Bridge - TROLL Top Web Picks

TROLL Top Web Picks Collection

The TROLL (Teacher Reviewer of On-Line Learning) Top Web Pick is awarded to the best Bridge sites. They are selected from the sites the TROLLs consider to be among the top 10% of the educational websites. Click here to learn more about the Bridge review criteria.

Date

Site

TROLL

Review Quote

2005

April
National Marine Sanctuaries Education: Field Studies for Teachers
Mellie
"If you teach oceanography, this is the site for you. Everything is here under one roof; lesson plans, exciting activities for students, possible research investigations, and background information for teachers."

May
When is Dinner Being Served?
Darrell
"This site presents up to date data that can be monitored on an hourly basis. The graphics are very strong and the links and teacher information are a must for anyone teaching marine science and for those teachers who have sections in biology and physics or chemistry to cover."

June
Project Seahorse
Teena
"This site is a key site for information on seahorses and seahorse research. The information is organized, straightforward and easily understandable. It contains a wealth of information and additional resources."

July
Education and Research: Testing Hypotheses (EARTH)
Chantelle
"Get your students in "REAL TIME"...EARTH is a public education outreach website that provides lesson plans for teachers using near real time data from an ocean observatory. Unit lesson plan topics include observatories, pelagic predators, classification, iron fertilization and coastal processes."

September
Forces of Nature: Hurricanes
Alissa
"This site is an excellent resource to help students understand the nature and scope of hurricanes."

October
National Geographic EdNet: Oceans for Life
Chantelle & Marilyn

"The "Oceans for Life" website brings a wealth of educator resources in true "National Geographic style". This website promotes ocean literacy and provides educators with tools, resources and collaborations to bring the ocean to life in their classrooms. Teachers have the option to sign up for site membership which provides access to forums, listserves and personal EdNet workspace."

November
OBIS Special Edition
Ly
"It is awesome! There is so much that can be found on here. The technology is great-there's even a link on which you can make maps. What a great classroom tool! What a find-I'll be adding this to my favorites!"

December
National Data Buoy Center (NDBC)
Marilyn
"This could be a student's dream of real data with charts and graphs. Students could even dial up a buoy for current information and could simulate being on a research vessel in different parts of the world using actual data. This site would easily integrate into social studies and geography!"

2006

February
Project FLOW
Elizabeth
"This is one of the best sites I've been asked to review. All the links are connected. The layout/design is really easy to read and follow. I appreciate the fact that the national standards/benchmarks are listed."

March
GoMOOS
Marilyn
"Real time data that is easy to find and navigate for students, could use the site as a lab and role play real life situations in harvesting from the sea, collecting data about the weather, pollution, fisheries management"

April
NOAA Coral Reef Watch: Remote Sensing and Coral Reefs
Mellie
"Remote Sensing and Coral Reefs is an outstanding site for teachers looking for an exciting and engaging set of lessons to extend their Oceanography Units."

May
Great Lakes Information Network Teachers Corner
Chantelle
"Fishing for teaching resources for the Great Lakes? Check out GLIN Teachers Corner! This site is specifically geared toward K-12 educators looking for resources to teach about the Great Lakes and its fisheries."

June
Estuaries: Where Rivers Meet the Sea
Marilyn
"Are you land locked? Would you like to take your students to the coast? You too can help celebrate National Estuary Day 9/30/06! Register for a virtual interactive field trip and you don't have to get wet or even have those pesky permission slips signed. This site has lesson plans, ways to interact so that you and your students can learn about the critical habitats and the importance of estuaries."

July
COSEE Mid-Atlantic Coastal Observing Systems Center
Marilyn
"This is a "one stop”-shopping site for teachers to engage their students in the study of the ocean. Students can obtain and use real time data as they pursue independent or small group investigations relative to ocean topics."

August
ToxTown
Ly
"This site may look at first glance as if it's "kid stuff", but don't let that fool you! There is a lot of powerful information behind each rollover with your mouse! This site provides a great introduction to everyday toxins, where they are and how they impact humans."

September
Joint Oceanographic Institutions Teaching for Science, Learning for Life
Beth & Chantelle

"This site has it all for core drilling. Activities using real data, multi media, posters, PD opportunities, one can even ask for free core samples!"

