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Science

Megasites
Animals
Astronomy & Space
Biology
Biomes & ecosystems
Chemistry
Ecology
Energy
Environmental science
Fireworks

Megasites

Internet History of Science Sourcebook: http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/science/sciencesbook.html

This website explores the history of science throughout time and around the world, including Egypt, Scientific Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, Darwin, and more.

Environmental science megasites

Environmental History Timeline: http://www.radford.edu/~wkovarik/envhist/

Environmental problems and conflicts throughout history presented in an easy to read timeline format.
EPA Explorer's Club: http://www.epa.gov/kids/

This government website for youth explains how our environment effects plants and animals, the air and water and what we can do about it: garbage and recycling.
Global Environmental Outlook 3: http://www.unep.org/geo/geo3/

The United Nations Global State of the Environment. Check the "Underlying Causes" section for in-depth information about the social & economic reasons for environmental problems.
EarthTrends: The Environmental Information Portal: http://earthtrends.wri.org/

Graphs and maps illustrate some of the major conditions and trends in population, agriculture, biodiversity, forests, water resources, energy, climate, and social and economic development that determine the state of the world's environment. These data give a broad picture of trends over 20 years.
Save Our Earth and Make a Difference: http://library.thinkquest.org/11353/indexnorm.htm

Why should we be eco-conscious? How can you help the environment?
What Is the Natural Environment?: http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/natural.html

Discussion and activity about how environment affects life and what it entails.
World Timber Network: http://home.comcast.net/~leje//wtn.html

Links to information about the forest products industry worldwide.

Global warming

ARM Program's Education Center: http://education.arm.gov/

This website provides global warming facts for the beginner and expert. Read answers to a question of the week, or ask your own question at "Ask a Scientist." Also, discover what the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Program is doing to understand global climate change.
Climate Change: http://epa.gov/climatechange/index.html

The US Environmental protection Agency website provides current facts and details about climate change and how it impacts life on earth.

Biomes & ecosystems

Biomes & ecosystems megasites
Aquatic Biomes
Terrestrial Biomes

Biomes & ecosystems megasites

Biomes: http://ths.sps.lane.edu/biomes/index1.html

Three ninth grade classes at Thurston High School in Springfield, Oregon, present animals, plants, climate and health issues in each biome.
EPA Student Center: http://www.epa.gov/students/

Explore ecosystems, pollution, conservation, recycling, waste management, water and more at this site.
Geo-Globe: Interactive Geography: http://library.thinkquest.org/10157/

Interactive quizzes about the ocean, the biomes, the earth's crust and its atmosphere and more! A great place to introduce basic to more in depth concepts of geography.
Habitats & Biomes: http://library.thinkquest.org/11922/habitats/habitats.htm

What are habitats and biomes? What percent of the world is made up of each biome? Find out the answers to these questions here. There is also more information about 10 of the biomes.
Introduction to Biomes: http://www.runet.edu/~swoodwar/CLASSES/GEOG235/biomes/intro.html

Maps that illustrate where in the world each biome exists complement easy-to-understand facts.
What's It Like Where You Live?: http://mbgnet.mobot.org/sets/index.htm

From the Missouri Botanical Gardens, this website provides information about all ecosystems and details within each ecosystem page. Desert example: desert animals and plants, the desert at night, causes of deserts, and types of deserts. Deciduous forest example: forest locations, types of trees, types of leaves, leaf identification guide, colors of specific leaves in the fall, forest animals and more. For more brief information about ecosystems, click on the "Just for Kids" link at the bottom of page!

Aquatic Biomes

Aquatic Biomes megasites
Coral Reefs
Freshwater
Lakes
Rivers, Tribuaries, Waterways
Streams
Wetlands

Aquatic Biomes megasites

Great Lakes Information Network: http://www.great-lakes.net/

An ecosystem encompasses not only water, land, air and wildlife, it also includes the people who live there. Discover the importance of balance in an ecosystem as well as information about great lakes communities.
Marine Ecosystems: http://mbgnet.mobot.org/salt/index.htm

Discover temperate oceans and tropical oceans as well as shoreline life here.

Coral Reefs

About Coral Reefs: http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/coral/about.html

Learn more about coral reefs at this EPA site.
ReefNews: http://www.reefnews.com/

This website for students and teachers also has photos.

Freshwater

Freshwater Ecosystems: http://mbgnet.mobot.org/fresh/index.htm

Why are rivers, streams and wetlands so full of life? Find out here.
A Primer on Fresh Water: http://www.ec.gc.ca/water/en/info/pubs/primer/e_contnt.htm

This Canadian government website presents background information about water, where we find it, how we use it, share it and manage it.

Lakes

The Lakes of Canada: http://www.aquatic.uoguelph.ca/lakes/lakemap.htm

Explore this clickable map of Canada and learn basic facts about each of its lakes.

Rivers, tributaries, waterways

Rivers, tributaries, waterways megasites
Columbia River
Willamette River

Rivers, tributaries, waterways megasites

American Rivers: http://www.amrivers.org/

Find out about the most endangered rivers for the year. Also includes campaign information about the Salmon River, dams, and links to river coalitions for each state.
Importance of Rivers: http://www.aquatic.uoguelph.ca/rivers/chintro.htm

Why are rivers important? Find out here.
International Rivers Network: http://www.irn.org/

An organization for the protection of rivers worldwide. The website includes information on rivers in peril.
Water Resources of Oregon: http://or.usgs.gov/

From the USGS site, check out the hydraulic data collection for specific Oregon current streamflow conditions. Links to Washington, Idado and Montana sites.
Water Resources of the United States: http://water.usgs.gov/

From the USGS site, find water data and more.

