Users can read and view pictures that explain the three phases (solid, liquid, and gas) in which water exists. An activity that illustrates water vapor in one's breath and a brief explanation of what phase changes are and what triggers them is also included. Full description.

Water quality is more than meets the eye. Some of its properties are invisible. Teachers using this module will focus on measurable properties of water: mass, volume, and concentration; temperature; dissolved oxygen; pH; and nitrates; and their effects on water quality. Each of these properties is the subject of a lesson plan. The lesson plans include an introduction, lesson objectives, a pre-test, ... Full description.

This USGS site allows students to access a variety of streamflow information. There is an interactive map where the user can select streamflow data for selected stream gaging stations in the United States. Stations can be selected in list form, an interactive state map, or 10 nearest stations to position selected. Each retrieval form allows the user to refine their data search through predefined displays, ... Full description.

The MYPond project is an investigation of the chemical reactions, biological processes and inflow/outflow balances found within a pond environment. Instrumentation has been established in two ponds near each other so that a variety of chemical and physical properties are measured at various depths at 15-minute time intervals. Data can be viewed either in real-time or accessed from an archive, and ... Full description.

This program is designed to allow students opportunities for classroom and field study, to gather real world scientific data and draw conclusions based on the data. There is also provision to enter data online and to retrieve and graph longitudinal trends. There are links to basic and advanced protocols, classroom activities, and k-12 curriculum ties. One link leads to an image index with photographs ... Full description.

In this lesson plan students observe a teacher-directed demonstration that provides a conceptual understanding of latent heat. A reusable handwarmer that uses a solution of sodium acetate is used to illustrate phase changes and the release of energy and latent heat. Full description.

The materials available here were brought together by government agencies, universities, non-profit organizations, and businesses in an effort to make Earth Science information accessible to a broader community. The Federation was established to make this a reality by encouraging and establishing the use of best science practices in the production of high quality data, information, products and services. ... Full description.

This is a fact sheet on the water quality programs directly administered by the USGS. USGS provides information on issues such as the suitability of water for public supply and irrigation, aquatic ecosystem health, effects of agriculture and urbanization on water resources, acid rain, and disposal of radioactive waste. There are hot links to several studies and to data available from USGS and other ... Full description.

A team of scientists from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is studying the presence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Antarctic. During January and February 2002 an educator travelled there to participate in the study, and posted daily reports. In addition, this site contains learning activities that you can use to find out how scientists think and work. These include research ... Full description.

The National Atmospheric Deposition Program monitors wet atmospheric deposition (chemical constituents deposited from the atmosphere via rain, sleet and snow) at over 220 National Trends Network sites throughout the United States. This site contains a long-term, high-quality database of atmospheric deposition for research support in the areas of acid rain, air quality, water quality, agricultural ... Full description.