Environment

Climate Change
 * About Climate Change ||  ||
 * Throughout history large parts of the earth have colder at times and warmer at times. These climate changes are discussed in this resource. You will learn about the factors that have affected the earth's climate, the first discoveries of climate change, the measurement of climate change, and the impacts of climate change. Information on global warming, greenhouse gasses, and the effects on Australia are discussed. Real life stories, tips on how to be prepared for climate change, and a list of Australia's state and territory emergency services can be found as well. ||
 * Climate change ||  ||
 * The WWF discusses climate change and the threats to humanity and nature. The opening page presents you with an overview of the impact of climate change, its global vision, and the interactive table of contents that leads you to additional information. This is where you can find an explanation of climate change that leads to even more information and a climate change timeline, discussions on the causes of climate change, and in-depth looks at the impact of climate change. ||
 * A Student's Guide to Global Climate Change ||  ||
 * Climate change is about how the Earth's climate is getting warmer. Is the Earth getting warmer on its own, or are the activities of people changing the Earth's climate? Scientists are trying to learn more about this topic. On this Web site you can read about Climate Change, Climate and Weather, the Climate System, the Greenhouse Effect, and Global Warming. You can play games, do crossword puzzles, and word search puzzles while you learn about Climate Change on this kid-friendly Web site. ||
 * Global Climate Change ||  ||
 * The lines in these clouds are caused by ship exhaust over the oceans. It's just one of the many ways that humans impact weather and climate. Natural phenomena like fluctuations in solar radiation and the Earth's orbit play a role in climate change and Ice Ages. Burning fossil fuels is slowly changing the global temperatures. Scientists look at short-term and long-term historical records concerning seasons, plant life, ice cores, and fossil records to learn about past climate change and to create climate models. ||
 * Global Climate Change: Effect of the Earth's Orbit ||  ||
 * Historic climate changes and large prehistoric climate changes are caused by variations in the earth's orbit. The main effects of these variations are changes in the seasons. This article from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources explains how the earth travels around the sun in an elliptical orbit that varies in shape. See why the distance from the earth to the sun varies and learn about the earth's rotational axis and its wobble. Changes in intensity of sunlight are explained. ||

Conservation
 * Conservation ||  ||
 * The wise use of natural resources is called conservation and this article examines natural resources and their conservation. You will first find a description of conservation and learn about natural and cultural resources. You will discover why people need to conserve and how to set conservation goals. Information on conservationists, saving biodiversity, and becoming a conservationist can be found as well. A photo gallery filled with images is also provided along with interesting videos on specific types of conservation. ||
 * Conservation and Restoration ||  ||
 * Over 95% of the species that ever existed on Earth have gone extinct. Explore conservation and restoration of species and the preservation of biodiversity at this web site from Nature. Look at estimates of how many different species are alive today and examine modern extinction rates. Species diversity, genetic diversity and ecosystem biodiversity are explained. Discover the reasons why it is important to conserve biodiversity and learn about conservation biology. Understand restoration ecology and find out about managing wild game populations. ||
 * Conservation ||  ||
 * As the population of the human race grows larger and larger and new technologies make it possible to explore once hidden areas of the world, many natural habitats are disappearing. Along with the habitats, many species of animals and plants are now in danger of extinction. Find out why certain species of animals are endangered. Learn about worldwide efforts by organizations and governments to help protect animals. Discover what the Red List is and what it reveals about threatened species. Read about some of the problems with conservation efforts. Photos and an audio link are included. ||
 * The Natural Capital Project: Making Conservation Mainstream ||  ||
 * The Nature Conservancy is a worldwide organization that works to protect the ecologically important lands, water resources, and natural environments that support human growth and development. Here you can learn about one of the special projects that the Conservancy sponsors to make people aware of different ways to evaluate or take account of our global stock of resources in order to make wise decisions about conservation, preservation, and sustainability. Use the Upper Yangtze River Basin link for an illustrated model that will demonstrate the goals of the National Capital Project in action. The site is available in English and Espanol. ||

