Biological and Environmental Sciences Links

Ichthyology at the Florida Museum of Natural History
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/
Given its proximity to numerous large and biologically diverse ecosystems, it is not surprising to learn that the Florida Museum of Natural History has developed such a lovely website that corrals a great deal of interesting and interactive materials on the study of fish. From the homepage, visitors can dive into the ten or so topical headings, include those dealing with sharks, tropical fish research, South Florida, and an amazing ichthyology collection. The newly developed South Florida section is a must-see, as it provides a strong introduction to the complex aquatic environments that make the region so unique, along with providing a glossary of terms, a few quizzes, and several word search puzzles for the younger set. Overall, the educational material presented here is very strong, and would prove to be a nice complement to younger students' classroom work on marine biology in particular. [KMG]*

Topic in Depth: Mercury Pollution

Seed Savers Exchange: Planting Guide
http://www.seedsavers.org/wholepgs/Mainpgs/planting_guide.htm
This website will be of interest to gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike. Seed Savers Exchange (SSE), an 8,000 members-strong leader in the "heirloom seed movement," has assembled a planting guide that includes planting instructions for a variety of herbs, flowers, and vegetables. Divided into those three categories, the plants are listed alphabetically by common name. In addition to planting instructions, the herb section includes plant history and uses, the flower section includes plant history, and the vegetable section includes seed saving instructions. This site has links to other components of the SSE operation such as Heritage Farm, an agricultural project that currently maintains 18,000 rare vegetable varieties! [NL]*

The Humane Society of the United States: Urban Wildlife -- Our Wild Neighbors
http://www.hsus.org/ace/19400
Do you know your wild neighbors? This website was developed by The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to introduce Wild Neighbors , a program that "promotes nonlethal means for resolving conflicts between wildlife and humans..." and "cultivates an understanding and appreciation for those wildlife species commonly found in cities and towns." HSUS also uses this site to introduce the Urban Wildlife Sanctuary Program (UWSP). UWSP provides individuals and communities with support and information about creating quality wildlife habitats on their property. This website contains links to urban-relevant wildlife issues such as feeding winter birds, gardens and wildlife, negative impacts of litter, and animal tracking. [NL]*

Human Embryology Animations [Macromedia Flash Player, QuickTime]
http://www.indiana.edu/~anat550/embryo_main/
One of the most impressive ways to learn about biology, particularly that which we seldom see, is through modeling. Dr. Valerie O'Loughlin and her colleagues at Indiana University have created this thoroughly impressive set of animations so that "students could better understand the complex processes that must occur in embryologic development." The site is arranged into five main areas, including: Cardiovascular Embryology, Development of the Head and Neck, Gastrointestinal Embryology, Development of the Limbs, and Urinary and Reproductive Embryology. However, the only two sections currently loaded with animations are the first two. Presumably, the rest are coming soon. Also, because these animations are part of a study of teaching efficacy, Dr. O'Loughlin asks that users participate in an optional survey. However, all animations can be accessed without taking part. As a great addition to the site, users are presented with a few questions regarding the anatomy which they are about to see, prior to viewing the animation. Undboutedly, this is related to the Indiana University course that these animations are a part of, but they serve as a great addition for visitors other than students, too. [JPM]*

Explore the National Institute of General Medical Sciences
http://www.nigms.nih.gov/news/science_ed
The National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), a component of the National Institutes of Health, supports scientists to discover knowledge about the fundamental biology that underlies our health. NIGMS produces print science materials for educators to enhance understanding of many areas of biomedicine including chemistry, genetics, structural biology, pharmacology, and more. NIGMS also produces a magazine profiling scientists at work called "Findings" that is free and can be found online. (NSTA)

Wetlands 101 Course
http://www.wetland.org/educ_wetlandinfo.htm
Wetlands 101 is a new online course covering wetland ecology, types, functions and management. It is the perfect first step for anyone wanting to learn more about wetlands. The course is free and can be downloaded off the website in Adobe format. Once teachers complete the course, they can take the Wetland 101 online quiz that determines their knowledge levels. Wetlands 101 was developed by Environmental Concern Inc. (NSTA)

e-Skeletons Project
http://www.eskeletons.org/
The e-Skeletons Project is an interactive site that enables teachers and students to view the bones of humans, gorillas, and baboons and learn about the important morphological and muscular features of the skeleton. It is also possible to view bones from different animals side-by-side to compare the differences and similarities using the "comparative anatomy" link. The University of Texas at Austin created the project with funding from the National Science Foundation.*

