V.  EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE SITES

 1.  GEOSPHERE

Elementary

 

Benchmark 1 "Describe major features of the earth's surface."

Cave Virtual Tour - Geosphere (V.1.E.1)

This site provides information and pictures on many different types of caves by taking students on a virtual tour.

Desert Virtual Tour - Geosphere (V.1.E.1)

This site provides information and pictures on deserts by taking students on a virtual tour. This site also provides resources for teachers to get information on deserts.

Earth's Physical Features - Geosphere (V.1.E.1)

Outstanding - This site provides students with interactive games that deal with the earth's physical features. the games test knowledge of physcial features all over the world and may be appropriate for students in third grade and higher.

Earth's Surface Features -- Geosphere (V.1.E.1)

This site provides information on the world records of the major features of the earth's surface. Examples would be the biggest moutain, biggest waterfall, greatest earthquake, and so on.

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory - Geosphere (V.1.E.1&3)

USGS web site monitoring Hawaiian volcanoes. This site contains teachers lesson plans.

Ocean Virtual Tour - Geosphere (V.1.E.1)

This site provides information and pictures on oceans by taking students on a virtual tour. This site also provides resources for teachers to get information on oceans.

US Geological Survey: Ask-A-Geologist - Geosphere (V.1.E.1&3)

This site provides an E-Mail address where students or teachers may ask questions about land features or geological events.  (Volcanoes, earthquakes, mountains, rocks, ground water, lakes, or rivers)  Some sample questions and answers are given.  Maps are discussed.  This site could also be of value to other elementary grades (objectives in first, and fifth: Ask-A-Geologist@usgs.gov.

Today's Earthquake Activity-Geosphere (V.1.E.1&3)

On this page you will need to read "Directions for Student Activity". The main purpose of this activity is to analyze real time earthquake activity by plotting daily earthquakes on a map.  Then by using these plotted points, locate tectonic plates and mountainous regions of the world. (Excellent activity) Recommended as a group bulletin board activity.

Topography - Geosphere (V.1.E.1&3)New

Students in grades 3 and 4 can view released images of the various parts of the earth.

Benchmark 2 "Recognize and describe different types of earth materials."

Brainpop Crystals - Geosphere (V.1.E.2)

This site provides a little movie about crystals. After the movie, the students can take a quiz to test what they learned from the movie.

Geo Mysteries - Geosphere (V.1.E.2)

This site investigates some rock questions, in which, students learn some interesting facts. The questions solve the mysteries of the floating rock, the broken necklece, and the golden cube.

Kids Door (Volcano World) - Geosphere(V.1.E.2&3)

This section of Volcano World includes stories, art. quizzes, projects, student home pages, and more. Very user friendly. Children can contribute their ideas, and art work to this site via the U.S. mail.

Rockhound - Geosphere (V.1.E.2)

This site provides information on rocks found in the earth. There are also games that test the knowledge that students learn found on this site.

This Planet Really Rocks! - Geosphere (V.1.E.2,4&5)

Outstanding - This web site provides colorful and animated descriptions of the rock cycle, types of rocks, and examples of minerals. The vocabulary is highlighted so students can get quick explanations. There are real pictures of rocks and minerals as well. This web site is both teacher and student friendly.

 

Benchmark 3 "Describe natural changes in the earth's surface."

Hawaiian Volcano Observatory -Geosphere (V.1.E.1&3)

USGS web site monitoring Hawaiian volcanoes. This site contains teachers lesson plans.

Kids Door (Volcano World) - Geosphere (V.1.E.2&3)

This section of Volcano World includes stories, art. quizzes, projects, student home pages, and more. Very user friendly. Children can contribute their ideas, and art work to this site via the U.S. mail.

US Geological Survey: Ask-A-Geologist - Geosphere (V.1.E.1&3)

This site provides an E-Mail address where students or teachers may ask questions about land features or geological events.  (Volcanoes, earthquakes, mountains, rocks, ground water, lakes, or rivers)  Some sample questions and answers are given.  Maps are discussed.  This site could also be of value to other elementary grades (objectives in first, and fifth: Ask-A-Geologist@usgs.gov.

Today's Earthquake Activity-Geosphere (V.1.E.1&3)

On this page you will need to read "Directions for Student Activity". The main purpose of this activity is to analyze real time earthquake activity by plotting daily earthquakes on a map.  Then by using these plotted points, locate tectonic plates and mountainous regions of the world. (Excellent activity) Recommended as a group bulletin board activity.