Columbia River

Lower Columbia River Estuary: http://www.lcrep.org/kids/index.htm

Explore river trivia, games and more.
Center for Columbia River History: http://www.ccrh.org/content.htm

Explore the Community Histories section to find out how the river has helped sustain people and communities. Read transcripts of oral histories involving the river, and discover the general history of it and what its uses have been over time.
Changing Columbia Basin: http://www.orst.edu/instruct/anth481/sal/crintro1.htm

Explore the history of the river basin in 1770, in the 1940s and now.
The Columbia River: http://www.bpa.gov/Power/pl/columbia/page4.htm

Introduction, geology, and photo gallery of the Columbia. Windows Media Player plugin required. (download link provided).
Dams: Envornmental Impacts: http://www.irn.org/basics/impacts.html

This website provides information about how large dams like the Bonneville Dam can be harmful.
The Historic Columbia River Gorge: http://www.cr.nps.gov/hps/hli/currents/columbia/index.htm

This website from the National Park Service provides a historic overview of the area, preservation activities, and more.

Willamette River

American Heritage Rivers: Willamette River: http://www.epa.gov/rivers/98rivers/willamette.html

This website has a fact sheet on the Willamette and rates the health of the seven different watersheds along the river.
Students for a Clean Willamette: http://www.ospirgstudents.org/orcampus.asp?id2=3753

OSPIRG's (Oregon Student Public Interest Research Group) plan to curb pollution in the Willamette contains statistics about the types of pollutants and their effects on humans and animals.
Restoring the Willamette River: A Citizens' Plan: http://www.coastrange.org/willamette_river.htm

The Coast Range Association provides ten suggestions for restoring the Willamette, including concrete examples.
River of Risk: http://www.oregonlive.com/special/river/

From The Oregonian newspaper, this website contains numerous articles that the paper has published about the health of the Willamette. Topics include fish, wildlife (such as the great blue heron), and sources of pollutants.
Willamette Riverkeeper: http://www.willamette-riverkeeper.org/

This organization was founded to protect and advocate for the Willamette Valley watershed. Learn more about the watershed, programs to protect it, and what you can do at this site. There is even a form where you can report pollution.

Streams

SStream Biology and Ecology: http://chamisa.freeshell.org/

What is a stream? Discover animals that live there, what the food supply is, its ecology and more.

Wetlands

The Everglades Ecosystem: http://www.nps.gov/ever/eco/index.htm

Learn about what the Everglades are, the habitats it houses, endangered species that live there, and more.
What Are Wetlands?: http://www.aquatic.uoguelph.ca/wetlands/chintro.htm

Discover the value of and threats upon wetlands at this Canadian government site.

Terrestrial Biomes

Terrestrial Biomes megasites
Deserts
Forests
Prairies
Rainforests

Terrestrial Biomes megasites

Biomes of the World: http://mbgnet.mobot.org/sets/index.htm

Discover land ecosystems at this site.
Ecological Regions of North America: http://www.cec.org/programs_projects/conserv_biodiv/priority_regions/index.cfm?varlan=english

For older students, this website has a clickable map leads you to information on each ecological region with photos, descriptions and case studies. Be sure to select and view other maps from the pull-down menu.
Ecosystems: http://library.thinkquest.org/11353/ecosystems.htm

What is a biome? What is an ecosystem? These and other questions answered at this site.
Tour of Biomes: http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/biomes.html

Tropical rain forest, Tropical Savannah, Mid-Latitude Deciduous forest, Desert, Subarctic Taiga and Polar Tundra.
The Wild Habitat: http://library.thinkquest.org/11234/

Animals of polar and mountainous regions, savanna and grasslands, tropical rainforests and woodland areas .
The World's Biomes: http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss5/biome/

A great introduction to the world's major biomes.

Deserts

The Desert Environment: http://www.desertusa.com/desert.html

Find out what a desert is and then explore some specific deserts around the world.
Desert Explorer: http://library.thinkquest.org/28855/main.html

What is a desert? Where are deserts located? What kinds of plants and animals live in the desert? Find the answers to these questions and more at this site.
Desert Life: http://www.desertusa.com/life.html

Information about, and pictures of, the plants, animals, and people of America's deserts.

Forests

Explore the Fantastic Forest: http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngexplorer/0201/adventures/

This website from National Geographic explores the diversity of a forest, including information about plants, animals, and online activities.
Forest and Biodiversity Links: http://forests.org/links/

Forest conservation, rainforests, sustainable forestry, restoration ecology and more.
Shades of Green: Earth's Forests: http://library.thinkquest.org/17456/main1.html

Discover forest types and life, animals, why they are important and what threatens forests. This website also includes forests through time.

