This web page contains links to web pages that are outside the FCPS network.  FCPS does not control the content or relevancy of these pages.

Blue Web'n
A collection of blue ribbon learning sites on the web, hence the Blue Web'n name for this online library. You'll be able to search the broad academic index for web-based activities, tutorials, projects, references, and more, all well organized for just the information or idea you are seeking

Disney Edu-Station
Cyber lesson plans, presentations, and other ideas for the classroom.

North Carolina State Library
Welcome surfers to the Start Squad who will invite you to 'discover the very best stuff on the Internet and in your library.'  Join Lee the Librarian as she guides you through the stacks.  The sections available are 'Preschool,' 'Elementary,' 'Middle School,' and last but not least, 'Grown-ups.'  Each section has related topics that feature sites of interest, activities, and other items.

Language Arts:

International Children's Digital Library
The University of Maryland and The Internet Archive have joined forces in a joint "project to develop innovative software and a collection of books that specifically address the needs of children as readers." This project has recently been launched on the Internet as the 'International Children's Digital Library' and currently includes material form 27 different countries in 15 different languages. The ICDL is "a place where kids all over the world can find lots of books from many different countries." The explicit instructions make it easy for children of all ages, adults included, to navigate the pages and find that special book. Even 'picture books' can be retrieved, allowing viewers to have access to the actual publications. Here's your own personal library to share with children of all ages. Technology used in this manner is indeed grand!

Social Studies:

White House for kids
An opportunity for young Americans to learn about the White House and the President through fun and exciting features.

Ben's Guide to U.S. Government for Kids
Provides learning tools for K-12 students, parents, and teachers on how our government works.

Teaching With Historic Places
This sites stated purpose is to use "properties listed in the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places to enliven history, social studies, geography, civics, and other subjects." Although designed to help teachers introduce young people to American history, what greater resource for parents trying to wrap up summer vacations yet introduce their charges back to the academic environment than a guide that brings history to life! The information on this National Park Service Web site is a treat to those of all ages who love to learn, not just the youngsters. Even if you can't physically travel to the locations, here's your chance to go by cyber travel. Browse the photographs and maps, current features and featured lesson plans; everyone will enjoy learning in this living classroom!

Postcards from America
Discover America through postcards is the motto on 'Postcards from America.'  Postcards is a friendly site, inviting you to "Hitch a ride in our "virtual backseat" as we travel America in our RV, "Harvey the RV," and share this exciting journey through the window of an electronic postcard."  Your stops can include stamps, fun facts, artifacts, maps and travel tips.  Here's a really fun way to tour the United States and take in all the different areas, naturally within the comfort of your own chair!

Founding Fathers Info Guide
Did you know that Ben Franklin proposed that rather than the Stars and Stripes, the rattlesnake be the symbol of American independence with the slogan "Don't Tread on Me?" 'Founding Fathers' is the site to learn such facts about the founding of the United States, especially those surrounding the first few decades of the formation of the republic. You'll find interesting e-texts on the "Revolutionary War timeline, the causes of the Revolution, the story of the Declaration of Independence, Bunker Hill, Yorktown, and much more." As befits the site name, the founding fathers and the lives of the American Presidents during the early years are the main focal points. However, there is a "cool, new online" edition of The Federalist Papers, "one of the most important works on political theory ever written;" links to other important documents, such as the Bill of Rights and the Constitution are available for the document researcher. No student of American History should pass up such a good introduction to the early history of the republic!

The Quest for Immortality: Treasures of Ancient Egypt
The National Gallery of Art has a new online exhibit focusing upon the ancient Egyptians' quest for eternal life. This exhibition spans the New Kingdom (1550-1069 BC) through the Late Period (664-332 BC) some 3,000 years ago and is divided into six sections: Journey to the Afterworld, The New Kingdom, The Royal Tomb, Tombs of Nobles, The Realm of the Gods, and The Tomb of Thutmose III. The visitor is able to examine the Egyptians remarkably complex set of religious beliefs, including their funneling of vast material resources into their denial of the 'physical impermanence of life.' The virtual tours, actual narratives from the experts and streaming slideshows make the exhibit come alive, allowing the visitor to experience the exhibit as if he were actually present in the museum, even in ancient Egypt. Please take this opportunity to browse at your leisure without being hurried along by the crowds as you delve into the quest for immortality.

Science:

MadSci Network - A web site that unites hundreds of scientists in a forum where people can ask questions and learn more about the world around them.

Black Hole Gang (4th and 5th Grade) - Meet the multi-ethnic Black Hole Gang, Matt, Wei Ling, Newton, Rosa and A.J., as they explore science as only such a diverse gang can. Visit each member in his particular corner of the clubhouse and search his area, some messier than others, for associated links to informative sites (you'll definitely be reminded how much fun 'finding the hidden object in the picture' is)! Each person has his/her own specialty and takes delight in sharing knowledge with the visitors. However, while the human members are working on their projects, Newton claims he likes to roll in mud puddles, chase slow cats, and sneak out at night to howl at the moon, so don't overlook his contribution!

SpaceWander.com
Step aboard the cyber-spaceship for your own personal trip to Mars and after that, Jupiter! Here's a unique opportunity to actually blast off with the astronauts, experience a galactic cruise from the comfort of your armchair, all the while having details about the trip and the formations you pass displayed on the command console. This website is a fascinating space travel simulation, very well done, informative for all ages. Be sure to start your countdown so that you don't miss the next blast off!

Science Fair Sites:

Math / Science:

Journey North - Journey North is a free online educational service, supported by the Annenberg/CPB. Established in 1991 with a grant from the Annenberg Foundation to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Project uses media and communications to improve math and science education for the nation's 44 million school children. Journey North is supported as a model for math/science education reform. It uses schools across the U.S. and Canada to track migratory species,