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The Dynamic Earth
Smithsonian site for budding geologists.
Grade Level: 3-5, 6-8

http://www.mnh.si.edu/earth/

	CONTENT: This interactive earth science site from The National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution tells the story of the earth's history through rocks.
	AESTHETICS: The site is highly interactive and user friendly, Users can choose between the multimedia version and the text version. The newest version of Flash Player is required for the multimedia version.
	ORGANIZATION: The three main sections of the site are accessible from the top navigation bar on each page. Within the site interactive links are clearly marked.
	REVIEW: Students will enjoy the interactivity of this site to learn about earth science, rocks, and mining in particular. The three main sections of the site include: Rocks at Earth's Surface, Rocks Below Earth's Surface, and Mining. The first section explores the types of rocks - granite, gneiss, and sandstone - and their minerals as well as the snapshots from history that they contain. Be sure to click the "Water Recycles Rocks" link to see how caves are formed. The next section gives information on the heat and pressure of the rocks inside the earth, how they melt and come to the surface. Then the user is taken on a tour of three mines in the United States. Included are e-cards, wallpaper and screensavers for download and a Geo Gallery where users can view high quality photos of rocks and minerals, see a random slide show or search the database by name or group. Check back often because this site has plans for at three more learning modules.
	RELATED REVIEWS: Science: Earth Science Internet: Interactive Web Sites

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