| High School
a. L3.p1 Populations, Communities, and Ecosystems
(prerequisite)
Organisms of one species form a population. Populations
of different organisms interact and form communities.
Living communities and the nonliving factors that interact
with them form ecosystems. (prerequisite)
- America's
Wetlands
Welcome to "America's Wetlands." This site will give
you a better understanding of the rich variety of
wetlands, their importance, how they are threatened,
and what can be done to conserve them for future generations.
- Blue
Planet Biomes
Good site that covers each of the Earth's biomes.
Supplies facts about our planet, its complex patterns
of biomes, plants, and animals, and how climates ultimately
determine the biomes of our Earth. Easy to use
and understand, good for all grade levels.
- Changes
in Biological Energy
This site explores energy flow in an ecosystem and
will help students learn how the energy found in food
and other fuel sources helps keep things moving on
earth. In addition, students will experience how the
energy is changed between various forms on earth!
- EPA
Report-Lake Michigan
This is a scientific report that gives information
on Lake Michigan; threats, status, species, and plan
for the future.
- Examining
the Effects of Pollution on Ecosystems
This is an activity plan, which involves students
analyzing and researching the effects of hazardous
wastes on the ecosystem. This site provides many open-ended
questions to prompt students to think about the many
ways the ecosystem is affected due to hazardous pollution.
You will need to run the related links to complete
the activity, because this site is the lesson, not
something the students can read and then conduct.
Materials need to be printed before you do this activity.
- Great
Lakes Atlas
This environmental atlas and resource book is
an excellent resource on the Great Lakes, including
physical characteristics, natural processes (ecosystems),
people, concerns, joint management, and new direction.
- Great
Lakes Information Network
Explore the Great Lakes and their connecting channels
and discover all aspects of the region's natural components,
including air, water, land, plants, and animals. Also
learn about human impacts on the environment and interrelated
nature of the Great Lakes ecosystem.
- Population
Connection
This site explores issues related to the impacts of
human population growth. It provides up-to-date facts,
current legislation, how to take action, popular news
stories, and more.
- Salt
Marshes Field Trip
This site presents a virtual field trip to
a salt marsh. Complete with lesson plans, activity
guides and more.
- The
International Wolf Center
This site presents information concerning various
wolf recovery and reintroduction programs. Information
about intraspecies relationships within wolf populations
are documented. The effects of human activities are
also explained. This site contains general information.
b. L3.p2 Relationships Among Organisms (prerequisite)
Two types of organisms may interact with one another
in several ways; they may be in a producer/consumer,
predator/prey, or parasite/host relationship. Or one
organism may scavenge or decompose another. Relationships
may be competitive or mutually beneficial. Some species
have become so adapted to each other that neither could
survive without the other. (prerequisite)
- American
Lyme Disease Foundation
An informational page about the deer tick and its
life cycle. This site by the ALDF has concise
text and excellent images.
- CDC
- Division of Parasitic Diseases
The center for disease control's parasite database
has extensive information on nearly all animals that
cause human disease. The information is exhaustive
and very detailed. The site sorts the database
by different criteria and offers sugestions for infection
prevention. The database has no parasite images.
- Diseases,
Selected Prevention and Program Areas
This site lists every possible human disease and
has a link to the sites which offer prevention information.
-
DPDx - Parasite Image Library
This is the Center for Disease Control, Division of
Parasitic Diseases' identification and diagnosis image
library. The site is organized alphabetically
and houses many good images of common (and not so
common) parasites.
- Guide
to Clinical Preventive Services, Second Edition
This site offers a list of diseases and disorders
and links to find out information to screen for them.
- Molecular
Biology of an HIV Infection
Great animation of HIV infection and replication within
a host cell. Very informative and easy to understand.
This site also address's the question of "Can you
get AIDS from a mosquito bite? " with animations and
interactive tutorials.
- Parasites
and Health
This is the Center for Disease Control, Division of
Parasitic Diseases' identification and diagnosis site.
The site is organized by the region of the body a
parasite inhabits. The site includes well written
discription of the parasite's life cycle, sympotms
of infestation, and other facts about the parasite.
Many of the entries include excellent diagrams of
the parasite's life cycle.
c. L3.p3 Factors Influencing Ecosystems (prerequisite)
The number of organisms and populations an ecosystem
can support depends on the biotic resources available
and abiotic factors, such as quantity of light and water,
range of temperatures, and soil composition. (prerequisite)
- Biodiversity
911This is a site that talks about how ecosystems
effect everything.
