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Natural History
 Websites presented in alphabetical order The Age of Reptiles Mural at the Yale Peabody Museum 
 This site reproduces and describes Rudolph Zallinger's famous dinosaur mural, a panorama "from the Devonian period of almost 400 million years ago to the late Cretaceous, a chapter that ended some 65 million years ago." Painted over a four-year period (1943-1947), the 110 feet long by 16 feet high work is a kind of time capsule of both the biological science and art of its time. http://www.peabody.yale.edu/explore/reptiles.html Topics: Animals, Art, Environment, Museums, Science Last updated Aug 3, 2005 American Museum of Natural History
General information about the New York City museum and the Rose Center for Earth and Space, home of the Hayden Planetarium. Find out about the current exhibits and programs, including those for children; collections in the research areas of anthropology, zoology, paleontology, and physical sciences; the Center for Biodiversity and Conservation; and past and present expeditions. Includes online courses and resources for educators. Searchable. http://www.amnh.org/ Topics: Environment, Museums, Museums by Place: United States, Science, Science Last updated Nov 13, 2007 American Museum of Natural History Congo Expedition, 1909-1915
An exhibit of scientists Herbert Lang and James P. Chapin's almost six-year expedition to the Central African Congo River basin to catalog the plants and animals they found. Features biographies, notes, field photographs, diaries, illustrations, articles on the anthropology and zoology of the region, video clips, and interactive maps of early 20th century Congo (formerly Zaire). Searchable photos, field notes, anthropological objects, and publications. From the American Museum of Natural History. http://diglib1.amnh.org/ Topics: Discover New Trails at LII, Environment, Geography, History, Museums, Nonfiction by Genre, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife, Science Last updated Sep 18, 2003 American Museum of Natural History, Division of Paleontology
This museum "has one of the largest and most significant paleontology collections in the world. This collection contains an estimated five million fossil specimens, including over three hundred thousand fossil vertebrates, collected over 125 years." This site features more than 8,000 images of the specimens and more than a thousand images of old photographs, letters, and field notebooks. http://paleo.amnh.org/ Topics: Animals, Correspondence, Environment, Geology, Museums, Museums by Place: United States, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife, Science Last updated Aug 3, 2005 Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of Life and Land
Companion site to a California Academy of Sciences exhibit of 49 photos by Subhankar Banerjee that records "four seasons of abundant life in the [Arctic National Wildlife] refuge." Contains a gallery of a dozen of the photos from the exhibit, panoramic views of the physical exhibit, an overview of species found in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and a collection of links to information about environmental issues in the refuge. http://www.calacademy.org/exhibits/anwr/ Topics: Animals, Photograph Collections, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife, Photograph Collections: Regional, Photograph Collections: Regional: United States, Regions of the World, Science Last updated Oct 12, 2003 Australian Museum Online: Explore
Collection of materials from the Australian Museum (Sydney), which is known for its natural history and indigenous studies research. Includes fact sheets, FAQs, and other resources for teachers, students, and researchers. Covers topics such as ancient Egypt, keeping reptiles as pets in Australia, fossils, spiders, birds, kangaroos, and endangered animals and conservation. http://www.amonline.net.au/explore/ Topics: Discover New Trails at LII, Environment, History By Place, Museums, Museums by Place, Regions of the World, Regions of the World, Science, Science, Social Science Last updated Sep 21, 2005 Backyard Nature
Designed to teach nature and ecology through the life found in backyards. Includes information about flowering plants, fungi, mollusks, segmented worms, arthropods, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and more. Also features an explanation of "Naming and Classifying," and a list of suggested tools for observing and studying nature. http://www.backyardnature.net/ Topics: Science, Science Last updated Jun 13, 2004 Butterfly Rainforest
