Earth Science: Unearth the Best Web Sites
Earth science, also known as geoscience, is the study of Earth as a system and all its component parts. Geophysics, oceanography, atmospheric science, geology, and more all fall within its purview. There’s no need to be overwhelmed, however. Earth science inspires some of its brightest minds to share their enthusiasm and expertise online. This Web guide showcases the best sites to explore the sky above you and the depths beneath your feet.
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Expand All Guide SectionsWhat is Earth Science?
The broadness of Earth science as a discipline invites much confusion, lending to the erroneous ... read more »
Earth Science School Resources
Earth science is a great way to introduce young children to the scientific process as well as the world around them. It is also an interest that is easily fostered and developed for years to come, as the subject is expansive and by no means fully understood. Below are resources for students of all ages and the teachers that guide them.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Earth science can be a very hands-on subject. There are great online resources to help teachers plan lessons and projects, but time on a computer is no substitute for firsthand fieldwork and exploration.
- You don’t need the Grand Canyon or the Rockies to make substantive scientific observations; even city parks hold educational wonders. The sites below are useful even for the student or teacher in an urban setting.
- Though we’ve divided the following Picks into student and teacher resources, teachers would be wise to check out all the sites we’ve listed, as many of the student-oriented resources have materials for teachers as well.
Dulcinea's Picks
For resources for children and young adults …
Windows to the Universe
is a playful and superbly designed look at our universe. Adjust any educational page on this site for different levels by clicking the “Beginner,” “Intermediate,” or “Advanced” buttons at the top of the page; there’s a convenient “Spanish/English” language toggle button up there as well. Take a look at the “Our Planet” section to access the Earth science area, or scroll down for more fun features, including a “Science History Calendar.” Teachers should make sure to visit the useful “Teacher Resources” section.
NASA’s
Earth Science Enterprise “For Kids Only” page has various interactive activities and educational resources for children. However, the content isn’t especially tailored to beginning reading levels, so it might help if a parent or teacher guides younger students through the appropriate information and activities. Visit the “People” section for information on careers and educational/extracurricular programs in Earth science.
The GLOBE Program
(Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) unites students, teachers, and scientists on collaborative learning projects. To join the vast number of amateur scientists around the world contributing to our understanding of the Earth, start by exploring the pages For Students or take a look at past Projects. You’ll find help with data collection and organization, classroom projects, and more.
To find educational resources for teachers …
The Digital Library for Earth System Education
is a large database of educational resources and data sets for Earth science. It boasts a powerful search tool to help educators find the right resource according to keyword, grade level, standards, resource type, and source. Funded by the National Science Foundation, this database can be trusted for quality content.
Discovery Education’s
topical lesson plans are well documented and of exceptional professional quality. Look for plans organized by grade level; each one includes procedures, materials, a vocabulary list with audio, a suggested reading list, and lists professional/academic/government standards that it meets. All of the plans come in easy-to-print versions, too.
The National Ocean Service
, a program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is a robust resource for Earth science educators. Its educational materials are divided into “Kits,” “Stories,” and “Classroom” categories. For comprehensive treatments of large oceanographic topics, Kits include tutorials, lesson plans, and guides to other online resources. Stories are informative and rich with anecdotes drawn from case studies. The Classroom section is full of lesson plans that focus on inquiry-based, hands-on activities.
The American Geological Institute
(AGI) has a number of resources and teaching materials available for Earth science educators. The lessons and activities are well organized with goals clearly explained. Visit AGI’s EarthComm site for online geology curriculums tailored to whatever state you choose, giving you area-specific activities and information for the classroom.
For Earth science educator professional organizations …
National Earth Science Teachers Association
publishes a quarterly journal available online to all members; membership starts at $20 for one year. This nonprofit teachers’ organization aims to advance Earth science education and provides a strong community for teachers nationwide. Nonmembers won’t find a great deal of information or resources here but it is a respected and well-known organization in the field.
The National Association of Geoscience Teachers
serves as a good portal to the online and professional world of geoscience for educators. You’ll find links to numerous resources on and off the site, including the Journal of Geoscience Education, and information on membership and programs.
Earth Science News and Blogs
Earth science is an extremely active field, with many of its fundamental discoveries having taken ... read more »
Earth Science Organizations
Despite its interdisciplinary nature, the world of Earth science has a surprising number of ... read more »
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