I'm looking for websites and book suggestions that include hands-on activity ideas that don't involve writing.  We have children of different ages/abilities, so I don't want to preclude them simply by writing abilities in these particular subjects.  I've come across a few great resources: Ranger Rick's NatureScope Series, Story of the World Volume 1 Activity book, http://www.squidoo.com/lensmasters/iijuan12     , http://www.coreknowledge.org/ and http://www.homeschoolinthewoods.com/ .  .  

Does anyone know of other great resources out there? 

Herman,

I have a great list of sites for all purposes that was given to me at a conference on Differentiated Instruction.  If you're interested, PM me with your email address and I'll send you the file.  It's in pdf format and rather than picking and choosing a few for you, you might find the entire list useful.

Have you checked out the Raptor Resource Project?

What is the Raptor Resource Project?
Established in 1988, the non-profit Raptor Resource Project specializes in the preservation of falcons, eagles, ospreys, hawks, and owls. We establish and strengthen breeding populations of these raptors by creating, improving, and maintaining nests and nest sites. In addition to directly managing over twenty-three falcon, eagle, and owl nest sites, we provide training in nest site creation and management across the United States, reach more than 85,000 people each year through lectures, education programs, and our website, and develop innovations in nest site management and viewing that bring people closer to the world around them.
Our mission is to preserve and strengthen raptor populations, to expand participation in raptor preservation, and to help foster the next generation of preservationists. Our work deepens the connection between people and the natural world, bringing benefits to both.
Check out the links to cams of many of the raptor nests that RRP manages.
RRP also has a Facebook page.

 

There is a live camera on an eagle's nest here in Iowa.  It's a continuous liive feed with a very close up view.  Two of the eggs have hatched, and the 3rd will hatch any day.  I don't have any idea how much longer the camera will be live, but this could be interesting to your students.  I don't know what kind of hands on activities you might do with this, but it could be something you could have the students talk about.

Here's the link: http://www.ustream.tv/decoraheagles 

Check out the University of Florida's Florida Bug Club page, developed by UF's Entomology and Nematology department. This site, on insects and other arthropods, has plenty of online and hands-on activities from UF, as well as links to those from other universities.

http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/bug_club/