Contamination/Pollution
 * Coun Pollution tries Ranked by Air ||   ||
 * Which countries are the best and worst in the world for air quality? Investigate air pollution statistics based on PM10 particles. These particles include things like smoke, dirt, pollen, and mold. The smaller particles of PM2.5 pollution include toxic compounds and heavy metals. Mongolia and Botswana have the highest levels of PM10 pollution with an average rating of very unhealthy. Fourteen countries have high levels of pollution on a regular basis that are unhealthy for at least some groups of people. Estonia has the lowest levels of PM10 pollution. ||
 * Air Now: Students ||  ||
 * The Environmental Protection Agency measures pollution in the air and informs the public about air quality. Colors and numbers are used to indicate good air quality and hazardous air quality. To understand how this works, you can examine the information on this student-centered Web site. Learn about ozone, particle pollution, and the Air Quality Index while you watch color animations. Play Smog City 2 to learn how human choices, the land, and the environment are all factors that add to air pollution. Be sure to check out the additional Links for more information on these topics. ||
 * The Air That We Breathe ||  ||
 * Tighter rules and regulations regarding the air we breathe are the topic of this site. Learn about the Environmental Protection Agency proposed rules for ground-level ozone and particulates. The effects of these particulates on lung function are explained. See the six categories of air pollutants. You can find detailed information on air particulates and ozone, and the harm they can cause to health, especially breathing. Find out about the industries that will be required to pay for cleaner fuels or new pollution controls. Pollution monitors are discussed. ||
 * Effects on Health and the Environment ||  ||
 * The web site is an excellent resource for the effects of air pollution on our health and environment. There are a number of additional links to various related environmental topics such as acid and temperature inversion. Birth defects and cancer is touched upon in the health section. Possible solutions to air pollution is also addressed. Written in clear and concise language, this site is suitable for an intermediate to advanced reader, and would be suitable for 4th grade and above. ||
 * What's the State of Your Air? ||  ||
 * Enter your zip code or click on your state to see how clean the air is that you are breathing. State of the Air is an annual report by the American Lung Association that tells how much and what types of air pollution can be found around the United States. Look at key findings of the yearly report and learn which cities have the cleanest air and which have the most polluted air. There is information on air pollution basics, health risks and how you can protect the air. ||
 * Air- State of the Earth ||  ||
 * Up to a fourth of Los Angeles' smog is imported from overseas. Soot and pollutants from Asia's factories form into brown clouds that cross the ocean, travelling thousands of miles in days. Pollution from North America travels to Europe. In Mumbai, the smog is so thick that it's like smoking more than two packs of cigarettes a day. The brown clouds have actually reduced the effects of climate change by blocking sunlight. Cleaning up pollution will help human health but may speed up global warming. Meanwhile, the hole in the ozone has been getting bigger but should start to shrink. ||
 * Up to a fourth of Los Angeles' smog is imported from overseas. Soot and pollutants from Asia's factories form into brown clouds that cross the ocean, travelling thousands of miles in days. Pollution from North America travels to Europe. In Mumbai, the smog is so thick that it's like smoking more than two packs of cigarettes a day. The brown clouds have actually reduced the effects of climate change by blocking sunlight. Cleaning up pollution will help human health but may speed up global warming. Meanwhile, the hole in the ozone has been getting bigger but should start to shrink. ||

Fossil Fuels
 * Fossil Fuels ||  ||
 * It takes a really long time but eventually heat and pressure turn dead plants into coal. Ancient plants and animals were also transformed into oil and natural gas. We call them fossil fuels and use them for fuel, heat, and electricity. They are considered nonrenewable resources because they take so long to form and will eventually run out. Fossil fuels cause a lot of pollution and smog when we burn them. We must find ways to use less. ||
 * The Hidden Cost of Fossil Fuels ||  ||
 * The price of gas continues to rise. The cost of coal, oil, and natural gas continues to rise. Why? This article will tell you all about The Hidden Cost of Fossil Fuels. Topics covered within the article on this page include: Environmental Impact of Fossil Fuel Use, Global Warming, Air Pollution, Water and Land Pollution, and Thermal Pollution. The United States relies heavily on the Middle East for oil. Read more about this topic in the section: National Security Impacts of Fossil Fuel Use. ||
 * Where Fossil Fuels Come From ||  ||
 * Another chapter of the Energy Story explores fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. The chapter first addresses where fossil fuels come from and includes photographs to accompany the text. Next it discusses coal and then oil and petroleum. More photos and graphs accompany this section. A chart helps explain refineries and natural gas is finally described. The chapter ends with a section on saving fossil fuels and a link to another chapter. ||