Topic In Depth: Octopuses

Astrobiology: The Search for Life [pdf, QuickTime]
http://www.exploratorium.edu/origins/arecibo/index.html
This is the latest website from the Exploratoriumís _Origins_ series -- a Web-based project that "explores the origins of matter, the universe, earth, and even life itself." In "Astrobiology: The Search for Life," visitors can read up on Earthís extreme environments that support life and serve as models for extraterrestrial environments. The site also introduces some of the scientists working in astrobiology, including Jill Tarter. Other sections explore the tools of the trade (e.g. NASAís Mars Rover) and important ideas in astrobiology (e.g. the Drake Equation). Additionally, during the month of November, the Exploratorium will air live webcasts from field sites like Chileís Licancabur volcano, and broadcast interviews with some of astrobiologyís top brass. [RS]*

The Lives of Microorganisms: A Micronaturalist's Notebook
http://ebiomedia.com/gall/micronat/
A Micronaturalist's Notebook is a series of photo essays from BioMEDIA Associates offering a quick but fascinating look at "the teaming worlds of life in ponds, streams, tidepools, moss beds, the soil, and virtually everywhere else in the world." The website contains amazing photographs by BioMEDIA's biologist/filmmaker Bruce Russell, along with interesting and informative descriptions. The November 2003 feature, Bacteria: Ya Can't Live Without 'Um! highlights bacterial decomposition, cyanobacteria, and the bacterial origin of cellular organelles.*[Great site! Free short videos you can download too. -FD]

Interactive Investigator [Forensics]
http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/Myst/index.html
Interactive Investigator, available through Virtual Museum Canada, is a website "for anyone with an interest in the different scientific methods used to solve crimes." Users will find a database of forensic science, containing short but informative essays on forensic entomology, toxicology, alcohol analysis, and various other forensic science topics. A simple timeline reviews key dates in the development of forensics, starting with the creation of the Paris Institute for Forensic Science in 1868. But the main feature (and the most fun) is an interactive game, in which players collect and analyze crime scene clues to solve a murder case. Interactive Investigator is also available in French. [RS]*

AskERIC: Cell-City Project [pdf] http://ericir.syr.edu/cgi-bin/printlessons.cgi/Virtual/Lessons/Science/Biology/BIO0205.html
In this AskERIC lesson plan for grades 5-9, students compare the structure and function of cell organelles to that of a working city -- a handy analogy for learning the basics of cell biology. The activities outlined in the lesson plan, which takes three to four 55-minute sessions to complete, combine art and science for an interdisciplinary learning experience. Vocabulary words, useful links, and downloadable worksheets are included along with lesson procedures. [RS]*

Leaf Identification
http://www.cas.psu.edu/docs/CASDEPT/Hort/LeafID/
This straightforward tutorial on leaf identification comes from the Department of Horticulture at Penn State University. Simple diagrams, helpful photos, and clear explanations make short work of learning the basics of leaf identification. The website even includes a section on why anyone should bother learning this skill (i.e. itís not just for dedicated horticulturists and botanists). The tutorial covers leaf structure, blade shape, margins, venation, and so on. The self-testing component appears to be unavailable at this time, but this site as a whole is definitely worth a look. [RS]*

Chemistry, Physics, Earth and Space Science Links

Web Elements
http://www.webelements.com

California Institute of Technology: Cool Cosmos
http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/index.html
This great educational site from Cal Tech offers all sorts of resources to assist in learning about the universe. Using the fun, gear-like menu on the left of the screen, visitors can pick from site areas such as the Cosmic Classroom (which offers classroom activities, lessons, reference info and an Ask an Astronomer option), Cosmic Kids (where kids can learn about what's in space through stories and resources like the Infrared Zoo), the Video and Image Galleries, and lots more. The site should be a great resource for teachers introducing students to the study of the universe or those visitors who are simply interested in getting lost in space for a while.

University of St. Louis: Lunar Meteorites
http://epsc.wustl.edu/admin/resources/moon_meteorites.html
From the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis comes this very informational site about meteors. The opening page of the site would serve a novice meteorite researcher in her or his discovery about these rocks from outside of the earth -- including information on how meteorites are named, where they come from, why they are important, etc. The site explains the difference between meteorites and meteoroids. Also of note is the List of Lunar Meteorites which opens up an up-to-date listing, "in approximate order of decreasing alumina concentration" of several meteorites found in the last twenty years.*