Prairies

Prairie Ecosystem: http://www.blackfootedferret.org/prairie.html

Information about how America's prairies were formed, the three main types of prairies, and the plants and animals that live there.
On the Prairie: http://www.bellmuseum.org/distancelearning/prairie/

Build a virtual prairie yourself, follow a field guide through a prairie, and more at this website from the University of Minnesota.
Prairie Ecosystem: http://www.mb.ec.gc.ca/nature/ecosystems/da00s01.en.html

Information about prairies from Environment Canada.

Rainforests

Amazon Interactive: http://www.eduweb.com/amazon.html

Find out more about the Amazon rainforest and the people and animals who live there.
Exploring the Environment: Temperate Rainforest: http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/temprain/trdiversity.html

From Wheeling Jesuit University, covers ecosystem diversity, flexibility, natural and human disturbance, logging, tree farming, precipitation and water supply, and also gives background about specific researchers who work on topics related to temperate rainforests.
Panama: Cascading Systems in the Tropical Rainforest: http://www.forester.net/ec_0001_panama.html

Article from Erosion Control magazine about the challenges of erosion control in tropical settings. Very technical article.
Rain Forest: http://www.nps.gov/olym/edurain.htm

From the National Park Service, this website explains features of the Olympic Rain Forest, including plants, animals, and interdependencies.
From Rainforest to Grassland: Plants and Their Communities Across Washington State: http://www.wsu.edu/~wsherb/edpages/raingrass/raingrass.html

Produced by staff from the Marion Owney Herbarium. Includes sections on coastal forest and temperate rainforest.
Rainforest Action Network: For Teachers and Students: http://www.ran.org/info_center/teacherstudent.html

Rainforest information, a quiz, demonstrations and more.
Rainforest Alliance: For Kids & Teachers: http://www.rainforest-alliance.org/programs/education/

Great information and resources to explain rainforests.
The Rain Forests of Home: Characteristics of the Coastal Temperate Rain Forest: http://www.ecotrust.org/publications/CTRF.HTML

An excerpt from a book published by Ecotrust about rain forests. Also includes links to maps of the original and current distribution of coastal temperate rain forests.
Rainforest Web: http://rainforestweb.org/

This website is a wide-ranging portal that leads to areas such as: Why are rainforests important? What's happening in rainforests? Why are rainforests being destroyed? How are rainforests protected? and How can I help? These categories lead to hundreds of relevant links. On the front page, there are highlights of recent rainforest victories, honored activists, news articles, and ways to contribute. From the Rainforest Action Network.
Zoom School: Rainforests: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/rainforest/

All about rainforests, from Enchanted Learning's Zoom School.

Ecology

Ecology megasites
Biomes & ecosystems
Canals
Dams
Floods, glaciers, tsunamis
Parks & Natural Wonders
Rivers, tributaries, waterways
Pollution
Recycling
Sustainable development
Waste management
Water

Ecology megasites

Ecology Strikes Back: http://www.headbone.com/derby/eco/

This comic strip formatted website teaches about ecology and the environment. Due to heavy graphics, this website may load slowly.
Eddy the Eco-Dog: http://www.eddytheeco-dog.com/

For elementary and older youth, this site's mascot, Eddy, teaches about ecology through games, coloring, and educational information. May require plug-ins. Due to heavy graphics, this website may load slowly.
EPA Explorers Page: http://www.epa.gov/kids/

Shockwave required for graphic version. Text version available. Learn about air, water, plants and animals, garbage and recycling, and more about your environment. Go to the art room, the science room or the game room.
Garbage: http://www.learner.org/exhibits/garbage/intro.html

Learn about the different types of garbage we produce and how we can reduce it in our community.
Keep America Beautiful: http://www.kab.org

Check out the "Just for Kids" section to find out how you can help keep America clean.
The Lorax's Save the Trees Game: http://www.seussville.com/seussville/games/lorax/

Great for younger youth, this interactive game requires Shockwave plug-in.

Canals

Erie Canal: http://www.eriecanal.org/

Introduction and brief history with map. Includes a canal timeline.
History of the Erie Canal: http://www.history.rochester.edu/canal/

"The Erie Canal had an enormous impact on New York and America in the nineteenth century. University of Rochester students are writing the history of the Erie Canal and its successor, the New York State Barge Canal, to be placed on line here.
Panama Canal History Museum: http://www.pancanal.com/eng/history/

Stories photos and documents about the planning and building of the canal.
History of Canal: http://www.pancanal.com/eng/history/

Read about the history of the Panama Canal, the treaty, leaders and historical figures here.
How the Panama Canal Works: http://www.ared.com/kora/java/pcc/javaani.html

Animated image explains how the canal rises and lowers ships as it crosses Panama.

