Race Rocks
Now you can visit this sensitive island ecosystem online.
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8, 9-12
http://www.racerocks.com/racerock/
CONTENT: This is a rich resource for science and biology teachers. It features the unique ecosystem of the Marine Protected Area at Race Rocks, a series of islands between the southern tip of Vancouver Island in the Province of British Columbia, Canada, and the State of Washington, USA.
AESTHETICS: Race Rocks is a media rich site that includes high quality photographs, live streaming video, video clips, charts and maps. QuickTime is required for viewing and help is offered for setting up your computer to best experience the site.
ORGANIZATION: The top navigation bar makes access to the major areas of the site easy. There is a left side menu that displays the contents of each area. A handy site map is available and may be the best choice for finding material quickly.
REVIEW: Race Rocks offers students and teachers an opportunity to visit and study this unique marine ecosystem without leaving the classroom. A series of four video cams provides continuous live streaming video from strategic points on the island. There is also a remote control video cam that allows visitors to control the view. Archived video clips are also available. The section on ecosystems gives information on biological components, environmental data, energy systems, research projects, education and much more. Also available are sections that outline the history of this protected area and the impact of the development of the marine resources on the first nations people. Lesson plans are available that can be adapted to be used in any curriculum. The lesson plans that were developed for the Jason Project can be found at http://www.racerocks.com/racerock/jason/index.html The lesson plans follow a WebQuest format and include rubrics and teacher guides.