A companion site to "a living exhibit that supports hundreds of butterflies from around the world." The site features information about the exhibit, a butterfly discovery game, and an image gallery with hundreds of vivid, high-quality photographs of butterfly species from around the world (in "Butterfly Fun"). Also find questions and answers about butterflies and moths, including "what they eat, how long they live, [and] who wins the prizes for largest and smallest species." From the Florida Museum of Natural History. http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/butterflies/ Topics: Environment, Insects & Arachnids, Museums, Museums by Place: United States, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife, Science Last updated Jun 9, 2005 California Academy of Sciences
The collective Web site for these major San Francisco museums: Natural History Museum, Steinhart Aquarium, and Morrison Planetarium. http://www.calacademy.org/ Topics: Animals, Astronomy, California Travel: Popular Destinations, California: Animals, California: Environment & Energy, California: History, California: History by Place, California: Recreation, California: Science, California: Technology, California: Travel, Environment, Fish, Reptiles, & Amphibians, Museums, Museums by Place: United States, Recreation, Science Last updated Apr 12, 2004 California Living Museum (CALM)
Basic facts and pictures of various native California animals: the badger, bald eagle, black bear, blacktailed jackrabbit, bobcat, burrowing owl, chuckwalla, mountain lion, mountain kingsnake, muledeer, opossum, raven, raccoon, red-tailed hawk, and San Joaquin kit fox. There is also an on-line tour of the facility, visitor information, a calendar of events, and information about the museum's educational activities and its Adopt-an-Animal program. http://www.calmzoo.org/ Topics: Animals, Birds, California Regions, California: Animals, California: Environment & Energy, California: History, California: Recreation, California: Science, California: Technology, California: Travel, Environment, Mammals, Museums, Museums by Place: United States, Recreation, Recreation, Science Last updated Aug 26, 2002 Cayman Islands Xeric Scrub
A brief description of plants and animals found on the Cayman Islands, "a small group of low-lying Caribbean islands that support dense evergreen thicket communities." Includes information about birds, bats, iguanas, mosquitoes, and other wildlife. Also includes causes for concern about wildlife. From the National Geographic Society. http://www.nationalgeographic.com/wildworld/profiles/terrestrial/nt/nt1305.html Topics: Geography, Science, Science Last updated Jun 1, 2005 Charles R. Conner Museum
Presents information about this museum at Washington State University, which holds the "largest public collection of bird and mammal specimens in the Pacific Northwest." Features a brief history of the museum, which was founded in 1894 using exhibits donated from the Chicago World's Fair, descriptions of the research collection (containing bird, mammal, amphibian, reptile, and fish specimens) and the exhibits of mounted birds and mammals, and information about current museum projects. http://www.sci.wsu.edu/cm/ Topics: Environment, Museums, Museums by Place: United States, Science, U.S. History By Place, Washington State: Animals, Washington State: Arts and Humanities, Washington State: Environment, Washington State: Recreation, Washington State: Regions, Washington State: Travel Last updated Jul 19, 2005 Columbia River Virtual Field Trip
This site explores history, geology, and other topics related to the Columbia River Basin in Washington state, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and British Columbia. "This virtual field trip was designed for middle and high school students and their teachers, but contains information that can be useful for students and citizens of all ages." Includes a Columbia Basin Watershed map and an annotated list of books and curriculum resources. From Washington State University. http://cbi.wsu.edu/ Topics: Geography, Science, Washington State: Education, Washington State: Environment, Washington State: History By Place, Washington State: Science, Water Last updated Nov 15, 2004 eNature
This site contains thousands of field guides, "ZipGuides" (enter a ZIP code and get a free local wildlife guide), the service "ParkFinder" (national parks and wildlife refuges), birding information, native gardening information, and tips for creating a wildlife list to keep track of plants and animals you see in nature or in your own backyard. From the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). http://www.enature.com/ Topics: Animals, Birds, National Parks & Forests, Plants, Regions of the World, Science Last updated Jan 2, 2006 Extreme Science
