Tree Octopi, Velcro Farming and Camping Computer

Every year I teach the fifth graders a unit on evaluating websites, tying it in with one of their research projects. I show them a variety of bogus websites and we discuss various methods for checking the "facts" presented there. There a quite a few available, but here are a few of my favorites that are appropriate for elementary students:

Save the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus - http://zapatopi.net/treeoctopus/

Place a tenacle ribbon on your computer at work in a show of solidarity.

(Left): Rare photo of the elusive tree octopus



California's Velcro Crop Under Challenge - http://home.inreach.com/kumbach/velcro.html This is a very simple site, but a good one for the students to think about. I mean, it is written with a serious tone, complete with a chart, even. Consider:

"Velcro, an engineered crop, consists of two distinct strains: hooks and loops. For obvious reasons, of course, the hook strain must be grown in fields separated from those with the loop strain. "

HA!

World's First Camping Computer - http://www.members.shaw.ca/carsondesign/pages/colemac.html

And then there's Dog Island Free Forever - http://www.thedogisland.com/
"Separated from the anxieties of urban life, dogs on Dog Island are healthy dogs who live a natural, healthy and happy life, free from the stress and hardship associated with daily live among humans."

And here are a few other bogus sites in case you need more:
P.E.T.PU. (People for the Ethical Treatment of Pumpkins) - http://www.geocities.com/petpu4/
Panexa - http://www.panexa.com/ from Merd Pharmaceuticals - read "Important Safety Information"