-speaking world. The website features a Teachers/Parents link that provides general standards for this interactive game. The entire activity requires Flash, get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Remember to turn on speakers or attach headphones for this activity. This website is a perfect "ready to go" learning center, especially around Earth Day. This challenge is a wonderful companion to teaching students about the importance of recycling. |
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Your Ocean Grade 4 to 9
- National Maritime Museum-
8490
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Don't miss this wonderful website - perfect for environmental awareness. This "student friendly" website is divided into 4 distinct sections - your energy, your waste, your stuff (products that come from the oceans), and your climate. The website is designed to use with students ages 11 - 14, but could be adapted for other ages. There are interactive games, quizzes, and a wealth of information. The website even provides students with simple tips and actions they can do to save energy and protect the environment.
Be aware that this site was created in the UK, so you may notice some minor spelling differences. Some of the interactive games and quizzes require Flash, get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
This website would work as a group activity (on an interactive whiteboard or projector) or as a cooperative learning activity for small groups to complete together. This is also a good choice for Earth Day activities. Have cooperative learning groups explore one of the sections of this site and create a blog entry demonstrating what they learned. |
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Dr. E's Energy Lab Grade 2 to 12
- U. S. Department of Energy-
8439
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If you have any hesitation that students think energy is 'uncool,' think again. Tinker Bell delights the younger students with her short video clips about energy. They will spend oodles of time exploring the many facets of this site. Click on the various types of energy from the homepage to start the exploration. Interactives, lesson plans, crafts, printable sheets, and tons of information that we all need to know to survive on this planet is handily available here. The Game link includes "Funergy," "Energy Quest," and more! Visit the Teacher's link to find over 350 lesson plans and activities (with standards). The activities are divided into three levels (grades K-4, 5-8, and 9-12). While some of the Dr. E's activities look like they are intended for a young audience, don't be fooled. Heavy information for the high school student is housed behind the "cutesy" cover. This site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
If energy is a subject you teach in your classroom, there are several pages at this site that would work well on a projector or interactive whiteboard. You will want to explore on your own to find all the teaching materials and activities, since there is SO much information. Share this site on your teacher web page during your energy unit, since many activities can include parents, as well. The alternative fuels, renewable energy, and conservation sections are also ideal for Earth Day activities. Have students use this site to research energy. Why not have students create blog entries demonstrating their knowledge? |
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Earth Day Grade 4 to 10
- Myvocabulary.com-
8080
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This website provides unique vocabulary activities that all correlate with Earth Day! Some of the activities are interactive and other activities are printable. There are word puzzles, a word bank, music list, and more.
In the Classroom:
Use this website to introduce your students to new vocabulary words, while you are teaching them the importance of protecting our Earth. The interactive vocabulary activities would work very well on an interactive whiteboard or projector. |
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Smog City 2 Grade 5 to 12
- U.S. EPA and Sacramento Air Quality Management District-
8046
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Use this interactive air pollution simulation to learn about the effects of particulates, ozone, and individual choices on air pollution. The Create Your Own section allows you to test cause and effect of different factors in a controlled setting. Although the option to download the simulator is offered, it runs just fine in its online version. The site's disclaimer explains that the complex relationships between environmental factors have been simplified for this simulator, but the processes are still representative of the "real world" factors. This is a MUST for Earth Day!