The European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Southern Observatory
(ESO) Astronomy Exercise Series [pdf, jpeg, tiff, Java]
http://www.astroex.org/english/index.php
The European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Southern Observatory (ESO) created these numerous, stimulating astronomical exercises to get high school students excited about scientific discoveries. By applying different methods, users can learn how to determine the distances of astronomical objects in the universe such as the supernova SN 1987A, the spiral galaxy Messier 100, and the Cat's Eye Planetary Nebula. The exercises include online and downloadable instruction manuals, interactive modules, related scientific papers, and images. Teachers can find toolkits to assist in educating students about astronomical and mathematical concepts such as temperature, luminosity, intensity, units, and angles.*

Bad Astronomy
http://www.badastronomy.com/
Philip Plait, a professor at the physics and astronomy department at Sonoma State University, explores many popular myths and misconceptions about astronomy at this amusing and educational website. Students and educators can learn which ideas promoted by television, news, movies, and the general public are false and, more importantly, why they are false. Amateur astronomers can talk with others about an array of bad astronomy topics on the Bulletin Board. The website offers information about Philip Plait's public talks and about astronomical events.*

Project Atmosphere Australia Online [pdf]
http://www.schools.ash.org.au/paa1/default.htm
The Project Atmosphere Australia Online is a curriculum-based online project for school communities throughout the world. This expansive website contains many classroom activities including word puzzles and straightforward hands- on experiments. Teachers can find downloadable Science Modules, which provide activities for students in subjects such as the ozone layer, salinity, and the earth's climate. In the Weather Topics section, users can find additional information about the atmosphere, rain and hail, and more. By joining the email list, interested users can participate in large group projects and can communicate with other teachers, students, and meteorologists.*

Science with NOAA Research online Resources [pdf]
http://www.oar.noaa.gov/k12/index.html
This website, a joint effort of the NOAA research division and the College of Education at the University of South Alabama, provides "middle school science students and teachers with research and investigation experiences using on-line resources." Each of the six water and weather-related categories contain an introduction, explanation, activity, and application section. Activities include interpreting maps of wind, waves, and temperatures; taking temperature and wave measurements; and investigating hurricanes, tornadoes, and lightning. The website provides student and teacher downloads for all of the material presented.*

Paleontological Research Institution: A Virtual journey into Earth history [pdf]
http://www.priweb.org/ed/earthtrips/earthtrips.html
Through the extensive use of field images, this virtual journey into Earth history -- created by the Paleontological Research Institution -- allows users to discover the natural information of earth science from online field exploration. By searching by region, users can discover the Plio-Pleistocene sediments at Sarasota, the Utah Slots, the rocks of central New York, and much more. The timeline link of the website features information on the Ordovician, Devonian, Tertiary, and Quaternary periods. Students can learn about rock weathering, the creation of potholes, and rock stratigraphy. Anyone interested in the geologic history of the United States should enjoy this website.*

PhysicalGeography.net: Fundamentals of Physical Geography
http://www.physicalgeography.net/home.html
Michael Pidwirny, an associate professor at Okanagan University College, produced this website to educate users about "the spatial characteristics of the various natural phenomenon that exist in Earth's hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and lithosphere." This online textbook includes ten chapters filled with illustrations, images, and animations. The website provides links to the glossary for many of the key concepts discussed. At the end of each chapter, students can find summaries, study questions, and additional reading suggestions. Although the internet weblinks and geo-weblog are not yet available, students searching for resources dealing with the basics of physical systems will benefit from this site.

O=CHem Directory
[Java, Chime, QuickTime, Macromedia Shockwave Player]
http://www.usm.maine.edu/~newton/Chy251_253/Welcome.htm
The University of Southern Maine's O=CHem directory features over ninety educational topics to supplement current organic chemistry textbooks. The first page is an introduction to the directory and contains a link at the bottom to the O=CHem tutorials. The lessons are equipped with helpful animations, figures, interactive sections, and problems. These comprehensive lessons are certain to help visitors with their organic chemistry skills. While most of the other links at the bottom of the first page are more relevant to Professor Newton's students, students and educators should find JME Molecular Editor and HNMR tutorials useful.*

U.S. Centennial of Flight Home Page [Macromedia Flash Reader]
http://www.centennialofflight.gov/
Wright Experience: Reconstructing the Wright Brothers' Legacy
http://www.wrightexperience.com/
Wright Brothers Aeroplane Company and Museum of Pioneer Aviation Home Page
http://www.first-to-fly.com/
Flight History.com
http://www.flight-history.com

