Such Stuff as Dreams Are Made On

Teachers and students of Shakespeare will find the Folger Shakespeare Library Web site a fascinating place to explore the Bard’s life and works. Located in Washington, D.C., the Folger is a research center and home to the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare materials and other rare books, manuscripts, and works of art. A portion of their collection is online, plus biographical information about Shakespeare and resources such as lesson plans, study guides, and suggestions on how to read Elizabethan English. Go to www.folger.edu/index.cfm.

Coral Reef Teaching Tool

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) have unveiled the Coral Ecosystem SciGuide, a tool to help educators understand and teach about the coral animal; the complexity and fragility of coral reefs; and the importance of protecting these ecosystems for future generations. Every Web resource is aligned with education standards, and  provides access to lesson plans, activities, and computer simulations. The guide is available for $5.95 and includes access to the guide and resources for one year. Go to www.sciguides.nsta.org

Go on a Virtual Dig

If you dream of taking your students on an archaeological dig, the Crow Canyon Archaeolo-gical Center offers lesson plans based on actual research conducted at its Colorado facility, dedicated to understanding and teaching about the Anasazi Indians. Some of the materials are for purchase, but most can be downloaded for free and are developed for middle and high school students. Go to www.crowcanyon.org/education/study_guides_lesson_plans.asp.

Youth Can Change the World

The Innovation Center for Community & Youth Development explores the link between civic activism and youth development. The Web site offers tools and resources to explore how young people can strengthen society when they are engaged in important issues and involved in significant ways in creating change. Go to www.theinnovationcenter.org.coral reef teaching tool