The highest, lowest, biggest, deepest, driest, largest, oldest, fastest, and other extremes in the natural world are available here, suitable for younger students. Each category includes a clear, easy-to-understand explanation of the item and the Map Directory shows the location of each one. Also available are related links. http://www.extremescience.com/index.html Topics: Science, Science Last updated Oct 23, 2000 Field Museum
This museum, located in Chicago, is dedicated to "the preservation and exhibition of objects illustrating art, archaeology, science and history." The site contains online exhibits (topics include lions of Tsavo, and butterflies); and information on museum events, programs, and collections. http://www.fieldmuseum.org/ Topics: Environment, Museums, Museums by Place: United States, Science Last updated May 25, 2004 Focus on Nature: Natural and Cultural History Illustration Exhibition
"Focus on Nature (FON) is a biennial exhibition of scientific, natural and cultural history. ... The central purpose of Focus on Nature is to highlight illustration as a way of communicating observations of scientists and artists." The website features images of award-winning illustrations of plants and animals back to 2002. From the New York State Museum. http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/exhibits/longterm/fon/ Topics: Art, Science Last updated Jun 19, 2008 In the Footsteps of Lewis and Clark
Covers a wide variety of aspects of the Lewis and Clark, including the landscape and natural history that Lewis and Clark encountered, their journal entries with facsimile pages, and day-by-day entries from a nature journal and an almanac. Provides a comparison of animal species encountered on the trail then and now, a video, artwork, and links to other Lewis and Clark and Native American sites. From the Sierra Club. http://www.sierraclub.org/lewisandclark/ Topics: Discover New Trails at LII, Science, Science, United States History, Washington State: History Last updated Aug 3, 2004 Marine Photos
Nearly 100 color photos of fish, mammals, birds, invertebrates, and vegetation native to Washington state's Puget Sound. See killer whales, sea otters, common loons, spiny dogfish, and scalyhead sculpin in their native habitats. From the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks. http://green.kingcounty.gov/marine/Photos.htm Topics: Animals, Biology, Birds, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife, Photograph Collections: Regional: United States, Science, U.S. History By Place, Washington State: Animals, Washington State: Arts and Humanities, Washington State: Environment, Washington State: History By Place, Washington State: Photograph Collections, Washington State: Regions, Washington State: Science Last updated May 18, 2009 Middle Mountain Foundation
The purpose of this foundation is “to ensure the preservation of the Sutter Buttes, a unique, rare and limited treasure.” The site features brief essays on the geology, history, Maidu Indians, and some of the animals of this intriguing little mountain range which seems to rise up out of nowhere from the flat floor of California’s Sacramento Valley near Marysville. The sections titled The Interpretive Program and Hike FAQ give information about Foundation-sponsored excursions into otherwise publicly inaccessible parts of the area. http://www.middlemountain.org/ Topics: California: Environment & Energy, California: History by Place, California: Science, Discover New Trails at LII, Environment, Science Last updated Nov 4, 2003 Mono Lake Web Site
Extensive information on California's Mono Basin and Mono Lake, with its strange tufa towers and unique ecology. There is extensive information on its natural and political histories (including water policy), birds, and visiting, plus Webcams at Mono Lake and the nearby town of Lee Vining. From the Mono Lake Committee. http://www.monolake.org/ Topics: Agriculture, California: Animals, California: Environment & Energy, California: Science, Environment, Film, Movies, & Video, Geography, Plants, Science, Water Last updated Feb 10, 2005 Natural History Guide to American Samoa: A Collection of Articles
"This collection of articles provides a glimpse into the marine and wildlife resources in American Samoa's tropical, oceanic environment. The articles were written by 8 biologists" from several agencies. Includes photographs, illustrations, maps, local facts, and information about the seasons, biodiversity, and the island's marine and terrestrial environments, which include coral, fish, mammals, reptiles, birds, and other wildlife. Also covers agricultural pests and diseases. http://www.nps.gov/archive/npsa/book/ Topics: Agriculture, Photograph Collections, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife, Science Last updated Nov 14, 2006 Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
