EPA.gov/kids

"Green" site is thorough, if a tad disjointed.

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Common Sense rates it

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URL: http://www.EPA.gov/kids
Entertainment Value: Medium to high

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this site is an educational tool aimed at kids from pre-K to 4th grade. Sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the site's goals are to begin teaching the basics of environmental awareness as early as possible. There are plenty of games (connect-the-dots, word jumbles), simple science experiments, and loads of printables, like activity and coloring books. Though no membership is required to access the site, kids (and classrooms) have the option of mailing in a registration form to get additional materials (after a three-week wait period) not available on the site. There's also a link to the high school version of the site.

Families can talk about the environmental issues that are impacting the world. Where does our drinking water come from and how is it cleaned? How can we protect the environment and its endangered species? Why is recycling important?

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Message

Social Behavior:

Promotes environmental awareness and a pro-active approach to helping the planet.

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Educational Value:

Kids will learn lots on this science-savvy site.

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Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Amy Weaver Dorning

Going "green" is hot right now, and your kids may be wondering what it's all about. A great place to get answers is on this fun, colorful site sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Is it any good?

The site is ad-free and chock-full of facts, activities, and printables, so there's plenty for kids to do while learning. That said, it's not the most sophisticated site; it lacks a continuity of style, and some of the graphics are a bit simplistic (though some of the printable "comic books" are colorful and pleasing). Plus, some of the content feels wonky, as if it were created by science writers with little kid experience; for instance, does your one- to three-year-old -- the target age range -- really need to know about acid rain?

But, at least the site doesn't talk down to its audience. And, if the presentation lacks sophistication, the information doesn't. Some of the pages are slow to load, a couple of links didn't go anywhere, and the site can be a bit disjointed, but there's some worthwhile content that will get your little ones thinking about their footprint on the earth.