Web Links
UNIT
A
General Unit Links
Frog
Story Inspires Real Prince of a Play
Read about how the children described in the introduction inspired a
play about their work.
Chapter 1
Section 1.1
Khutzeymateen
photos
This site is a slide show of Alan Wakeman's photography, showing grizzly
bears of the Khutzeymateen and some photos of the estuary.
Tree
Book
Click on the Biogeoclimatic zones map, and select the Coastal Westerm
Hemlock forest. Try this if you're looking for an extra challenge.
Section 1.2
NRDC's
Green Squad
Learn how you can take action for a greener, healthier school.
How
Healthy is the Earth?
A summary of The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment-a 2005 report on the
state of our ecosystem.
Section 1.3
Sierra
Club British Columbia Ecoprovinces
This site gives a map of the province, using ecosystems. Click on the
map to learn about the animals and plants of each ecoprovince. There
is also information about ecozones and a glossary.
Section 1.4
How
Animals Meet Their Needs
A fun interactive quiz to test your knowledge of the various factors
that affect survival.
Natureworks:
Ecosystems
A good summary of what you've learned in this section.
Section 1.5
Fleischmann's
Yeast
Click on "What is Yeast?" in the Product Line link to learn about its
history and fermentation.
Section 1.6
To
Build an Ecosystem
A great document about creating your own ecosystem. Includes many of
the topics discussed in this chapter.
Predator
Fun Facts
From Discovery Kids, learn some cool facts about lions, tigers, and
bears.
CHAPTER 1 REVIEW
Q.8
Sierra
Club
You can select an animal from your local area on the Ecoprovinces map.
Predation
Some useful background information about predation. You can also search
this site for information on the predator you're researching.
Chapter 2
Section 2.1
Dialogue
for Kids
This site provides simple information about ecosystems. Try the Water
Cycle link, and check out the habitat and ecology links.
The
Flow of Energy Through Plants and Animals
Learn about photosynthesis and food chains. The cartoons are humourous
and educational.
Section 2.2
Food
Chains and Webs
A good site with examples of a food chain and what happens when aspects
of the chain change. Try creating your own food web.
Kidport
Reference Library
Examples of land and sea food chains.
Section 2.3
Chain
Reaction: Build a Food Chain
This game lets you test your knowledge of food chains by building your
own. Don't forget to test your chain!
Secret
At Sea
Learn about ocean ecosystems and more while you play this fun interactive
game.
Awesome Science
Hydrothermal
vents
Get answers from a scientist to all of your Hydrothermal Vent questions.
History
and photos of hydrothermal vents
This site contains history about the discovery of the vents. It explains
the vents and some life forms of the vent. It also has photos of some
of the organisms.
Endeavour
Hydrothermal Vents: The Truth Behind the Smoke
A short article about these hydrothermal vents located off the coast
of Vancouver Island. Has several photographs and a section on how you
can help.
OceanQuest:
An Undersea Exploration of the Endeavour Vents
A fun site where you can learn more about the Endeavour Vents, learn
about undersea careers, build your own submarine, and play the OceanQuest
game.
Section 2.4
Interesting
Facts about Food Chains
A good summary of everything in this chapter with illustrations. Check
out the ecological pyramid and the detailed food web.
Deciduous
Forest Energy Pyramid
Check this out if you're looking for more in-depth information on ecological
pyramids. This site is great if you're looking for an extra challenge.
Section 2.5
Decomposers
This site has good basic information, and some photos of decomposers.
NatureWorks
- Decomposers
Detailed information on different types of decomposers. Also has some
good photos and vocabulary terms.
Section 2.6
The
Greater Victoria Compost Education Centre
Click through the links in order to learn more about composting. Pay
close attention to the Science of Composting.
Tech Connect
Waste
Not, Want Not
Learn about this exciting new initiative and how it is being implemented
across the country. Also describes the process in more detail.
Section 2.7
The
Water Cycle
A chart explaining the role that the Sun, rain, snow, mountains, and
rivers play in the water cycle.
