The KIDS Report is a biweekly publication produced by K-12 students as a resource to other K-12 students. It is an ongoing, cooperative effort of 15 classrooms from around the world. Teachers assist and provide support; however, students select, evaluate and annotate all resources included in every issue of the KIDS Report.

The KIDS Report is published with a generous grant from John and Tashia Morgridge and with the support of the General Library System of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

This issue of KIDS, dated May 23, 2000, was written and produced by Nora Kneebone's class at West Iron County Middle School in Iron River, Michigan.

In This Issue

• Unseen Creatures: An Introduction to Creatures of Myth and Legend
• Gander Academy's Sea Monsters
• Nessie, The Loch Ness Monster
• The Definitive Sea Serpent
• Sea Monsters
• The Beast of Loch Ness - NOVA
• The Legend of Nessie

Unseen Creatures: An Introduction to Creatures of Myth and Legend http://library.thinkquest.org/27979/html/seamonsters.htm This site was created by ThinkQuest participants. ThinkQuest is an educational initiative committed to advancing learning through the use of computer and networking technology. This project is the largest and fastest growing Internet-based Educational program in the world. This is your opportunity to learn from the best. This site may not be full of fancy pictures, dancing graphics, or cheerful tunes, but it is overflowing with useful information presented in a clear, organized, user-friendly format. Not only will this site give you all the facts about sea monsters, it offers you the latest scoop on lake monsters as well. I recommend this site for grades six and up. Reviewed by Liz & Brian

Gander Academy's Sea Monsters http://www.stemnet.nf.ca/CITE/monsters_sea_monsters.htm A fifth-grade teacher from The Gander Academy located in Newfoundland, Canada put together this site entitled "Monsters Real and Mythical." The site offers "a wealth of information about the most famous and controversial mystery animals in the world. Were you aware that the existence of the Loch Ness monster has been placed deeper into doubt since 1994 when the best-known photograph of the elusive beast of northern Scotland was proven to be a hoax?" On the other hand, information about numerous sightings and photos found at this site will encourage you to take a closer look. Recommended for use with grades five and up, this site provides information on the Loch Ness Monster as well as questionable sightings of other sea serpents. Reviewed by Elena & Ashley

Nessie, The Loch Ness Monster http://www.strangemag.com/nessie.home.html This site is the online version of the Strange Magazine. Strange Magazine claims to take an objective, level-headed approach to strange phenomenon. After perusing many web pages that contain information about sea monsters, I can safely say that this site is one of the most useful. Not only does this site cover Loch Ness' infamous "Nessie," but a few other less-notorious beasts as well. The information on each creature is extensive, but certainly not repetitive. The photos and graphics do not dominate each page, so it is easy to read and aesthetically pleasing at the same time. The links to the pages work instantly, and you can return to "home" just as quickly. The site also offers a list of books on the topic that will help you find out more. This is a "must-see" page for anyone who is interested in sea monsters. It is recommended for grades six and up. Reviewed by Lyn

The Definitive Sea Serpent http://www.strangemag.com/definitiveseaserpent.html "The idea of an entire seaquarium of monsters cruising the seven seas is understandably difficult to swallow. Still, there is nothing outrageous about the idea of one or two unknowns remaining at large." Recommended for use by grades six and up, this site offers some thought-provoking arguments concerning the existence of sea monsters. An actual sighting, head profile comparisons, and giant eel sightings are just a few of the luring facts offered in this on-line version of Strange Magazine. (See listing above) Reviewed by Nicole & Andrea

Sea Monsters http://www.turnpike.net/~mscott/stsea2.htm Did you know that there might be animals in the depths of the seas and other large bodies of water that we don't know about? These monsters or fish-like creatures are known as sea monsters or "mythical creatures of the deep." Over the years there have been numerous sightings all over the globe. Scientists think some of these animals may be related to the prehistoric mammals and reptiles called dinosaurs. This site is packed with interesting facts. It is also a KidsSites.com approved site and has won some major recognition including the Britannica Internet Guide Award. I recommend this site for grades 5 and up. Reviewed by Becky & Erin

The Beast of Loch Ness - NOVA http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/lochness/ How can you "see" a lake bottom or sea floor if the water is too muddy, too dark, or too deep? You can't, right? Well, not with your eyes. But you can "see" with sound waves. Sonar, which stands for SOund NAvigation and Ranging, is usually used to "see" objects in the water or to determine the distance to something. Could sonar be used to locate and identify sea monsters? This site is amazing! Not only does it offer a unique experiment with sonar, it also has eyewitness accounts that students can read or hear via Real Audio. Although younger children may need some guidance, there is something for students of all ages offered at this site. The creator of this site, Nova Online, is produced for PBS by the WGBH Science Unit. Reviewed by Ashley & Becky

The Legend of Nessie http://www.nessie.co.uk/ "If it's information about the Loch Ness Monster you're after, then this is the site to visit. With documented evidence, film, first-hand accounts, stories, scientific studies and expeditions you will find that we are one of the most concise Loch Ness Monster sites on the WWW." Thus reads the introductory paragraph of this informative website. Students can read about an on-going search for Nessie, read the Nessie Diary or the Nessie Loch Ness Times, and sign Nessie's guest book. Nessie's Chatterboard and a multimedia menu are also available. Registered with RSAC, the creators of this web site assure a "very safe site." I recommend this site for all ages. Reviewed by Chris

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These Internet resources were evaluated on the basis of Site Selection Guidelines that the students developed. Questions and comments can be sent to the facilitating teacher at West Iron County Middle School, Nora Kneebone, at nkneebone@up.net

2000 Copyright by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System. Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of the entire KIDS Report provided this paragraph, including the copyright notice, is preserved on all copies.

Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.