1. Biomes and Ecosystems
The National Earth Science Teachers Association’s Windows to the Universe biomes and ecosystems, offers an interactive map to explore various biomes and learn about the natural history and current conditions in the dry steppes, alpine tundra, and other biomes. Each section contains photographs and a narrative essay that describes key features of each biome. http://www.windows2universe.org/earth/ecosystems.html
2. Climate Change Education eBook
Climate Change Education: A Primer for Zoos and Aquariums, explores the links between climate change science, electronic media, psychology, learning sciences, communication, and interpretation, and provides insights to zoos and aquariums and other cultural institutions. The book may be downloaded from the website for free. http://clizen.org/e-book.html
3. Education on Energy and the Environment
The Newton Marasco Foundation offers the downloadable kit, Education on Energy and the Environment with quiz-show format games that focus on the environment and stewardship.
The materials include instructions, tips, and evaluation forms for ecoSense and ecoLogic games; PowerPoint game with notes (includes the questions and answers with additional information, discussion questions, and references); a scorecard; and a spreadsheet with a list and links to additional environmental education resources. Materials are available for different grade levels. http://www.newtonmarascofoundation.org/teach/classroom-games-toolkit/
4. Endangered Species Interactive Map
The U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Program has launched a web-based interactive map with information about endangered species success in every state: stories of species making strides towards recovery, audio interviews and podcasts with biologists about on-the-ground endangered species conservation, and more. Check out the audio interviews; they offer more depth than a simple sound bite. http://www.fws.gov/endangered/map/index.html
5. Rise and Shine: A Practical Guide for the Beginning Science Teacher
Rise and Shine provides a friendly support system that new science teachers can turn to. The book offers techniques for managing the classroom, maintaining discipline, and dealing with parents. It also covers topics unique to science teaching, such as setting up a laboratory, keeping the classroom safe, and initiating inquiry from the first day. The website offers additional useful resources that relate to the chapters including a shopping list, report card comments, and more. http://www.nsta.org/publications/press/extras/riseandshine10.aspx