Science writers, researchers, and STEM enthusiasts may enjoy the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON). Supported by the National Science Foundation, NEON provides "open data to understand how our aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are changing." The website covers everything from meteorology to megapit soil, with many topics in between. On the About page, readers will find a blog with stories from 2008 to present, covering subjects such as site assessments and conversations with experts. The Data Collection page contains information on the instruments and processes used to collect data on subjects such as meteorology, water, and soil. Interested in learning more about where these data are collected from? The Field Sites page provides information on these sites, which span 20 ecoclimatic domains "represent[ing] distinct regions of vegetation, landforms, and ecosystem dynamics." The Data page hosts data collected at these NEON sites, which readers can download for free. Educators may want to check out the Resources tab, as it features Data Tutorials and K-12 Activities with lesson plans available for download. These plans cover topics such as water quality indicators and rain gauge measurements. Under the Community tab, users can find additional papers, memos, and workshops, while the Opportunities tab highlights job openings and upcoming events.
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