Tracking Santa

You can track Santa as he travels the world on Christmas Eve. You need to download the programme at home. Norad have linked up with Google Earth . The website uses GIS, GPS, radar, satellites and even a jet fighter aircraft to spot him.You can see him at the Santa Tracking Norad site .

Should we have a real or fake christmas tree this year?

In some classes this week we are looking at whether real or fake Christmas trees are better for the environment.
Here is some more information from the One Show including a video you might be able to view at home.

Norwegian Christmas tree in London

Since 1947 Norway has sent a Norwegian Spruce tree to England as a gift of friendship. It is lit in Trafalgar Square for Christmas .

Why do food miles matter?

Find out what food miles are and why we need to cut down on them at this site from the BBC

Cruise ship to Antarctica hits ice and sinks.

This article shows that although cruising in the Antarctic is exciting it is not without danger.

Cyclone Sidr has hit Bangladesh

Cyclone Sidr has crossed the Bay of Bengal and hit the southern shores of Bangladesh. This powerful tropical storm has flattened villages and uprooted trees in its path. A storm surge of over 5m high has resulted in flooding. There are fears that thousands have died and many more are homeless. Thousands of people in the area have been moved to safety in special government-built cyclone shelters. Food, medicine, tents and blankets are being sent to help people who have been affected by the storm. Find more information from Reuters.

You can view Cyclone Sidr on its devastating path here.






Update : 30/11/07
The final toll from cyclone Sidr was likely to be more than 4,000 as hundreds of fishermen are still missing in Bangladesh, the army said Thursday. 3,256 bodies have been found and 880 people are missing and feared dead. Sidr struck on November 15, smashing into the coast before cutting a swathe through the southern and central districts. An estimated 360,000 people have been left homeless with around 4.7 million people affected. The storm was THE SECOND MOST POWERFUL CYCLONE TO HIT THE COUNTRY SINCE RECORDS BEGAN.

Sustainable Olympics

Year 11 L&T are learning about sustainability links with Lesiure and Tourism.
Here is an activity based on the Olympic Site being built for 2012.

ElectroCity

ElectroCity is a new online computer game that lets players manage their own virtual towns and cities. It’s great fun to play and also teaches players all about energy, sustainability and environmental management.

Here is your code to enter at end of game CB6149

Celebrate GIS Day - Wednesday, November 14

Watch to see this animation to see how GIS touches our lives everyday.

Passport to Asia - Continent of Contrasts

Take the tours of Asia with My Wonderful World. Using Google Earth you can explore the sights, wildlife and culture of Asia.

Nissan expands wind farm at Washington

To help with reduction of carbon dioxide emissions Nissan is to build 2 more wind turbines. Find out more from the BBC website .

Mexico floods leave thousands homeless

Huge floods have trapped many people in their homes. Thousands are trying to flee. The floods have come after a week of very heavy rain. Read more here.

Map reading from Ordnance Survey

Map reading skills can be tested here.
Click on Maptivity.

Indonesia on triple volcano alert

Here is the view from 'child of Krakotoa'


Here is the Reuters News

California's fires still burning.

Half a million people have been evacuated away from the fires burning across California. The ground is very dry, the weather is very hot and the winds are very strong so as to make the fires even stronger.

How far do animals travel in a week?

Here is a website which maps the journey of polar bears, elephants and whales, who have been fitted with satellite collars.
See latest photos of cute penquin chicks in sub-zero temperatures.

Hurricane preparedness

These clip shows what the University of Miami does to ensure the safety of its students in event of a hurricane.

Hurricane animation

This site comes from Nasa

Blog Action Day

Today is the day when all blogs are asked to talk about the environment.
Here at ECSC it is fieldwork week for year 9 and the issue they are tackling is about the environment. Pupils have to decide if the local village has a good quality of the environment. They are going to collect data and see if it matches up to their prior perceptions.
Quality of the environment is seen as a pull factor attracting people to move to commuter villages away from a poorer quality of the environment in the cities. Students will be collecting data to test this hypothesis. They are not only looking for a pollution free environment but also a pleasant, safe and convenient place to live. E.G. what facilities are within a short walking distance, are there plenty of green open spaces , are there safe places for children to play.

Flood disaster

Year 8 are learning about how to prevent flooding. Use your knowledge and play the game.
select the flood scenario.

Flash Earth

Flash Earth allows you to go to any specific area in the world. You can view an aerial photograph of any area and choose between Google, Microsoft, Ask or NASA.
Click Flash Earth image.