Dams

American Rivers: Dam Removal: http://www.americanrivers.org/site/PageServer?pagename=AMR_Dam_Removal

Dam facts, how they hurt the environment, glossary of terms, hydropower dams, and a look into the issue of dam removal.
Geoguide: Dams!: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/resources/ngo/education/geoguide/dams/

From the National Geographic online, this website explains why and how people build dams, as well as providing the good impacts of dams.
Large Dams in the Western United States: http://www2.kenyon.edu/projects/dams/

This website talks about what is good, bad and what's next when it comes to dams. Includes information on the Bonneville and Glen Canyon dams.
Reclamation's Dams: http://www.usbr.gov/dataweb/html/state_dams.html

A list of the states with reclamation dams from the Midwest to the West. Click on a state for a list of the dams in that state. Some dams have links to more detailed dam information.
Idaho Dams: http://www.usbr.gov/dataweb/html/iddams.html

A list of the dams in Idaho and includes links to some, providing general, hydraulic, and geologic information and dimensions and historical narration.
Montana Dams: http://www.usbr.gov/dataweb/html/mtdams.html

A list of the dams in Montana and includes links to some, providing general, hydraulic, and geologic information and dimensions and historical narration.
Oregon Dams: http://www.usbr.gov/dataweb/html/ordams.html

A list of the dams in Oregon and includes links to some, providing general, hydraulic, and geologic information and dimensions and historical narration.
Washington Dams: http://www.usbr.gov/dataweb/html/wadams.html

A list of the dams in Washington and includes links to some, providing general, hydraulic, and geologic information and dimensions and historical narration.
Wyoming Dams: http://www.usbr.gov/dataweb/html/wydams.html

A list of the dams in Wyoming and includes links to some, providing general, hydraulic, and geologic information and dimensions and historical narration.
United States Society on Dams: http://www.ussdams.org/

What is a dam? How does it work? Why are they important? This website also presents benefits of dams to society.
Bonneville Dam: https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/b/home.asp

From the US Army Corps of Engineers site. Images of the dam, including a facility chart and image of the juvenile fish bypass system.
Grand Coulee Dam: http://users.owt.com/chubbard/gcdam/

History of the Columbia Basin Project, photo gallery, hydroelectric power generation, and more.
Hoover Dam: http://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/

Learn about the story of the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River, how it works, and visit the virtual visitor center. Includes a Hoover Dam Exhibit Gallery and Picture Gallery. Click on the Teacher/Student Learning Packet for some historical information and lesson plan ideas.

Pollution

EPA Student Center: http://www.epa.gov/students/

Explore ecosystems, pollution, conservation, recycling, waste management, water and more at this site.
Nonpoint Source Pollution: Information for Students/Educators: http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/whatis.html

This website from the EPA explains pollution that occurs naturally from rain and snowmelt, what it means to the environment and what we can do about it.

Recycling

Sustainable development

EcoFuture: http://www.ecofuture.org/

This website is dedicated to sustainability and the ecological future of our planet.
Facing the Future: People and the Planet: http://www.facingthefuture.org/

A guide to population issues, impacts and solutions for young people. Follow the slideshow or choose a topic to explore further.
Green Map System: http://www.greenmap.com/

Learn how to create your own local community green map here.
Development Challenge: http://www.worldbank.org/challenge/

Discover some unexpected solutions to development challenges. Build a sustainable world and find out how it works. Communicate with students from around the world about cultures and lifestyles.
The Population Action International: http://www.populationaction.org/

Discover key demographics and trends, take a population quiz, and learn about why rapid population growth is cause for concern.
Human Dimensions of Global Environmental Change: http://sedac.ciesin.columbia.edu/tg/guide_main.jsp

Discover background materials on key global change issues such as agriculture, human health, land use, ozone depletion, and more.
Topics in Development: http://www.worldbank.org/html/extdr/thematic.htm

Find information about poverty, mining, economics, nutrition, health, social, rural and urban development, and water supply and sanitation.
YouThink!: http://youthink.worldbank.org/

Find information about countries, explore geographic social issues, get data online, and more.

Waste management

Waste management megasites
Composting
Recycling

Waste management megasites

BioNet: Biological Waste management in Europe: http://www.bionet.net/index.php?id=42

"BioNet is the first information system which focuses on all aspects of biological waste management."
EPA Student Center: http://www.epa.gov/students/

Explore ecosystems, pollution, conservation, recycling, waste management, water and more at this site.

Composting

Fireworks

Kaboom!: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/kaboom/

NOVA Online explains how fireworks explode and how fireworks have different colors.

Geology & earth science

Geology & earth science megasites
Caves & Caverns
The Earth's Crust
Earthquakes
Floods, glaciers, tsunamis
Geologic Time
Rocks & Minerals
Volcanoes
Water
Wildfires

Geology & earth science megasites

Alive on Everest!: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/everest/

NOVA Online leads you on a climb and lets you explore with the crew. High graphics may lead to slow loading. Text version is available from the site.
Earth Systems: http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsys.html

Middle school earth science. This website explains plate tectonics, biomes, the earth's sphere, geologic time, rock and water cycles, as well as an earth puzzle!
Erosion: http://teacher.scholastic.com/dirtrep/erosion/invest.htm

Learn how erosion happens, then make your own observations of erosion in your neighborhood. You can even read reports from other kids.
Eye on the World: Violent Planet: http://web.beol.net/tabonga/violent.html

Links to earthquakes, fire, tsunamis, volcanoes, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Paleontology: http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/FAQ/faq.html

Did humans and dinosaurs live at the same time? Where do you look for fossils? Look here for answers to your questions.
Geo-Globe: Interactive Geography: http://library.thinkquest.org/10157/

Interactive quizzes about the ocean, the biomes, the earth's crust and its atmosphere and more! A great place to introduce basic to more in depth concepts of geography.
Geology Image Gallery: http://geology.about.com/library/bl/images/blimageindex.htm?once=true&

