I looked in many different places to find resources both on the web and in print. For the web I used mostly search engines such as; excite and yahoo. These two seem to provide the most information and were easier for me to navigate. They gave alternative sites and keywords that were useful in furthering my search on volcanoes. For books and audio materials I searched OASIS for children’s resources found in the Curriculum Lab. I was able to find numerous book that were related to my topics. There were many for young children as well as for older readers. I was able to find a video and CD-ROM that could be used as another resource in the classroom. I also visited websites such as amazon.com. This gave me more opportunities to advance my search on books available that are related to volcanoes.

My general impressions of the web are truly amazing. There are so many opportunities to find, search, and create information that are virtually at the touch of a keyboard. The Web creates the ability to freely explore text and topics that can be hard to come by in printed text. Unfortunately, there are no guidelines for the honesty found in the articles. A person can easily find themselves in a place where they do not wish to be by typing in a wrong word or clicking on a wrong icon. The web holds the capability to reach more individuals, but can lack in the correct context of materials presented. For example, I visited one site that said "Volcanoes are the large shaking tremors felt by the earth." This is just one example of how wrong information can be easily accessed on the web. Overall, the abilities to locate information at a fast and easy rate, make the web an essential part of today’s society.

From the sites I found I learned many things about volcanoes. Probably the most important thing I learned, was that there are many numerous active volcanoes throughout the world. One of the sites gave up to date information on active volcanoes and indications of volcanic activity. I also learned that the word volcano comes from the Roman god Vulcan; king of fire. Searching through the resources I realized the enormous amount of destruction that can be caused by volcanic eruptions. But, I also found many benefits of volcanoes. Among these include the fact that the lava actually can help make very rich soil in a short time after the volcano erupts. One of the most interesting things I learned was that volcanoes unlike other disasters do not have a specific beginning or duration. One eruption can vary widely from another, and yet still produce the same results. The sites made it clear that volcanoes come in all different shapes, sizes and color. It was evident that volcanoes are incredible structures that hold a great deal of power over humankind.

The resources I came across could be used in many different ways in the classroom. The web sites had incredible pictures depicting many aspects of volcanoes and how they work. There were a few sights that were directly geared at school age children which could be very beneficial for with younger aged children. I was also able to find a few video tapes that would be very beneficial for school children They were very educational, yet related to the topic in a fun and interesting way that would better keep the child’s attention. The books I found could be used to expand the children’s knowledge about the different types of volcanoes and how it is that they work. The resources I found would all be very helpful in the classroom if used with understanding of the children. They would have to know that searching the web takes getting used to and that reading books and watching videos are more ways to expand their knowledge on the topic.

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