The
Evergreen Project
Learn about the six processes that make up the water cycle and how clouds
are named.
Carbon
Cycle Movie
Watch the movie and then test yourself with the carbon quiz.
CHAPTER 2 REVIEW
Q.8
SeaChange
and Eelgrass Ecology
This site explains simply the work being done with the eelgrass beds
in Saanich Inlet. It also provides good links to other sites.
Bamfield
Eelgrass Stewardship Project
Learn how you can help save eelgrass. Includes links to other good sites.
Nearshore
Food Web
This website provides a complex example of a "near shore food web",
in which decomposing eelgrass is a significant part.
Chapter 3
Section 3.1
Biodiversity
in B.C.
This website has many categories of information, including a brochure
that can be downloaded to explain biodiversity in B.C.
Sustainability
Click on one of the many topics listed under the heading "Sustainability"
for information from the David Suzuki Foundation.
Section 3.2
Fraser
Valley Smog
A fun animation of how smog develops in the Fraser Valley.
Water
Pollution and Shellfish
This site profiles individual organisms that are indicators of the health
of the Fraser River estuary. Closures to shellfish harvesting are also
explained.
Section 3.3
Acid
Rain (EPA)
Learn about acid rain and what causes it, why it is harmful, and what
you can do to help. The animation has good pictures and a lot of useful
information.
Section 3.4
Species
and Ecosystems at Risk
Brochures in PDF format are available here for a number of topics including
the Antelope Brush Ecosystem.
Section 3.5
Global
Warming
Information on Global Warming in question-and-answer format.
Salmon
River Roundtable
Extensive information about land use issues, including the topics of
field work, planning, and community outreach. The consensus-based planning
principles are helpful for this investigation.
Science Works
Sachs
Harbour Observations on Climate Change
Learn about the year-long project to study the problem of climate change
in the Arctic.
Section 3.6
Invasive
Species in Canada
Information about problems with invasive species in Canada. Includes
a database you can search.
CBCN
for Kids
Learn about the alien invasion and discover what plants are at risk
in B.C., and what is being done.
Section 3.7
River
Restoration Slideshow
A good, well-paced slideshow about the restoration work being done on
the Salmon River, B.C.
Burrowing
Owl Captive Breeding
The B.C. Wildlife Park in Kamloops operates the largest captive breeding
program in North America for the burrowing owl.
Haig-Brown
Kingfisher Creek Restoration Project
Learn how a B.C. naturalist's dream to restore a creek that ran through
his backyard is helping to conserve salmon.
Section 3.8
Simple
Ecological Footprint Calculator
Determines your ecological footprint based on your answers to 13 questions.
Ecological
Footprint Calculator - Advanced
A more advanced calculator of your ecological footprint that requires
knowledge of calories, shopping, fuel consumption and transportation.
Ecovoyageurs
Learn about the ecological footprint and Earth's capability to meet
our needs.
CHAPTER 3 REVIEW
Q.8
Gwaii
Haanas National Park Reserve
This site has a brief explanation of why the area is significant.
Khutzeymateen
Grizzly Bear Sanctuary
Background information on the sanctuary, including a map of where it
is located and the grizzly bear's history.
Khutzeymateen
Victory!
A short article announcing that the Khutzeymateen Valley would be home
to Canada 's only grizzly bear sanctuary.
Wildlife
Sanctuaries
A list of sanctuaries in B.C. that you can research.
B.C.
Spaces for Nature
Click on the map to learn about protected parklands in B.C.
Preserving
the Burns Bog
This news release briefly describes the importance of Burns Bog Swan
Lake Nature Sanctuary.
Q.11
Abalone
Recovery
Learn about the efforts of the Abalone Recovery Team.
Abalone
Project
This site explains the demise of the abalone, and outlines the Bamfield
Community Huu-ay-aht Abalone
Project, including many photos of an
"outplanting" in 2004.
Abalone
Restoration
This site gives a detailed explanation of the process involved in the
cultivation of abalone, within the overall abalone restoration project.
