There are plenty of great online GIS sites on the web.  Here are just a few to get you started:

National Geographic Mapmachine: The MapMachine plays host to maps and satellite images for almost everywhere on earth. There are some historical maps as well as a map of Mars!

MapZone: A website constructed by the United Kingdom's Ordnance Survey. Navigate to the GIS Zone and access some GIS background theory, examples of the reality of using GIS and information on careers in GIS. The best part of the site are the 'GIS Missions'. Here you can experience how GIS might be used in a real life situation. This is a great way to introduce GIS to almost all year levels, but be careful - some of those GIS Missions can be addictive!

Geoscience Australia Sentinal: The Geoscience Australia Sentinal website acts as a national bushfire monitoring system as well as a record for bushfire hotspots throughout Australia. Using the search function, you can search for hotspots on or between particular dates (try the end of January and early February 2003 around Canberra) or you can view current bushfire hotspots.

PIGWAD - The USGS Planetary GIS Web Server provides science teachers with an interactive GIS site allowing your students to view maps on a number of planets and moons in our solar system. 

Whereis: Whereis.com is probably the simplest online GIS available to Australian users. You can type in an address and be taken to that map or you can get directions, distance and travel time between a number of locations. Simple, easy to use and a useful tool for orienting your younger students to some of the theory behind GIS.

Reefbase: Reefbase provides a huge amount of information concerning the quality and health of reef ecosystems internationally. The site requires registration (which is free) and then you can access a large amount of useful data on coral reefs and our oceans. Well worth the visit and the online GIS component of the site is very easy to use and also includes instructions!

WWF WildFinder: Wildfinder is an online GIS that allows users to search its database of over 26,000 species. Your students can search by location or by species allowing greater control over the information. Containing information on birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, WildFinder is a valuable resource for scientists, students, educators, travelers, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike

Information Queensland: The Information Queensland Atlas is an online GIS developed by the Queensland Government to display spatial information on Queensland. You can search for your suburb, town or even property (using your property number). The site also allows you to access regional and property imagery as well as live weather around Queensland. Some Census data can be displayed on the site and periodically more will become available.

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