The University of Minnesota Biocatalysis/Biodegradation Database (UM/BBD) contains "microbial biocatalytic reactions and biodegradation pathways primarily for xenobiotic, chemical compounds." A new microbial enzyme-catalyzed reactions has been posted for 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid. 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is used in cultivated agricultural areas, rangeland and pastures, forests, and homes or gardens, and is "a chlorinated phenoxy compound [that] functions as a systemic herbicide and is used to control many types of broadleaf weeds." The degradation pathway map includes organisms which can initiate the pathway. The pathway map provides detailed information on each hyperlinked step, including graphics, product/substrate reactions, and external links to further information.

This activity is designed for a primary classroom (outdoors & indoors) investigation where students collect and investigate soil samples and describe the soils, looking for similarities and differences. Students develop a method of recording the data colleted and can present the information gathered.

In this lesson, students expand their understanding of solid waste management to include the idea of 3RC (reduce, reuse, recycle and compost). They will look at the effects of packaging decisions (reducing) and learn about engineering advancements in packaging materials and solid waste management. Also, they will observe biodegradation in a model landfill (composting).

With over 100 years of service, the 4-H Organization is committed to helping "young people and their families gain the skills they need to be proactive forces in their communities and develop ideas for a more innovative economy." Their work includes outreach to agricultural communities, teen leadership programs, and many other initiatives. On the site's homepage, visitors will find four primary areas, including "About 4-H", "Programs", and "Resource Library". In the "Resource Library" area, visitors can learn about 4-H curriculum materials, volunteer resources, and grant opportunities. Moving on, the "Programs" area includes information about their youth research programs that address climate change, community leadership, and childhood obesity. Also, visitors can sign up for the "Power of YOUth News" updates and other news bulletins.

This resource introduces students to the Dry Valleys of Antarctica, the largest area on the continent that is not covered by ice. Materials include a map and some brief facts about Antarctica and the valleys, such as size, location and physical properties (temperature, precipitation and others), and an online journal in which participants in the Dry Valleys Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) project discuss what it is like to live and work there. The journal entries include descriptions of some of the organisms that inhabit the extreme environments of the valleys, physical features of the valleys, and the strange mummified bodies of animals such as penguins and seals that have been preserved in the cold, dry climate. There is also a glossary of acronyms used in the project and a set of links to other websites with additional information about the Dry Valleys.

This special feature page from the American Chemical Society (ACS) showcases the up-and-coming field of "green chemistry," that is, the development of chemical products and processes that eliminate or reduce the use and generation of hazardous substances. A list of principles behind green chemistry, a searchable bibliography of green chemistry references, and green chemistry links (including conferences). This page comes from ACS's Green Chemistry Project, a three-year educational project to develop and disseminate green chemistry educational materials for graduate and undergraduate chemistry students.

As the carbon dioxide concentration of our atmosphere increases and our climate warms, the hay fever season seems to be getting longer and more severe. In this case study, students assume the a role of a public relations specialist contracted to communicate the link between climate change and pollen allergies. The activity focuses on the importance of scientific skills to careers outside science, and is most suitable for a lower-level introductory biology, human health, or environmental science course.

ARKive is a collection of photographs, videos, and fact-files illustrating thousands of species of animals, with emphasis on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of endangered species, and on species found in Britain. For each animal there are approximately 10 minutes of video footage, 6-10 still photos, and sound recordings (where appropriate), creating a complete profile of the species' characteristic behavior and appearance. The images are accompanied by a page of facts, including taxonomy, a physical description, conservation status, geographic range, habitat, and other information. There are also links to other animals with related taxonomic families, habitats, or conservation status.

In this video adapted from ATETV, learn how Bristol Community College promotes internships and co-ops to prepare students for work in technology-related careers.

This organization promotes sustainable agriculture. Their website provides publications on production practices, alternative crop and livestock enterprises, innovative marketing, and organic certification, and highlights of local, regional, USDA and other federal sustainable ag activities.

In this activity (page 11 of the PDF), learners investigate how quickly water moves through various materials. They measure and compare the permeability of gravel, sand, and soil. Although this was created as a post-visit activity for a workshop about earth processes, it also makes an excellent stand alone activity.

This two-day lesson helps students understand abiotic and biotic factors. Once the concept has been grasped, they can trace the interactions of these factors within a system.

The COSEE network promotes a better understanding of the key role the ocean plays in global environmental cycles and processes. COSEE activities highlight the contributions ocean-science researchers make to scientific knowledge in these important areas. Each COSEE represents one or more ocean science research institution, an informal science education organization, and at least one affiliate organization representing the formal education community.

Children learn how seasonal weather changes affect everything, from the behavior of animals to the way we dress and play.

This activity is acid-base titration lab where students determine the percent of calcium carbonate in an eggshell.

