Uses problem-based learning to help students discuss and solve wildlife and environmental issues.

Grade Level: 3-12

Part 1: Technical and visual aspects
The website loaded quickly on a Cable connection, using Firefox and the pages were compatible with the browser. It is well organized with navigation on the top, bottom and right side of the page. Other than those used for the page and section headings, very few graphics are used. The use of different hues of orange to separate the content makes the site very visually pleasing and does not over stimulate the viewer. The author uses correct grammar and spelling, and appropriate headings and subheadings to direct the viewer to different sections of the content. Although the pages are unsigned and the author’s email address is not included on each page, a separate “contact us” page is available to submit inquiries to the author. The author has considered accessibility concerns and has provided alternate text for all the images, so that if loading of graphics have been disabled, or the viewer has vision impairments, the she is aware of the graphic that the placeholder represents. On supporting pages, there is a link back to the home page, and the links are clearly visible and annotated.

Part 2: Content
The page title indicates or hints that the site provides nature related content for teachers to use in their classroom instruction. Upon navigating to the site, the viewer is greeted with an overview of the site’s purpose, which includes a short introduction, instructions on how to use problem-based learning and information on the academic standards used to create the lessons. Based on the copyright information, the site was created in 1997 and is regularly updated to keep the information current. In addition to providing links to other parts of the site, the viewer was led to other sources of useful print and web information. For the print sources, a bibliography was provided.

Part 3: Authority
Nature, created the page and some materials such as lesson plans and teacher resources are provided by Thirteen/WNET’s Publishing Department. Both of these entities are affiliated with the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). PBS is a “non-profit media enterprise owned and operated by the nation’s 348 public television stations…” (PBS.org). PBS is available to practically all American homes with televisions.

Part: 4 Pedagogy
The lessons provided on this site incorporates problem-based learning to allow students to use higher order thinking skills, to solve environmental protection and natural science issues. Students learn through a constructivist method, by working in groups to “acquire knowledge of problems and concepts through their own initiative “ (http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/teach.html). Students also engage in cooperative learning by finding different solutions to the same problems. The professional academic standards that these problem-based learning exercises seek to fulfill is taken from “CONTENT KNOWLEDGE: A COMPENDIUM OF STANDARDS AND BENCHMARKS FOR K-12 EDUCATION and have been provided courtesy of McREL, the Mid-Continent Research for Education and Learning” (http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/teach.html). A link to more information on the standard is provided.

Part 5: Instructional Use
Teachers, as well as parents, will be satisfied with the wealth of information that is available on the site. These resources will assist them in teaching their students critical thinking and problem solving skills, while simultaneously developing their communication and interpersonal skills.