Environmental Science
The field of environmental science strives to understand the complex systems of the natural world and the effects of human actions upon it. Use the Environmental Science Web Guide to learn the basics of environmental science and stay up to date on news and developments in the field. Students will find resources for learning about issues in environmental science, and teachers will find sites to help them teach the subject.
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Expand All Guide SectionsBasics of Environmental Science
Though environmental issues are in the news, on the world stage and at our grocers, the basic science of it all can be confusing. Use the sites below to explore the basics of environmental science.
Insights for Environmental Science Basics
- The domain of environmental science is not completely defined, and includes many smaller disciplines. As a result, most related Web sites focus on more specialized areas within environmental science, such as atmospheric science, oceanography, Earth science/geo-sciences, environmental health, environmental biology, environmental chemistry, environmental economics, ecology or environmental law.
- Environmental science is one area of science that is very prone to politicization. As such, you should always try to understand the institutional origins of the information you find online. For more information on evaluating Web sites for credibility and partiality, see the findingDulcinea Guide to Web Search.
Top Sites for Environmental Science Basics
For an overview of environmental science …
EarthPortal's
Earth News and Earth Forum sections keep you up to date with the latest in environmental science. Visit the Encyclopedia of Earth for an in-depth, user-friendly reference that includes illustrations and wiki-based articles written and peer-reviewed by experts in the field.
Environmental Literacy Council
is a nonprofit that aims to help teachers provide the tools that students need to “develop environmental literacy.” Navigation can sometimes be tricky on this site, so use the categories on the left to explore the different aspects of our environment. You’ll find recommended resources that include links to related sites, maps, laws, “viewpoints” and even classroom resources.
For official government resources and agencies …
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
is the necessary first stop for official government environmental data and initiatives. Visit the “Laws & Regulations” section to learn more about how the agency operates.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
acts as the U.S. government’s steward of the sea and air. Navigate the site using the graphic icons in the upper-right corner of the page; content is neatly organized by the ecosystems and activities regulated by NOAA. You’ll find NOAA news, research information and links to NOAA organizations, such as the National Weather Service.
Environmental Science for Kids
Environmental science is a booming field for young scientists and is taught at the earliest stages ... read more »
Resources for Environmental Science Teachers
Environmental science involves many different disciplines, and is very research- and project-based. ... read more »
Environmental Science News and Blogs
Environmental science is a fast-moving field and a hot topic in the news. There are plenty of sites ... read more »
Education and Career Opportunities in Environmental Science
Environmental science is expanding rapidly in both the professional and academic sphere; a number ... read more »
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