This learning activity from the Advanced Technology Environmental and Energy Center (ATEEC) provides students with the opportunity to use analytical meters and instruments and perform acid deposition sampling. Students will collect samples from various sources over a period of time, then measure pH and develop graphs or charts. Users must download this resource for viewing, which requires a free log-in. There is no cost to download the item.

Add acidity to a healthy lake and see what happens to the plants and animals in this interactive activity adapted from EcoKids. ***Access to Teacher's Domain content now requires free login to PBS Learning Media.

In this video, an environmental technologist visits an abandoned coal mine in Kentucky to talk about how a remediation system (a series of settling ponds and treatment cells) is neutralizing the acid drainage flowing from the mine and keeping it from damaging a creek downstream.

For years, our oceans have been hard at work absorbing the carbon dioxide that humans create through burning fossil fuels. Find out what effect that extra CO2 is having on our seas.

In this outdoor game, learners play the roles of gray or red squirrels gathering and storing a supply of food in "fall" and recovering enough of them to survive the "winter." Learners carry bags representing their cheek pouches for carrying food. Learners investigate the advantages and disadvantages of how these two kinds of squirrels store food differently.

There are many websites dedicated to providing the public with information about the biological sciences, but ActionBioScience.org may be one of the best around. Started in 2000 by a group of concerned scientists and educators, the site provides articles by scientists, science educators and students on issues related to seven primary areas, including genomics, biotechnology, evolution, and biodiversity. All of the pieces on the site go through a peer-review process and are written with a keen eye towards providing information in a way that is largely jargon-free and highly accessible. From the homepage, visitors can look for articles in one of seven thematic areas, look for materials in Spanish, and peruse materials created just for educators. The site can also be browsed topically in the larger categories of Biodiversity, Environment, Genomics, Biotechnology, Evolution, and New Frontiers or from the "topic directory" which alphabetically lists all the bioscience subjects covered on the site.

Hear about how respect for Earth can help us attain a more sustainable lifestyle in the face of climate change in this video segment adapted from United Tribes Technical College.

The Advanced Technology Environmental and Energy Center (ATEEC) provides a wide range of environmental and energy technology learning resources for students, teachers, and technicians; the Center does this, in part, through their electronic Environmental Resources Library (eErl) digital library. The Center's objective is the "advancement of environmental technology education through curriculum development, professional development, and program improvement in the nation's community colleges and high schools." ATEEC is housed at Scott Community College (Bettendorf, Iowa) and was established by National Science Foundation (NSF) Advanced Technology Education (ATE) Center funds.

This activity (on page 2 of the PDF) is a full inquiry investigation into aerial imagery. Learners will use the internet to gather free aerial imagery of nearby points of interest (or use laminated images prepped by educator). Then, they will imagine they are traveling in a spaceship to visit Earth for the first time and explore how their view changes as they approach Earthäóťs surface. Relates to linked video, DragonflyTV GPS: Earthquakes.

This radio broadcast discusses the findings of a conservationist who flew over of most of the continent of Africa in a small plane at low altitude, photographing the ground below every 20 seconds, to form a grid map. The flyover was intended to evaluate human impacts on African ecosystems, including wildlife, vegetation, and soil. The researcher, Dr, Michael Fay, points out that humans have penetrated very deeply into every single ecosystem in Africa that was visited, exhausting soils, vegetation, and water systems. He also discusses the need for greater natural resource management to locate the places where humans have already exceeded what the ecosystem can sustain. The broadcast is 7 minutes and 45 seconds in length.

Multiple activity, comprehensive lesson plan includes background information, grading rubric, information on associated learning standards and assessment, as well as links to additional external resources. Activity explores the concepts of a hurricane's impact on the environment, society, and economics of a given community. Students map the potential storm surge and flooding on a topographic map and locate and report on past hurricanes in a specific geographical region.

This site is the open access journal for agrobiotechnology economics and management. The purpose of the journal is to lead the way "to socially responsible and economically efficient decisions in science, public policy, and commercialization" in agrobiotech management and economics. Here, users will find the complete current issue of the journal and back issues to the first edition published in 1998. Topics in the journal include insect resistance management plans, Bt cotton, farming in developing countries, and genetically modified foods. In addition to free access to content, users may choose to become a member of the site (also for free) and receive notification when new issues are published, expert forecasts in agricultural biotechnology, and increased influence over the content of the journal. This is a helpful resource for students, educators, and researchers working in agricultural technology fields.

The good folks at Texas A&M University's Extension Horticulture program have been maintaining this site since October 1994. Currently, over fifty teachers, scientists, and extension specialists work to keep this site buzzing with activity and high-quality resources for Texans and anyone else who wanders on by. Visitors can navigate the materials offered here by combing over the links on the left-hand side of the page. Here they will find lists of tips for gardening in different regions of Texas, along with the "PLANTanswers" section. This special feature includes an archive of gardening information assembled by Dr. Jerry Parsons. Visitors will be delighted to learn that they can also watch videos of Dr. Parsons and his colleagues answering questions. This area also includes a sampling of recipes and quotes for general consumption and use.