Topic in Detph: The Corilois Force

Chasing Storms [mpg]
http://tornado.sfsu.edu/geosciences/StormChasing/stormchase2.html
John Monteverdi created this website to educate and entertain visitors in the science of storm chasing. Online storm journals for Spring Storm Chases from 1994 to the present take visitors through the life of a storm chaser. Throughout his discussions, the author provides weather charts and satellite images to assist visitors with the weather-related concepts. The site contains countless pictures of tornadoes and the destruction they leave behind. Although some of the amazing images take a few minutes to download, visitors will find that it is worth the wait. [RME]*

The University of Michigan Health Physics Society
http://www.umich.edu/~radinfo/index.htm
The Student Chapter of the Health Physics Society at the University of Michigan's website provides visitors with an abundance of information and links related primarily to radiation, nuclear physics, and medical physics. Students can find internship, fellowship, and other funding possibilities. Visitors can learn about the basic radiation concepts such as RAD (radiation absorbed dose), sievert, and radioactive contamination. Users will also find materials on various topics such as food irradiation and radioactivity in nature. The Web site provides a large amount of links to government agencies, societies, and educational Web sites for visitors who would like more information on diverse issues of radiation. [RME]*

The Weather Classroom for Students
http://www.weatherclassroom.com/resources/observations.php
Students interested in studying meteorology should visit this website created by the Weather Station. The Interactive Weather Forecast allows visitors to create their own forecast. The extensive meteorological encyclopedia and glossary educates students in the concepts related to the field including thunderstorms, floods, and heat waves. The Web site also discusses how tornadoes and hurricanes are tracked. Students can find links to various meteorological universities and colleges in the United States and Canada. Those interested can read suggestions on how to pursue a career in meteorology from the professionals. [RME]*

The Weather Classroom for Students
http://www.weatherclassroom.com/resources/observations.php
Students interested in studying meteorology should visit this website created by the Weather Station. The Interactive Weather Forecast allows visitors to create their own forecast. The extensive meteorological encyclopedia and glossary educates students in the concepts related to the field including thunderstorms, floods, and heat waves. The Web site also discusses how tornadoes and hurricanes are tracked. Students can find links to various meteorological universities and colleges in the United States and Canada. Those interested can read suggestions on how to pursue a career in meteorology from the professionals. [RME]*

All about Chemical Bonding
http://www.chem1.com/acad/webtext/chembond/
Stephen Lower, a retired professor at Simon Fraser University, created this expansive and instructive website as a supplement to formal chemistry education for undergraduate students. Visitors will find in-depth descriptions along with several diagrams dealing with chemical bonding issues including their properties, shared-electron covalent bonds, hybrid orbitals, coordination complexes, and metals and semiconductors. General chemistry students looking for assistance should visit this well-developed educational site. [RME]*

UM-StL 1D Acceleration Solver [Java, pdf]
http://newton.umsl.edu/~run/index.html
Produced by the University of Missouri - St. Louis, this website is an educational "resource for solving low and high speed constant acceleration problems." Physics students can find quantitative tools to handle time dilation, relativist acceleration, and curved space-time. Containing networks of numerous concepts dealing with physics, chemistry, and math, the site helps students understand how various concepts fit together. Within this large site, students can find information about SpaceTime theory, Map- based relativity, Lorentz Transforms, and much more. [RME]*

Deepsky Atlas: Constellation List [jpeg]
http://www.hawastsoc.org/deepsky/constellations.html
At this Web site, the Hawaiian Astronomical Society provides users with educational information for over seventy constellations. First, visitors can read the amusing myths associated with each constellation. Following, students will find interactive, wide view and binocular width maps depicting the locations of the constellations, stars and deep sky objects. Everyone can enjoy the many remarkable images of the Deep Sky including globular clusters, Flaming Star Nebula, and elliptical galaxies. [RME]*

Coupling Gas Chromatography to Mass Spectrometry [Macromedia Flash Player, QuickTime, gifF, RealOne Player]
http://www.shsu.edu/%7Echemistry/primers/gcms.html
The Web site, created by Dr. Thomas G. Chasteen at Sam Houston State University, features an abundance of animations and audio narrations about the subjects of electrophoresis, spectroscopy, chromatography, chemiluminescence, and more. Students can learn about many of the gas chromatographic detectors such as the thermal conductivity detector (TCD), the electron capture detector (ECD), and the flame photometric detector (FPD). At the end of the site, a movie illustrates the steps for the process of a single analyte, ionization and fragmentation of the analyte, mass separation of the charged fragments, the passage of these fragments into the detector, and the detection of the charged ions. Visitors can also find a series of questions to test their knowledge. With its many links to information about gas chromatography-related concepts, chemistry students and educators will find this expansive site very helpful. [RME]*