- Biodiversity
911 Fun and Games
These are games that talk about our impact on the
ecosystem.
- Hogs
and Chickens and More
University website that has many interesting activities
and facts about ecology. Animations, graphs, and figures
are included.
- MBGnet New
This website has links to all the major
biomes on earth. Each biome is described in terms
of temperature, climate, location, organisms and
threats.
- Mount
St. Helens
Outstanding -This
site allows for an exploration of Mount St. Helens.
There are sections which show Mt. St. Helen before,
during and after the eruption. Information on succession
of plant and animal life as well as photographs are
provided. Lesson plans are available.
- Surviving
the Dust Bowl
Here's a different twist to teaching how an ecosystem
responds to changes, such as agriculture practices.
This site offers excellent suggestions to use before
and after the movie and could be used as a cross-curricular
theme.
d. L3.p4 Human Impact on Ecosystems (prerequisite)
All organisms cause changes in their environments. Some
of these changes are detrimental, whereas others are
beneficial. (prerequisite)
- GLOBE
Landcover Investigation
GLOBE (Gobal Learning and Observations to Benefit
the Environment) is an international program where
your students can join students from around the world
in monitoring their local environment. Students can
then submit their findings to a growing database on
the Internet. Scientists and other students can access
the data for research about the global environment.
In this activity, GLOBE students will be mapping land
cover and providing ground observations which will
advance their own understanding of the landscape around
them as well as the research of Earth system scientists.
This mapping involves distinguishing the types, or
classes, of cover on the surface. The protocols for
the activities are described, although to become an
official GLOBE site, teachers must also attend an
official GLOBE training session. Information on training
sessions can be obtained on the GLOBE site: http://www.globe.gov/
- Harvest
of Fear, Nova/ Frontline
This site contains information to allow for purchase
of "Harvest of Fear," a FRONTLINE and
NOVA two-hour report. The video explores the debate
over
genetically-modified (gm) food crops through interviews
with scientists, farmers, biotech and food industry
representatives, government regulators, and critics
of biotechnology. The video debates both sides
of
the issue, exploring the risks and benefits, the
hopes and fears, of this new technology. If you
choose not
to purchase the video, the site can be used for purposes
of classroom debate, providing links to articles
for
and against gm food-crops
- Web
of Life Game
This site presents an interactive food web
game. Studens are asked to link together species
in one of three ecosystems.
- OLogy:
Going, Going... Gone?
This site explores species extinction and the
causes of extinction and what people can do to help.
- Ology:
Saving Species
Stories of real scientists studying the human
impact on ecosystems.
- Rainforest,
Diversity and Destruction
This report is about many aspects of the rainforest:
what rainforests are, a brief summary of the importanaces
of the rainforests, a description of the destruction
of the rainforest, and an informative section about
how an average person can help to save the rainforest.
This site has persistant pop-up advertisements.
- The
Disappearing Aral Sea
In this animation, satellite images show how water
diverted from the Aral Sea for agriculture has caused
the land-locked lake to shrink considerably over a
short period of time.
- What Is
Your Ecological Footprint?
Outstanding
This site contains an ecological footprint quiz that
estimates the amoudn of land and ocean area required
to sustain your consumption patterns and absorb your
wastes on an annual basis. After answering 27 easy
questions you'll be able to compare your ecological
footprint to others' and learn how to reduce your
impact on the Earth.
- What
Happens When an Oil Spill Occurs?
The images in this interactive activity show major
oil spills and the techniques and equipment used to
limit damage to coastal and other affected environments.
Simulations reveal how the effects of an oil spill
are influenced by variables such as the nature of
the coastline, weather, and the type of oil spilled.
e. B3.1 Photosynthesis and Respiration
Organisms acquire their energy directly or indirectly
from sunlight. Plants capture the Sun’s energy
and use it to convert carbon dioxide and water to sugar
and oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. Through
the process of cellular respiration, animals are able
to release the energy stored in the molecules produced
by plants and use it for cellular processes, producing
carbon dioxide and water.
- Prentice
Hall
This site offers interactive applets dealing with
Photosynthesis. A 25 question quiz is also provided.
- Science-class.net
This site is a teacher resource
for lectures, and acivities related to plants. Also
there are links to interactive activities for the
students.
f. B3.2 Ecosystems
The chemical elements that make up the molecules of
living things pass through food webs and are combined
and recombined in different ways. At each link in an
ecosystem, some energy is stored in newly made structures,
but much is dissipated into the environment as heat.
