Miami Museum of Science-Ecolinks

Teacher's Guide

Effective teachers of science create an environment in which they and students work together as active learners. While students are engaged in learning about the natural world and the scientific principles needed to understand it, teachers are working with their colleagues to expand their knowledge about science teaching.
National Science Education Standards

Goals of EcoLinks

To add to the body of inquiry science education resources available on the World Wide Web.
To provide a forum for issues and ideas related to environmental education and environmental science.
To communicate ideas, activities, and research in such a way that this information is accessible to students in grades four through eight.

Inquiry Science

All good science starts with good questions. This axiom applies to science teaching and learning as well. When students have the power to direct their own learning, within the framework of teacher and curricular goals, then education is more tailored to the needs and interests of individual students.

How can inquiry science education be supported on the Web? With this site we provide images, text, and thought questions for inspiration, as well as classroom activities which can foster inquiry. It is ultimately up to the teacher, however, to encourage student questions, and provide opportunities for students to answer these questions in the real world. We do not intend to limit learning to the computer screen.

An Invitation

This resource was inspired by the creative energy and guidance of elementary and middle school teachers and students. In turn, you are invited to continue this collaborative process in several ways.

Each of the four spheres, biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and geosphere, have links to classroom activities, web sites, and special highlights. Also, there is a special list of student projects which document research of local habitats.

You can suggest a link to work that you or your students have done or recommend a link to a classroom activity. To do this, either fill out this form or send e-mail to the EcoLinks webmaster.

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