Snow School is a program run by educators across the country that enables students to attend actual classes with hands-on learning to find out about living creatures under the snow. The site contains links to programs run in 48 states and can be used to sign up individual classrooms to participate in their area. Even if your class doesn't participate, there are 2 important sections of the site that can be used in any classroom. Use the search bar to find For Teachers. This section contains links to lesson plans that allow students to explore the snow outdoors of their classroom, snow science experiments and activities, and links to other resources for teachers. Then use the search bar to find For Kids. Here kids can learn how snowshoes work, find activities to do in the snow, and links to other resources.

tag(s): density (17), snow (18)

This mini-lesson plan teaches children sequence, observation, season awareness, and creative expression. The children either make multiple drawings or cards which capture the outdoor scene of the present season. They also put the cards or drawings in sequential order. Children who can't write can dictate their comments to the teacher. As the children share their sequential stories with each other, they all practice listening skills, learn new vocabulary, and understand differences in points of view. Children can also take their classmates' pictures and cards and rearrange them and tell or write new stories.

tag(s): drawing (62), seasons (37), sequencing (17)

Besides identifying trees, users learn about forest ground layers, enrich their vocabulary, study tree anatomy and health, and hone their searching skills. When users are looking for the name of tree by looking at its leaf, this website will identify the leaf and then lead to so much more information! People who want to learn how to take care of trees learn about soils, types of land, and even how to plant (video included)!

tag(s): trees (19)

This site offers a complete on-screen primer on fire safety for parents of all ages of children. The very top menu includes an Image Gallery and Podcasts.The menu on the left includes many valuable articles including Prevent Fires, At Risk Audiences, Arson and Youth Firesetting, Outdoor Fires/Wildfires, and many others. This one's worth adding to your Favorites for safety topics.

tag(s): fire (22), fire prevention (16), fire safety (16), safety (68)

Plants with very fast growing cycles can be very useful in classroom demonstrations and lab activities. This site from the University of Wisconsin explains how to use these "fast plants" and offers a significant collection of lessons and resource ideas involving them. There are also collections of pointers for students and teachers. This site may be just the thing for teachers who have limited outdoor resources or whose climates aren't in sync with their curricula.

tag(s): experiments (55), plants (148)

The National Park Service Resources for teachers is a site you won't want to miss. First, find resources by subject, grade level, or common core standards; or use the search bar for specific topics like Virtual field trips, George Washington, biology, geometry, or any topic you need. Then, scrolling down the page, find resources for Teaching with Historic Places, Teacher Ranger Program, Every Kid Outdoors, and even Spaceflight Explorer Junior. Under these topics, find additional resources for educators.

tag(s): national parks (29), virtual field trips (131)

This regional science museum has collected several sets of lesson ideas, examples, and submissions by students and teachers. The site also includes information on how to create simple experiments using commonly available equipment. There are a number of idea starters, but you'll need to fill in the details to make the lessons work in your classroom.

tag(s): experiments (55)