Insects ... and Frogs, Too
Butterflies and Moths of North America
Based on work started by the U.S. Geological Survey, this site is an ambitious effort to collect, store, and share species information and occurrence data. In addition to being an excellent resource for images and data, they encourage people to take a photograph of a butterfly or moth they encounter, and submit it to them. Would be a great class project for older students.
The Wonderful World of Insects
Everything you could imagine about learning about insects --the orders of insects and classification specs, glossary, clubs, ask-an-expert and odd beliefs. The contents are solid and accessible. Also, look at the Lost Ladybug site, very accessible to young children.
Monarch Butterfly Migration
Monarchwatch is a popular online activity, because students and scientists in many locales can plot the annual paths within a telecollaboration model. This site is maintained by the University of Kansas and the University of Minnesota.
What happens when...
What happens when you pour 1200F molten aluminum into an anthill?
A greater insight into how truly remarkable ants are and some interesting works of art.
- YouTube URL
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IugvemOyZY
Frog
View a simulation of a frog dissection (Frog) and compare the simulation with a dissection in the real world. SPICE, Science Partners in Inquiry-Based Collaborative Education, demonstrate how pollution can cause specific genetic malformations in frogs. Not all frogs evolved from tadpoles!!
These sites are perfect for research into an animal species and a model for a student project.
Beneficial Insects: A Few Good Bugs
The Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley shows how many common insects are beneficial to our gardens and the environment as a whole. Insects are an important source of food for many animals, essential for most food crops and flowering plants, and can reduce pests in backyard gardens. This link identifies good and bad insects and provides tips to attract beneficial insects.
Other Areas To Check Out...
• Eyewitness Accounts
• Gifted Children
• Audio/Video Primary Sources
• Automated Essay Scoring
• International Libraries
• Projects for Parents and Kids Together