This informative site presents detailed on-line exhibits that include: Africa, beetles, cats, DNA research, entomology, fossils of the La Brea Tar Pits, sharks, snakes, and more. They also maintain a comprehensive directory of links to other museums with Web presence. http://www.nhm.org/ Topics: California: Environment & Energy, California: Recreation, California: Science, California: Technology, Environment, Los Angeles & Environs, Museums, Science Last updated Apr 12, 2004 Natural History Museums and Collections
Great site for a worldwide tour of natural history museums and collections. This unannotated directory of links is ordered geographically. There are also links to other Natural History Museums and General Museums lists. Maintained by a member of the Natural History Caucus of the Special Libraries Association. http://www.lib.washington.edu/sla/natmus.html Topics: Environment, Museums, Science, Science Last updated Dec 20, 2000 Ocean Oasis
"A fascinating journey into the bountiful seas and pristine deserts of two remarkably different, but inextricably linked worlds--Mexico's Sea of Cortés and the Baja California desert." A complete guide for teachers accompanies a photo exhibition, a field guide, and under Conservation, a thorough summary of the current state of the region's natural resources. An interpretive guide made to accompany the giant-screen documentary film Ocean Oasis. http://www.oceanoasis.org/ Topics: K-12 Education, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife, Photograph Collections: Regional, Science Last updated Nov 26, 2005 Port Townsend Marine Science Center: Marine and Natural History Exhibits
Located within Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend, Washington, the Port Townsend Marine Science Center provides "interactive exhibits for the public, training and support of teachers and students" promoting the scientific study of Puget Sound and the Northwest Straits. The site has information on exhibits, programs offered, hours, location, calendar of events, and membership and volunteer opportunities, as well as links to related Web sites. http://www.ptmsc.org/ Topics: Environment, Museums, Museums by Place: United States, Science, U.S. History By Place, Washington State: Education, Washington State: Environment, Washington State: History By Place, Washington State: Jobs and Work, Washington State: Recreation, Washington State: Regions, Washington State: Science, Washington State: Transportation, Washington State: Travel Last updated Jul 23, 2003 San Diego Natural History Museum
Exhibits, research, membership, and educational programs information. Children's page, Kids' Habitat , with information on identifying minerals, reptiles, dinosaurs, sharks, and with games to play. There is also a field guide to the natural history of Southern California. http://www.sdnhm.org/ Topics: California Regions, California Travel: Popular Destinations, California: Animals, California: Environment & Energy, California: History, California: Recreation, California: Science, California: Technology, California: Travel, Environment, Museums, Museums by Place: United States, Science Last updated May 14, 2002 San Diego Natural History Museum Field Guide
This guide serves as an introduction to the natural history of southern California and the Baja California peninsula. Contains illustrated guides to plants, amphibians, reptiles, fossils, minerals, and marine life of the region. Also features links to nature walks as well as checklists of plant and animal species that may be spotted in and around San Diego County. Read brief essays on bats, paleontology, earthquakes and earthquake faults, and more. http://www.sdnhm.org/fieldguide/ Topics: California Regions, California: Animals, California: Environment & Energy, California: Science, History By Place, Science Last updated Nov 21, 2005 San Francisco Breeding Bird Atlas
This publication provides information about the breeding status of numerous birds in San Francisco as well as a discussion of the evolution of the city's natural history, including urbanization, plant communities, topography, climate, geology, and other fauna. It also includes maps, tables, and illustrations. From the San Francisco Field Ornithologists. Opens directly into PDF document. http://www.sffo.org/Breeding%20Ecology/San%20Francisco%20Breeding%20Bird%20Atlas.pdf Topics: Birds, California Travel: Popular Destinations, California: Animals, California: Environment & Energy, California: Government, California: History by Place, California: Science, Science, Social Science Last updated Dec 3, 2003 Santa Cruz Island Foundation