Topography - Geosphere (V.1.E.1&3)New

Students in grades 3 and 4 can view released images of the various parts of the earth.

Volcano World - Geosphere (V.1.E.3)

Children may read fictional stories about volcanoes and write their own story, poetry or paint a picture to submit to the site. The children are given factual information about volcanoes in the stories.

Volcano Virtual Tour - Geosphere (V.1.E.3)

This site provides information and pictures on volcanos by taking students on a virtual tour. This site also provides resources for teachers to get information on volcanos.

 

Benchmark 4 "Explain how rocks and fossil are used to understand the history of the earth."

Paleontological Research Institution - Geosphere (V.1.E.4)

This site has a museum tour with an enormous fossil collection. This site provides general information.

Smithsonian Gem & Mineral Collection - Geosphere (V.1.E.4)

This is a collection of photographs of gems and minerals. It has a small amount of information on each entry. The images are beautiful. This is a general information site.

Dinosaur Families - The Field Museum of Natural History Exhibits -Geosphere (V.1.E.4)

This page will bring a student through a series of on-line tours that shows the evolution of dinosaurs, plant, birds, and mammals over billions of years. There is sound and animation. To begin tours click on One-line Tours under "Life Over Time" - Life Before Dinosaurs, Dinosaurs.

Rocks, Fossils & The Earth - Geosphere (V.1.E.4)

This site has several experiments all set up for students to use to investigate rocks, fossils and the features of the earth. They are written for third or fourth grade, but could be adapted for other grades. The copyright says reproduction for educational use is encouraged if you include the copyright notice. The site includes lesson plans for activities.

This Planet Really Rocks! - Geosphere (V.1.E.2,4&5)

Outstanding - This web site provides colorful and animated descriptions of the rock cycle, types of rocks, and examples of minerals. The vocabulary is highlighted so students can get quick explanations. There are real pictures of rocks and minerals as well. This web site is both teacher and student friendly.

 

Benchmark 5 "Describe uses of materials taken from the earth."

Brainpop Fossil Fuels - Geosphere (V.1.E.5)

This site provides a little movie about fossil fuels. After the movie, the students can take a quiz to test what they learned from the movie.

Coal Education Web Site -Geosphere (V.1.E.5)

This site will allow teachers and students to look at coal mining and how coal is used in their homes. There are many different lesson plans for all grade levels.

Metamorphic Rock: Melting Rock - Geosphere (V.1.E.5) New

Students in grades K-3 will gain a better understanding of the metamoposing power of heat by using household items.

National Energy Foundation - Geosphere (V.1.E.5)

This site has free materials for K-12 educators to send for related to natural gas. Supply is limited. These materials can be ordered electronically; specify your grade level.

Rock Collecting - Geosphere (V.1.E.5) New

Students will practice classifying rocks in the categories sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. Grades 2-4

This Planet Really Rocks! - Geosphere (V.1.E.2,4&5)

Outstanding - This web site provides colorful and animated descriptions of the rock cycle, types of rocks, and examples of minerals. The vocabulary is highlighted so students can get quick explanations. There are real pictures of rocks and minerals as well. This web site is both teacher and student friendly.

 

Benchmark 6 "Demonstrate ways to conserve natural resources and reduce pollution through reduction, reuse, and recycling of manufactured products."

Energy Savers - Geosphere (V.1.E.6)

Interactive site where students select a room and find out ways to conserve energy in that particular room.

Environmental Protection Agency - Geosphere (V.1.E.6)

Outstanding - This site provides students with many activities that deal with ways to reduce pollution. The science room in this site can provide lesson plans of activities for students to do.

Pollution Virtual Tour - Geosphere (V.1.E.6)

This site provides information and pictures on pollution by taking students on a virtual tour. This site also provides resources for teachers to get information on pollution.

Saving the Earth - Geosphere (V.1.E.6)

Click on Saving the Earth. This site starts with a quiz to test your ecological responsiblity. There are three more links talking about ways to save the earth.

Welcome to Recycle City! - Geosphere (V.1.E.6)

This is a highly interactive site with good textual information and a city map which provides a close up view of ways a community can reduce, reuse, and recycle. Good open-ended questions and problems for students to solve. This is an activity for elementary students who can read and follow directions on their own. The students can go to the game Recycle City and pretend to be the City Manager who has to evalute different programs for cleaning up the city. The student clicks on options such as composting, industry recycling, trash pick-up, etc. As these choices are made the student can view the results and see the cost of each program.

