Science Surfing
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Astronomy
Worlds of Astronomy
British astronomer and writer David Darling has created an impressive, online encyclopedia devoted to topics in astronomy, astrobiology, spaceflight, space physics, and much more. From the Abell cluster to the Zwicky Catalogue, the site provides clear, straightforward explanations of a variety of concepts, along with brief biographies and much other material, including relevant images. Go […]
By Science News -
Wolf Search
For those fascinated by wolves, retired biology professor Bill Forbes has developed a Web site devoted to these amazing, magnificent creatures. The site provides links to a wide variety of publications, including research articles and other materials, about wolves. It also includes wolf sounds, images of wolf skulls, quizzes, and even an interactive crossword puzzle. […]
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Ospreys in the Classroom
The University of Minnesota’s Raptor Center offers a set of multidisciplinary lesson plans introducing students from grades four through eight to raptors. Topics range from predator-prey relationships and habitats to environmental sampling. The lessons focus mainly on learning about ospreys. Go to: http://www.cvm.umn.edu/depts/raptorcenter/education/lessonplans/
By Science News -
Earth
What’s in the Dirt?
Curious about the abundance of various chemical elements in the area where you live? The U.S. Geological Survey offers a database of more than 60,000 chemical analyses of stream sediment and soil in different parts of the United States. Color-coded maps provide county-by-county data on the concentrations of such elements as mercury, arsenic, selenium, and […]
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Physics
Particle Physics Phun
An array of games, such as Particle Pinball and Race for Energy, challenge visitors at a Web site hosted by the high-energy physics center known as the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. Aimed at kids, the “Fermilabyrinth” pages introduce players to a zoo of elementary particles while it exercises pattern-recognition skills that scientists use to spot […]
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Health & Medicine
Multiple Sclerosis
This Web site is an excellent starting point for anyone looking into multiple sclerosis (MS), whether as a patient, family member, doctor, researcher, or student. In addition to explaining this autoimmune disorder in detail, it offers links to sites that delve into treatments, current research, fundraising events, clinical trials of new drugs, and breaking news […]
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Humans
Whys Up
The University of Wisconsin created the “The Why Files” to explain the science behind news headlines. The stories are timely and written for a broad audience of children and adults. Recent topics include snowmobile use in national parks, tsunamis, climate change, and ice in Antarctica. The articles are classified according to educational standards for grades […]
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Tech
Nanotech Facts
The National Nanotechnology Initiative has a Web site devoted to “Nanotech Facts.” It provides an introduction to nanotechnology and a brief description of its many applications and potential societal implications. Go to: http://www.nano.gov/html/facts/home_facts.html
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Archaeology
Chaco’s Past
Explore the intersection of modern science and ancient cultures at a Web site about New Mexico’s Chaco Canyon, launched by the Exploratorium in San Francisco. The site includes a look at connections between celestial alignments of prehistoric buildings in the canyon and recent solar research. It also contains a teacher’s guide to classroom activities for […]
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Planetary Science
A Year on Mars
Catch up with the amazing, ongoing adventures of the rovers Spirit and Opportunity, still ticking on the surface of Mars. These multimedia pages provide maps and routes, images, and accounts of discoveries as the two vehicles explored the Red Planet. Go to: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/multimedia/mer-year/
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Humans
Puzzle of the Week
Eager to exercise your mind and join in a friendly puzzle-solving competition? Try the weekly challenge at the new PuzzleUp Web site, created by Emrehan Halici, a software and game developer in Turkey. Go to: http://www.puzzleup.com/
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Tsunamis and Other Natural Hazards
The “Natural Hazards” section of NASA’s Earth Observatory Web site has many orbital images of tsunami damage resulting from the magnitude 9.0 earthquake that occurred near Indonesia on Dec. 26, 2004. The site also has links to orbital images of wildfires, floods, and erupting volcanoes. Go to: http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/
By Science News