From About.com, this website has images of geologic processes and landforms, like alluvial fans, slumps, buttes, hoodoos, and geysers.
Grand Canyon Geology: http://www.edu-source.com/GCpages/CVOpage1.html

This website covers the geological layers of the Grand Canyon, how erosion works, and landforms of the Southwest.
Geomorphology from Space: http://geoinfo.amu.edu.pl/wpk/geos/GEO_HOME_PAGE.html

Learn about landforms such as alluvial fans, mountains, deltas, and moraines at this site. Lots of pictures are included.
PlanetDiary: http://www.phschool.com/science/planetdiary/

Where are current floods, volcanic eruptions, fires, and earthquakes? Find out here!
Savage Earth: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/savageearth/

From PBS Online, this website covers the Earth's crust, earthquakes, volcanoes and tsunamis. You can also send your questions to an expert.

Caves & Caverns

The Armchair Caver: http://web.ukonline.co.uk/arthur.vause/

Avoid the unpleasantness of actual caving with my armchair guides - clickable maps with photographs of the cave. Three caves are ready for you to explore.
Bridal Cave Kids Page: http://www.bridalcave.com/kidspage/

Follow a great detective story, explore the cave, learn how rocks form, and more.
The Carlsbad Caverns National Park: http://www.nps.gov/cave/caves.html

Learn more about this New Mexico cavern by reading about the wilderness, geology, and photos.
The Colossal Cave Mountain Park: http://www.colossalcave.com/welcome.html

Take a virtual tour of the cave or learn about the animals which surround it, and more.
Luray Caverns: http://www.luraycaverns.com

Explore the history and discovery of this North Carolina cavern.
Oregon Caves: http://www.nps.gov/orca/

Explore the history and discovery of the Oregon caves.
The Virtual Cave: http://www.goodearthgraphics.com/virtcave/

Learn about all the unique minerals found in caves. View photographs and explore.

The Earth's Crust

Earth's Sphere: http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/spheres.html

What makes up the layers of the earth?
Geo-Globe: Interactive Geography: http://library.thinkquest.org/10157/

Interactive quizzes about the ocean, the biomes, the earth's crust and its atmosphere and more! A great place to introduce basic to more in depth concepts of geography.
The Ground Beneath: http://library.thinkquest.org/27026/

Learn about the layers of the Earth, plate tectonics, folding, faulting and earthquakes at this website created by students.

Earthquakes

Dynamic Earth: The Story of Plate Tectonics: http://pubs.usgs.gov/publications/text/dynamic.html

Lots of great information and images to explain how plate tectonics works. Includes Pangaea.
Earthquake ABC: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learning/kids/abc/

For younger youth, this website provides "a child's view of earthquake facts and feelings."
Earthquakes: http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/earthq1/

From the USGS, this website explains earthquakes in history, how they occur and happen, how to measure earthquakes, predicting them and more.
Earthquakes: http://www.earthquakes.bgs.ac.uk/

All you want to know about earthquakes.
Elastic Rebound Animation: http://www.crustal.ucsb.edu/ics/understanding/elastic/rebound.html

Watch this earthquake using Java applet animation. Enable Java in your browser's preference menu.
National Earthquake Information Center: http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov/neis/eqlists/10maps.html

Current earthquakes, the largest earthquakes since 1900 and more all with colorful and clear maps.
Plate Tectonics: http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/plates1.html

What are the different types of faults? Where are they? Look here to find out!
Virtual Earthquake: http://vcourseware.sonoma.edu/eec/Earthquake/

Read the introduction and learn how to read a seismograph. Then choose a location and figure out where the epicenter is located. For older youth.
What is Richter Magnitude?: http://www.seismo.unr.edu/ftp/pub/louie/class/100/magnitude.html

This website clearly describes magnitudes and the earthquakes effects on the area hit at the top of the page and then goes into a more in-depth explanation lower on the page.
World Data Center A for Seismology: http://wwwneic.cr.usgs.gov/neis/bulletin/bulletin.html

Where are earthquakes happening around the world right now?

Floods/Tsunamis

Flood!: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/flood/

NOVA Online takes you through a flood cycle, how it occurs and the aftermath. High graphics may lead to slow loading. Text version is available from the site.
Floods and Flood Plains: http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/FS/OFR93-641/

This website from the USGS explains how floods happen and how to limit damage.
Tsunami: http://www.geophys.washington.edu/tsunami/intro.html

Everything you want to know about tsunamis.

Geologic Time

Geologic Ages of Earth's History: http://www.dinosauria.com/dml/history.htm

Looking for a simple chart that shows the eras, periods, sub-periods, epochs and ages of geologic time? Try this site.
Geologic Time: http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/geotime.html

A description and timeline of geologic time along with definitions of the different geologic eras.
Geologic Time: Online Edition: http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/geotime/

This site, the electronic version of a pamphlet from the US Geological Survey, covers the different eras of geologic time, the fossils that lived in each era, and the process of radiometric dating.
Geologic Time Scale: http://www.zoomwhales.com/subjects/Geologictime.html

Learn about plants, animals, climate, and geology during geological eons, era, periods, and epochs. There's also an animation that shows how the continents have drifted over time.
Geological Time Machine: http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/help/timeform.html

Detailed information about geologic eras and periods. Find out about plant and animal life, important geological sites, landforms, and more.
History of the Earth: http://library.thinkquest.org/20886/

This site, created by students, highlights geology, plant life, and animal life for different geological periods and eras.
Paleomap Project: http://www.scotese.com/earth.htm

Click on "Earth History" to see a map of the continents during different geological periods. Click on "Climate History" to see how the climate changed over time.