Fracking
 * Fracking Raises Cost/Benefit Questions ||  ||
 * Everybody agrees that we need new sources of energy. What people disagree about is what risks are acceptable to obtain those new sources of energy. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, injects high-pressure fluids into underground rock formations to crack them. This makes it easier to obtain domestic sources of oil, rather than relying on imported oil supplies that can be threatened by embargoes and terrorists. Fracking can create new jobs and raise money for roads and schools. On the other hand, fracking can trigger earthquakes. It also produces a lot of contaminated wastewater and can pollute groundwater. ||
 * Fracking Fuels Energy Debate ||  ||
 * A lighter lit near a kitchen faucet creates a fireball in Colorado. Why would water be flammable? Methane might have gotten into the water supply due to nearby hydraulic fracturing. Also known as fracking, hydraulic fracturing is a way of getting natural gas from shale deposits. Burning natural gas creates less air pollution than coal or oil, but fracking can lead to groundwater pollution. It's hard not to contaminate the groundwater when the natural gas is underneath the groundwater supply. ||
 * Hydraulic Fracturing or Fracking ||  ||
 * There are abundant natural gas resources deep underground, but many fear that the methods used to obtain them are damaging to the environment. Hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, injects fluids into the ground to crack open rock layers. Natural gas trapped in the rock is released and captured by the well. Due to the depth at which these resources are found, the wells cross aquifers. Toxic chemicals from fracking and wastewater can contaminate waterways, habitats, and drinking water. ||
 * Fracking: Godsend, Devil's Tool or ...? ||  ||
 * Fracking is a short name for a technique that splits rock so natural gas can flow. The Why Files web site explains how hydraulic fracturing is used to extract natural gas from shale and to boost production in the majority of oil and gas wells. Look at both sides of the debate over fracking and see what the gas industry and the critics of fracking have to say about the practice. Learn some history of the use of natural gas as a source of energy and see a diagram that shows how the process of fracking works. ||
 * || Topic: Hydraulic fracturing (Fracking), Natural gas || ||
 * Truth Comes out on 'Fracking' Toxins ||  ||
 * It was not Canada's energy regulators but the U.S. Committee on Energy and Commerce who revealed the long list of hydraulic fracking fluids that are used to produce shale gas and oil. This news report explains the types of toxic items that were on this list and why in Canada it is impossible to assess the effects of these fluids. The reactions of Alberta, Quebec, and New Brunswick residents are discussed along with the process of fracking. ||
 * EPA Connects Fracking To Water Contamination ||  ||
 * The Environmental Protection Agency found benzene, glycol, and alcohol in ground water contaminated by hydraulic fracking in Wyoming. The gas industry has previously said that injecting high pressure chemicals underground did not contaminate groundwater. Hydraulic fracking has caused natural gas drilling to expand across the United States, but concerns are growing over health and environmental risks. People living near gas wells have water that tastes or smells bad. Water tests revealed methane and hydrocarbons. Some gas companies are providing drinking water to nearby residents, but the EPA is concerned that the chemicals could get into the aquifer. ||

