See the World via Worldmapper

Land Area via Worldmapper

Extinct Species via Worldmapper

Worldmapper is a great site to help students visualize basic statistical data about the world. Go to the "Map Categories" section to find the various types of maps available, including categories such as Goods, Movement, Poverty, and Death, to name few. For example, under Disasters, you'll find maps that depict the proportion of the population killed by extreme temperatures compared to those killed by drought. Or look under Destruction for extinct species. For "lighter" topics, compare the world poplation of 1500 to 1960. There are myriad opportunities for exploration here.