Were you planning on going on a big Spring Break trip that has now been canceled? Maybe you are just looking for a change of scenery from your home? We’ve put together videos below to whisk you away to tropical seas, pristine frozen tundras, and other beautiful landscapes from around the state and the world. Don’t worry about any lectures or assignments, this is just an opportunity to relax and appreciate some of the most amazing places on the planet. And, if you feel inspired, we’ve included resources to learn more about the environments! Have fun!
Coral Reefs and Coasts
More resources:
- Coral reef interactive map: https://coralreef.noaa.gov/interactivereef/interactivereef.html
- Coral tutorial – everything you could want to know about coral reefs! https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/tutorial_corals/welcome.html
- Coral reef conservation and education: https://www.onecoralreef.org/
- More NOAA virtual dives!: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/vr/
- Daily ocean photos and weekly videos from NOAA: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/earthisblue.html
Frozen Landscapes
More resources:
- Arctic conservation efforts in the Alaskan tundra, the only tundra in the United States: https://alaskaconservation.org/protecting-alaska/priorities/protecting-lands-waters/arctic/
- Tundra characteristics: https://www.ducksters.com/science/ecosystems/tundra_biome.php
Deep Ocean
More resources:
- Educational resources from Nautilus Live, including internship opportunities! https://nautiluslive.org/education
- More ocean education resources! https://schmidtocean.org/education/ocean-education-resources/
- Information about the world’s largest ocean plastic cleanup ever! https://theoceancleanup.com/
Deserts
More resources:
- Learn more about the desert biome here: https://www.ducksters.com/science/ecosystems/desert_biome.php
- More desert information and picutres: https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/explore/nature/habitats/desert/
- Did you know that Antarctica was a desert? Not only that, it’s the largest desert on Earth! https://www.universetoday.com/27064/what-is-the-largest-desert-on-earth/
Grasslands/Plains
More resources:
- African Safari Cards lesson and resources: https://www.calacademy.org/educators/lesson-plans/african-safari-cards
- Lessons about African habitats, animals, and more: https://www.knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk/education/resources/
Travel around Washington’s National Parks!
More resources:
- Olympic National Park info for kids: https://www.nps.gov/olym/learn/kidsyouth/index.htm
- Mount Rainier National Park info for kids: https://www.nps.gov/mora/learn/kidsyouth/index.htm
- North Cascades National Park info for kids: https://www.nps.gov/noca/learn/kidsyouth/index.htm
Live Webcams
A LOT more live nature webcams: https://explore.org/livecams
Here is a great collection of virtual tours and field trips!: https://naaee.org/eepro/resources/virtual-tours-and-field-trips