Online Resources for Environmental Science

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Posted on Monday, May 24, 2010

Environmental Science combines two terms we are familiar with — science and environment. To bring the two together results in an interdisciplinary academic field integrating physical and biological sciences to the study of the environment. Ultimately, Environmental Science is the solution to environmental problems.

The science of the environment uses Social Sciences (for understanding human relationships), Engineering (for developing design and technology to improve environment quality), and even Political Science (for knowing the perceptions and policies towards the environment), among others.

Environmental Science became an active field of science in the 1960s and 70s because of the growing public awareness on the need for action against environmental problems. The topics usually being tackled in this subject are the processes of the earth, alternative sources of energy, pollution control, natural resources management, and climate change.

Here are some online resources for those who want to add an environmental twist to their science classes:

Discovery Channel School : Ecology Lesson Plans - has curriculum tie-ins, vocabulary, and activities to support ecology in the classroom. This also has information on habitats, biomes, oceans and ecology.
Garbage: How Can My Community Reduce Waste? - an interactive exhibit dealing with solid and hazardous wastes and provides ways on how people can reduce their waste disposals
High School Environmental Center - provides information on seven major environmental issues including air pollution, waste and recycling, health and safety, conservation, and ecosystems,
National Geographic: Earthpulse - presents conservation issues
National Geographic: Geography Action - a conservation and awareness program for students containing yearly topics related to conservation and the environment
Project Learn: Cycles of the Earth and Atmosphere - an instructional tutorial for educators. It also has lesson plans and background information on pertinent subjects.
What Tree is It? - an identification guide for trees based on leaf, fruit, or name
Florida Everglades Story - an educational website about Florida Everglades and the world’s most ambitious ecosystem restoration program
Oceanus - an online version of the Oceanus Magazine with full-color photographs
ARKive - a collection of videos, images, and fact-files illustrating the world’s species
Global Warming: Early Warning Signs - has an interactive world map illustrating the consequences of global warming
GreenHouse Gas Online - a constantly updated resource dedicated to greenhouse gas news and scientific publications
The Green Frog News - a great resource for teachers, featuring experiments and lessons on science and the environment
Water on the Web (WOW) - aims to teach high school and college students ways to solve real-world environmental problems. It has lesson plans and interactive modules too.
NASA Earth Observatory - has informative articles and images on how NASA scientists unravel the mysteries of climate change.
WWF: Climate Change Campaign - addresses questions on global warming, its causes and effects, and how people can help. There are also related articles and coverage on world climate news.
EPA's Global Warming Site - explains the problem of global warming and the steps being taken to fight it. There are also special sections for students.
ES2000 - a site about endangered species and the role of humans to the existence of these species
Food News - talks about the pesticides that are most likely used in a certain food. This site is run by the Environmental Working Group.
Global Warming Central - provides information on global warming, as well as recent scientific and political developments.
Renewable Energy - teachers can start with the “Quick Facts on Renewable Energy” here
The Internet Consumer Recycling Guide - provides ways on recycling