Photos of the hatchery are included.
UNIT B
Unit General Links
Snow
Crystals
This site has just about everything you could want to know about snowflakes
and crystal formation in ice. There are lots of pictures and information
on things you can do, like grow your own snowflake crystals.
Chapter 4
Section 4.1
Matter
Take the tour for a good introduction to this unit. Click on each of
the four states of matter to learn about each one.
Matter
and Other Vocabulary
A great introduction to this unit, with good charts to help you understand
the properties of matter. The flow charts at the beginning and end of
the page are especially useful.
Section 4.2
Changes
of State
A table helps you understand what is happening during each of the changes
of state. The animation is also useful.
How
Changes in Quantity Lead to Changes in Quality
If you're looking for an extra challenge and want to learn more about
how water changes state then read this article.
Tech Connect
How
Plasma Displays Work
From How Stuff Works, learn what makes plasma screens unique. Includes
diagrams and animations, as well as pros and cons.
Section 4.3
Properties
of Matter
A series of pages on mass, volume, and density.
Section 4.4
Balancing
Act
This interactive site lets you compare the mass of various substances.
Section 4.5
Mass,
Volume, and Density
Click on each term to learn more about it. Each section has questions
to test your knowledge.
Section 4.6
Density
An interactive site that lets you determine the mass and density of
various objects.
How
Objects Float in Fluids
If you're looking for an extra challenge, visit the site and learn about
density, displacement, and why ships float.
CHAPTER 4 REVIEW
Q.15
Overview
of the Eulachon Fishery
In-depth information on the eulachon. Learn about what why their oil
is so special, how it is extracted and why it is so important to Aboriginal
peoples
Fishers
Work With Their Catch of Eulachon
Read the first article in this newsletter. Note that the story continues
on the lower half of the second page.
Q.16
Definition
of a Hydrometer
This site offers a definition of a hydrometer. Click on Archimedes'
Principle if you're interested in more in-depth information.
Making
and Using a Hydrometer
Step-by-step instructions and illustrations on how to make and use your
own hydrometer.
Chapter 5
Section 5.1
Physical
and Chemical Changes
General information about various physical and chemical changes. The
chart will be helpful for remembering the different changes.
States
of Matter
Demonstrations of the particles in a solid, liquid, and gas movie.
Particle
Adventure
Everything you need to know about particles. There is a historical timeline,
an in-depth chart, and a glossary.
Section 5.2
Distinction
Between Chemical and Physical Changes
A straightforward explanation of the differences between chemical and
physical changes.
Physical
and Chemical Properties and Changes
Physical and chemical changes are explained using easy to understand
examples. Take a quiz or fill out a worksheet to test your knowledge.
Awesome Science
How
Fireworks Work
Detailed information about the chemistry of fireworks. Also has a great
animation of the different types of fireworks and a description of each.
Section 5.3
Physical
and Chemical Changes
This site lists examples of chemical and physical changes.
Physical
or Chemical Change?
Test your knowledge by taking this quiz.
Section 5.4
Rust
Try this activity at home with a parent for a hand-on look at how iron
rusts.
Science Works
The
Challenge of Materials
This site features quizzes, a matching game, and lots of information
about materials and materials science, including choosing the right
material for the job and materials that have changed our lives.
CHAPTER 5 REVIEW
Q.8b
Basic
Bridge Types
Photos and descriptions of six different bridge types.
Bridge
Joints
An introduction to expansion joints, including their function, durability,
and design.
Q.9
How
Microwave Cooking Works
A good explanation of how microwave cooking works.
Microwave
- How it works
Easy to understand information about how a microwave works.
How
a Microwave Oven Works
Very detailed information about how a microwave oven works, including
diagrams of all the components inside a microwave.
Chapter 6
Section 6.1
What
Are Mixtures and Solutions?
A good introduction to pure substances and mixtures.
Section 6.2
Elements
and Compounds
A simple flow chart helps you classify a pure substance as an element
or a compound.