This site is powerful and therefore may take some extra time to load - so prepare ahead! This site requires Flash. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Younger students would benefit from a teacher-centered introduction on the simulator (using your interactive whiteboard or projector), followed by directed explorations to find specific answers to teacher questions. Older students can determine the most important factors in air pollution and explore means to solve the problem as part of a health, social studies, science, or government class. Have your students present their finding on an interactive whiteboard or projector. |
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Climate Chaos Grade 4 to 10
- BBC-
7977
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One word describes this all-encompassing website: amazing! If you are teaching students about global warming, climates, types of energy, recycling or any other "green" topic - you must visit this website. At the website you will find interactive activities and games, guides and information about numerous topics, quizzes, votes, and chats! This site is frequently updated. Some of the activities require FLASH. Get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Share this one on an interactive whiteboard or projector to help your students to understand the effects of global warming. Include the link on your teacher web page as you study weather, climate, and environmental concerns. This site would also make a great "scavenger hunt" for students to learn the basics about global warming. Ask each to write some questions for the hunt, then have the whole class try it! Have cooperative learning groups explore various facets of this site and create a multi-media presentation. |
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Tox Town Grade K to 8
- Specialized Information Services-
7197
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This highly entertaining and multifaceted activity is all about environmental health risks and toxins. Students have the option to visit a farm, town, city, or the US-Mexico border. Students simply click on the various items on the pictures to learn more about the toxins. There are audio explanations and interactive activities. Some pages also offer maps to learn more about the health risks in your local area. There is a lot of factual information and both interactive and non-interactive activities. This site required FLASH. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Teachers should begin their planning at the "For Teachers" link. The link provides standards, detailed activities, enrichment activities, and more! Be sure to try an interactive whiteboard or projector for this unique educational activity. This activity would be great for Earth Day lessons! Have older students complete a multi-media project about the toxins they learn about (blog, wiki, or video). |
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Garbage Grade 3 to 6
- Annenberg Media-
6529
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Need a quick, ready-to-go Earth Day activity? Try this interactive activity that tests students' knowledge of proper disposal methods for common household substances. Students must determine which items are hazardous, which can be recycled, which can be disposed of with the regular household trash, and which should be washed down the drain. After completing the activity, students can check their answers.
In the Classroom:
Share this site on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Provide this link on your class website for students to share with their families. Have students research and create their own quiz about other household items and how they should be properly disposed of. |
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Recycle City Grade 2 to 6
- Environmental Protection Agency-
6528
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As Earth Day approaches, take your students on a visit to Recycle City for a virtual, hands-on experience with reducing and reusing waste. To get started, click on any part of the city, and discover what residents and businesses have done to improve their environment. The site includes a "Dumptown" interactive which gives students a taste of what it would be like to be a city manager in charge of selecting community programs for cutting the amount of waste destined for the landfill. Click on the Activities link to find information for teachers and classroom activities. This site requires Shockwave and Flash. You can get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Share this site on your interactive whiteboard or projector. As they independently explore, challenge students to make up their own "scavenger hunt" (complete with questions and answers) of places they feel are worthwhile to visit in Recycle City, then swap with a classmate. Have students write fictitious blog entries from the perspective of the city manager (updating residents on changes and improvements in the city). |
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Ecological Footprint Quiz Grade 6 to 12
- Redefining Progress-
5840
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Chose your country and language, answer a few general questions, then find out how much "nature" your lifestyle requires. You may be shocked to discover the amount of land and natural resources that are needed to support what you use and what you discard. Compare your results to the average for your part of the world and find out how many planet earths would be needed if everyone lived your lifestyle. This is an eye-opening activity and a very relevant addition to an environmental science unit. This site requires Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Share this site on an interactive whiteboard or projector. Or have students work on individual computers and complete the activities. Have students follow up the activity with a writing project, such as a blog entry, sharing what they have learned. |
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Earth Day Grade 4 to 7
- Earthday.com-
5046
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This environmental education site, a cooperative effort across the entire U.S. government, is filled with creative ways to make learning about the environment fun! Click on the "In the Classroom" link to learn more about specific topics, play educational interactive, complete puzzles, or take a virtual trip to "Recycle City." The "For Kids" page provides an annotated collection of kid-friendly environmental Web sites filled with clever and interactive activities. Learn about the history of Earth Day, ways to celebrate in your classroom or at home, and more. There is quite a bit to explore!