Wind With Miller
http://www.windpower.org/en/kids/index.htm
This fun, interactive website, created by the Danish Wind Industry Association, educates students about wind power. Visitors can learn how a turbine generates electricity. Through a series of animated links or by taking a tour up the tower, users can learn how all the parts of a turbine function. With the help of a series of simulations, Miller teaches students how the wind blows. The site also features many activities designed to educate students about wind speed, electricity, generators, and more. Developed primarily for students around the ages of twelve to fourteen, teachers can learn how to take advantage of this large site by visiting the Teacher's Guide. [RME]*

A Dictionary of Quaternary Acronyms and Abbreviations
http://www.scirpus.ca/cgi-bin/dictqaa.cgi
The palynologist, Alwynne B. Beaudoin, created this website to provide visitors with explanations of acronyms commonly encountered in Quaternary studies. Through this extensive site, students and educators can find common acronyms for quaternary-related societies, research centers, and government agencies, such as the USGS and LBA, along with links to many of their sites. The online dictionary features widely used terms in earth science such as VEMAP and LBV. If you are involved in any of the quaternary disciplines and feel overwhelmed by the use of acronyms, as the author had, you will find this resource very helpful. [RME]*

Topic in Depth: Mercury Pollution

Finding Science in Ice Cream -- An Experiment for Secondary School Classrooms
http://www.foodsci.uoguelph.ca/dairyedu/findsci.html
Get the scoop on Ice Cream Science. Dr. Doug Goff, a professor of food science at University of Guelph, Ontario created this site to provide educators with supplemental information for a classroom experiment on ice cream making. This website provides information on many aspects of ice cream including the history, composition, manufacturing process, and structure. This site is designed for teachers from different disciplines and illustrates how ice cream making has applications to various scientific fields such as biology, chemistry, and physics. Dr. Goff includes an ice cream making experiment description and provides links to other recipes and experiment descriptions. The site even describes an alternative experiment using liquid nitrogen instead of ice! [NL]*

Earthquakes for Teachers
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/4teachers/
Earthquakes for Teachers is a collection of web pages that provide resources for teachers on the topics of earth structure, earthquakes, plate tectonics, and earthquake preparedness. They include basic information in the form of text, graphics and animations; lesson plans and activities; and online interactive activities for learning that were developed especially for students. Earthquake information for teacher education or for general earthquake education is also included. Earthquakes for Teachers is supported by the United States Geological Survey. (NSTA)

Chemistry Lab Guide
http://tigger.uic.edu/~magyar/Lab_Help/lghome.html
Dr. Cal Chany at the Department of Chemistry at the University of Illinois has developed this Web site to accompany students' chemistry laboratory experiment books. Students can find information dealing with lab fundamentals including how to prepare for lab and how to write successful reports. Educators can find a list of basic lab safety precautions that should be followed by all their students. Visitors can read vital organic chemistry tips such as mistakes that can come from using wet glassware and what clothing materials react easily with chemicals. The site also provides links to study help and other chemical resources.* [Check out the Periodic Table of Comic Books, very cool -FD]

Topic In Depth: The Discoveries of Marie Curie

Basics of Space Flight [Java]
http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/basics/index.html
This online training module created by Caltech's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) discusses the concepts related to deep space missions. Through a series of animations and quizzes within the eighteen chapters, visitors can learn about the solar system's environment, flight project details, and flight operations. The website is equipped with an astronomical glossary and a Units of Measure page. Although originally developed for JPL operations people, students and educators interested in interplanetary space flight will find this website very informative. [RME]*

Neutrino research: Super-Kamiokande at UC Irvine
http://www.ps.uci.edu/~superk/neutrino.html

Color Theory [Java]
http://www.cs.brown.edu/exploratories/freeSoftware/catalogs/color_theory.html
This Web site, developed by the Exploratories Project at Brown University, provides a series of applets to help users understand the various concepts in Color Theory. In the combined Color Mixing applet, undergraduate and high school students can discover how lights, paints, and filters interact. Users can learn about the properties of incoming light, frequency, and reflectance. The site also provides activities for metamers, Triple Cell Response, and much more. Anyone seeking help with color concepts will benefit from this educational, interactive Web site.*

All about glaciers
http://nsidc.org/glaciers/
The National Snow and Ice Data Center created this website to educate everyone, from grade school students to glaciologists, about glaciers. At the Data and Science link, researchers can learn about glaciological organizations, publications, and research projects as well as how to obtain glacial data. Students and educators can find a glaciology glossary, answers to many of their questions, and amazing images of glaciers at the General Information link. The website also provides a detailed portrayal of the life of glaciers. [RME]*

