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This page includes resources that have been developed by the fellows for their respective projects, contributed by teachers, or that they have determined to be useful for  K-12 education. Please contact Dan Gruner with additional suggestions.

The JASON Project: http://www.jasonproject.org/. Hawai'i is known for its awe-inspiring volcanoes, its unique terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and its rich cultural history.  For JASON XII, Bob Ballard and a team of researchers and Argonauts explored this group of isolated islands, shaped by 30 million years of volcanism, which offer one of the best representations of Earth's geologic and biologic forces. They also traced the migration paths of the diverse peoples who settled these islands, and explored the fascinating cultural tapestry that is modern Hawai'i. The site includes streaming video, curricula, connections to educational standards, and more.

 

SFAA Cover In 1985, the American Association for the Advancement of Science launched a long-term effort to reform science, mathematics, and technology education for the 21st century. That same year, Halley’s Comet was approaching the sun, prompting the project’s originators to consider all of the scientific and technological changes that a child entering school in 1985 would witness before the return of the comet in 2061—hence the name, Project 2061 <http://www.project2061.org/>. With panels of scientists, mathematicians, and technologists, Project 2061 first set out to define science literacy. The panels prepared reports that were integrated into the 1989 publication Science for All Americans, which outlines what all high school graduates should know and be able to do in science, math, and technology and lays out principles for effective learning and teaching. Project 2061 continues to seek similar guidance from outside educators, scientists, and business people through its advisory body, the National Council on Science and Technology Education.

This site contains a wealth of information and links--it is highly recommended.

Resources page for the teaching of evolution: <http://www.nsta.org/evresources.asp>. This metasite, provided by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), offers links to official statements, court cases, press releases, and teacher resources dealing with evolution in the science classroom. It is intended primarily for K-12 teachers but is a great resource for professors of science education or college-level introductory biology/ geology. The NSTA holds the position that evolution is a major unifying concept of science and believes that it should be included as part of K-12 and college science curricula.

Moanalua Gardens Foundation (MGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of a culturally and environmentally literate public that will make informed decisions as stewards of the precious cultural and natural resources of Hawai`i. This mission is accomplished through a school program, distance learning television, publications and multimedia, public programs, and the annual Prince Lot Hula Festival. MGF has been offering high-quality, award-winning educational programs and services at little or no cost to the people of Hawai'i since 1970!

"Kids Do Ecology", sponsored by the the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis (NCEAS), and Los Marineros, a program of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. The site provides online educational activities for "young scientists" via an introduction to data (and data displays) and the scientific method; a learning lab (with information on whales and sharks); and an activities center (with various activities on marine organisms, ecology, and evolution). Materials target the fifth-grade-level, and the site includes an email option to "Ask An Ecologist" (directed to a NCEAS scientist).

The NatureMapping Program's vision is to create a national network that links natural resource agencies, academia and land planners with local communities primarily through schools. The goal is to keep common animals common and to maintain our quality of life. The approach is to train individuals to become aware of their natural resources and to provide the tools to inventory and monitor their resources. The website provides information on this program, how to participate, several curriculum modules, and links to other teaching resources.

GLOBE is a worldwide hands-on, primary and secondary school-based science and education program. For students, GLOBE provides the opportunity to learn by: taking scientifically valid measurements in the fields of atmosphere, hydrology, soils, and land cover/phenology - depending upon their local curricula; reporting their data through the internet to the student data archive; creating maps and graphs on the free interactive web site to analyze data sets; and collaborating with scientists and other GLOBE students around the world. For teachers, GLOBE provides assistance through: training at professional development workshops; teacher's guides, "how-to" videos, and other materials; continuing support from a Help Desk, scientists, and partners; contact with other teachers, students, and scientists worldwide in Web Chats and list serves.

Wilderness Awareness School is a non-profit environmental education organization established in 1983. Their mission is to foster people's understanding of their native environment through enhancing positive connections with nature, community, family and self. Based in Duvall, Washington, the Wilderness Awareness School offers a variety of programs for adults and children of all ages throughout the United States, as well as a unique line of educational products and services available world-wide. The website offers information on youth programs, college-level and home study, and national workshops and expeditions.

These two sites are an excellent resource for teachers wishing to develop in their students a critical eye towards material on the web. Dihydrogen monoxide is portrayed as a very serious threat to humanity and the environment, supported by research and "expert" testimony. What is DHMO? Find out: <http://www.dhmo.org/> <http://www.netreach.net/~rjones/no_dhmo.html

A goal of Discover Life is to involve individuals in scientific studies of the natural world around them. By working with scientists, resource managers, and educational specialists, in conjunction with support from volunteers, businesses and local communities, Discover Life is improving classroom technology and resources, training teachers, and developing lesson plans and research protocols that teachers and students can use both to learn and do science. This site offers curricula for student activities examining biological diversity in their local environments, as well as teacher training guides for mapping, web design and other applications.

This is a bibliographic site created by Second Nature: "Education for Sustainability." Educators create customized course reading lists by searching this database of over 2,800 bibliographic references to sustainability, covering 42 topical areas from Agriculture to Water Resources: <http://www.secondnature.org/programs/starfish/biblio.nsf

EE-Link, a project of North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE), offers this site for students and teachers looking for opportunities to participate in environmental award programs for kids. Options range from essay contests to community service projects: <http://eelink.net/studentawardandgrantprograms(environmentaltopics).html>

Green Teacher is a magazine by and for educators to enhance environmental and global education across the curriculum at all grade levels.

GreenCom is the environmental education and communications project of USAID (the United States Agency for International Development). The site contains many links to Environmental Education & Communication Resources on the web.

The authors of the Spinning Toward Solutions Project set out on a cross-country tandem bicycle ride, which reached 5,000 kids in 45 schools across 11 states during an 80-day expedition. Their goals along the way were to introduce students to the biology of rare and endangered species; introduce the tools and techniques of conservation biology; and collect data on conservation concern and empowerment.

Inspiration Software®, Inc. is a publisher of visual thinking and learning tools for K-12 education. The site provides powerful visual learning software to inspire students, grades K-12, to develop ideas and organize thinking. Inspiration's integrated diagramming and outlining environments work together to help students comprehend concepts and information.

COMING SOON: our "Ask a Scientist" page. Developed in response to a teacher request, this page will give K-12 students and teachers an opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from University researchers. 

Mangrove-lined channel in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu. 
Photo courtesy of Erin Baumgartner