Category: Geography

  • World Time


    On Time
    This virtual exhibit, from the Smithsonian Natural History Museum, explores the history of time in the last 300 years. The changing ways we have measured and thought about time are discussed.

     

     

    How Time Works
    Explore some of the basics of time, including why and how we measure time, time zones, daylight savings time and the calendar.

     

     

    How to Tell Time
    Take a brief, colorful look at the basics of time including the first clocks, time zones and traveling in time. After you’ve explored the site, have some fun time, and take the quiz.

     

     

    Latitude and Longitude
    This somewhat complex explanation of latitude, longitude and time zones is more suited to older students.

     

     

    Sundials
    This student project gives a brief history of sundials and instructions on how to make a very simple, but not very accurate, sundial.

     

     

    Time Ticker
    This interactive clock shows time around the world. Just slide the time zone bar to any location and the clock will immediately change to that time, and list the countries in the zone. If you want, you can choose a country and the bar will move to the appropriate zone.

     

     

    A Walk Through Time – World Time Scales
    The origins of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) are presented here. There are also features on the calendar, early clocks and the first mechanical clocks.

     

     

    World Time Zone – Sun Clock
    This world map, displaying time zones, has an overlay of the sun’s light, showing which areas have day and which have night. It is an actual clock, so if you sit and watch for long enough you will see the light moving across the globe.


  • Habitats



    America’s Wetlands

    Here you can find out what exactly wetlands are.
    Find out more about America’s wetlands, why they are important,
    and what is being done to protect them.

     

     


    Dive the Great Barrier Reef

    This is a virtual tour of the Great Barrier Reef.
    Here you can find out all about the animals and plants on the reef.
    It is a bit slow to load, so be patient.

     

     


    Explore the Fantastic Forest

    This site takes you on a discovery trip through the forest.
    There are activities to do and lots to learn on the way.

     

     

    How Rainy is the Rainforest?
    Here you can compare how much rainfall there is in the rainforest, with where you live. When you have finished, visit the rest of the site to find out more about the rainforest.

     

     


    Wild Places

    Visit all the major environments of the world.
    Get facts about location, climate, vegetation, animals,
    conservation concerns and more.

     

     


    Woodlands Discovery Pages

    For kids K-3, this site gives a peek into woodland life.
    Click on any of the areas in the picture to learn more about the
    wildlife and habitat.

     

     


    Woodland Explorer

    Click on the tree or the ground below it to find out more about
    woodland habitats. Learn all about the insects and animals that thrive there.

     

     


    World Deserts

    This is part of the Mojave National Preserve site.
    You can learn basic facts about deserts, where they are and why
    they form. Then check out information on deserts in North America.

     

     


    World Environmental Changes

    Find out how five of the World’s environments have changed
    because of population pressures. The site looks at changes to the
    habitats of wetlands, drylands, cities, forests, and the sea.

     

     


    Zoom Rainforest

    Learn all about rainforests, what the vegetation is like, the animals
    and people living there, the climate and much more. Be sure to check
    the links at the bottom of the page for information on other biomes
    and ecosystems.


  • Weather Forecast


    Around The World Climates
    Click on a continent and find out whether it has a subarctic, highland, humid oceanic, or other form of climate.

     

     

    Climate
    What exactly is a climate? An overview with an explanation of changes in climate and examples of different climates is given.

     

     

    Climate – The Introduction
    There are descriptions of the seven different climatic regions of the United States, and online activities, giving basic information explaining the difference between climate and weather.

     

     

    Dan’s Wild Wild Weather Page
    This fun site is specially designed for kids. It has easy to understand explanations on clouds, tornadoes, humidity, wind, precipitation and much more. Check out the games and puzzles, too.

     

     

    How do Hurricanes Work?
    Read the simple explanation of how hurricanes form, and then learn about the radar images. There are plenty of activities, including making a pair of 3-D glasses, so you can see the pictures in 3-D.

     

     

    Ice and Snow
    Learn about ice and snow. What makes ice slippery and why is snow white? You can make your own snowflakes, too.

     

     

    What Causes the Earth to Experience Different Seasons
    Simple explanations and clear graphics demonstrate why we have seasons.

     

     

    What Forces Affect our Weather?
    This simple explanation of the forces affecting our weather includes explanations of the atmosphere, the water cycle, powerful storms and ice and snow. There is also a section on our changing climate.