Cosmic and Heliospheric Learning Center
http://helios.gsfc.nasa.gov/
The Cosmic and Heliospheric Learning Center was developed by NASA to increase the general public's interest in cosmic and heliospheric science. This expansive site discusses the basics of astrophysics including energetic particles and magnetic fields. Students can learn all about galactic and anomalous cosmic rays as well as solar winds and coronal holes. With the help of its handy astronomical glossary and the Ask Us section providing informative background information about physics and astronomy, students can easily understand the materials presented. The site also supplies users with a valuable History of Cosmic Rays Studies from before 1600 to now. [RME]*

What Should We do About Global Warming? [pdf, QuickTime]
http://chemistry.beloit.edu/Warming/index.html
This Web site created by Beloit College provides a challenging module devoted to the Global Warming phenomenon. Visitors will first be exposed to a series of QuickTime animations illustrating the Effects of Climate Change. Then, through a series of Sessions, students can learn about the characteristics of greenhouse gases as well as how to interpret their concentrations in the atmosphere through time. Lastly, the users are asked to incorporate their new found knowledge to answer the questions: Is the Earth Warming? and What Should We do About Global Warming?*

Earth as Art: A Landsat Perspective
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/earthasart/
For close to thirty years, a series of Landsat satellites have imaged the Earth's surface, returning images for use in a number of business, education, government, and science applications. Of course, many of these images have a great deal of aesthetic value, as those who look at them find themselves marveling at vast deltas, fjords, and land use patterns around the globe. This fine exhibit from the Library of Congress includes images transmitted from Landsat 7. These images are are also part of an exhibit in the Library's Geography & Map Reading Room that will be on display until December 31, 2003. Visitors to the online exhibit can look at high- resolution images of remote Akpatok Island in northern Quebec, Dasht-e Kevir (which translates as Great Salt Desert) in Iran, the West Fjords in northwestern Iceland, and about thirty-five other images in total.*

Math, Engineering, Technology, and Computers Links

X Prize: 2003 Team Updates [pdf]
http://www.xprize.org/papers/XPupdate_1203.pdf
The X Prize is an international competition that seeks to develop an economically efficient space vehicle capable of carrying three people into space twice in two weeks. On December 15, 2003, the X Prize website released an update on the status of thirteen privately owned teams competing in the remarkable event. The document describes the fundamental design and operation of each team's vehicle. With participants from six countries highlighted in the progress report, the competition certainly seems to be intense. Pictures or conceptual drawings are shown for each team, along with a more technical look at the development process. [CL]*

Deep Content: Guide to Effective Searching of the Internet
http://www.brightplanet.com/deepcontent/tutorials/search/index.asp
This outstanding website is, without question, one of the most comprehensive online resources for learning efficient Internet search techniques. The guide begins with some fairly non-technical background about the Internet and explains why searching such a massive amount of information is more complex than it seems. The general process used by search engines to rank webpages is described. After covering the fundamentals of search engine operation, the guide discusses some best practices to use when conducting a search. Keyword selection, phrasing, and Boolean operators are just a few of the concepts discussed to help users make their searching more effective. The guide also compares many top search engines, noting the supported features, coverage, and type of indexing associated with each. [CL]*

Base Valued Numbers
http://www.psinvention.com/zoetic/basenumb.htm
Most basic math classes are taught using the decimal number system, but the concept of number systems that use a base value other than ten is rarely mentioned. This educational website attempts to shed light on this overlooked theme by illustrating some common number systems that have practical value or historic significance. The material is very well presented, helping the reader to understand how numbers are represented in binary, octal, hexadecimal, and many other number systems. It also demonstrates how using a base value other than ten can actually be simpler for certain purposes. [CL]*

Young Engineers: Tomorrow's Ideas Today
http://www.youngeng.org/
This is the official homepage of Young Engineers, "a UK educational charity whose purpose is to inspire young people to recognise the importance and excitement of a career in engineering." Being tailored to British and other UK students, the site contains information on engineering competitions in the region, including coverage of past competitions and details on entering future events. Despite having substantial resources for prospective engineers in the UK, there is plenty of additional material suitable for students across the globe. Notable engineers and inventions are highlighted, and links are provided to other sites encouraging careers in engineering. [CL]*