 

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Middle School

 

Benchmark 1 "Describe and identify surface features using maps."

 

National Geologic Map Database (USGS) - Geosphere (V.1.MS.1)

The USGS National Geologic Map Database has many links to other maps and interactive activities. The site contains links to a catalog of paper and digital maps, and where to find them. The Association of American State Geologists provides links to State Geological Surveys and related agencies. Grades 5 - 8.

Surface Features of the Earth - Geosphere (V.1.MS.1)

This site will allow students to obtain descriptions, definitions, pictures and animation for the following surface features on Earth: mid-ocean spreading, island formation, continental subduction, volcanoes (including the Ring of Fire, mountain ranges, insland arcs, and faulting. There are three different levels for students: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Students can also access additional information from the two interactive and animated links on the page: Plate Tectonics and Earth's Surface and Interior

Topozone.com - Geosphere (V.1.MS.1)

This web site will allow students and teachers to create instant topographical maps anywhere in the United States. In addition, this site also provides the elevation, latitude and longitude for a specific location. Students will find this site interesting as they can obtain a topographical map for their hometown or anywhere of interest.

USGS - Working with Maps - Geosphere (V.1.MS.1)

This is one of many valuable USGS sites. It addresses a variety of map types, including topographic maps. A series of four student activities is included, with student activity pages which may be copied for evaluation. Grades 5 - 8.

Working With Maps: What do Maps Show? - Geosphere (V.1.MS.1)

Teacher's Guide and Activities on topographic many reading. Grades 5 - 8.

Working With Maps: Exploring Maps - Geosphere (V.1.MS.1)

Four lessons on mapping, designed with text and activities - designed for easy photo copying. Grades 5 - 8.

 

Benchmark 2 "Explain how rocks are formed."

Brainpop - Rock Cycles - Geosphere (V.1.MS.2&3)

Upper Elementary & Lower Middle - This site contains an animated movie about the rock cycle, it includes the three types of rocks and how they form. When students are finished watching the movie they can take a quiz to see how much they remember from the movie. Various related facts pop up during the movie to read. There are other links to jump into, related to each specific subject, such as an activity page, experimenting with Bob, and a timeline. Click on the "Rock Cycle" movie to start. Students are limited by this site to only watch five movies per day.

Cycles - Geosphere (V.1.MS.2)

This site primarily gives students information about the rock cycle. There is a very good graphic that displays the three types of rock and how they change. Information follows the graphic. You'll need to go to the site then click on Rock Cycle.

Geomysteries - Geosphere (V.1.MS.2)

Outstanding - This is an outstanding interactive web site. It has excellent pictures, video, and animation of several rocks, their properties, and how igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks are formed, complete with an interactive geologic timeline. In addition, it also has a question answer section which briefly asks students to respond, to check their understanding of the material. Three major mysteries must be solved by students: Mystery of the Floating Rock (lava), Broken Necklace (fossils), and Golden Cube (Pyrite vs. Gold). Under the mystery of the Golden Cube students will discover why crystals have different shapes and that minerals can be classified according to their hardness, color, density, cleavage and fracture. Students can also see fast facts or check out where they could go for a field trip. Several links for state geological survey units are provided.

Petrology Basics: Igneous, Metamorphic, Sedimentary Rocks - Geosphere (V.1.MS.2)

Covers descriptions of history and formation of the three rock groups. Interactive exercises are being upgraded. Has a definition database. Pictures are included for identification purposes.

Rock Hounds With Rocky the Dog - Sedimentary, Igneous & Metamorphic Rocks - Geosphere (V.1.MS.2)

Describes and provides animation of various rock processes. Shows pictures and describes rocks from each category of rock type. The site is an in depth look at igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks.

 

Benchmark 3 "Explain how rocks are broken down, how soil is formed and how surface features change."

Brainpop - Rock Cycles - Geosphere (V.1.MS.2&3)

Upper Elementary & Lower Middle - This site contains an animated movie about the rock cycle, it includes the three types of rocks and how they form. When students are finished watching the movie they can take a quiz to see how much they remember from the movie. Various related facts pop up during the movie to read. There are other links to jump into, related to each specific subject, such as an activity page, experimenting with Bob, and a timeline. Click on the "Rock Cycle" movie to start. Students are limited by this site to only watch five movies per day.