Compounds
General information about what compounds are and how they are made.
Mixtures,
Compounds, and Elements
An interactive site that shows you how atoms of mixtures, compounds,
and elements are distributed. Also has quizzes along the way to test
your knowledge.
Section 6.3
Mixtures
- General Information
General information about mixtures. Includes two specific examples of
mixtures you are familiar with.
Mixtures
Information about solutions, suspensions, and emulsions, in the context
of food.
Section 6.4
Separation
of Mixtures
Learn about other ways to separate mixtures, including distillation
and chromatography.
Separating
Mixtures
Learn more about hand separation, filtration, and distillation as methods
to separate a mixture.
Section 6.5
All
Mixed Up
Learn about other ways to separate mixtures, including sieving, decanting,
and using gravity.
Section 6.6
All
About Solutions
Everything you wanted to know about saturated and unsaturated solutions.
Section 6.7
Solutions
Section 4.8 on this page details several ways to increase the rate of
dissolving.
Solutions
Learn about the dissolving process and what factors increase the rate
of dissolution.
Section 6.8
Acids
and Bases Are Everywhere
A good introduction to the basics of acids and bases. Includes useful
terms for you to learn.
Acids
and Bases - Interactive program
This site has detailed lesson plans that allow you to explore properties
of acids and bases and the pH scale.
The
pH Scale
Take this quiz to see if you can determine which items have the highest
and lowest pH.
Section 6.9
Kitchen
Chemistry - Interactive lesson
This virtual kitchen lets you conduct online experiments to see if different
liquids have acid or base reactions.
pH
Scale
A pH scale from a water quality perspective.
Answers
to General pH questions
Learn about acid rain and pH paper.
Section 6.10
Winter
Road Maintenance
Learn about the chemicals used to de-ice roads, as well as the environmental
impacts of doing so.
Highway
Salting
The Salt Institute provides definitions and answers to questions on
the use of salt on highway ice.
UNIT
C
Unit C General Links
Visible
Earth
Browse the series of amazing photos from satellites that illustrate
erosion, volcanic activity, and plate tectonics. This collection of
NASA images and animations of the Earth is spectacular.
Oracle
Think Quest Education Foundation
A resource that allows students to browse other schools' work in a secure
web community. Explore more than 75 on-line Earth Science projects created
by students. The user-friendly text and graphics make a great starting
point for students.
Chapter 7
Section 7.1
Junior
Rockhound Magazine
A great place to start with on-line support for rocks and minerals!
Compare the Rock Cycle graphic on the site to the one in section 7.8.
Rocks
and Minerals Slide Show
This site has slide shows of a variety of rock formations. Click on
any icon and follow the instructions.
Experiment:
Growing Crystals
The classic sugar and salt crystal experiment that you can do at home.
The instructions and steps are easy to follow. Note that the experiment
requires adult supervision.
Minerals
and Metals: A World to Discover
A very useful site with engaging "tours" that allow you to examine how
minerals and metals play a role in your daily life. Afterwards, take
the test to see what you've learned! Be sure to check out the "Start
a Mine" feature. Although the focus is mining, the information provides
good enrichment content and a thorough glossary.
Section 7.2
Rockdoctors
Guide to Mineral Identification
Descriptions and photographs help you identify minerals. Take the mineral
quiz at the bottom of the page to see what you've learned!
Rocks
For Kids
Detailed descriptions of rocks and minerals, as well as the terms used
to classify them. Has many useful examples to make classification easier
and more specific.
Section 7.3
Rocks
For Kids
This site provides simple information, and offers links to more substantial
information about rocks, minerals, fossils, natural disasters, and careers
in geology and Earth science. Begin with the How Rocks & Minerals
Are Formed section.
Rockshop
Every photo on this site can be enlarged to show beautiful, close-up
details.
Section 7.4
Fossils
(Behind the Scenes at the Museum)
This site takes only a few minutes to navigate but has enough user-friendly
information to review the main concepts of fossil formation.