In the Classroom:
Share this site on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Read the history of Earth Day together. Have cooperative learning groups explore different ways to "take action" and then create a multimedia presentation to share with the class. Why not challenge students to create a video to share with the class using a site such as TeacherTube (explained here). |
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Kids' Planet Grade 2 to 8
- Defenders of Wildlife.-
4983
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Approach writing, reading, technology, and social studies through the lens of environmental science. Use the printable units and lesson plans (found at the Teacher's Table) for direction and content, then allow students to play the related "Wild Games" as an enrichment activity. Click on the "Defend It" or "Cool Stuff" links to find creative ways for kids to take part in wildlife conservation. Students can explore an interactive map of the world to discover the status of more than 50 species. A great Earth Day resource! This site requires Flash, Adobe Acrobat, and Java. You can get all three from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
There are many ways to incorporate this site into your Earth Day plans (or a unit on conservation or wild life). Save this site in your favorites, so students can visit often. Take advantage of the ready-to-go units of study. Share the interactives on your projector or interactive whiteboard. Use this site for student research projects. |
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Global Warming Grade 5 to 8
- US EPA-
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Created by the Environmental Protection Agency, this visually appealing site is filled with interactive story books, climate animations, and cleverly designed animations for students. Links include Climate Change (What is It), Climate & Weather, Greenhouse Effect, What is the Climate System, Climate's Come a Long Way, The Climate Detectives, Games, Climate Animations, Climate Change Calculator, Stuff for Teachers, So What's the Big Deal, We CAN Make a Difference, and Can We Change the Climate. Use this site to supplement a unit on the Greenhouse Effect or as a springboard for Internet Earth Day activities. This site requires Flash. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Have cooperative learning groups research the many links and activities at this site. Challenge groups to create a multi-media presentation: blog entry, wiki, PowerPoint, web page, or video. |
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Earth Day Groceries Project Grade K to 8
- The Earth Day Groceries Project-
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Have your students decorate paper grocery bags for Earth Day! The "Earth Day Groceries Project" is cost-free and one of the largest and oldest projects on the Internet. The project, managed by Mark Ahlness (a third grade teacher in Seattle, Washington), challenges students to decorate paper grocery bags for Earth Day featuring environmentally friendly messages. There are four steps to the project, all well-explained on the site. Be sure to visit the Project Starter Kit link. This link includes a PowerPoint presentation about the project, screensavers, project details, and more.
In the Classroom:
Use this interdisciplinary activity to integrate art, creativity, community service, science, and Earth Day events. Share the PowerPoint presentation with your class on a projector or interactive whiteboard to get students motivated about the project.
Display pictures of some of the bags on your class website. Provide this link in your class newsletter or on your class website; challenge parents to make this a family activity. |
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Earth Day Grade K to 5
- Kaboose-
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If you are looking for Earth Day activities in your elementary level classroom, don't miss this interactive site! Features of this site include Earth Day crafts, recipes, learning about the history of the holiday, several interactives (all related to the environment), printable pages, quizzes, and more. There are links for both classroom and home activities.
Be aware: this site does include advertisements. This site requires Flash and Adobe Acrobat. You can get both from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
As you prepare for Earth Day, check out the many resources at this site. Share the interactives on your projector or interactive whiteboard. Set up a learning center for students to explore the interactives on their own. Have small groups investigate a specific topic on this site and report back to the class (a multi-media presentation would be great). Be sure to list this link on your class website for students to use both in and out of the classroom. |
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* Biomes of the World Grade 4 to 8
- TeachersFirst-
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Introduce the earth's different biomes with this unit, created by . Biomes include coniferous forest, deciduous forest, tropical rainforest, tundra, ocean, fresh water, desert, and the savannah. Each link includes information and pictures. Students can complete an on-line research project on a biome of their choice, using selected web resources, or they can learn the basics of biomes with the information provided in the unit. There are links to the introduction, to learn more about the project, and even a teachers link (with a TON of class activity ideas). This site does require Adobe Acrobat. You can get it from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom:
Have students work in cooperative learning groups to explore this site. Challenge students to create multimedia presentations about the biomes. How about a Powerpoint? Or have students narrate a photo of the biome using a site such as VoiceThread (reviewed here). Other options include creating a wiki, blog, or video. |
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Earth Day:
TeachersFirst Editors' Choices