WEST HOLLYWOOD, California—When school's out for the summer, teacher Donna Held stays busy surfing the Internet for resources to keep her fourth-graders excited about learning. She came across a Web-based education project about marine biology and decided to integrate it into her classes at Maimonides Academy, a private Jewish day school in Southern California.

"Extreme 2002: Mission to the Abyss" is a learning project hosted by the University of Delaware Graduate College of Marine Studies. The Web site (www.ocean.udel.edu/extreme2002*) connects a global audience of students and teachers with marine science researchers embarking on a deepwater research dive. Students can tag along virtually and observe while scientists explore deep-sea vents on the ocean floor and collect specimens for future study. The interactive project also gives students the opportunity to pose questions to the scientists.

For Held, the site offers a new twist on teaching California history by allowing students to learn about the geologic forces that shaped their corner of the world. "I love to find a new idea to bring into the classroom," says the enthusiastic veteran teacher. Teaching in a private school offers her a flexible environment where she can incorporate new approaches. Maimonides Academy serves about 500 students from preschool through middle school.

Held's students use the school's technology lab to conduct online research that sets the stage for learning about marine biology. Her fourth-graders research different kinds of animals that exist in deep water and share their findings with classmates, using electronic presentations. In addition to learning online, students also work together to create a mural and other artwork, and keep journal entries to record their learning experiences.

While her students are engaging in a variety of classroom activities, Held is typically documenting their experiences with a digital camera. Each month, she emails parents a new batch of photos from the classroom. "Parents love it!" she says. "They don't often get to see their children engaged in school." This gives them an insider's view and keeps parents better connected with their children's learning experiences.