Earth
Floor (Geologic Time)
The site provides straightforward information at a grade 8 level reading.
Great if you're looking for an extra challenge.
Fossils
and Fossil Collecting (Kids Ark)
A very easy site to navigate that provides basic information about fossils.
Section 7.5
Weather
and Weathering
A great site with detailed explanations of each type of weathering.
Section 7.6
Canada
Landslide Project
A gallery of landslides from across the country. Very clear illustration
of erosion forces.
Section 7.7
Soil
Erosion
Look for more detailed information about soil. Scroll down to find information
about soil erosion by water.
Section 7.8
Stones
at Home (BBC)
From the British Broadcasting Corporation, straightforward information
on rocks and a few activities that you can try, including one about
sedimentary rocks and sandwiches.
The
Rock Cycle
Detailed information about the Rock Cycle in simple terms.
Rock
and the Rock Cycle
A great site with information on the rock cycle. Important terms can
be clicked on for more detailed information. Has great visuals and animations
to illustrate the rock cycle.
Section 7.9
The
Rock Cycle
Describes the relationship between igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary
rocks through the rock cycle.
CHAPTER 7 REVIEW
Q.9
Mining
and Mineral Exploration in British Columbia
A fact sheet of information on mining production in B.C.
Mineral
Resources Education Program
This site contains a useful "Student Resource" section which includes
a mining photo gallery. The captions to these images can also be downloaded
for use in projects. The "Mining in B.C." link provides regional information
for use in this exercise but the text may be challenging.
Q.12
Burgess
Shale
This site provides a starting point to investigating the Burgess Shale.
There are other links listed on the site that contain additional photos
of fossils found at the Burgess Shale site.
Burgess
Shale (fossil images)
A great gallery of fossil images with limited text.
Chapter 8
Section 8.1
Earth's
Layers (Volcano World)
This part of the site has well ordered content pages. The graphics are
kid-friendly.
Earth
and Moon Viewer
This site will allow you to have a bird's eye view of anywhere on Earth.
You can also look at the moon from various sides. Simply click on the
highlighted words for an endless amount of choices.
Section 8.2
Continental
Drift and Plate Tectonics
Learn about Pangaea while playing the games on this site. Make sure
you review the section that summarizes the evidence for continental
drift.
Mountain
Maker, Earth Shaker
PBS offers fantastic visuals and comprehensive information. Start with
this activity page in which you move plates with your cursor. Then explore
the search function using key words form this unit.
Earth
Like a Puzzle
Discover how Earth is like a giant puzzle. The graphics are great and
the information is straightforward.
Section 8.3
Animation:
The Breakup of Pangaea
This animation shows how the locations of continents and islands have
changed over the past 150 million years. Use the control buttons at
the bottom to stop, start, and rewind.
Continental
Divide: The Breakup of Pangaea
This is not only an animation of Pangaea but also information about
continental drift and fossils.
Section 8.4
Plate
Tectonics and Earthquakes
A visually appealing presentation of Plate Tectonics and fault boundary
movements. It also contains an earthquake preparedness kit checklist.
Section 8.5
Earth
Most concepts from the unit are addressed here. The graphics are basic
but effective.
Brainpop
This is a commercial site with engaging animations. Try the free movie
clips: "Earthquakes", "Oceans", and "Tsunamis".
Tech Connect
Nuytco
Research Ltd.
This B.C. site profiles different ocean exploration vehicles produced
in Vancouver. The use of technology is apparent in all of the submersibles.
Be sure to check out the Exosuit.
Into
the Abyss (PBS)
Good photos of submersibles, logbook entries from expeditions, and a
deep-sea discoveries timeline. The featured ROPOS submersible is made
in Canada.
The
NeMO Explorer
Take a virtual tour of various sites on the sea floor. Try the Technology
and Tools page.
A
Deep-Sea Odyssey (Alvin)
This site is only a few pages but contains good photos and text. Try
the "virtual expedition" to get your chance to pilot Alvin!
Stratovolcanoes
of the World
This is a fictional (unreal) account describing robot Dante II's mission
in Crater Peak, Alaska.
