Keystone Weekly
volume 3, issue 18        February 11, 2002

This week's Key Points: *Web Pick of the Week* and *Awesome Science!*
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Web Pick of the Week
What's Up in the Environment?
http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/wue/index.html

Thirteen.org, the website of the PBS channel (WNET) in New York, has created this super site all about the environment. With major sections focused on cool careers relating to the environment (such as environmental journalist, radio host, or biological oceanographer); hot topics in the realms of water, land, air, and energy; and a selection of expert- developed, standards-based class activities, you're sure to find a lot of stimulating ideas and resources here. This site is extremely educator-friendly; there are lots of additional web resources that correspond to the main topics, as well as a glossary of terms.

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Awesome Science!
The Great Backyard Bird Count
http://www.birdsource.org

The Great Backyard Bird Count, developed and managed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon, will take place just days from now, on February 15-18. This is fun, hands-on science that we think could be really exciting for your class or perhaps for your students to do with their families.

The event organizers say:
"Participation in the Great Backyard Bird Count is easy-- just count the numbers and kinds of birds you see in your backyard, local park, wildlife refuge, or other area and send them in through the BirdSource website at http://www.birdsource.org. Keep track of the postal code and time spent birding. You'll be able to quickly see how your reports are contributing to the continent-wide picture. The primary purpose of the count is to create a massive database of North American birds so that researchers can track changes in bird distribution and abundance. However, we work hard to keep it fun and educational. This year, in response to the Harry Potter frenzy, we have put together an owl feature that we hope you and your family or school group will enjoy. You'll also find a variety of bird identification, conservation, and education materials."

Don't worry if the computer situatation is difficult. The organizers say: "Those not online who wish to participate can submit their data at their local library, they can call their local Audubon chapter for assistance, or they can contact their nearest Wild Birds Unlimited store (WBU sponsors the count), which may be submitting reports depending on the store. The Lab's volunteers will also enter as many reports as possible. Reports can be sent to the Lab at GBBC, 159 Sapsucker Woods Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850. (To request an "offline packet," email cornellbirds@cornell.edu)"

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 9819641.
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

webteam@keystone.fi.edu

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