UniGene
Created by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, UniGene is "an experimental system for automatically partitioning GenBank sequences into a non-redundant set of gene-oriented clusters." In addition to gene sequences, this Web site also offers thousands of novel expressed sequence tag (EST) sequences, a useful gene discovery resource. Organisms currently cataloged include human, rat, mouse, cow, zebrafish, clawed frog, fruitfly, mosquito, wheat, rice, barley, maize, and cress. Users
Jules Map Server
The Jules Verne Voyager, created by UNAVCO Boulder, is a precision interactive map tool to "better visualize the inter-relationships of geophysical and geologic processes, structures, and measurements with high-precision GPS monument data and solutions on Earth" as well as other major bodies of the solar system. The tool allows users to zoom or pan on a detailed local map, which is displayed in a Lambert azimuthal equal-area projection. New visitors can find helpful tutorials and practice exerci
EUMETCAL
The EUMETCAL website promotes education in meteorological computer-based technologies. The website now offers free access to the two EUROMET modules libraries: Satellite Meteorology and Numerical Weather Predication. The in-depth materials are available in English, French, Dutch, and Spanish. In the EUMETSAT link, users can find a Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) module dealing with rapidly developing storms, 1.6 and 3.9 micrometer channels, and calibration. The website also addresses EUMETCAL a
Talkelab Web Page: Tribology and Mechanics Lab
The Tribology and Mechanics Lab, headed by former IBM researcher Dr. Frank Talke, is located at the University of California at San Diego. The laboratory's work deals with magnetic tape and disk storage devices, specifically the head-tape and head-disk interfaces. Since both types of devices have moving parts, there are important mechanics issues that must be considered with the highly sensitive and precise head as it reads and stores information on media. A good introduction to each interface i
African Elephant Specialist Group
The African Elephant Specialist Group (AfESG) operates under the auspices of the Species Survival Commission of the World Conservation Union (IUCN). The AfESG is composed "of technical experts focusing on the conservation and management of African elephants. The broad aim of the AfESG is to promote the long-term conservation of Africa's elephants and, where possible, the recovery of their population to viable levels." The AfESG website contains useful information for conservationists, wildlife m
Fairly Fundamental Facts about Forces and Structures
Students are introduced to the five fundamental loads: compression, tension, shear, bending and torsion.
The United States National Arboretum: Invasive Plants
The US National Arboretum offers this straightforward guide to invasive plants that gardeners and property owners in general should watch for. The Web site begins with an explanation of what the term "invasive" really means, followed by photos and descriptions of species to avoid planting altogether (such as purple loosestrife), and those that are less problematic if managed wisely (like English ivy). The site also describes the origin and current distribution of some of the most commonly encoun
Grass Manual on the Web
This extensive source of information on grasses is derived from the _Manual of Grasses for North America_, a project that has received support from Utah State University and a host of other organizations including the Flora North America Association, National Science Foundation, US Forest Service, National Park Service, and more. This online Manual provides information about a multitude of species from Achnatherum aridum to Zoysia pacifica. Information options for most grass species include Map,
UCMP Evolution Forum for Teachers
This website originated during a short course on evolution for teachers in the year 2000 at the University of California's Museum of Paleontology. It allows instructors to access and share information related to the teaching of evolution. Links provide access to activities, tips and resources, and documentation provided by the speakers at the museum. Topics range from the evolution of eukaryotes to mass extinction at the K/T boundary.
Learning math : Measurement
This college level course, developed for elementary and middle school teachers, begins with the fundamentals of measurement, then examines standard units in the metric and customary systems. Online workshop sessions cover measurement of a circle, area and volume formulas, angle measurement, and indirect measurement encountered in trigonometry. The final session explores ways to apply these concepts to K-8 classroom teaching. Each of its ten sessions contains video programming, problem-solving ac
Looking at the sky through a glass ceiling : women in astronomy
This article looks at the involvement and acceptance of women in astronomy. Before introducing readers to three significant female astronomers from the 1900s and three from the present day, the article mentions the work of the first known female astronomer--Aglaonike from 200 B.C. Statistics are also provided concerning contemporary women's participation in astronomy. The three astronomers featured from the 1900s are Henrietta Swan Leavitt, Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, and Jocelyn Bell Burnell. Eac
Scope on Safety - Safety contracts : Let it be written, let it be done
Student safety contracts are an important tool for teachers to use in helping to prepare for and maintain a safe working environment. They also serve an additional means of showing that the teacher was working in good faith when dealing with safety issues, should litigation be on the agenda. The following is an example that is used at Smith Middle School in Glastonbury, Connecticut, for physical science courses.
USA Today - How Weather Works
This is a very extensive site, providing backround information about virtually all aspects of weather. Topics include: the role of the sun; wind; storms and fronts; forms of water; flood and droughts; snow and ice; lightning, thunderstorms and tornadoes; hurricanes; the sky; weather prediction; climate change; weather extremes; and a bibliography of other resources. Within each topic are several brief articles about a specific weather-related phenomena, typically accompanied by excellent illustr
Linear Function Machine
This activity allows the user to explore simple linear functions. This Java applet requires a Java-capable browser. If you don't see the applet Java may not be functional in your browser or on your machine.
Science Sampler : Weathering database technology
Collecting weather data is a traditional part of a meteorology unit at the middle level, but making connections between the data and weather conditions can be a challenge for students. One way to help students make these connections clearer is to enter the data into a database. This allows students to quickly compare different fields of data and recognize which readings are associated with certain types of weather.
History topics: Babylonian mathematics
This website contains an overview of Babylonian mathematics, with links to in-depth analyses of Babylonian numerals and Pythagoras?s theorem in Babylonian mathematics. The history of zero covers Mesopotamia, Greece, India, the Mayan people in Central America, China, and Europe. Links also give access to bibliographies of mathematicians, such as Cardan, Ch'in, Bhaskara, and Brahmagupta. Examples of written numbers using the cuneiform symbols in the sexigesimal system are included. Other terms: al
Solar heating and cooling
This reading from a site about the future of energy introduces students to passive solar design for homes. The reading describes design elements that are used for passive solar heating and cooling. For example, reflective coatings can be applied to roofs, windows, and exterior walls to help cool houses. The reading recommends that those interested in passive solar design consult an architect. Copyright 2005 Eisenhower National Clearinghouse
Measuring the Height of a Building Using Shadows
What time of day is best to use a shadow to measure the height of a building by using triangles?
Who Needs Algebra? Everyone! : Northwest Teacher, volume 6 number 1
Learning algebra doesn't have to be painful, and researchers are finding that the process is easier if children are introduced to algebraic reasoning early on. This issue of NW Teacher points out that students who begin learning algebra at the elementary level have a stronger foundation for higher-level mathematics. Algebra also helps pave the way for college and increased career opportunities. This issue helps schools explore new ways of bringing algebra to all students.
Positive Linear Function Machine
This activity allows the user to explore simple linear functions; the function is determined by looking for patterns in the outputs.