Flash earth allows you to:

• Go anywhere in the world.
• Zoom in or out of an area.
• Rotate your position to see various perspectives.
• Use various programs for the best picture quality.

Lightwater Valley

Year 11 Leisure & Tourism class have started their marketing unit using Lightwater Valley as a case study. Here is Lightwater Valley's official website.

Where does Moley ends up?

Take a look at this site from Oxfam which will help you make the link
between maps and globes.

Weather revision

The following web pages take the form of a set of tutorials aimed at GCSE geography students

Met Office education resources

Year 11 are completing their weather and Climate unit this half term. These links are to help your understanding and extend your knowledge about meteorology.

QE2 Cruise ship visits Newcastle

The QE2 celebrates her 40th this year and as part of her anniversary voyage around the British Isles she will visit Newcastle this weekend. She will be welcomed by a virtual red carpet up the Tyne, followed by a band playing and a firework display. Find out more about the event here.

Japan

This half term Year 9 are studying and learning about Japan. Here is Kids Web Japan which is a good site to learn about the culture and geography of Japan. Also it has lots of games to try .

Water Cycle animation

Year 8 are studying about water this half term. Here is a clear animation to show how the water cycle works.

Weather

Here is a weather web site for Kids. It gives a description and explanation of many weather features.

Why are some maps being redrawn?

Map makers (cartographers) are having to redraw some maps because of changes to places. See some examples from Sky News. The effects of global climate change are altering the face of the planet - and its maps, according to The Times Comprehensive Atlas of the World.

Penguin survival in Antarctica

Read this Independent arcticle about penguin survivial in Antarctica.

Forecasting Hurricanes

So how can hurricanes be forecasted? Have a look at this BBC site.

Hurrican Dean

Latest information can be viewed here at the National Hurricane Centre.
The hurricane is gathering energy as it crosses the warm Caribbean Sea.
Now heavy storms are pounding the East Caribbean Islands with winds over 215kms per hour.
21st August . Update : Dean heads for Mexico.

Famous landmarks.

Disappointing or not?
According to a survey of tourists most well known landmarks are a disappointment. What do you think?

Peru Earthquake

Peru has suffered a magnitude 7.9 earthquake.
Find out more about earthquakes here.
Eyewitness accounts here.
UPDATE : aftershocks

Play Live Derby 2007

Live Derby 2007 - Microsoft Live Maps Game

Britain's favourite view.

Where is your favourite place in Britain?

See other peoples' favourite places at this website linked to the TV series.

Space Hotel

Would you want to stay here in 2012?

Football Kickoff

Where is this ?
At home you could click this file to see most English Football stadiums in Google Earth.

Today, there are 331 players from 66 countries in the Premiership.

Countdown to Beijing Olympics

China has staged lavish celebrations to mark the one year countdown to Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. See pictures here.
Click onto the official Beijing 2008 website.

Chinese river dolphin is likely to be extinct.

A freshwater dolphin found only in China is now "likely to be extinct" This was reported by CBBC.The scientists say a number of human activities that caused the dolphin to decline, including construction of dams and boat collisions. Also they blame unsustainable fishing.

Floods in SE Asia - over 21 days of monsoon rains.

The UN has described the flooding in Bangladesh as the worst in living memory. Floods are affecting India, Bangladesh and Nepal, where millions of people face continuing misery. Find out more about the effects here.
Find out about the monsoon that has helped cause the floods here.

Foot and mouth outbreak in Surrey.

The BBC reports 'A UK-wide ban on the movement of all livestock is in place after cattle at a farm near Guildford, Surrey, were found to be infected with foot-and-mouth disease.' See the pictures here.
Found out more here.

Russia plants flag under North Pole.

Read here to find out why.

What formed these famous US geological landforms?

Try this quiz.
How many did you get right?

Mountain safety

Read basic tips to help you stay safe whilst climbing mountains.
This links to BBC Mountain series.
Sunday BBC1 9pm

The world this week.

Take a look here to view some events on Planet Earth this week.

Interactive map of floods in Berkshire

Use the map to see flood warnings and reports.

Test your knowledge of world geography

Play on line at GEOSENSE

How to cope without running water.

'Flush less often and try to use grey water to flush toilets including flood water' Read more here.

Why is the weather so wet?

To find out why the weather has been so wet at the start of our school summer holidays read here.