Meteor Crater - Geosphere (V.1.MS.3)

This site contains information on meteor craters. It also contains animation of the impact of a meteor hitting the earth. Choose the link "meteor crater-reference information" and then go back and link to the "animation of impact" to see it in action.

Rock Hound - Geosphere (V.1.MS.4) New

Build a solid foundation on rock knowledge by learning how sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous rocks are made!

Soil- Geography 4 Kids - Geosphere (V.1.MS.3) New

This informative website explains five ways that soil is formed.  There are links to other related topics including erosion and weathering.

Benchmark 4 "Explain how rocks and fossils are used to understand the age and geological history of the earth."

 

Geologic Time - Geosphere (V.1.MS.4)

This site contains good research information concerning geological time. Good graphics. Some information on fossils limited to dinosaurs. To get to dinosaur information go to the bottom of the site and click on Dinosaur Floor.

Web Geologic Time Machine - Geosphere (V.1.MS.4)

This interactive page could be used by teachers and students to see examples of rock types and fossil evidence for the various time periods. It is very well organized and researched. Perhaps a teacher could devise a set of questions for students to answer as they procede through the various time periods.

 

 

Benchmark 5 "Explain how technology changes the surface of the earth."

 

America's Wetlands: Status and Trends - Geosphere (V.1.MS.5)

This web site delineates the many types of human actions and their effects on the environment such as: drainage and dredging, deposition of fill material and diking and damming, tilling, levees, logging, mining, construction, runoff, etc. Students can enlarge graphics by clicking on them. This site also covers America's Wetlands, What are Wetlands?, Wetlands and Nature and People, Wetland Protection, and information which provides the addresses and phone numbers for Regional EPA Offices in the United States.

Team Projects on Acid Rain - - Geosphere (V.1.MS.5)

This site contains information of how various natural and man made things affect the surface of the earth. Students collected rainwater or snow in clean containers and test it for the presence of acid precipitation. Students test the rainwater using narrow range pH test strips and shared the findings along with the geographic location. Many links and interactive activities. International activity.

 

 

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High School

Benchmark 1 "Explain the surface features of the Great Lakes region using Ice Age theory."

Glacial Lakes around Michigan - Geosphere (V.1.HS.1) New

This is a downloadable .pdf file that contains information on how the Glacial Lakes in the Great Lakes Basin were formed. A series of diagrams of the changing surface features in Michigan as the glaciers changed.  The diagrams can be made into a flip-book to show the changes.

Natural Processes in the Great Lakes - Geosphere (V.1.HS.1)

This site provides a short concise explanation of How the Great Lakes Basins were formed by glacial erosion. When you click on the diagram (Geology & Mineral Resources) to the left of the explanation, there is a representative sequence of chronological diagrams ranging form 13,200 years BP to 10,000 years BP.

USGS - Geosphere (V.1.HS.1,2,3&4)

Includes information about volcanoes, earthquakes, and plate tectonics. Includes activities, models, and much, much more.

 

Benchmark 2 "Use the plate tectonics theory to explain features of the earth's surface and geological phenomena and describe evidence for the plate tectonic theory.

 CIESE On Line Classroom Projects - Musical Plates - Geosphere (V.1.HS.2) New

A study of Earthquakes and Plate Tectonics Project.  This is an on-line project for students.  They are given a senario where they have to pinpoint recent earthquakes, determine whether or not certain parts of the earth experience more earthquakes than others, determine what is causing the earthquakes, organize the information into a report for the President of the United States.  Student reports can be submitted to be published on-line, if accepted. There are hyperlinks where students can access data for their reports.  There is also a Teacher Area and an On-Line Help.

Earthquakes - Geosphere (V.1.HS.2)

This site provides great factual and graphical information concerning earthquakes. Good animated demonstrations.

Geology: Plate Tectonics - Geosphere (V.1.HS.2)

Very basic discussion of plate tectonics. Has some nice animations, but they take a long time to download.

Plate Tectonics - Geosphere (V.1.HS.2)

This site describes the different plate tectonics of earth's outermost layer. It describes the 3 types of boundaries. There are several problems presented for students to solve. There is a Problem Solving icon at the bottom of the page that outlines a problem solving process to assist the students.

Understanding Plate Motions - Geosphere (V.1.HS.2)

General information about plate tectonics, describing various plates, boundaries and motions.

