Instructify

Humans are inexorably drawn to the mysteries of space. Maybe it is the everyday experience of being able to walk outside and see constellations and shooting stars. Maybe it is the popularity of science fiction films and books that promise of galaxies far, far away. Maybe it’s that after first learning of Galileo in school, students can dream of discovering their own planets and solar systems. Whatever the reason, space has always been an intriguing topic for both young and old.

What if we were able to turn our telescopes around and get a closer look at what is happening right below our feet? The folks at NASA have done just that with their Earth Observatory site. I don’t believe I have ever come across a resource that aggregates so much useful information in one easy-to-navigate tool. Teachers, head right for the Experiments tab and give your students interactive ways to study global warming and plant biomes around the world. If you love reading blogs (and I know you do!), check out the Expedition to Siberia blog that offers almost daily updates and pictures of this fascinating trip.

And for those of us who are reluctant to believe things we can’t see, you can watch images of global climate change that reinforce lessons we learn in the classroom.

This is a fascinating site. Go in and take a closer look at the Earth, not as the beautiful blue marble in space, but as the land beneath our feet. – DAVID BARGER

NASA Earth Observatory