Continual input of energy from sunlight keeps the process
going.
- Ecosystems
Have you ever heard the word, ecosystem? Also called
biomes, these regions of land make up the Earth's
surface. All of the Earth's surface, with the exception
of the ice in Antarctica and Greenland, fits into
one of these ecosystems. But what is an ecosystem?
- Ecosystems
of Our World
Ecosystems are dynamic interactions between plants,
animals, and microorganisms and their environment
working together as a functional unit. This site covers
everything you need to know about biomes and ecosystems.
- Forest
After Fire Succession Animation
This is an animation showing how a forest can recover
after a fire. It is a good example of succession.
- Neighborhoods
Ecosystems vary in size. They can be as small as a
puddle or as large as the Earth itself. Any group
of living and nonliving things interacting with each
other can be considered as an ecosystem. This site
has lots of links to information on ecosystems.
- Primary
vs. Secondary Succession Animation
This is an animation compares primary with secondary
succession in a forest ecosystem.
- Succession
Animation
Outstanding This is an animation showing
a type of succession that can occur in a forested
ecosystem.
- Temperate
Forest Succession Animation This is
another animation showing how a forest can recover
after a fire. It includes text explaining each transition.
g. B3.3 Element Recombination
As matter cycles and energy flows through different
levels of organization of living systems—cells,
organs, organisms, and communities—and between
living systems and the physical environment, chemical
elements are recombined in different ways. Each recombination
results in storage and dissipation of energy into the
environment as heat. Matter and energy are conserved
in each change.
- Activity
15 Teacher Guide: What is the Carbon Cycle
This lesson was developed as part of the LEARN
project from 1991 aimed at improving atmosphere education
at the middle school level. This lesson corresponds
very well with the high school benchmark of nutient
cycles. The page begins with some basic information
on the carbon cycle accompanied by some excellent
images. Then, the site presents a basic lesson
on the carbon cycle.
- BioGeoChemical
Cycles
Outstanding -
This web site includes text and various diagrams
to describe four biogeochemical cycles that operate
in nature.
- BIOGEOCHEMICAL
CYCLES
Nice site that covers the major biogeochemical cycles
on Earth. Good diagrams for the water, carbon,
nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur cycles with explanations
and facts for each.
- Carbon
Trip
This page is a very simple, creative writing
based lesson on the carbon cycle. Although written
for the carbon cycle, this lesson could be applied
to any nutrient cycle.
- CDIAC
Global Change Data
This is a database of information on global atmospheric
changes. Examples of the databases include carbon
cycle, carbon monoxide, aerosols, methane, greenhouse
gases, etc.
- EO
Library: The Carbon Cycle
This entry in NASA's Earth Observation library
provides a lot of great information on the carbon
cycle. Useful for students doing research, teachers
that need a refresher, or in class presentations.
The entry covers Biological/Physical Carbon Cycle:
Photosynthesis and Respiration, Carbon on the Land
and in the Oceans: The modern carbon cycle, The Human
Role, NASA Missions to Study the Global Carbon Cycle
and Climate, and lists its resources.
- Lesson
1 Nitrogen Cycling
This lesson centers around a class role-play
of the nitrogen cycle. The site includes all
needed materials and links to background information.
- The
Global Carbon Cycle
"The global carbon cycle," is an introductory
lesson. It involves identifying carbon reservoirs
and the movement of carbon between them. Students
work in groups to create a poster diagraming a simple
carbon cycle then answer questions.
h. B3.4 Changes in Ecosystems
Although the interrelationships and interdependence
of organisms may generate biological communities in
ecosystems that are stable for hundreds or thousands
of years, ecosystems always change when climate changes
or when one or more new species appear as a result of
migration or local evolution. The impact of the human
species has major consequences for other species.
- 100
of the World's Worst Invasive Alien Species
Welcome to "One Hundred of the World’s
Worst Invasive Alien Species", funded by La Fondation
TOTAL, and part of the Global Invasive Species Database.
Species were selected for the list according to two
criteria: their serious impact on biological diversity
and/or human activities, and their illustration of
important issues surrounding biological invasion.
- Causes
and Consequences of Global Warming
This
site is from Wikipedia, but it is still a good resource
and description of the causes and consequences of
global warming. Check out the references section for
more websites.
- Forest
After Fire Succession Animation
This is an animation showing how a forest can recover
after a fire. It is a good example of succession.
- Ology:
Saving Species
Stories of real scientists studying the human
impact on ecosystems.