UNR Seismological Laboratory - Geosphere (V.1.HS.2)

The site takes the student through the basics of plate tectonics and earthquakes. It has lots of links, however, the student will be mainly reading. The pictures are excellent.

USGS - Geosphere (V.1.HS.1,2,3&4)

Includes information about volcanoes, earthquakes, and plate tectonics. Includes activities, models, and much, much more.

Volcanoes - Geosphere (V.1.HS.2)

This website is an activity in which students can follow the directions, and then are taken to different websites to answer questions about the products of volcanoes, types of volcanoes, and areas in which volcanoes occur.

Volcano World - Geosphere (V.1.HS.2)

Provides information about every volcano in the world. When it last erupted, etc.

 

Benchmark 3 "Explain how common objects are made from earth materials and why earth materials are conserved and recycled."

EPA-Office of Solid Waste-Reusable News - Geosphere (V.1.HS.3&4)

This site has a list of Newsletters and Bulletins about waste, waste reduction, greenhous gases and federal, state, and local efforts at recycling. They are PDF files. There is an Acrobat Reader download on the site if you don't have it. This enables you to read the PDF files.

Garbage, How can my community reduce waste? - Geosphere (V.1.HS.3&4)

This interactive site allows students to apply their knowledge of recycling in reducing wastes. The site shows costs involved to recycle and the benefits.

Make Your Own Recycled Paper - Geosphere (V.1.HS.3) New

Background is given on how paper is made and then instructions are given on how students can recycle newspaper to make their own paper.

Michigan Recycling Coalition - Geosphere (V.1.HS.3&4)

An overview of recycling information that is available in Michigan. Lists local recycling sites and reasons to recycle.

USGS - Geosphere (V.1.HS.1,2,3&4)

Includes information about volcanoes, earthquakes, and plate tectonics. Includes activities, models, and much, much more.

 

Benchmark 4  "Evaluate alternative long range plans for resource use and by-product disposal in terms of environment and economic impact."

Backyard Conservation - Geosphere (V.1.HS.4) New

Tip sheets and how to's for backyard ponds, wetlands, mulching, composting, tree planting and more.  These sheets are .pdf files that can be downloaded.  The files are all about 4 pages long.

Burning Household Waste - Geosphere (V.1.HS.4) New

A two-page handout on burning household waste.  It includes information on "Backyard Burn Barrels VS Municipal Waste Combustors, Household Waste Burning Laws, Alternatives and much more.

Dumptown Game - Geosphere (V.1.HS.4) New

This is a game where students are allowed to try different methods to recycle and then see the affects on Dumptown.  There are other activities on this site and suggestions on how teachers can use the game in the classroom.

EPA-Office of Solid Waste-Reusable News - Geosphere (V.1.HS.3&4)

This site has a list of Newsletters and Bulletins about waste, waste reduction, greenhous gases and federal, state, and local efforts at recycling. They are PDF files. There is an Acrobat Reader download on the site if you don't have it. This enables you to read the PDF files.

EPA - Superfund for Students and Teachers - Geosphere (V.1.HS.4) New

This EPA site contains .pdf downloadable files on the following: Activities, Exercises, Glossary, Superfund Brochure, Games, Risks Concepts, Waste (Where does it come from, Where does it go?), Examining the Effects on Ecosystems, Federal and State Laws on Hazardous Wastes and MUCH, MUCH MORE.

Garbage, How can my community reduce waste? - Geosphere (V.1.HS.3&4)

This interactive site allows students to apply their knowledge of recycling in reducing wastes. The site shows costs involved to recycle and the benefits.

Michigan Recycling Coalition - Geosphere (V.1.HS.3&4)

An overview of recycling information that is available in Michigan. Lists local recycling sites and reasons to recycle.

The Great Green Web Game - Geosphere (V.1.HS.4) New

A game where students are asked questions as they go around a board.  A gauge shows the impact on air, water, habitat and climate of the items that are mentioned.  At the end, students are given how well they did on the game as a percentage.

The Recovery Act Program - Geosphere (V.1.HS.4)

This is an activity plan, which involves students looking and researching recovery programs involving solid waste, hazardous waste, and disposal of underground tanks. There are links to student activities. You will need to run the related links to complete the activity, because this site is the lesson, it is not something the students can read and then conduct. Materials need to be printed before you do this activity.

USGS - Geosphere (V.1.HS.1,2,3&4)

Includes information about volcanoes, earthquakes, and plate tectonics. Includes activities, models, and much, much more.