Web links for 5-14 People and Place

There are some excellent websites out there that can help enliven lessons and capture pupils' enthusiasm for the subject.

When using the internet at the 5-14 stages, it is advisable to have specific sites in mind and make it clear to pupils what outcomes are expected.

When selecting websites for use with pupils, don't forget to differentiate. Many websites are text heavy, and fall considerably below the standards of presentation that you would expect in any textbook.

At its best the web is interactive, up-to-date and engaging. Try to pick websites that don't just replicate what you could find in a book.

Climate change

http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/climatechange/
This interactive website is aimed at young people aged between 9 and 14 years. Developed by LT Scotland, in conjunction with the Scottish Executive, the website seeks to raise awareness of climate change and how it might affect Scotland. Designed to complement the Environmental Studies: 5-14 National Guidelines, it can be used to develop education for citizenship and core skills.

Interactive Maps

http://www.thud.nl/wkmaps/
This site is hosted by EuroGeo and has a saet of interactive European maps which can be resized and allow you to make comparisons between different regions in Europe.

Map projections

http://www.btinternet.com/~se16/js/mapproj.htm
Do your students ever ask you about the different projections used for world maps or tell you that your peters Projection map is "wrong"? This Java applet allows you to centre maps wherever you choose and show pupils how the world distorts. Your browser must be Java enabled.

Earthquakes Webquest

http://volweb.utk.edu/Schools/sullivan/colonial/equakes.htm
A webquest suitable for S1 and S2 students which uses a limited list of websites to focus their research into this wide topic.

Volcanoes - Stromboli online

http://www.educeth.ch/stromboli
Excellent resource with an extensive set of resources which can be used in multimedia presentation etc.

Savage Earth

http://www.wnet.org/savageearth/index.html
This is a great introduction to plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis. The animations are well annotated and effective at explaining the main processes. There are a few small video clips.

Deforestation

http://www.jusbiz.org/resources/Timberfinal.shtm
A role playing game to teach about the different aspects of rainforest destruction.
The game can be downloaded and the sheets laminated on card for use in class.

5-14 Space and the universe

http://www.windows.ucar.edu/
Student friendly site with lots of activities and a huge amount of resource material which could be used in investigations. Definitely worth a visit.