"Just the Maths" [pdf]
http://www.mis.coventry.ac.uk/jtm/
Developed by a retired mathematics professor from Coventry University, this website "is a collection of separate units, in chronological topic-order, intended to service foundation level and first year degree level courses in higher education, especially those delivered in a modular style." Although there are separate sections for students and teachers, both contain essentially the same information except for the format of the material -- printable pages with slightly more detailed explanations and examples are provided for students, while slides are given for teachers. Each unit is intended to be self-contained, covering concepts of algebra, series, trigonometry, matrix operations, and many more. [CL]*

Topic in Depth: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are the subject of considerable attention in the governmental, scientific, and research communities. They are operated by onboard flight automation systems or remotely by a human pilot. Recently employed in Afghanistan and Iraq, UAVs can be used for reconnaissance, surveillance, and even combat. They also have many non-military applications. These sites illustrate the diversity of UAVs and discuss new technologies being used in their design.*

All About MEMS
http://www.allaboutmems.com/
All About MEMS is a "community-oriented website devoted to the full range of information available about MicroElectroMechanical Systems." Visitors will find a wide array of background information, definitions, MEMS applications, and much more. Details on how MEMS are fabricated are provided, and recent advances in MEMS development are highlighted. A special look at the use of MEMS in wireless technology and optical networks is also given. The site maintains an extensive collection of links to research and informational resources, as well as an image archive showing magnified photographs of MEMS components. [CL]*

International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor
1. Europe Puts France Up for Reactor
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3239806.stm
2. Welcome to the ITER WWW Site
http://www.iter.org/
The International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) is the name of a revolutionary new power plant that, when completed, will produce the first sustained nuclear fusion reactions. ITER is the culmination of a massive effort, slated as "the world's largest international cooperative research and development project after the International Space Station." In a news report from the British Broadcasting Corporation, France has been designated as the preferred site for ITER by the European Union. A meeting in December 2003 will make an official decision on the reactor's destination. The ITER homepage has a wealth of information on the reactor's proposed design, nuclear fusion, and research efforts. Additionally, the site is routinely updated with news about the remarkable project. [CL]*

Federal Communications Commission: For Consumers
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumers.html
The Federal Communications Commission offers this informative page "about the issues the FCC oversees." The site is divided into six sections including Wireless, Internet, Radio, Satellite, Telephone, and Television & Cable. At first glance little information is contained in each section -- only a few frequently asked questions and their answers are given. However, a link at the bottom of each page directs users to a much more impressive repository of facts, policy issues, and general discussions. Some of the more interesting and useful tidbits are wireless local number portability for mobile phones, telephone scams, and digital television service. [CL]*

Karl's Calculus Tutor
http://www.karlscalculus.org/calculus.html
Few calculus resources, either online or offline, can match the sheer depth and user-friendliness of Karl's Calculus Tutor. The site contains educational material that is covered in a standard introductory calculus course. Entire chapters about limits, integrals, and derivatives are presented. Nearly every topic is accompanied by a detailed example, and a recently added midterm practice exam allows students to test their knowledge. The author is continually adding new material, stating that users should "expect a new unit to come on line every month or so." Two online calculators are also provided. [CL]*

Popular Science: 2003 Best of What's New
http://www.popsci.com/popsci/bown/
Each year Popular Science selects new and emerging technologies that have profound implications in several different categories. The Best of What's New for 2003 explores innovations in aviation and space, computing, home technology, and engineering. A particularly interesting item is the SpaceShipOne rocket plane, which is one of the leading contenders to successfully demonstrate a cheap, reliable method of escaping Earth's atmosphere. Another featured technology is the newest standard for wireless communications. Each category includes descriptions of several products or technologies, but only one is selected as the winner. [CL]*

Inventing Modern America, from the Microwave to the Mouse [.pdf]
http://web.mit.edu/invent/www/ima/
Invention Dimension
http://web.mit.edu/afs/athena.mit.edu/org/i/invent/ Excerpts and supplements from Lemelson-MIT Program's 2001 book Inventing Modern America, from the Microwave to the Mouse are housed in this colorful, fun Website. The book celebrates the best of American ingenuity and inventiveness, profiling inventors of everyday objects such as Kevlar (inventor Stephanie Kwolek) and the electronic telephone switchboard (inventor Erna Schneider). The book's Website gives facts about some of these inventors, furnishes color .pdf pages from the book, has invention-related games such as "Which Came First?" (e.g., neon or fluorescent lights?), discusses the Lemelson-MIT Program, and gives links to other sites on innovation. One of these links is to its companion site Invention Dimension, which has refurbished and added content since we last reviewed it in the January 12, 1996 Scout Report. The Invention Dimension has an exciting Inventor of the Week section and searchable archive along with an Inventor's Handbook dealing with intellectual property, patents, business plans, etc. If you ever wondered who invented the chocolate chip cookie or wanted to learn more about Frank Zamboni, father of the ice-resurfacer seen at your local skating rink, this resource is for you! [HCS]*

