Nature Web Focus: The Y Chromosome
The journal Nature presents this online special feature on the recently sequenced Y chromosome. The Web site offers a number of free informative resources, including an account of the sequencing project as well as related scientific papers and letters published in the journal. An archive of Y chromosome-related articles are also available for registered users (no cost for registration). In all, this Web special offers an excellent resource for exploring the Y chromosome, formerly regarded as a g
Designing Assessment to Improve Physical Sciences Learning
A variety of approaches for assessing students in science classes and discusses associated advantages and disadvantages of each approach to promote student learning.
The windmill (VM1)
This project requires designing blades for a windmill to be used in lifting weights. The activity involves assembly of the basic windmill as well as construction of, and adjustments to, the blades for optimum performance. Provides knowledge of static and dynamic friction, aerodynamics, and power calculations. Requires an understanding of horsepower and the difference between power and energy. Copyright 2005 International Technology Education Association
Middle School Portal: Math and Science Pathways (MSP2)
The objective of this project is to launch a rocket powered by air and water for the longest flight duration. Parachutes can be used to extend the flying time and modeling software is available. Concepts related to this activity involve basics of aerodynamics and rocket propulsion. Copyright 2005 International Technology Education Association
Measurement fundamentals
This lesson is from a variety of online tutorials developed for the Virtual Machine Shop. This module explores the subject of measurement. Linear and angular measurement is discussed and the inch and metric systems of measurement are compared. The uniqueness of the machine shop fraction is reviewed and examples of pronunciation are given. Animations and sound clips are provided to enhance the user experience. Users will have access to library, menu, previous, and next links to navigate throughou
The ChemWiki
The ChemWiki project is a new approach toward chemistry education where an Open Access textbook environment is constantly being written and re-written partly by students and partly by faculty members resulting in a free Chemistry textbook to supplement or supplant conventional paper-based books. Anyone can view, although a freely available account is required to edit the site modules.
Wireless Networking in the Developing World
The massive popularity of wireless networking has caused equipment costs to continually plummet, while equipment capabilities continue to increase. By applying this technology in areas that are badly in need of critical communications infrastructure, more people can be brought online than ever before, in less time, for very little cost. We hope to not only convince you that this is possible, but also show how we have made such networks work, and to give you the information and tools you need to
Earth System Science in a Nutshell
This Starting Point module describes what Earth System Science is and why it is useful to employ the Earth System Science perspective in teaching the geosciences. There is information about the different spheres in the system and how they interact. The module also provides links to relevant learning resources and example classes that employ the ESS approach.
Internet Ancient History Sourcebook
The Internet Ancient History Sourcebook is a companion to the Internet Medieval Sourcebook and the Internet Modern History Sourcebook. The Medieval Sourcebook is both a classroom resource and the largest collection of online medieval texts. The Ancient and Modern Sourcebooks have a different role: since there are already ample online repositories of texts for these periods, the goal here is to provide and organize texts for use in classroom situations. Links to the larger online collections are
Cross Layer Identity Management
This video addresses the problem of today's Internet users who have to pass several authentication and authorization procedures in the usage of Internet services, due to the fact that services consumed require involvement of different service providers. Such a situation exists in a Virtual Organization environment. This video presents the state of the art in federated identity management, the need for cross layer identity management, and approaches followed within the Akogrimo project. This incl
Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in a New Orleans Workforce Following Hurricane Katrina
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina made landfall resulting in catastrophic damage and flooding to New Orleans, LA, and the Gulf Coast, which may have had significant mental health effects on the population. To determine rates and predictors of symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in New Orleans residents following Hurricane Katrina, we conducted a web-based survey 6 months after Hurricane Katrina made landfall. Participants included 1,542 employees from
Using the Internet to Promote Inquiry-Based Learning
This site is an e-paper that describes a structured approach to inquiry-based learning using the World Wide Web as a primary information resource. Specifically, the paper addresses an 8-step process that begins with an essential question and ends with a product produced by students, typically completed in a cooperative setting. The paper also discusses the skills required by both student and teacher to make inquiry-based learning with the internet a successful endeavor. Finally, the paper discus
How to Improve Critical Thinking Using Educational Technology
Critical thinking is one of education's central goals and most valued outcomes, but it can difficult to teach effectively. The Reason! project has developed the Reason!Able software as part of a general method aimed at enhancing critical thinking skills. This paper describes the challenges involved, the theoretical basis of the Reason! project, the Reason!Able software, and results of intensive evaluation of the Reason! approach.
GeoPad: Information Technology for Field Science Education and Research
This website provides an overview of the GeoPad project, the software and hardware components of the unit, and a listing of publications, presentations, and case studies. The GeoPad is a TabletPC equipped with wireless networking, a portable GPS receiver, digital camera, microphone-headset, voice-recognition software, GIS software, and supporting, digital, geo-referenced data-sets. The unit allows scientists to go out in the field as a group or individually, collect GPS-referenced data and share
Field Project Tutorials: A Virtual (Structural) Field Project
This virtual five-day field mapping project allows students to construct a geological map from data provided by the web site. Students collect geologic, structural, paleontologic, strain and microstructural data observed at specific localities. Students are then able to derive a structural history for the area, including a field map, stereographs, and deformation plots. The site contains photographs and images, data, and all information that is needed to complete the exercise. It also provides s
Movie in the Making
In this project students will report on a book by describing how they would turn that book into a motion picture. After reading and studying the main components of their novel (character, plot, conflict, climax and denouement), students will use their imaginations to explain how they would cast and direct the movie versions. This project also provides enrichment activities where in the students will access archived materials such as the Academy Awards Data Base, movie posters, and movie reviews.
Allies and Aliens
In the learning module Allies and Aliens students assume the role of agents from planet Earth who must assess varying degrees of prejudice and misinformation as they visit Web sites from other planets. Because most kids don't think to look for bias or false information online and subtle forms of racism may be difficult to recognize, Allies and Aliens uses the pretense of an evaluation mission to keep players from guessing its true purpose right away. The mission is divided into two parts. On Day
1850?: Joseph Slocum, Portrait
This image is a portrait of Joseph Slocum, father of Margaret Olivia Slocum Sage. He is wearing a dark suit with a brocade waistcoat, a white shirt, and a dark cravat. His left hand rests inside his jacket, and his right arm is held away from his body, perhaps resting on a shelf or table.,This portrait shows the Hon. Joseph Slocum, Olivia's father. His career included, in addition to the business ventures documented here, one term as New York State Representative for his district -- a bribe, it
Stereotypes of the French
This unit comprises four major lessons which are distinct yet cumulative. In the first lesson, the students will lay the groundwork for their examination of French stereotypes by generating those stereotypes themselves. They may draw, write, or find examples of what they think are "typical" French things. In the second lesson, they will be required to change perspective -- instead of being the examiners, they will be the examined culture. Students will look at various examples of stereotypes of
