Center for Earth and Planetary Studies Research and Publications
The Center for Earth and Planetary Studies (CEPS), which is part of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum, "conducts an active research program in planetary and terrestrial geology and geophysics using remote sensing data from Earth-orbiting satellites and manned and unmanned space missions." The Research portion of the site allows visitors to view the many projects that have taken place, such as the Topographic Mapping of Mercury project being conducted by Dr. Anthony Cook. Each page
Salmonella.org
From the University of Illinois, Professor Stanley Maloy and Assistant Professor Rob Edwards' Web site Salmonella.org is dedicated to the study of the Salmonella bacteria genome. The site offers news and information on the bacteria's various strains, including everything from tips on preventing the infection to links to genomic sequencing data. Any Salmonella researcher or enthusiast will find this uncluttered and straightforward compilation useful.
Antibody-Antigen Interactions
The experimental protocol in this Web site is just one of many microbiology resources provided by the University of Leicester. The procedure guides students in finding the antibody concentration of a test antiserum and the number of antibody binding sites on an antigen molecule. A results graph and correct answers to the required calculations are given, providing the option of performing a virtual experiment in lieu of an actual one. This activity is probably most appropriate for high school and
Buildingteam.com Codes Database
Consulting engineers and contractors will find a valuable database of codes at Buildingteam.com. A huge list of all 50 states and hundreds of major cities has information on building, structural, mechanical, electrical, and fire codes, among others. Licensing requirements for each state are also given. A very short, free registration process is required to access the codes database. To learn about non-residential construction projects in the pre-bid phase, Buildingteam.com has a nation-wide proj
State of the World's Forests 2003
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations presents this biannual report on the status of the world's forests. Available as a series of downloadable documents, this comprehensive report addresses recent developments in the forest sector such as agricultural expansion and mangrove conversion, conservation and sustainable development, forestry education and other institutional concerns, international policy, and other issues.
The Encyclopedia of Astrobiology, Astronomy, and Spaceflight
Visitors can learn astonishing facts in historical astronomy, astrobiology, astrophysics, space missions, and many more space science topics at this comprehensive website. David Darling, a British astronomer and science writer, provides straightforward explanations of seemingly difficult concepts. In addition to an easily navigable alphabetical list and a keyword search, the encyclopedia is interlinked so that users can easily progress through the materials. The website also features the latest
TriNet
TriNet is a multi-functional seismic network for earthquake research, monitoring, and computerized alerts. The collaborative project among governmental and educational institutions hopes to "create a better, more effective real-time earthquake information system for Southern California." The main focus of the site is the up-to-date availability of earthquake occurrences shown on various interactive maps of California. Other features available include seismic data, emergency response information,
National Estuaries Day
Get the most out of National Estuaries Day (October 5, 2002) by visiting this Web site from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Follow a link to Estuary Live!, which offers online interactive fieldtrips through a number of estuaries around the nation. Guided tours of eight estuaries will be webcast live October 3 and 4, supplemented by videos from a number of other estuaries. Internet participants "will have an opportunity to see the fascinating creatures that make estuar
EnvironmentalChemistry.com
Produced by Kenneth Barbalace with help from Roberta and Julia Barbalace, the EnvironmentalChemistry.com website supplies innumerable environmental, chemistry, and hazardous materials information and resources. Under the Environmental Issues header, students can learn about the chemical and physical properties of asbestos, the Chernobyl disaster, and the proper way to handle household chemicals. One of the newest additions to the website is the Emergency Response Guidebook, which is used during
What's New at Sci4Kids
The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) of the US Department of Agriculture offers its latest set of brief but engaging educational activities for kids in this Web site. The recently added feature, No Horsin' Around With These Tests!, introduces immunological concepts in the kid-friendly guise of a story about horses. Two older features are also available, one on using a biocontrol method to combat dry rot fungus in potatoes and another on mites. While these subjects may not at first appear to b
GIS for Everyone
The GIS and mapping software company ESRI's Web site (last mentioned in the May 19, 1998 Scout Report for Social Sciences) contains a set of educational pages called GIS for Everyone. Here, visitors can learn the basics of GIS technology and how it's used, download software tools and data for free, and more. One highlight is found on the GIS in Your Everyday Life link, which offers an interesting Flash movie that explains how geography matters to us all.
Biomedical Simulations Resource
The Biomedical Simulations Resource (BMSR) is operated by the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California. The BMSR has four main research areas that focus on developing modeling and simulation techniques "for the advancement of scientific knowledge and improvement of clinical practice." Detailed descriptions and papers of each of the four core projects are given on the site. Additionally, the Publications section has research volumes available for download. The
Hangman: Characteristics Of Matter
The Quintessential Instructional Archive (QUIA) Web site (last mentioned in the July 13, 2001 Scout Report) contains fun, online science-related activities. The Characteristics Of Matter hangman game was created by students to test your knowledge of matter in the universe. Users can choose individual letters to see if they're right; if not, another body part appears on the hangman illustration. Puzzles include hints such as "Changes from a liquid to a gas" and "A change in which a new substance
Backyard Weather Stations
Learn how to build your own backyard weather station with complete directions provided by FamilyEducation.com's Web site, Backyard Weather Stations. The site shows exactly what you'll need and how to build the necessary components (e.g., rain gauge and barometer), as well as how to keep records of the data collected. Parents and teachers will enjoy watching the kids "learn the basics of scientific observation and record-keeping while satisfying their natural curiosity about weather."
Exploring microscopes
This introduction to light microscope usage provides step by step instructions that facilitate discovery of how microscope affects an image. A java based interactive simulation is also included.
Ozone in the atmosphere : ozone depletion
What processes cause a depletion of the ozone layer? This informational page, part of an interactive laboratory series for grades 8-12, explores natural and human-made destruction of the ozone layer. Here students read about the instability of ozone atoms and the naturally changing quantities of ozone in the air. Volcanoes, the oceans, and other natural processes provide chemicals that break down ozone. Chemical equations of the breakdowns are provided. A discussion of the use of chlorofluorocar
Peer Review Tutorial
In this five-page tutorial, students read about peer review, a fundamental practice of scientists. The tutorial explains what peer review is, the benefits it can provide to professional scientists and students, and the ways that students can effectively engage in peer review. Students read about the different points in a research project at which the scientific community uses peer review, from the review of proposals seeking funding to the formal publishing of experimental results. Ideas for bri
1900 Air Pollution
Examine this graph from FRONTLINE/NOVA: Whats Up with the Weather? Web site to see dramatic increases in three greenhouse gases over the last two hundred years.
Quick take on exploring careers in mathematics
Even though the potential connection between today s math classroom and the jobs of the future is frequently cited in speeches, reports, and news headlines, busy middle school students may not be paying attention. Here are five online resources that can help you make the connection more relevant, and a lot more engaging, to preteens. In some cases, the connection appears in the words of young people who recognize that math and science were the keys to jobs they love.
Function machine (grades 6-8)
Applying a machine metaphor for functions, this virtual manipulative allows the learner to examine the relationship between input (domain) and output (range). The learner inputs numbers from one to four and the virtual machine generates output information in a table. The learner is challenged to find the output for values five through seven and enter them in the table. Errors are noted automatically. Using a new function button, different types of functions are randomly offered for investigation