Ag in the Classroom is a resource for teachers who teach about agriculture. Information is provided about grants for teaching agriculture, links for resources, conferences, and a teacher page. The teachers page contains downloadable issues of Acres of Agventures, Ag Mags for kids, many agriculture lessons, kits for teachers available to loan, and a 4 Kids Only page.

This video segment adapted from Big River: A King Corn Companion shows how agricultural chemicals from the Midwest that travel downstream in water runoff create a vast marine dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico.

In this 4:23 video adapted from Pathways to Technology, learn why, to be a successful farmer today, you need the latest computer technology. Community college student Adam Sheppard˘ď‹ď_s family has been farming the same land for seven generations. The geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS) technology he is studying in school can help farmers know how much seed to buy, where to plant, and how much compost or fertilizer to use. Adam's internship at a co-op farm allows him to apply what he's learned in the classroom. When finished with school, he plans to bring his knowledge back home to his family's farm. The video is accompanied by a background essay, standards, and discussion questions. Users who sign up for a free account can download the video as well.

Learn how agricultural technology is changing farming, and one student's life, in this video adapted from Pathways to Technology.

In this 4:15 video adapted from Pathways to Technology, learn how one person turned a job-ending injury into an opportunity to build a new career. When Richard Guider lost his arm in an industrial accident, he needed to find new career opportunities. He began by attending community college, where he studied agricultural technology and water management. In school, he learned that a job can be more than just a way to earn a paycheck˘ď‹ďÓit can help make a difference in the world, for example, by keeping the fishing holes he loves free of pollution. The video is accompanied by a background essay, standards alignment, and discussion questions. Users who sign up for a free account can download the video as well.

See one adult student's experience attending community college, studying agricultural technology, and discovering career opportunities, in this video adapted from Pathways to Technology.

Developed as an integral part of the Canadian government, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada "provides information, research and technology, and policies and programs to achieve security of the food system, health of the environment and innovation for growth." On this site, visitors can learn about these various agricultural initiatives, read statements from the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and learn about the current comprehensive agricultural police framework being developed by federal, provincial and territorial governments in conjunction with industry. Of course, the site also contains many helpful documents for persons in the agriculture business as well, including national crop condition reports, poultry market reports, food recall information, and weekly radio reports. Finally, in the Agriculture in Canada section, visitors can browse a FAQ area, along with basic statistical information about agriculture throughout the entire country.

The Agriculture in the Classroom initiative is designed to "improve agricultural literacy." The organization's work is supported by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) which works to develop the classroom programs, including fact sheets, lesson plans, and interactive activities. Visitors can make their way through five sections on the homepage, including State Programs, Teacher Center, and Student Center. In the Teacher Center, visitors will find lesson plans, state agricultural facts, and current and back issues of "AgroWorld." This publication brings together helpful information for students and teachers seeking to learn about integrated science, Earth systems, and family and consumer science. Moving along, the Student Center includes fun activities for younger children in the Kids' Zone, such as games that allow students to learn about farm activities and the world of agricultural science.

Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) is a program supported by the United States Department of Agriculture to promote increased agricultural literacy. The AITC website provides resources for teachers including suggestions for science fair projects, virtual tours, agricultural literacy quizzes, effective teaching strategies. There is also a directory of reviewed resources, including lesson plans, webquests, DVDs, maps, posters, and other items. The student's page features an interactive presentation with career information, ideas for science fair projects, opinion features on agricultural issues, games, webquests, and an interactive map with links to downloadable fact sheets about agriculture in each state.

This educational project uses online real time data to guide student discovery of the science behind the causes and effects of ground level ozone. Through this project, students will discover what ground level ozone is, what factors contribute to its formation and how breathing ozone affects health. Students will use data and animated maps from the internet to monitor the presence of ground level ozone. Students are challenged to think critically and creatively. Teacher sections include a primer on ground level ozone and tips for utilizing class time. By the end of the project, they will be able to read the Environmental Protection Agency Air Quality Index chart, record weather data, create graphs to help visualize or recognize trends, predict when ground level ozone may occur, and use knowledge gained to create awareness about its associated health effects.

In this interactive activity adapted from Air Quality Index: A Guide to Air Quality and Your Health by the U.S. EPA, learn about common pollutants in the air we breathe, their health effects, and how their levels are reported.

The goal of this course is to introduce participants to the basic concepts of meteorology and air quality necessary to understand meteorological computer models. This course, along with companion courses in Computational Atmospheric Science and Emissions, anticipates the Models3 environment under development by the EPA. Upon completion of the course, participants should understand the fundamental principles of meteorology. In addition, participants will be introduced to the application of these principles to air quality, especially through atmospheric modeling. Moreover, during the course a number of issues involved in simulating atmospheric processes in a computer-based model will be presented.