Brief descriptions including history, plants, animals, geography, and geology of five of the eight islands that make up Southern California's Channel Islands. The islands covered are Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, Anacapa, and Santa Barbara. http://www.west.net/~scifmail/ Topics: California: Environment & Energy, California: History by Place, California: Science, Science, Science Last updated Apr 18, 2002 Timeframes
Over 20,000 images from the Alexander Turnbull Library collection cover "the social and natural history of New Zealand, the Pacific and Antarctica from the earliest European contact to the present." The database features "items of cultural value to Maori people and other New Zealanders." Browsable by subject, and searchable. From the National Library of New Zealand. http://timeframes1.natlib.govt.nz/ Topics: Regions of the World, Regions of the World, Science, Science Last updated May 1, 2005 Turtle Bay Exploration Park [Redding, California]
"Turtle Bay is a collection of indoor/outdoor learning attractions with a focus on the Sacramento River watershed, its natural sciences, art and culture, and human history." Find here family-friendly information about educational activity venues in Redding, California, in the Shasta/Cascade region of the state. Attractions include the Sundial Bridge--a glass footbridge across the Sacramento River--an activities calendar, tourism links, and museum exhibitions and programs. http://www.turtlebay.org/ Topics: California Regions, California: Environment & Energy, California: Gardening, California: History, California: Recreation, California: Science, California: Technology, California: Travel, Environment, Gardening, Museums, Museums by Place: United States, Science, Water Last updated Apr 3, 2007 Virtual Field Trips
Take a field trip without ever leaving the classroom. Each one covers a single topic including deserts, fierce creatures, hurricanes, natural wonders of the world, oceans, salt marshes, sharks, tornadoes, and volcanoes. "These sites have been arranged in sequential order to build a story for you to follow." They also include related vocabulary, concepts, and teacher's resources. Suitable for older elementary and middle school students. Created with TourMaker (for sale on site). http://www.field-guides.com/ Topics: History, Hurricane Katrina, K-12 Education, Science Last updated Apr 9, 2002 Wayne's Word: An On-Line Textbook of Natural History
This site, intended to supplement courses in biology and botany offered at Palomar College (San Marcos, Calif.) "emphasizes topics in biology and botany, with special emphasis in ecology, adaptations and the economic importance of plants in our daily lives." Contains articles about "little-known and unusual plants of the world." http://waynesword.palomar.edu/ Topics: Biology, Plants, Science, Science Last updated Apr 12, 2004 The Whale Museum
This museum, located in Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington state, "promotes stewardship of whales and the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research." Site features information about the orcas (killer whales) of the Pacific Northwest and the museum's "Orca Adoption Program." Also includes news items, a list of whale sightings, and details about the museum's other conservation, research, and education programs. http://www.whalemuseum.org/ Topics: Environment, Mammals, Museums, Museums by Place: United States, Science, U.S. History By Place, Washington State: Arts and Humanities, Washington State: Environment, Washington State: Recreation, Washington State: Regions, Washington State: Transportation, Washington State: Travel Last updated Oct 8, 2003 Wild Indonesia
Companion site to the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) series of wildlife programs that "explore this spectacular archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, stretching 3,000 miles from Asia to Australia." Topics addressed include the Komodo dragon and the birth of the fourth island in the Krakatau group (and the eruption of Krakatau in 1883). Also includes classroom resources and links to related sites. http://www.pbs.org/wildindonesia/ Topics: Dragons, Dreams, & Daring Deeds, History By Place, Science, Science Last updated May 17, 2005 Wonder Bound: Rare Books on Early Museums
The site explores how "centuries-old natural history books [are] vital to scientific research" today. Considers display, collecting and description, and preservation techniques as discussed and illustrated in rare books. Includes a brief bibliography. A companion to an exhibit on display at the National Museum of Natural History in 2002. http://www.sil.si.edu/exhibitions/wonderbound/ Topics: Environment, Museums, Science, Science Last updated May 13, 2003 |
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