This subsection of the Kids Stuff module provides descriptions and links to government resources appropriate for kids and teens that relate to the subjects of weather and climate.
Contents
Key Resources
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
http://www.noaa.gov/
Provides daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings, and climate monitoring. They assist with fisheries management, coastal restoration, and supporting marine commerce. Their producst and services support economic vitality and affect more than one-third of America's gross national product.
Year of the Ocean
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration
http://www.yoto98.noaa.gov/kids.htm
NOAA prepared information specially geared toward children in honor of the "Year of the Ocean." The page provides links to educational information and activities including Puffy the Puffer's Fun Facts.
- Ocean Explorer
http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/welcome.html
Provides access to lesson plans and professional development opportunities for educators.
- The Gallery
http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/gallery/gallery.html
Offers videos, podcasts, slideshows and audio organized by subject.
- Technology
http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/technology/technology.html
Describes the vessels, submersibles, diving tools and observation tools that make it possible for NOAA to gather and share the information about their explorations.
- The Library
http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/library/library.html
Offers access to selected citations and a link to a comprehensive list of National Undersea Research Program sponsored publications. There are historical documents, including a letter from Benjamin Franklin describing and mapping the Gulf Stream, descriptions of NOAA programs and the offices engaged in oceanic exploration, and readings for ocean explorers.
- For Fun
http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/forfun/welcome.html
Part of the NOAA site that is geared toward kids. I liked the puzzles. There are some to do alone and some to complete with other online participants.
- U.S. Geological Survey
http://education.usgs.gov/common/primary.htm
Education links for primary grade students.
http://education.usgs.gov/common/secondary.htm
Education links for middle and high school students.
- Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/index.html
The EPA Climate Change Kids Site has the most up-to-date information about climate, weather, and change, than all the other gov sites that I investigated. It offers access to definitions and explanations, animations, and why it is important to study our climate and how we can make a difference.