- Primary
vs. Secondary Succession Animation
This is an animation compares primary with secondary
succession in a forest ecosystem.
- Rainforest,
Diversity and Destruction
This report is about many aspects of the rainforest:
what rainforests are, a brief summary of the importanaces
of the rainforests, a description of the destruction
of the rainforest, and an informative section about
how an average person can help to save the rainforest.
This site has persistant pop-up advertisements.
- Succession
Animation
Outstanding This is an animation showing
a type of succession that can occur in a forested
ecosystem.
- Temperate
Forest Succession Animation
This is another animation showing how a forest can
recover after a fire. It includes text explaining
each transition.
- The Biodiversity Dilema New
This is a database/web
activity in which students study the Scrub Jay of
Flordia. They will read the article, investigate
and record from the database and then write a field
journal entry on the bird.
i. B3.4x Human Impact
Humans can have tremendous impact on the environment.
Sometimes their impact is beneficial, and sometimes
it is detrimental.
- DEQ,
Geology in MichiganPresentations, classroom materials,
and maps of Michigan's geology past and present.
Once in this
site make sure to go to the "For students and
Teachers" link which contains games, lessons,
diagrams, pictures, and multimedia.
- EPA-Office
of Solid Waste-Reusable News
This site has a list of Newsletters and Bulletins
about waste, waste reduction, greenhouse 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?
This interactive site allows students to apply their
knowledge of recycling in reducing wastes. The site
shows costs involved to recycle and the benefits.
- GLOBE
Landcover Investigation
GLOBE (Gobal Learning and Observations to Benefit
the Environment) is an international program where
your students can join students from around the world
in monitoring their local environment. Students can
then submit their findings to a growing database on
the Internet. Scientists and other students can access
the data for research about the global environment.
In this activity, GLOBE students will be mapping land
cover and providing ground observations which will
advance their own understanding of the landscape around
them as well as the research of Earth system scientists.
This mapping involves distinguishing the types, or
classes, of cover on the surface. The protocols for
the activities are described, although to become an
official GLOBE site, teachers must also attend an
official GLOBE training session. Information on training
sessions can be obtained on the GLOBE site: http://www.globe.gov/
- Make
Your Own Recycled Paper
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
An overview of recycling information that is available
in Michigan. Lists local recycling sites and reasons
to recycle.
- Ology:
Saving Species
Stories of real scientists studying the human
impact on ecosystems.
- Regents
Prep Earth Science
This site has a variety of Earth Science resources
appropriate for use by students and teachers.
- USGS
- Geosphere
Includes information about volcanoes, earthquakes,
and plate tectonics. Includes activities, models,
and much, much more.
j. B3.5 Populations
Populations of living things increase and decrease in
size as they interact with other populations and with
the environment. The rate of change is dependent upon
relative birth and death rates.
- Biology Corner-Population Data New
This webpage
contains data to interpret ecological population
data. It could be printed as a worksheet or done
in class on an overhead.
- DEPweb-Population Growth New
This website explains
population growth rate. The student has to read through
the webpages and then answer questions at the end.
- Estimating Population Size New
This webpage contains
the lab instructions to perform in biology for population
size. Printable worksheets are included.
- Fundamentals
of Populations and Population Growth
This site has a population computer model with
oak trees, squirrels, and Hawks. It allows the user
to determine starting populations, nutrients and water
supply.
- Human
Population Clock in Real Time This site
shows the world population increasing in real time.
Also you can go to any date in the past or future
to see that date's historical or projected population.
- Lesson of the Kaibab New
This website is the lab
instructions for investigating and graphing the Kaibab
deer population in Arizona, how the population changes
over time and the carrying capacity of the ecosystem.
- Presentations
on Aspects of Population Growth
This site offers suggestions for topics for student
presentations on the effects of population growth
and factors that affect growth.
- Random Sampling New
This webpage describes a lab
exercise for population sampling. It can be downloaded
and printed for use in your classroom.
k. B3.5x Environmental Factors
The shape of population growth curves vary with the
type of organism and environmental conditions, such
as availability of nutrients and space. As the population
increases and resources become more scarce, the population
usually stabilizes at the carrying capacity of that
environment.
- Fundamentals
of Populations and Population Growth
This site has a population computer model with
oak trees, squirrels, and Hawks. It allows the user
to determine starting populations, nutrients and water
supply.
- Presentations
on Aspects of Population Growth
This site offers suggestions for topics for student
presentations on the effects of population growth
and factors that affect growth.
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