The availability of real scientific data via the World Wide Web (WWW) affords a unique opportunity for educators to teach science in authentic and engaging ways. This project is exploring ways in which educators can most effectively use the scientific resources available via the World Wide Web in their curriculum development and teaching. The project is linking scientists and data at the Bermuda Biological Station for Research (BBSR) with prospective science teachers in the College of Education at Florida International University (FIU). This link is mediated via an existing virtual campus operated by the College of Exploration (TCOE). The content emphasizes global environmental change as it relates to the oceanographic data in BBSR's Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS). The resulting learning environment provides opportunities for prospective science teachers in a high-minority area to use web-based data sets to conduct inquiry-based learning. The objective is to help prospective teachers gain the skills needed to design additional web-based curricula for use in grades 6 to 12 classrooms. Curricula developed during this course will be shared with teachers everywhere through a web database. The project is also documenting the most effective design process for creating a web-enabled learning environment by identifying the components, pedagogies, personnel, and technologies needed to make the distance-learning environment effective.