Rocks & Minerals

Fossils, Rocks and Time: http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/fossils/contents.html

This website explains rock layers and fossils according to age.
The Mineral Gallery: http://mineral.galleries.com/

Explore rocks and minerals by name, class or grouping or search the site.
The Rock Cycle: http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/rock.html

How do rocks form? Look here for a printable image and a description.
Smithsonian Gem & Mineral Collection: http://www.gimizu.de/sgmcol/

Pictures and descriptions of highlights of the collection.
What is a Mineral?: http://webmineral.com/Mineral_Definition.shtml

This page describes what makes up a mineral and also explains what makes up a rock.

Volcanoes

Build Volcano Models: http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/volc_models/models.html

Learn how to build your very own volcano.
Cascades Volcano Observatory Pictograms: http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Photo/Pictograms/framework.html

Mostly pictures of Mount Saint Helens before, during and after her big eruption in 1980.
Global Volcanism Program: http://www.volcano.si.edu/gvp/

From the Smithsonian Institute, find out about the latest eruptions, visit specific volcanoes and more.
Idaho Volcanoes and Volcanic Areas: http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/Idaho/framework.html

Volcanic history, hazards and seismicity of Idaho mountains.
Mount St. Helens: http://volcano.und.edu/vwdocs/msh/

Information about Mount St. Helens before and after the 1980 eruption.
Mount St. Helens, Washington: http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/MSH/NatMonument/framework.html

View maps, and learn more about the volcano.
Oregon Volcanoes and Volcanic Areas: http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/Oregon/framework.html

Volcanic history, hazards and seismicity of Oregon mountains.
Volcano World: http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/

Find details about volcanoes, their eruptions, and more.
Volcano World's Games & Fun: http://volcano.und.nodak.edu/vwdocs/kids/fun/fun.html

Most require Java. Simulate a lava flow, build your own volcano online, connect the dots and more.
Volcanoes: http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/dinosaurflr/volcanoes.html

Volcanoes, their eruptions and why and how eruptions occur. Images and graphics complement the text.
Volcanoes: Can We Predict Volcanic Eruptions?: http://www.learner.org/exhibits/volcanoes/entry.html

Melting rocks, dynamic earth, forecasting eruptions and more.
Washington State Volcanoes and Volcanic Areas: http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/Washington/framework.html

Volcanic history, hazards and seismicity of Washington mountains.

Water

The Hydrologic Cycle: http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/guides/mtr/hyd/home.rxml

Learn about the circulation and conservation of earth's water at this website and how the earth's water is distributed among oceans, land and the atmosphere. Find out about evaporation, condensation, precipitation, ground water, transpiration, runoff, and more.
Properties of Water: http://www.ec.gc.ca/water/en/nature/prop/e%5Fprop.htm

Learn more about what makes up water, all the forms it takes, where to find it and why it is so diverse at this website by Environment Canada.
Surf Your Watershed: http://www.epa.gov/surf/

Discover where your closest watershed is by typing in your zip code or by searching an area of the US.
The Water Cycle: http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/water.html

How does the earth recycle water? Check here for a description and printable image.
Water Science for Schools: http://wwwga.usgs.gov/edu/

This website from the US Geological Survey presents information about the earth's water, water basics, waster use, water questions & answers, and a glossary of water terms.

Wildfires

Wildfires: http://www.smokeybear.com/wildfires.asp

Learn about the tools and people that fight wild fires.. The ecological benefits of fires are also covered.
FEMA: Wildfires: http://www.fema.gov/kids/wldfire.htm

"As the summer of 1997 came to a close and the fire season threatened to heat up, Steve Allison-Bunnell reported on new ways the U.S. Forest Service manages wildland fires." From the Discovery Channel.

How stuff works

How stuff works: http://www.howstuffworks.com/

"Come to learn about how things work in the world around you. Have you ever wondered how the engine in your car works, or what gears do, or what makes the inside of your refrigerator cold?"

Magazines

Nature: http://www.nature.com/nature/

This international weekly journal on science features news, advances in science and an online archive of past articles.
Popular Mechanics: http://popularmechanics.com/

A great source for science topics and technology news.
Science News Online: http://www.sciencenews.org/

This weekly online magazine has current scientific discoveries, stories and more. Search the archive holdings of issues from 1996 to the present.
Scientific American: http://www.sciam.com

Read articles, visit explorations and ask an expert online from Scientific American.
Sky & Telescope: http://skyandtelescope.com/

This astronomy magazine provides interesting articles an photographs of the latest discoveries and explorations into space.

Microscopes

Dennis Kunkel's Microscopy: http://www.denniskunkel.com/

The image gallery at this website has hundreds of images of animals and microorganisms viewed through a microscope. Check out the "Zoom In" section to magnify certain parts of insects. The "About Microscopy" section is a fairly technical explanation of how microscopes work.
Magnification Module: http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/virtual/magnifying/

Choose a sample (such as a compact disc, moon rock, or computer microprocessor) and see how it looks at magnifications of 25x, 50x, 100x, 200x, 500x, or 1000x.
Marly Cain's Microscopy for Kids: http://www.rmcain.com/mcama/adv/advidxkids.mv?