Greenhouse Gases
 * Greenhouse Gases ||  ||
 * Learn all about greenhouse gases from this page. Greenhouse gases make the Earth warmer by trapping heat into the atmosphere. There are 3 factors that determine a gas’s effect on climate change.This site provides many charts to explain greenhouse gases and their impact on the atmosphere. There’s a chart that tells you the amount of each gas emitted from daily activities, sources of greenhouse gas emissions, and emissions of greenhouse gases worldwide from 1990-2005. ||
 * Greenhouse gases ||  ||
 * Check out this site about greenhouse gases. Learn about why greenhouse gases are needed for the earth to properly function. There are many greenhouse gases. This site will give you a list of greenhouse gases. Some greenhouse gases are naturally part of the earth. But some greenhouse gases are produced by some of the things people do in our modern society. These activities cause an increase in greenhouse gases and make the temperature of the earth warmer. Discover some of the activities that are causing an increase in greenhouse gases. ||
 * Greenhouse Gases ||  ||
 * What are greenhouse gases and how do they affect Earth's atmosphere? The Energy Information Administration does a great job of teaching people the answer to this question. In an online version of their brochure titled Greenhouse Gases, Climate Change, and Energy they will explain and illustrate the properties of these gases, how their atmospheric levels have increased, the carbon cycle and their role in climate change, sources of these gases, and future emission predictions. ||
 * Global Warming and Greenhouse Gases ||  ||
 * Imagine Earth as one big greenhouse, surrounded by a protective atmosphere instead of glass. This article explains how greenhouses work to trap natural light and regulate temperature so plants will grow, and discusses how Earth's atmosphere behaves in the same way to make life on the planet possible. It goes on to discuss how the production of too many greenhouse gases has contributed to global warming. ||
 * Atmosphere // Section 4: Major Greenhouse Gases ||  ||
 * There are two types of greenhouse gases. Some occur naturally in the atmosphere and others are chemicals that are caused by human activity. Understand these differences and find out why the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is increasing. There are explanations of carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, and perfluorocarbons. See how each type of greenhouse gas is produced and find out what happens to the earth when atmospheric concentrations increase. The site includes a diagram of the contributions of greenhouse gases to climate change. ||

Landfills/Leachate
 * How Landfills Work ||  ||
 * Did you know that each person living in America generates four pounds of garbage a day? Have you ever wondered what happens to all that garbage once the trash man takes it away? On this web site the focus in on landfills. You will be able to discover where your garbage goes, and what that means for you and the environment of the Earth as a whole. There are quite a few links here for you to follow as well. ||
 * Solid Waste Landfills ||  ||
 * Waste disposal is getting to be a big issue in America, as so many people now live here and therefore generate garbage. Do you know where the landfills that hold all of your garbage can be found? On this web site created by the Environmental Protection Agency, you can get the inside scoop on landfills. You will see why they are necessary, what regulations surround them, and what actions can be taken if there is a problem with a landfill. ||
 * This Place Is No Dump ||  ||
 * If you think landfills are just places to dump trash, think again! This web site from Clean Sweep will teach you about landfills and how they work. Watch a video of a real landfill and find out about the different areas in landfills. Learn about Environmental Protection Agency standards that landfills must meet to be safe and efficient. You will also find out what happens when a landfill reaches capacity. Piece together your own landfill and take the landfill quiz. ||
 * The Basics of Landfills ||  ||
 * You may already be aware that the garbage that is collected by the trash man every week ends up in a landfill, but do you know what happens to your trash after that? On this web site you will be get to learn about the basics of landfills, the effects that they have on public health and the environment, and what the alternatives to landfills are. There are also links to many articles about landfills here for you. ||
 * Why Is the World's Biggest Landfill in the Pacific Ocean? ||  ||
 * A clockwise spiral of ocean and air currents leaves a large patch in the northern Pacific Ocean as an oceanic desert. Few large marine creatures live there and few fisherman pass through the region. The currents have collected and trapped millions of pounds of ocean trash, primarily plastic. People call it the Pacific Garbage Patch. The biggest landfill in the world, it's on water instead of land. About ten percent of the world's plastics end up in the ocean and this enormous patch of plastic trash is twice the size of Texas. Examine the effects on marine life. ||
 * Groundwater Pollution ||  ||
 * Groundwater pollution is a very real problem in our environment. It is not something we necessarily think about when we fertilize our lawn or dispose of household and garden chemicals. There are organizations on the local level that make efforts to educate and offer resources for all of us. The Hillsdale County Community Center, a county in Michigan has provided a great source to learn more about groundwater pollution. Information you will find includes diagrams of ways in which contaminants can reach groundwater, contamination evidence, and prevention. ||
 * Love Canal Public Health Time Bomb ||  ||
 * The Love Canal tragedy was one of the first environmental disasters to raise public awareness of the dangers of toxic chemicals to people and the environment. The New York Commissioner of Health presented a report about the devastating effects of the toxins at Love Canal in 1978. On this New York State web page, you can read the entire report that will help you understand the importance of this landmark event. You will find a history of Love Canal, demographic data, and charts that reveal the serious biological hazards of the chemicals and their impact on the community's health. ||

