Migration and New Media

Three new resources: two on migration and one on everyone’s favorite topic (or bane) Google!

Help Track Bird Migration
So this is not an advertisement for this charity site, only a guide to the many organizations that you and your students can volunteer with to track bird migration. I think tracking bird migration is a pretty cool task and considering we live in/near a major migration path for birds, it is definitely worth a look. Go fall migration! Can’t wait for the birding opportunities in the Central Valley, but that’s just me!

Monarch Butterfly Migration
Another timely resource from the Library of Congress. Great list of online resources to learn more about Monarchs and their long migration. This is the perfect time to learn more about the monarchs as they will be at Natural Bridges State Park soon and that sight is worth a trip to Santa Cruz to see. And, if you decide to go, this links to the Homepage of Natural Bridges State Park.

New Media World: Google, Links, and Popularity versus Authority by Seth Finkelstein
This is a chapter from the book The Hyperlinked Society: Questioning Connections in the Digital Age. New Media World’s books are available for free online and are available for purchase in paper version. This is a very relevant chapter to read, and perhaps have students read, as it dispels commonly held beliefs about Google, search engines in general and the democracy of the web. A very interesting look at the social and political ramifications of search engine results. Also underscores the need for everyone to be able to evaluate web content effectively and efficiently! Information literacy instruction, anyone?

Have a fabulous rest of your week. Again, comments welcome–especially sharing new resources!

4 New Web Resources

On today’s menu: information for a Green California, water recycling, Smithsonian National Zoo and a timeline of human development. Dig in!

Green California
California’s Department of General Services site with information on legislation passed to support green building and links to more information.

Water Recycling and Reuse
EPA’s site on water recycling and reuse in Region 9 which includes California. Good information and links to more information plus a downloadable “Guidelines for Water Reuse.”

Smithsonian National Zoological Park
Lots of information and photographs of the animals at the zoological park. Fact sheets on the various animals, plus resources for further study.

Timeline of Discovery
From the site: “Presented here, in one location, is a timeline that includes important scientific discoveries from 1840 to the present related to early humans.” Please note, requires Flash player to view.

California Ocean Resources Management Program

The California Ocean Resources Management Program website has policy documents, information about legislation and links to other resources pertaining to California’s ocean and coastal resources.

Forestiere Underground Gardens

Interesting site detailing the underground gardens created by Baldassare Forestiere. Background history and images. New site is being created. Forestiere Historical Center

West Coast Govenors’ Agreement on Ocean Health

This site has the 2008 final agreement on ocean health by the govenors of California, Oregon, and Washington. Lots of documents about the agreement and actions. Good source to see the areas that are considered important when protecting the health of our ocean–including offshore drilling, responses to global warming, etc. West Coast Govenors’ Agreement on Ocean Health