"'When are we ever going to use this?' If this is a comment you hear from your students, check out the JOI Learning website! This website develops programs and materials based on scientific research expeditions to strengthen students' mathematics, science and analytical skills for a lifetime of learning."

October
Expedition Susquehanna
Mellie
"This site is an excellent jumping off point for students looking for an independent research study. It's student friendly with numerous "live" links to aid students in their research."

November

Nab the Aquatic Invader

Chantelle
"Turn your students into "Sea Grant Super Sleuths." Major arrests need to be made in the fight against invading aquatic plants and animals. These invaders have hitchhiked to U.S. waters and are on the loose creating huge problems, such as impacts on biodiversity. Uncover clues and collect evidence to help catch each suspect."

December
Laboratory for Ocean Color Users (LOCUS)
Marilyn
"This is an excellent site to use with students for data analysis and interpretation ... offers ocean color data products for environmental and oceanographic research. It would be THE "lab" of choice that could be used for integration of data and to stimulate discussion on global issues that affect the ocean and therefore land as well."

2007

January
Marine Fisheries Series Activity Guide
Ly
"In the past, teaching students about fisheries issues might be lecture-heavy, dull, and/or leave students with a sense of hopelessness. Not with these fun and informative hands-on activities! Students can learn about important concepts in fisheries management without needing a nap. Teacher background materials and answer keys are also very helpful!"

February
Encyclopedia of the NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries
Mellie
"The Encyclopedia of NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries is a user friendly site where one's quest for learning and understanding the marine environment in our National Marine Sanctuaries will be satisfied."

March
An Introduction to Marine Science
Darrell
"This site is well put together and the information is presented in a very user friendly manner."

April
Shorebird Sister Schools
Marilyn
"Questions about shorebirds? This site has extensive information about shorebirds. Students can easily find research and data to use and learn about shorebirds from tracking and emailing sightings as well as ideas to clean up habitats. The importance of shorebirds is celebrated here and you may find yourself becoming a bird watcher for other birds as well!

May
Ocean Surface Topography from Space - Jason 1 Game
Mellie
"Ocean Surface Topography from Space is an excellent site that will help teachers in upper elementary and middle school teach Ocean Literacy Principle #3: The Ocean is a major influence on weather and climate."

Tips & Tools

Other Bridge pages with related information:
TROLL Information
TROLL Guidelines

Bridge sponsor logos The Bridge is supported by the National Sea Grant Office, the National Oceanographic Partnership Program, and the National Marine Educators Association.
, Webkeeper
© Sea Grant Marine Advisory Services
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
College of William and Mary
Gloucester Point, VA 23062