Pesticides
 * Pesticide ||  ||
 * Pesticides are used to kill plants and animals that may harm people. Usually referring to chemicals, pesticides can also be natural predators, pathogens, or pheromones. Investigate different types of pesticides including genetically engineered pesticides, contact poisons, fumigants, systemic pesticides, and selective pesticides. Examine how pesticides affect the environment and why government regulation is necessary. Understand how pesticides can be beneficial and why they can be dangerous. Although pesticides have made fresh fruits and vegetables more available, these toxic chemicals can also threaten human health. ||
 * Choosing Pesticides Wisely ||  ||
 * When are pesticides really needed? Read this article to find the answer to this and other questions. If pesticides are needed, read on to learn which kind of pesticide will best fit different needs and situations. Here you will learn several important terms, and how important it is to read the labels on pesticides carefully. Also learn about good cultural practices, such as watering correctly, using fertilizer correctly, and others, which reduce the need for using pesticides. ||
 * Pesticides and Wildlife: A Perilous Mix ||  ||
 * The Mountain-Prairie region of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service provides this feature article about pesticides and their effect on wildlife. Information about specific pesticides is provided. Some history of pesticide effects and consequent banning is provided. The effects of the different levels of toxicity are discussed. The end of this feature article contains recommendations about pesticide use. Specific examples of wildlife recovery, due to pesticide research, from near extinction are cited. ||
 * About Pesticides ||  ||
 * Although pesticides and other agricultural chemicals help provide the abundance of food in the U.S., they can also pose health hazards. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has compiled a list of the most common questions that consumers ask about pesticides and provides easy access to the answers. If you are wondering how to reduce your exposure to pesticide residues or how to have your water tested for agriculture chemicals, you will find simple and direct answers. You will also find information about how to use pesticides safely and about the health effects of common agricultural chemicals. ||
 * What Is A Pesticide? ||  ||
 * Designed to destroy of repel pests, pesticides help prevent damage from insects or rodents. Weed killers are also considered pesticides. Some chemicals that you might not realize are pesticides include chemicals that kill algae in swimming pools, cleaning products that control mildew or disinfect floors, and flea collars for your cat or dog. Investigate common types and categories of pesticides that kill microorganisms, fungi, mites, snails, slugs, nematodes, and other plants and animals. Microorganisms can also be used to get rid of other pests. ||

