In this lesson, students will use segments from Nature: Wild Balkans to explore the roles and interrelationships of organisms in the varied environments of the Balkan Peninsula. In the Introductory Activity, students will identify the Balkan Peninsula on a map and hypothesize what natural environments and wildlife might be present there. Students will use an interactive map to identify different regions of the Balkan Peninsula and the wildlife that resides in each region. In the Learning Activity, students will explore the regions of the Balkan Peninsula in more depth by viewing and discussing segments from the episode. Students will explore the habitats and wildlife of each region and the ways in which species collaborate and compete, as well as the role of humans in these environments. In the Culminating Activity, students will explore one species in depth and create a 3-D diorama or computer-generated simulation of the species in its environment. Students will discuss their projects with the class.

In this lesson, students use segments from Nature: Salmon Running the Gauntlet to explore ways in which humans have impacted salmon populations. In the Introductory Activity, students explore different ways in which human actions have helped and hindered salmon populations, including efforts to artificially produce and raise salmon. In Learning Activity 1, students learn about challenges salmon face after being released from hatcheries into the wild, as well as efforts that humans are taking to restore streams and salmon runs. In Learning Activity 2, students explore issues surrounding dams and conduct research on specific dams in the US northwest. In the Culminating Activity, students review information presented in the lesson and debate the merits of human efforts to save salmon. Students write a critical essay about human impact on salmon and propose ideas for future actions. Students discuss their projects with the class.

Using segments from NATURE: "Moment of Impact, Part 2: Jungle," students will learn about skills and features that help species survive in the jungle.

From the site: "It was supposed to be a short-term research project. Instead, it became a lifetime of learning. Along the way, people learned to see gorillas in a whole new light. 'A Conversation with Koko' tells the remarkable story of Dr. Francine 'Penny' Patterson's nearly 30-year relationship with Koko, a western lowland gorilla she taught to communicate in sign language."

Outstanding site that compliments an insect series on PBS. Interactive presentations include bee anatomy and honeybee hives. Includes interactive puzzles, teacher's guides, and formats for making insect masks.

Discover how cheetahs are built for speed and hunting, as well as what efforts are being put forth to protect and relocate these endangered animals in the wild.

A documentary film about the horseshoe crab and its importance to a tiny shorebird known as the red knot bird. Human threats to the crab will directly threaten both the crab and the little bird who depends on it. Links to related topics are included. [50:00]

How did the dog actually transform human society, and how has man radically transformed the dog? This site discusses the hard-wired behavior of the dog due to evolving from the "savage and wild wolf." The site includes a video [12:10] that discusses the dog's various "jobs" and how these jobs have shaped their personality. Students can roll over each dog breed to see each dog's region of origin and learn more via an interactive map.

PBS documentary explores threats to the continuing survival of frogs at locations around the world owing to habitat loss, pollution, and a fungus called chytrid now known to be responsible for killing large numbers of amphibians. [50:31]

Watch a narrated video about giraffes and their communication. [3:13] View giraffes in their natural habitat.

See a short podcast video [2:20] on the hunting tactics and special anatomy that make it the most formidable predator in the ocean.

A colorful site dedicated to the brilliant beauty of Ireland, it's wildlife, and incredible wilderness. Excellent photos.

PBS features this program on orchids, including a short video on how an orchid encourages a bee to carry pollen to another flower. There are 3 articles focusing on the flower's ability to coax insects into pollinating other orchids, new technologies that are helping orchids thrive, and even a short article about an author who wrote a fictional book about orchids. Interesting for 4th grade and above.

PBS Nature features, Orangutans. Learn how orangutans are similar to humans, how they communicate and how you can help save this endangered creature.

Facts on the Australian pelicans and the trip they take to Lake Eyre, a pelican heaven. Videos on these pelicans and a graphic on the pelican bill and pouch are also available. [0:30]

Explore the sounds of nature and how they connect with music. Investigates what purpose music serves through nature and what it means.

A PBS website where you can learn all about what's swimming around below the waters of Florida.

Learn about the life cycle and ecosystem of the sycamore fig tree of Kenya, in this PBS, Nature series, video. [2:15]

Watch a video [2:06] about the many talents of Macaws and listen to the narrator describe features of these beautiful birds.

This video [0:51] from PBS explores Hawaii's unique geography, with a focus on volcanic explosions. Topics include tsunamis, rockslides and volcanoes, along with a discussion of the work of vulcanologists.