This website contains two microscope experiments for kids.
MicroScape: http://www.microscopy.com/MicroScape/MicroScape.html

Click on "Enter the MicroScape Virtual Laboratory" to look at microscope images from nature, around the house, or the world of science and technology. (Your computer will need the QuickTime plug-in.) Or click on "What is Microscopy?" to ask a microscopist a question.
Molecular Expressions: Image from the Microscope: http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/

"...one of the Web's largest collections of color photographs taken through an optical microscope."
Monthly Microscopy Explorations: http://resolution.umn.edu/MMS/ProjectMicro/Explorations/Contents.html

Would you like to know what junk food, feathers, teeth and Christmas tree lights look like under the microscope? This is the website to check out!
Scanning Electron Microscope: http://www.mos.org/sln/sem/

How does a scanning electron microscope work? Find out by watching the movie or slide show at this site. There is also a gallery of images from the microscope."

Natural Resources and Energy

Energy megasites
Electricity
Fossil Fuels
Fusion
Magnets
Nuclear Energy
Solar Energy
Wind Energy

Energy megasites

Alternative Fuel Vehicles: http://www.energy.ca.gov/afvs/

What are alternative fuel vehicles? How does this effect our lives?
Comparisons of Various Energy Resources: http://www.nucleartourist.com/basics/why.htm

Learn the advantages and disadvantages to the use of coal, nuclear, hydroelectric, gas, oil, wind and solar energies.
Duracell: FAQ: http://www.duracell.com/ask_us/faq.asp

How does a battery work? What is the history of batteries? Check this website out to find these answers and more!
EIA's Kids Page: http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/

What is energy? Where does it come from?
Kids Zone: http://energy.gov/engine/content.do?BT_CODE=KIDS

Energy basics, history, milestones, games and more.
Energy Information Administration: http://www.eia.doe.gov/

Energy statistics by energy type or an overview available. Annual statistics from 1949 to the present; monthly statistics for the last 2-3 years for all energy or by individual energy resource; also includes energy analysis and forecasting information.
Energy Information Administration: http://www.eia.doe.gov/

Federal website about energy resource, including gas, natural gas, coal, electricity and nuclear energy; environment, state data, prices, quick stats, and historical data.
Energy Quest: http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/

Energy education from the California Energy Commission.
Environmental Information at a Glance: http://www.eia.doe.gov/environment.html

Explore climate change information, emissions, transportation, legislation, and utility statistics.
Forcasting Information at a Glance: http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/forecasting.html

Learn about the future of various energy resources at this site.
Renewable Fuels Information at a Glance: http://www.eia.doe.gov/fuelrenewable.html

This website presents statistical information about geothermal heat, wind, wood and solar energy and more.
Resources: http://www.usgs.gov/themes/resource.html

USGS information about minerals, energy, land, water, and biota.

Electricity

Electricity: http://library.thinkquest.org/2763/

Generate electricity, learn its history, miscellaneous facts, present-day and future use, and more.
Electricity at a Glance: http://www.eia.doe.gov/fuelelectric.html

This website provides state profiles and statistics.
How Electromagnets Work: http://www.howstuffworks.com/electromagnet.htm

Why are electromagnets important? How does it work?
Franklin's Kite: http://www.mos.org/sln/toe/kite.html

How did Franklin's kite attract lightning? Find out here.
Lightning: http://www.mos.org/sln/toe/lightning.html

This website clearly explains how lightning happens and has pictures.
Lightning: The Shocking Story: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/96/lightning/

National Geographic explores the science of lightning.
The Magic of Static Electricity: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/96/lightning/6a.html

National Geographic presents static electricity and lightning.
What is Static Electricity: http://www.sciencemadesimple.com/static.html

From Science Made Simple, this website explains how static works and used graphics to explain.

Fossil Fuels

Fossil Fuel megasites
Coal
Oil & Petroleum
Natural Gas

Fossil Fuel megasites

Fossil Energy: http://www.fe.doe.gov/

USGS Department of Energy information on coal, oil and gas.
Fossil Fuels An Energy Education Site: http://www.fe.doe.gov/education/

"An introduction to the fuels we use most to power our economy and if we can develop the right technology, fuels that can power us into the future."

Coal

Coal Information at a Glance: http://www.eia.doe.gov/fuelcoal.html

This website includes coal production, production capacity, productivity, distribution, price, consumption, end-use, imports & exports, quality and reserves statistics.
Coal: Our Most Abundant Fuel: http://www.fossil.energy.gov/education/energylessons/coal/gen_coal.html

Discover the history of coal, mining and transportation information, and how coal is mined and how it forms.
Coal and Power: http://www.fe.doe.gov/programs/powersystems/

This website from the Department of Energy presents information about coal.