Recycle, Reduce, Reuse
 * Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle ||  ||
 * Choose to make a difference in your environment by learning how to reduce waste. Start by buying and using less stuff. Make wise package selections by picking packaging that protects the contents without creating extra waste from decorative packaging. You can choose products that are packaged in materials that are easy to recycle. Realize that a reusable bottle for water or juice is better for the environment than single-serve bottles that you throw away. Discover how buying in bulk saves on packaging waste and saves money. Find a list of things that can be recycled. ||
 * E-waste: Reduce, Recycle, Reuse ||  ||
 * Have you ever considered what happens to your discarded cell phones, game systems, computers, televisions, and other outdated electronics? This article discusses how the concept of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle can and should be applied when dealing with e-waste, some of which contains hazardous materials. Watch a video that shows the work being done at a South African e-waste facility. ||
 * Solid Waste and Recycling ||  ||
 * We reduce, reuse, and recycle because natural resources are limited. Discover how much garbage the average person creates and what the garbage consists of. Decide whether your trash items should go to the landfill, compost bin, worm bin, thrift store, or recycling bin. Look at how a landfill works to protect the environment. Explore pie graphs, quizzes, games, and lots of information. Find out what happens to your trash and recycling after the truck picks it up. Discover all the things you can buy that are made from recycled materials. ||
 * Recycling in Pennsylvania ||  ||
 * All the information you'll need to begin or maintain a recycling program in Pennsylvania is available on this web page. Learn the difference between recycling and commercial recycling, find out about composting, get tips for being an environmental shopper and for buying recycled products. In addition, there is a news section, and a recycling program locator. ||
 * Can Manufacturers Institute: Recycling Fun Facts ||  ||
 * Every minute, approximately 20,000 steel cans are recycled in the United States. Wow, that's a lot of cans! It makes you realize how important recycling is in helping our environment. On this Web page you will find over 35 interesting and fun facts about cans. For example, did you know that aluminum cans NEVER wear out? They can be recycled forever! Maybe when you have finished reading these facts, you will become better at recycling cans and convince your friends how important it is, too. ||
 * Water Recycling and Reuse: The Environmental Benefits ||  ||
 * When you think of recycling, you most likely think of aluminum cans, glass bottles, and newspapers. Did you know that water can be recycled and reused too? Wastewater can be treated to use for irrigation, industrial processes, or flushing toilets. Also known as water reclamation, recycling imitates and speeds up the processes of the natural water cycle. Understand the relationship between water use and the level of water treatment needed, depending on potential human exposure to recycled water. Explore the environmental benefits and future of water recycling. ||
 * Recycling ||  ||
 * Most of our garbage ends up in landfills but there are other options that are better for the environment. Paper, glass, metal, and plastic can be recycled. Yard and food wastes are biodegradable and can be composted with the help of microorganisms. Analyze how recycling saves natural resources and energy. Due to the toxins in our garbage, landfills have to be lined with clay so they don't poison the soil, water, or air. Investigate how steel, paper, and thermoplastics can be recycled. Vegetable peelings, leaves, and grass cuttings can help your garden grow. ||

Oil Drilling
 * How Oil Drilling Works ||  ||
 * Oil is one of the most valuable resources known to mankind. This site does an excellent job of explaining the process of locating and drilling for oil. There are easy to understand sections that discussion where oil comes from, how oil is located, and how it is extracted from the earth's surface on land and in water. There are many visual representations (of a seismology operation and rock formations that contain oil) and links to other valuable information on topics related to the oil drilling industry. ||
 * Virtual Oil Well ||  ||
 * What will you do with two million dollars? Try your skill at finding oil at this site that offers a game called the Virtual Oil Well. You will find that your aunt left you money and the mineral rights to land. Now you will use the money to find the oil. See what decisions you will have to make in order to drill for oil. As you proceed, you will learn about environmental impact. There is an explanation of rules and great library for you to use. ||
 * Offshore Drilling ||  ||
 * Offshore drilling rigs look for oil and gas deep in the sea floor. Self-contained drilling platforms, or Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, can be used in adverse weather and ocean conditions. Geological data determines the best places to drill exploratory underwater wells. Delineation wells track the size and quality of the oil formation. Discover how blow out preventers, containment devises, and deluge systems help prevent disasters. In extreme environments, it is also necessary to track icebergs and bad weather. Emergency response systems are tested each year. ||
 * The Story of Oil in Pennsylvania ||  ||
 * An oil well drilled in Pennsylvania in 1859 began an international search for petroleum and eventually changed the way people lived. Look back at the history of petroleum in Pennsylvania and meet Colonel Edwin Drake, the man who started it all. Read about the early ideas to produce oil commercially and see why Titusville, Pennsylvania was selected. See how this quiet farming region of the state changed with the discovery of oil. Be sure to look at the geology of Pennsylvania oil regions to see what oil is doing in Pennsylvania. ||