Robovolc
(A Robot for Volcano Exploration)
Have a look at this great combination of science, technology, and volcanic
exploration. The photo galleries offer many images of the various tests
to which the robot has been subjected. The video gallery provides an
array of interactive displays.
How
GPS Receivers Work (Howstuffworks.com)
More in-depth information about GPS receivers.
Chapter 9
Section 9.1
Understanding
Plate Motions
This site provides useful illustrations and information about the plate
boundaries discussed in this section.
Plate
Boundaries
A great starting point for the topics in this unit. Be sure to try each
animation.
Plate
Tectonics
Explains each boundary type in a simple yet informative manner.
Section 9.2
Plate
Boundary Movement
Visit this site to see animations of plate movement at convergent, divergent,
and transform fault boundaries.
Section 9.3
I
Know That!
Click on "Earthquakes" for a great animation of what happens during
an earthquake. The Shaky Ground link lets you adjust the Richter scale
to see how different levels affect things on the ground.
Tidal
Wave
The story of a tidal wave that struck Vancouver Island in 1964. It is
only one page and easy to read. Click on the photos to see more just
how much damage was caused.
Seismic
Activity in B.C.
Click on a map to see earthquakes from as far back as 5 years ago.
IRIS
Click on the Seismic Monitor for a world map that shows seismic activity
and has a latitude and longitude cursor.
The
Franklin Institute On-Line
Information on earthquakes, volcanoes, and floods. Explore the other
study units as well as the rest of the on-line institute.
Earthquakes
Hazards Program (National Earthquake Information Center)
A great site that includes an Earthquake Image Glossary as well as facts,
puzzles, and other on-line activities.
Section 9.4
Provincial
Earthquake Preparedness Program
Download an Emergency Preparedness Checklist from the Earthquake Preparedness
Link, and be sure to check out the other useful information on this
page. Try the Kids' Zone on the PEP homepage.
Federal
Emergency Management Agency
Learn about many types of disasters and how to prepare your home for
such events using the Get Ready, Get Set link.
Awesome Science
The
1700 Juan de Fuca Earthquake
Includes quotations from those who experienced the earthquake, as well
as easy to understand information and illustrations.
Section 9.5
I
Know That!
Click on "Volcanoes" to see an animation of how a volcano erupts. The
Story of Mount Vesuvius is a short animation that is definitely worth
watching.
Volcano
World (University of North Dakota)
This site has many interesting aspects including Ask a Volcanologist
and a Virtual Field Trip in the Kids' Door link.
US
Geological Survey, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
There are many beautiful pictures in the photo gallery. Click the link
to the photo glossary to help you review the unit.
The
Supervolcano Game
A great simulation game that deals with the emergency measures required
before, during, and after a volcanic eruption.
Can
We Predict Volcanic Eruptions?
This site presents information about volcanoes an in easy-to-read manner.
CHAPTER 9 REVIEW
Q.5
And
an Ocean is Born
Information about how new oceans emerge and what is taking place in
The Great Rift Valley.
Great
Rift Valley (Encyclopedia.com)
Visit this site for in-depth information about the Great Rift Valley
of Africa. Click the highlighted words for more info.
Q.8
Seismographs
Detailed info about the history of seismographs and how they function.
How
Does a Seismograph Work?
Discussion about the obstacles involved in building seismographs.
Build
Your Own Seismograph
Step-by-step instructions for building two different seismographs.
Q.9
Geothermal
Education Office
The text is thorough and answers key questions about geothermal energy.
The slide show offers many images from various locations.
National
Renewable Energy Laboratory
Provides info on how geothermal energy could be used in electricity
production, as well as its direct uses in the home.
Q.10
Weekly
Volcanic Activity Report
Read updates about volcanic activity that has occurred over the past
week. You can search the archives by date, volcano, and region.
Famous
Volcanic Eruptions
Information and photos of famous volcanic eruptions. Includes links
to other sites for more in-depth information.
