Did you know that polar bears are at high risk of population decline and future extinction in our warming world? Dr. Steven Amstrup, a Research Wildlife Biologist with the United States Geological Survey, discussed the status of the iconic marine mammal in the lecture, “Polar Bear: Climate Change Sentinel.” The lecture was part of the […]

MY DEAR SIR,—The accompanying papers, which we have the honour of communicating to the Linnean Society, and which all relate to the same subject, viz. the Laws which affect the Production of Varieties, Races, and Species, contain the results of the investigations of two indefatigable naturalists, Mr. Charles Darwin and Mr. Alfred Wallace.
These gentlemen […]

The Ocean Project, a network of aquariums, science museums, and conservation organizations, has designated June 8 as World Ocean Day. The network’s web site offers resources for these institutions to use in making the public aware of the significance of the ocean. In the resources below, you’ll find background information and lesson plans to help […]

Summer’s here and that means it’s time to head for that clear, cool, and refreshing pool! Did you know that children swallow at least 37 mL of pool water each day they swim for 45 minutes or more? Do you know how many microbes can fit into just 1 mL of water? A lot!
Here are […]

With the increasing emphasis on hands-on instruction, it becomes more important than ever before for science teachers to be knowledgeable about laboratory safety issues. The National Science Education Standards say that students should have frequent opportunities to use a wide range of equipment, materials, supplies, and other resources for experimentation and direct investigation of phenomena. […]

Days and weeks designated to recognize advances or current issues in science are often accompanied by web sites that can be useful to teachers and students year-round.
Sun-Earth Day - on or near the Spring Equinox
NASA maintains this site with lesson plans, space weather centers, stunning images, an online book about observers of the skies from […]

At one time wetlands were known only for being the mosquito-breeding grounds they can be. Thus, management practices included eliminating the wetland altogether. It is now known that wetlands have at least three useful functions for human inhabitants: pollutant filter, flood mitigator, and site of exceptional biodiversity compared to adjacent dry land areas. How can […]

Most kids are familiar with the migration patterns of monarch butterflies and Canada geese, but do they know that many more animals are seasonal movers too? The National Science Education Standards point out that middle school students are capable of broadening their understanding of how many different species interact, compete, and coexist in the same […]

In their study of the life sciences, middle school students are making the transition from thinking strictly about individual organisms to developing an understanding of patterns of life found in ecosystems. The National Science Education Standards call for middle school students to analyze the internal structures, chemical processes, and common ancestry of all species, including […]

On March 1, 2007, teachers and students around the world are invited to help launch the International Polar Year 2007-2008 (IPY), a scientific program focused on the Arctic and the Antarctic. From March 2007 to March 2009, thousands of scientists from over 60 nations will be involved in more than 200 projects examining physical, biological […]