Alternative Energy
 * Alternative Energy ||  ||
 * The numerous negative aspects of using fossil fuels have led to a need to find alternate sources of energy. This article talks about different alternative energy sources and about a country that has made progress in converting its energy bases from fossil fuels to renewable energies. Examine the issues surrounding the quest to move beyond fossil fuels and explore the pros and cons of various types of alternative energies. Included links focus on defining alternative energy, explaining the types of alternative energy, the economics of energy use and energy provider efforts. ||
 * Can Alternative Energy Effectively Replace Fossil Fuels? ||  ||
 * Can solar power, geothermal energy, and biofuels meet energy demands so that they can replace coal and oil? Fossil fuels harm the environment and contribute to climate change, but are more economical. Renewable energy sources face many technological barriers before they can replace the energy now supplied by fossil fuels. Investigate expert answers to the core question. Study the top ten pros and cons including creating green jobs, gaining energy independence, and growing crops for fuel instead of food. ||
 * Waste to Energy Technology ||  ||
 * The Alternative Energy web site provides information on the potential of new ways to recycle waste by generating electricity from landfill waste and pollution. Explore the news articles on this page and discover the creative ways that companies are finding to use garbage, sewage, and waste products to create energy and fuel. You will find examples that include harvesting hydrogen from farm waster, producing clean liquid fuel from landfill gas, and building a large-scale renewable energy facility as part of a correctional center. ||
 * Sustainable Energy – Without the Hot Air ||  ||
 * The developed world is addicted to fossil fuels. Using fossil fuels for 80% of our energy is unsustainable, a threat to Earth's climate, and forces reliance on imported supplies. There are renewable energy alternatives that would create less pollution but it would require money and space. Investigate supply and demand as it relates to energy conservation and production. Imagine the potential of the Sahara Desert for producing solar power. Find out what works and what doesn't work for conserving and producing electricity and heat. Analyze motivations and views from various sources concerning renewable energy and energy conservation. ||

Nuclear Energy
 * Nuclear Technologies ||  ||
 * Originally developed for World War II, nuclear technologies quickly found their way into peacetime applications. Some believe the power of the atom is too dangerous to be wielded by humans, but that didn't stop a string of scientific and engineering breakthroughs in this field. In spite of safety concerns, nuclear power became a popular energy source for electricity and submarines. Radioisotopes are also used in nuclear medicine. Trace the history and development of nuclear technologies. ||
 * Nuclear Power ||  ||
 * Energy from the nucleus of an atom provides nuclear power. Nuclear reactors generate heat, and steam is converted into electricity. Discover how a nuclear power plant works and learn about the little uranium pellets it uses for fuel. Fission splits the atom when a neutron hits the nucleus. Investigate how it turns into a chain reaction and can be harnessed for energy. In addition to making electricity, nuclear reactions can be used to power spaceships. Explore the benefits of nuclear fusion over nuclear fission. ||
 * Nuclear ||  ||
 * Harnessing nuclear energy safely is the challenge of being a nuclear engineer. From power plants to submarines, nuclear energy has powerful possibilities. Radioactive materials are also used in medicine and industry. Nuclear engineers may work for the government in national laboratories, defense, or regulatory agencies. They may work with weapons or waste disposal. In the future, nuclear engineers may help develop faster spacecraft or a nuclear reactor for a lunar colony. Nuclear energy today uses fission, but fusion might be even better. ||
 * Students' Corner: Nuclear Energy ||  ||
 * The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) monitors the use of nuclear materials in the U.S. The Commission oversees: reactors (used to generate power), materials (used in medicine or industry) and waste (to protect the environment). This site describes how and why nuclear energy is used. For example, nuclear materials have been used to control the amount of glue on a postage stamp. From this page, there are links to a glossary, nuclear reactors, radioactive waste, and a periodic table of elements. ||

