This section contains an annotated list of activities and resources that center around a particular theme.

The Journey North-A Global Study of Wildlife Migration:
http://www.learner.org/jnorth

This Annenberg/CPB Math & Science Project is an annual Internet-based exploration of wildlife migration and seasonal change. The investigation usually begins on Groundhog's Day (February 2) and continues through the end of May. The migrations of about twelve different animals are tracked by satellite transmission or by student report of sightings. In addition, signs of spring are noted in such processes as tulip blooms, leaf-out, or ice-out.

Researchers provide background information and challenge questions. Participants can subscribe to electronic distribution lists for weekly updates of migration patterns, or the information can be found on the Web. There is a teacher's manual with suggested activities. The materials are said to be aimed at the 4-6 grade level, but learners of all ages participate in one aspect or another of this project. There are many opportunities to integrate critical reading, math, geography, and writing activities in this project.

The Ocean Planet, a Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition:
http://seawifs.gsfc.nasa.gov/ocean_planet.html

This exhibition draws attention to the world's ocean systems, representing the ". . .over 99 percent of living space on earth. . .all habitable by plants and animals." The Smithsonian created the exhibition to share recent research in ocean systems and to promote ocean conservation. The actual traveling exhibition is touring museums around the country from 1996-1999. This online version is wonderful. Start with the Exhibition Overview to see the scope of the exhibit and the wealth of material it contains. There are interdisciplinary lesson plans in an online booklet available for downloading in Adobe Acrobat format. Many activities include opportunities to practice math and writing skills. Be sure to try "There Are Algae in Your House!" in the Ocean Market lesson. http://educate.si.edu/lessons/currkits/ocean/main.html

GLOBE:
http://www.globe.gov

Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment (GLOBE), initiated by Vice President Al Gore, is an international network of students, teachers, and scientists working together to study and understand the global environment. Students from more than 5500 schools/learning centers in 70 countries make environmental observations and report data through the Internet. Scientists use the data for research, and display web images based on the student-collected data. Several adult learning centers are participating in this project, though most of the students seem to come from the k-12 community. This site also features special events, such as the Match the Biome Game. http://www.globe.gov/fsl/events/helsinki2/templ.cgi?biome_match&lang=en&nav=1

NASA Classroom of the Future-Exploring the Environment:
http://www.cotf.edu/ete

The NASA Classroom of the Future project ". . .engages students in doing real science by presenting them with problems currently being investigated by practicing scientists and by having students manipulate the actual data relevant to those problems." In other words, these are great examples of problem-based learning and constructivist classrooms. (The teacher pages include tips and information for implementing problem-based learning.)

Exploring the Environment is a series of seventeen web-based learning modules that explore real environmental dilemmas around the world. Students use NASA online imaging data to investigate these problems. Each module starts with a situation, such as the imminent eruption of a volcano near a major population center. Using Internet links and other information, the students explore options and make decisions. Other modules include tracking a live hurricane, investigating the shrinking habitat of the mountain gorillas, and examining issues about temperate rainforests. There is a teacher's section for which one may request a free password in order to gain access.

Rotten Truth (About Garbage):
http://www.astc.org/info/exhibits/rotten/rthome.htm

This is an in-depth look at complex issues regarding municipal solid waste. The exhibit is sponsored by the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Smithsonian Institution. It is organized into four major sections: What Is Garbage?, There's No "Away", Nature Recycles, and Making Choices. The exhibit provides links to activities and resources from a number of other websites.

Aeronautics Learning Laboratory for Science, Technology, and Research (ALLSTAR): http://www.allstar.fiu.edu/aero/

This comprehensive site, funded by NASA and its Learning Technologies Project, explores the history, principles and career options in aeronautics. The experiments are presented in three levels:

Level 1 - Intended primarily for middle / junior high school students.
Level 2 - Intended primarily for junior high / high school students.
Level 3 - Intended primarily for high school / lower division college students

The site uses the latest technologies on the Internet, so it will be necessary to install plug-ins on your browser. The activities themselves, however, require very simple, inexpensive materials for the most part.

Glacier:
http://www.glacier.rice.edu/

This website is about Antarctica and its part in the global system of weather, climate, oceans, and geology. It is an outgrowth of a collaboration between Antarctic scientific research and the educational outreach efforts of the National Science Foundation's Office of Polar Programs. Featured topics include Antarctic expeditions, weather, ice, and oceans. Each section is well-illustrated with maps and photos. For example, the Expeditions section takes the viewer to Christchurch, New Zealand and McMurdo Station, Antarctica as it answers to such questions as what is it like to work in Antarctica, how do you get there, and what do you wear? There also is an extensive collection of fascinating information about the West Antarctic Ice Sheet Study (WAIS). This study has important information about the ever-changing ice sheet and its interaction with the rest of Earth.

A special curriculum development project is currently underway, through collaboration between the National Science Foundation and the Education Development Center of Massachusetts. Instructors who are interested in field testing a "GLACIER Middle School Earth Science Supplemental Curriculum" are invited to enroll in the project through an online application form. http://www.glacier.rice.edu/misc/glacier_in_class_app.html The curricular materials are intended for inquiry-based multidiscipinary eighth-grade classrooms; the project curriculum coordinator is delighted to have participation from instructors and learners in adult literacy programs for this field-testing of the materials.