Science Surfing
- Humans
Native American Geometry
The circle serves as starting point for this exploration of Native American geometry. Developed by Chris Hardaker for schoolchildren in Arizona, the Web site vividly illustrates the geometric principles that underlie Native American designs. Go to: http://www.earthmeasure.com/
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Kelp! Kelp!
We can’t see this forest for the seas, but several Web sites offer colorful introductions to the variety and complexity of kelp forests. The State University of New York at Stony Brook site presents a photo album of different kelp forests. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary pages summarize the ecology of these complex ecosystems. […]
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A Mite Bizarre
Just in case anybody thought real life paled before the twisted creatures of sci-fi movies, check the Mite Photo Gallery by biologist David Walter of the University of Queensland in Australia. Portraits of more than 40 species offer plenty of weird shapes. The peacock mite, for example, bristles with little leaf-shaped flaps, and a “pan-tropical […]
- Chemistry
Universe of Molecules
For chemistry students, Molecular Universe offers a host of images, explanations, and other resources concerning molecules and chemical systems. Developed by Richard Catlow of the Royal Institution of Great Britain, the site features lessons and material on protein folding, the molecular basis of taste, and many other topics. Go to: http://www.molecularuniverse.com/
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Thinking of Zero
For anyone deeply interested in logic and the history and philosophy of zero, Hossein Arsham of the University of Baltimore offers an thought-provoking Web-based discussion of such topics as the meaning of division by zero, the role of zero in limits and divergent series, and the concept of zero as a void. Go to: http://ubmail.ubalt.edu/~harsham/zero/ZERO.HTM
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Geo Name Game
Is your name Bob? Want to see how many lakes in the United States are named after you? (Twelve in all, and four of them are in Michigan!) The U.S. Geological Survey’s Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) contains data about nearly 2 million geographic features in the United States. Just enter a name or any […]
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Robot Zoo
The Robot Zoo Web site, developed by the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose, Calif., captures some of the charm of a traveling biomechanics exhibit featuring giant robot models of animals. These fanciful contraptions provide insights into how chameleons, bats, and other animals eat, move, and see. Go to: http://www.thetech.org/exhibits_events/traveling/robotzoo/
- Earth
Daily Planet Earth
The Earth Science Picture of the Day Web site features photos, satellite images, and illustrations that highlight the diverse processes and phenomena shaping our planet and influencing our lives. A short explanatory caption and links to sources for more detailed information accompany each illustration. Go to: http://epod.usra.edu/
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Eating Insects
Looking for a different sort of snack? Iowa State University’s Entomology Club has Web pages featuring recipes for Banana Worm Bread, Rootworm Beetle Dip, Chocolate Chirpie Chip Cookies, and other insect treats. A handy nutritional chart reveals that 100 grams of crickets provide 12.9 grams of protein and 5.5 grams of fat whereas June beetles […]
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Parasitic Charms
An extensive collection of photographs from around the world demonstrate the full weirdness of parasitic plants. For sheer size, try the Rafflesia, with buds the size of footballs and individual flowers that outsprawl a straw hat. For sci-fi charm, visit the fleshy Hydnora blooms reaching out of the dirt or the crusty lumps of Prosopanche […]
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World Science Fair
Catch glimpses of people, activities, and projects at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, held May 5-11 in San Jose, Calif. A team of students from Mt. Diablo High School in Concord, Calif., created this site as events unfolded at the science fair, from project setup to presentation of the grand awards. Go to: […]
- Health & Medicine
Anthrax Threat
Anthrax has evolved from a disease that farmers sometimes caught from livestock to a potent biological weapon. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta offers a highly accessible Web site that answers basic questions about transmission, treatment, and prevention of anthrax. The site also provides links to Web pages that explain the biology […]
