Science Surfing
- Health & Medicine
West Nile Virus
This Web site from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention examines the spread of West Nile virus across the United States, complete with up-to-date maps showing which states are hardest hit. The site also explores workplace safety, the biology behind the virus’ spread, and some fascinating history of West Nile, including the virus’ first […]
- Humans
A Lunar Ski Jump
Olympic aerialist and gold medal winner Eric Bergoust discusses the amazing possibilities of ski jumping on the moon. With audio and video. Go to: http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2006/14feb_bigair.htm?list43643
- Humans
Snowboarder and Astronaut
U.S. snowboarder Hannah Teter won a gold medal at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy. In a brief video she made for NASA, Teter explains why snowboarders would make good astronauts. Go to: http://brainbites.nasa.gov/snowboarder/
- Ecosystems
Forest Field Trip
Take a hike in the woods of Kentucky in this electronic field trip. The site offers an overview of forest ecology and management for grades 4 to 8. It includes video clips, an interactive game, a slideshow about the American chestnut, information about forest careers and tree products, activity pages, and a teacher’s guide. Go […]
- Animals
Cyber Salmon
To learn about chum, chinook, and coho salmon, try this Web site from the Alaska Region of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Learn about the people of Alaska, several salmon species, and salmon habitat. The site includes salmon-related activities and lesson plans for various grade levels. Go to: http://cybersalmon.fws.gov/index.html
- Earth
Seamount Expedition
Join scientists as they explore the cold waters of the Davidson Seamount off the central California coastline. This huge undersea mountain harbors a variety of spectacular marine life, including large, ancient, and fragile coral gardens. Students and the general public can share the expedition’s discoveries through NOAA’s Ocean Explorer Web site, which features daily logs, […]
- Tech
Bizarre Stuff
Curious about airships or zoetropes? Want to build one? Created by Brian Carusella, this Web site spotlights unusual inventions and bizarre items. For each object, the site offers a history and review of how it was constructed. It features lots of ideas for interesting science projects and home experiments, along with easy-to-follow advice. Go to: […]
- Humans
Benjamin Franklin at 300
For the 300th anniversary of Benjamin Franklin’s birth, a new Web portal offers a comprehensive, searchable resource of the statesman and scientist’s writings and quotations, along with a targeted search engine and tools for teachers. Go to: http://ben.clusty.com/
- Math
Slide Rule Universe
Nowadays, calculators and computers are essential tools for scientists and engineers. A few decades ago, however, an ingenious calculating device called the slide rule was in every engineer’s toolbox. This Web site provides a glimpse of those long-gone days. It provides references materials on the care, feeding, and use of slide rules, a slide-rule marketplace, […]
- Math
Math Meets the Simpsons
Over many years, the popular animated TV series The Simpsons has included numerous references to mathematics and even featured a mathematician as a character on the show. This Web site provides an episode-by-episode listing of references to math in The Simpsons, compiled by mathematicians Sarah J. Greenwald of Appalachian State University and Andrew Nestler of […]
- Humans
Pioneers in Science Writing
Starting in the early 1920s, Science Service, which publishes Science News, played a significant role in promoting the public understanding of science. Its staff of writers included several women who were pioneers in the emerging field of science journalism. The Smithsonian Institution Archives has a Web exhibit that highlights the careers of five of these […]
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Bug Guide
BugGuide.Net is an online community of naturalists who enjoy learning about and sharing their observations of insects, spiders, and other related creatures. The site features amazing photos and useful information, such as size, range, habitat, and life cycle, about a host of different species. Go to: http://www.bugguide.net/
