The Encyclopedia of Life is a fantastic resource for any family.  Planet earth has over 1.8 million species.  This is an online collaborative resource documenting the 1.8 million species that exist on our dear planet earth.  In the past, one species may have been "discovered" and named by several pe9ple causing confusion and inaccurate records.  With the Encyclopedia of Life people and scientists (I know they're people too) from all over the world can document, compare notes and record their findings, no matter where or when they explore a region.  People like you and I are encouraged to contribute.  Ah, the wonders of technology and the internet.

Students will find the Encyclopedia of Life particularly valuable as they prepare research reports, speeches and science projects.  The old decks of cards with information about various animals and plant life are a thing of the past.  Now all of that information is in one place and can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection.

Suggested Family Activity #1:

• Family Nature Walk at local park or nature preserve or beach or zoo or backyard
• Bring: digital camera, magnifying glass, specimen jar
• When you get home see if you can locate what you found on the Encyclopedia of Life

• Discovery Game
• Children of all ages can learn something from the Encyclopedia of Life.  Have everyone in the family discover something new on the Encyclopedia of Life website and share it with each other.
  
• Once a week at dinner or every two weeks or even once a month.  Doing this on a regular basis increases interest and excitement as family members try to outdo each other.  (Younger children can draw a picture of the animal they found most interesting.)
  
• Here are some ideas to get you started:
• Find the plant or animal with the most spots
• Find a plant that eats bugs
• Find animals with pouches
• Find insects from South America
• Find insects from the Middle East...are they the same or different from your area?
• Do ants live everywhere on the planet?
• Find the strangest animal and explain why you think it wins the prize.
• Are zebras white with black stripes or black with white stripes...ummmm.
• Lively discussions ensue as each family member defends their choice.
  

• Are you seeing ways to use the Encyclopedia of Life with your family?
• If not, what would you need to make it work for you?

I want to hear your thoughts. Talk back in a comment down below.

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