Eco-websites that focus on pointing kids in the right (green) direction are popping up everywhere. So put your home computer time to good use and turn your children on to learning how to become stewards of the environment via these 12 playful yet informative sites (courtesy of Trinity School and Eartheasy.com).
THE BIG BLUE BUS
Overview: To get started, children click the search tab to find the big blue bus. Once there, they learn how to protect the world’s water sources; kids ages eight to 15 sign up as Water Wizards, while those seven and under are in the Small Fry Club. Fun Fact: Cartoon characters introduce games and activities while teaching about “all things watery.” Address: dfo-mpo.gc.ca.
ECO-KIDS
Overview: This Canadian Earth Day education program aimed at young people and teachers who care about the planet offers interactive games in which children are encouraged to form opinions, make decisions, get involved, and understand the impact their actions have on the environment. Fun Fact: With Homework Help, kids can whiz through earth-science assignments. Address: ecokids.ca.
EEKO WORLD
Overview: This new PBS offering teaches six- to nine-year-olds how they can help take care of the earth. Animated characters in games and activities present facts about ecosystems and pollution. Fun Fact: Children can build their own “Eeko creature” and help it overcome environmental problems. Address: pbskids.org/eekoworld.
CLIMATE CHANGE KIDS SITE
Overview: Explaining climate change and how to reduce your carbon footprint, this site has a definition of each scientific term used. Fun Fact: Kids can play climate-change-themed games. Address: epa.gov/globalwarming/kids.
THE GREEN SQUAD
Overview: This site shows how to identify and solve environmental problems while providing a wide range of info and resources. Fun Fact: Kids explore a colorful virtual school room by room, using the mouse to locate potential hazards. Address: nrdc.org/greensquad.
BUY DIFFERENT—MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Overview: A variety of tools and materials are described to help young people adopt environmentally responsible buying practices. Fun Fact: Encourages with the message, “You have the power to make the earth a better place because of what you buy.” Address: ibuydifferent.org.
KIDS GO WILD
Overview: Besides receiving news and wild animal facts and playing environmental games, kids can also get involved in children’s events at the Bronx Zoo, where they learn about saving wild animals. Fun Fact: Sponsored by the Wildlife Conservation Society, Kidsgowild.com is headquartered at the Bronx Zoo. Address: kidsgowild.com.