Wind Energy
 * Power of the Wind ||  ||
 * Perhaps you've used the wind to fly a kite or created enough wind of your own to turn a pinwheel. Do you know that the wind can be used to make electricity? As scientists look for Earth-friendly ways to produce electricity, wind is a great renewable resource that we will never use up. Wind power is pretty inexpensive and does not produce harmful pollution. For thousands of years, people have used windmills to grind grain into flour or pump water. Today, the turning blades of a wind turbine power a generator. Discover challenges with using wind energy. ||
 * Wind Energy: Energy From Moving Air ||  ||
 * This is a great web site to learn about how wind moves and how a wind turbine works. There are diagrams for both of these subjects along with easy reading to explain them. The first uses of wind power are discussed and there are several links to other wind energy information. A major milestones chart lumps together important information by years. Other renewable energy resources can also be accessed. ||
 * Farming the Wind in Iowa ||  ||
 * You probably know about farmers who grow corn and wheat and tomatoes. Did you ever hear of someone farming the wind? Read this Science Buzz article to learn about the wind as a cash crop. You will discover that some farmers in Iowa are looking at wind turbines that could help create alternative forms of energy. One Iowa company wants to build a wind farm covering about 40,000 acres. Find out about the interest in wind energy in several states, and see a picture of a wind farm. ||
 * Green Power Switch: Wind Power ||  ||
 * The wind is invisible, but if it is strong, it can be a great source of energy. Wind power could light your home and run your television and computer. Wind machines or turbines, sort of like windmills, are connected to an electric generator. No pollution from creating this energy, just a wind farm of turbines. Taller turbines get more wind. The Buffalo Mountain Wind Park in Tennessee is the first commercial-scale use of wind power in the southeastern United States. ||

Geothermal Energy
 * Geothermal ||  ||
 * Under certain conditions the heat of the earth can increase the temperature of an underground water supply. The information featured at this Energy Kid's Page Web site describes how the water heated by temperature changes within the earth can be used as a natural energy source. The site uses pictures to explain the processes used to create geothermal energy in power plants across the United States. There are also links to additional information, including statistics, about the use of hot springs and other natural energy sources by the site sponsor the Energy Information Administration. ||
 * Geothermal Technologies Program ||  ||
 * Let the Geothermal Energy Program explain to you what geothermal resources are. Learn about some of the geothermal energy technologies that are used, what some of the environmental and economic impacts are, what benefits they provide, the main historical events behind their use, and much more! You can find answers to common questions on the subject, view maps showing locations of power plants and laboratories, and access a glossary that defines common terms. ||
 * Chapter 11: Geothermal Energy ||  ||
 * Physical changes that happen far below the surface of the earth are strong enough to heat the temperature of underground water sources to boiling. This Web site describes how these geothermal processes can be developed as natural energy sources for heating, cooling, and electricity. The overview features a history of hot springs that includes social and cultural information, as well as color pictures that explain how they are used in ground source pumps and heating systems. There is also a Table of Contents link to more information about natural energy resources available from the site sponsor, the California Energy Commission. ||

Wildlife Protection
 * National Wildlife Federation ||  ||
 * The NWF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of wildlife. It focuses its work on current environmental issues in six areas: endangered habitats, wetlands, sustainable communities, land stewardship, water quality, and international issues. The website is huge with multitudes of links to current news stories, magazines and publications, and educational programs with a special children's section featuring tours focusing on water use, wetlands, endangered species, and public lands. ||
 * Pesticides and Wildlife ||  ||
 * The United States Fish and Wildlife Service provides this information about the impact of pesticides on the service's trust resources. A limited number of statistics are presented concerning the presence of pesticides in major rivers in the United States. Many textual links provide transport to additional related articles such as the Clean Water Act, the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, the Endangered Species Protection Program (ESPP), and others. This is a good web site for information on this topic. ||
 * Rescuing Wildlife ||  ||
 * Access the information found at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's web site to learn about rescuing wildlife injured or distressed during an oil spill. What training does one need to have to participate in a wildlife rescue of this type? What needs to be done to save animals injured from an oil spill? Find answers to these questions, and much more, by accessing the article and links found here. Learn about human intervention, rescuing and cleaning birds, and marine mammal rescue and cleaning. ||
 * Protecting the Future of Nature ||  ||
 * The World Wildlife Foundation was started in 1961. The mission of the foundation is to protect endangered species. Some of these species include elephants, tigers, whales, and pandas. Endangered species need extra protection in order to survive. Many of these species are also umbrella species. This means that by helping the endangered species, these species help other species that live in the same habitat. To learn more about the World Wildlife Foundation and endangered species, visit this informative web page. ||