Inventor's Resource
http://www.gibbsgroup.com/
Inventor Andy Gibbs developed the Inventor's Resource site to provide information to new inventors, intellectual property managers and intellectual property creators. The site features a newsletter, a yellow page of investors, copyright and trademark links, downloadable forms for inventors, and a listing of inventions for sale. The site also features annotated links to technological transfer resources, funding, patent laws, and international intellectual property organizations. [THN]*

Web Searching Tips
http://www.searchenginewatch.com/facts/index.php This webpage is much more than its name implies. It provides a series of articles about using search engines efficiently, as well as about the dynamics and operation of search engines. One particularly intriguing article describes how search engines actually perform searches, which is a remarkable task considering the vast amount of data that is indexed. Another article, current as of September 2003, compares some of the most popular search engines in terms of the number of textual documents covered by each service. The process of ranking webpages is also discussed. [CL]*

Misc. Links

Folklore and Mythology Electronic Texts
http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/folktexts.html
Almost every culture throughout the world has a long tradition of folklore and myths, with some of the tales having dozens of variations and permutations. Retired professor D.L Ashliman has placed hundreds of these tales on this well-designed website for the edification of the web-browsing public. While the site does not have an internal search engine, visitors can look through the available materials alphabetically. Here visitors can read the story of Androcles and the Lion, the Bear Trainer and His Cat, and the Hand of Glory, which includes legends about magic lights made from human hands. Professor Ashliman has also contributed a number of original thought- provoking essays on such topic as Censorship in Folklore, Aging and Death in Folklore, and the topic of changelings. Overall, this is a fine site for those looking to explore the vast world of folklore and its many manifestations through a number of varying cultural traditions.[KMG]*

Aquallegro
http://andyvn.ath.cx/Aquallegro.html
This rather novel little program functions as a basic way to teach elementary music theory. This version of Aquallegro has sections for note names in a number of clefs and key signatures. Essentially, the program uses a series of ear training exercises that allows users of the program to recognize major, minor, diminished, and augemented chords, along with a number of intervals, ranging from the augmented prime to a perfect octave. This program is compatible with all systems running Mac OS X. [KMG]*

Links and Resources for Science Teachers

UNL Project Fulcrum
http://www.physics.unl.edu/%7Efulcrum/

NSTA
http://www.nsta.org

APS: The American Physical Society
http://www.aps.org/

NSTA Webwatchers' Science Guides
http://webwatchers.nsta.org/default.asp

Glencoe Physical Science text book publisher resources
http://www.glencoe.com/sec/science/lep_science/lep2002/national/physical/index.html

IUPAC International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry
http://www.iupac.org/dhtml_home.html

IUPAC Periodic Table
http://www.chem.qmul.ac.uk/iupac/AtWt/table.html

Lawerence Berkeley National Lab
http://www.lbl.gov/

Powers of 10: Interactive Java Tutorial
http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/java/scienceopticsu/powersof10/index

Multicutural Science Links

Meeting the needs of all of your students in a multicultural science classroom is a tall order, but great strides have been made in recent years. The national standards emphasize that science is required for everyone, and that everyone can do inquiry-based science. This means you have a unique opportunity to give your students an appreciation of the contributions that all cultures make to our scientific knowledge. This issue covers some of the important concerns of multicultural science education, such as curriculum reform, teaching strategies, and science and language.

Multicultural Science in the News

Immigrant students and their parents face many challenges when dealing with the American education system. Read these various articles to show how some school districts are solving their problems, how schools need to increase their efforts, and how a teacher can serve as a go-between for families and the school.

http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2004-02/news_stories_high.htm

Article summaries provided by the NSTA WebNews Digest (Visit http://www.nsta.org/mainnews for nationwide news for science educators).

Multicultural Science on the Net

In this month's high school journal, The Science Teacher, NSTA members read "Chemistry as a Second Language." The link to that article is:

http://www.nsta.org/gateway&j=tst&n=48976

NSTA Articles on Multicultural Science

The following NSTA journal articles provide you with ideas for classroom lessons and activities related to multicultural science. Click here to read more:

http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2004-02/high_school.htm

Books, Books, Books

Click here to view a list of books from the NSTA Catalog [on] multicultural science.

http://science.nsta.org/enewsletter/2004-02/books_high.htm

--Source: National Science Teachers Association-Science Class For High Schools

HTML Notes