Date	Site	TROLL	Review Quote
2005
April	National Marine Sanctuaries Education: Field Studies for Teachers	Mellie	"If you teach oceanography, this is the site for you. Everything is here under one roof; lesson plans, exciting activities for students, possible research investigations, and background information for teachers."
May	When is Dinner Being Served?	Darrell	"This site presents up to date data that can be monitored on an hourly basis. The graphics are very strong and the links and teacher information are a must for anyone teaching marine science and for those teachers who have sections in biology and physics or chemistry to cover."
June	Project Seahorse	Teena	"This site is a key site for information on seahorses and seahorse research. The information is organized, straightforward and easily understandable. It contains a wealth of information and additional resources."
July	Education and Research: Testing Hypotheses (EARTH)	Chantelle	"Get your students in "REAL TIME"...EARTH is a public education outreach website that provides lesson plans for teachers using near real time data from an ocean observatory. Unit lesson plan topics include observatories, pelagic predators, classification, iron fertilization and coastal processes."
September	Forces of Nature: Hurricanes	Alissa	"This site is an excellent resource to help students understand the nature and scope of hurricanes."
October	National Geographic EdNet: Oceans for Life	Chantelle & Marilyn	"The "Oceans for Life" website brings a wealth of educator resources in true "National Geographic style". This website promotes ocean literacy and provides educators with tools, resources and collaborations to bring the ocean to life in their classrooms. Teachers have the option to sign up for site membership which provides access to forums, listserves and personal EdNet workspace."
November	OBIS Special Edition	Ly	"It is awesome! There is so much that can be found on here. The technology is great-there's even a link on which you can make maps. What a great classroom tool! What a find-I'll be adding this to my favorites!"
December	National Data Buoy Center (NDBC)	Marilyn	"This could be a student's dream of real data with charts and graphs. Students could even dial up a buoy for current information and could simulate being on a research vessel in different parts of the world using actual data. This site would easily integrate into social studies and geography!"
2006
February	Project FLOW	Elizabeth	"This is one of the best sites I've been asked to review. All the links are connected. The layout/design is really easy to read and follow. I appreciate the fact that the national standards/benchmarks are listed."
March	GoMOOS	Marilyn	"Real time data that is easy to find and navigate for students, could use the site as a lab and role play real life situations in harvesting from the sea, collecting data about the weather, pollution, fisheries management"
April	NOAA Coral Reef Watch: Remote Sensing and Coral Reefs	Mellie	"Remote Sensing and Coral Reefs is an outstanding site for teachers looking for an exciting and engaging set of lessons to extend their Oceanography Units."
May	Great Lakes Information Network Teachers Corner	Chantelle	"Fishing for teaching resources for the Great Lakes? Check out GLIN Teachers Corner! This site is specifically geared toward K-12 educators looking for resources to teach about the Great Lakes and its fisheries."
June	Estuaries: Where Rivers Meet the Sea	Marilyn	"Are you land locked? Would you like to take your students to the coast? You too can help celebrate National Estuary Day 9/30/06! Register for a virtual interactive field trip and you don't have to get wet or even have those pesky permission slips signed. This site has lesson plans, ways to interact so that you and your students can learn about the critical habitats and the importance of estuaries."
July	COSEE Mid-Atlantic Coastal Observing Systems Center	Marilyn	"This is a "one stop”-shopping site for teachers to engage their students in the study of the ocean. Students can obtain and use real time data as they pursue independent or small group investigations relative to ocean topics."
August	ToxTown	Ly	"This site may look at first glance as if it's "kid stuff", but don't let that fool you! There is a lot of powerful information behind each rollover with your mouse! This site provides a great introduction to everyday toxins, where they are and how they impact humans."
September	Joint Oceanographic Institutions Teaching for Science, Learning for Life	Beth & Chantelle	"This site has it all for core drilling. Activities using real data, multi media, posters, PD opportunities, one can even ask for free core samples!" "'When are we ever going to use this?' If this is a comment you hear from your students, check out the JOI Learning website! This website develops programs and materials based on scientific research expeditions to strengthen students' mathematics, science and analytical skills for a lifetime of learning."
October	Expedition Susquehanna	Mellie	"This site is an excellent jumping off point for students looking for an independent research study. It's student friendly with numerous "live" links to aid students in their research."
November	Nab the Aquatic Invader	Chantelle	"Turn your students into "Sea Grant Super Sleuths." Major arrests need to be made in the fight against invading aquatic plants and animals. These invaders have hitchhiked to U.S. waters and are on the loose creating huge problems, such as impacts on biodiversity. Uncover clues and collect evidence to help catch each suspect."
December	Laboratory for Ocean Color Users (LOCUS)	Marilyn	"This is an excellent site to use with students for data analysis and interpretation ... offers ocean color data products for environmental and oceanographic research. It would be THE "lab" of choice that could be used for integration of data and to stimulate discussion on global issues that affect the ocean and therefore land as well."
2007
January	Marine Fisheries Series Activity Guide	Ly	"In the past, teaching students about fisheries issues might be lecture-heavy, dull, and/or leave students with a sense of hopelessness. Not with these fun and informative hands-on activities! Students can learn about important concepts in fisheries management without needing a nap. Teacher background materials and answer keys are also very helpful!"
February	Encyclopedia of the NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries	Mellie	"The Encyclopedia of NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries is a user friendly site where one's quest for learning and understanding the marine environment in our National Marine Sanctuaries will be satisfied."
March	An Introduction to Marine Science	Darrell	"This site is well put together and the information is presented in a very user friendly manner."
April	Shorebird Sister Schools	Marilyn	"Questions about shorebirds? This site has extensive information about shorebirds. Students can easily find research and data to use and learn about shorebirds from tracking and emailing sightings as well as ideas to clean up habitats. The importance of shorebirds is celebrated here and you may find yourself becoming a bird watcher for other birds as well!
May	Ocean Surface Topography from Space - Jason 1 Game	Mellie	"Ocean Surface Topography from Space is an excellent site that will help teachers in upper elementary and middle school teach Ocean Literacy Principle #3: The Ocean is a major influence on weather and climate."