Oil & Petroluem

Oil and Natural Gas: http://www.fe.doe.gov/programs/oilgas/

This website from the Department of Energy presents research and development and regulations on oil and natural gas.
Oil Industry Profile: Nigeria: http://mbendi.co.za/indy/oilg/af/ng/p0005.htm

A very thorough overview of the oil industry in Nigeria. Find out which companies operate there, the history of the oil industry in Nigeria and much more.
Petroleum: http://www.eia.doe.gov/oil_gas/petroleum/pet_frame.html

The website from the Department of Energy presents crude oil, gas, and propane information and statistics.

Natural Gas

Natural Gas: http://www.eia.doe.gov/oil_gas/natural_gas/nat_frame.html

Learn about natural gas from the Department of Energy.
Natural Gas: Fueling the Blue Flame: http://www.fossil.energy.gov/education/energylessons/gas/

Learn how natural gas is produced and its history.

Fusion

FusEdWeb: Fusion Energy Educational Web Site: http://fusedweb.pppl.gov/

This website features seven ways to learn about fusion energy.
US Fusion Energy Sciences Program: http://wwwofe.er.doe.gov/

Fusion documents, education and more.

Nuclear Energy

International Nuclear Safety Center: http://www.insc.anl.gov/

From this page you can find out where around the world's nuclear plants are located and specific information on each reactor including initial start up costs, staffing, safety reports and more.
Nuclear Age Peace Foundation: http://www.wagingpeace.org/

"Founded in 1982, the Foundation performs research and analysis on critical issues of peace and global survival, and prepares and distributes educational materials by leading thinkers on these issues. The Foundation is a catalyst in initiating worldwide efforts to abolish nuclear weapons, to create an International Criminal Court, and to use science and technology for constructive purposes." Includes a Nuclear Age Chronology, information on the foundation's efforts to abolish nuclear weapons, an archives with many articles regarding nuclear war, weapons, and energy, and much more.
Nuclear and Uranium Information at a Glance: http://www.eia.doe.gov/fuelnuclear.html

This website provides information on nuclear reactors, uranium and other statistics.
Nuclear Energy Pros and Cons: http://www.gdrc.org/uem/nuclear.html

"The objective of this page is provide a dispassionate and non-aligned collection of information on nuclear energy. No judgments are passed, or opinions expressed. It is up to the user of this information to use it as necessary ..." Collection of links to a variety of sites dedicated to nuclear energy.
Todd's Atomic Homepage: http://www.nuc.berkeley.edu/neutronics/todd/frame/open.html

Learn about nuclear power energy as weapons and as natural energy.

Solar Energy

Dr. E's Energy Lab: Solar Energy: http://www.eere.energy.gov/kids/solar.html

Solar science projects and information on a solar energy home.
Solar Energy - Energy from the Sun: http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/renewable/solar.html

Solar energy information from the Energy Information Administration.

Wind Energy

From Windmills to Whirligigs: http://www.sci.mus.mn.us/sln/vollis/index/frontvollis.html

From the Science Museum of Minnesota, fun whirligigs that use wind.
National Wind Technology Center: http://www.nrel.gov/wind/

National Renewable Energy Laboratory's National Wind Technology Center provides information on wind technology.
Wind Power: http://www.crest.org/wind/

A slideshow explaining the history and theory behind wind power.

Magnets

See also Electricity for electronmagnetics.

Background Information for Magnets: http://www.sciencetech.technomuses.ca/english/schoolzone/Info_Magnets.cfm

Questions about magnetism answered. Great drawings and short explanations make this website easy to use and to learn about magnets.
Just What is Magnetism?: http://home.interserv.com/~skyblade/wim.htm

Find out the answer to this question at this site. Includes drawings to help explain how magnets work.
How an Electromagnet Works: http://www.howstuffworks.com/electromagnet.htm

Read a basic explanation about how it works then try an experiment or two listed on the site.
Magnetism: http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/magnetism.htm

This website provides images and text to explain how magnetism works.

Robots

Amazing Robot Museum - Robots in Entertainment: http://www.the-robotman.com/rm_fs.html

This website shows famous robots that appeared in movies and on television from the 1920s to the 1990s.
Get a Grip on Robotics: http://www.thetech.org/exhibits_events/online/robots/teaser/

Shake the robot's hand to enter this site. What is a robot? What are the five main parts of a robot? This is where you can find out.
MIT Artificial Intelligence Laboratory: http://www.ai.mit.edu/projects/mobile-robots/robots.html

Would you like to see the kinds of robots that scientists and their students are creating? Check out this website from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and meet the robots Yuppy, Wheelesley, and Pebbles.

"Why" facts

How Things Fly: http://www.aero.hq.nasa.gov/edu/

Answers to how things fly as well as experiments to test these theories.
How Things Work: http://howthingswork.virginia.edu/

Ask a question or search the archives for answers to How Things Work!
The Science of Ballooning: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/balloon/science/

NOVA online adventure takes you through the history and science of ballooning.
Science Whatzit: http://www.omsi.edu/explore/whatzit/

How does a hologram work? Why do we yawn? Check this website for these and other inquisitive science questions answered by OMSI.
Scientific American: http://www.sciam.com/

Online articles and interviews from Scientific American magazine.
The Skinny On...: http://www.discovery.com/area/skinnyon/skinnyon.html

Many mysteries of things and everyday life explained by science.
The Why Files: http://whyfiles.org/

Search the National Science Foundation's Why Files and read recent science news.