Site of the Week
EEK! - Environmental Education for Kids http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/index.htm
From the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources comes a colourful and informative site for young zoologists and ecologists everywhere - a place to “surf around and learn more about the great outdoors.”
The ‘Nature Notes’ section provides info on the wildlife of Wisconsin, and it’s packed with species factfiles, with everything from backyard birds to beavers and turtles, all generously sized and well written, with plenty of pictures to balance out the text. You’ll also find interactive identification keys for tree and aquatic species. Make sure you visit the ‘Wolves from the air’ http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/eek/critter/mammal/wolfpicindex.htm section, a collection of stunning photographs taken by pilots working on a radio collaring project. The ‘Cool Stuff’ section has plenty of ideas to keep young minds engaged: here you’ll find quizzes, word searches, puzzles, games and hands-on activities galore, while ‘Our Earth’ explains the concept of invasive aliens, encourages recycling, and looks at the threats facing Wisconsin’s endangered species.
Unlike most ‘sites for kids’ (and there are very, very, many of them) EEK! doesn’t just skim over the interesting details - some of the sections go into the science properly, and thankfully steer away from the ‘aren’t these guys so cute?’ factor. Although living in Wisconsin would make some sections more relevant, overall this is a great site for up-and-coming wildlife enthusiasts.
Richard Northover
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