Science Surfing
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Amphibiaweb
Curious about frogs, toads, or salamanders? This Web site from the University of California, Berkeley provides data on more than 6,000 amphibian species from around the world. Visitors can browse the listings by name or region of the world (or country). The site also has general information about amphibians and addresses the issue of amphibian […]
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Darwin and Evolution
This online exhibit from the American Museum of Natural History is a fascinating account of how Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution and how that theory is regarded today. The site includes a number of audio and video files and a link to a webcam that features a Galápagos tortoise. Go to: http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/darwin/?src=e_f
- Humans
The Mind of Leonardo
This stunning online exhibit from the Institute and Museum of the History of Science in Florence, Italy, features the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci. Visitors can view some of Leonardo’s famous drawings, read lucid descriptions of his interests and achievements (particularly his studies of motion), learn about the science of painting, and get […]
- Tech
Aircraft Photos
The Dryden Flight Research Center is NASA’s center for aeronautical flight research and atmospheric flight operations. The Center’s Web site has an extensive photo collection, which features images of many of the research and experimental aircraft flown at the test facility, from the 1940s to today. Go to: http://www.dfrc.nasa.gov/Gallery/Photo/index.html
- Planetary Science
The Mysterious Smell of Moondust
Long after the last Apollo astronaut left the moon, a mystery lingers: Why does moondust smell like gunpowder? In this account, astronauts describe the surprising smell and taste of moondust, which they experienced firsthand inside their lunar landers. The dust gave one astronaut a case of hay fever. Go to: http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2006/30jan_smellofmoondust.htm
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Finding Form
Biologist Sean Carroll maintains a site devoted to the genetics of animal body designs and evolution. Read about advances in the emerging field of evolutionary developmental biology and watch brief movies of embryo formation in fruit flies, butterfly wing development, and other natural wonders. Go to: http://www.molbio.wisc.edu/carroll/index.html
- Humans
Sculpting Life’s Machinery
Sculptor Julian Voss-Andreae creates novel artworks inspired by the three-dimensional structures of proteins. His latest work, “Unravelling Collagen,” goes on display next month in the City of South San Francisco’s Orange Memorial Sculpture Park. Now based in Portland, Ore., Voss-Andreae had started out as a quantum physicist. Go to: http://www.julianvossandreae.com/
- Math
Math Focus on Internet Security
Internet security is the theme for this year’s Mathematics Awareness Month, highlighting the crucial role that mathematics plays in the development of cryptosystems. This Web site provides information and resources for celebrating Mathematics Awareness Month. Go to: http://www.mathaware.org/mam/06/
- Math
The Mandelbrot Monk
In the 13th century, Udo of Aachen wasn’t merely a minor poet, copyist, and theological essayist. A new study of his work reveals that this medieval Benedictine monk was an outstandingly original and talented mathematician. He not only devised the rules for complex arithmetic but also pioneered the iterative process for displaying the famous fractal […]
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Digital Dissection
The same medical technology used to image brain tumors and torn knee ligaments is taking the field of marine biology to a new dimension by allowing anyone with Internet access to examine fish as never before. This Web page describes how researchers at the University of California, San Diego’s Keck Center for Functional Magnetic Resonance […]
- Humans
Explore Your Knowledge
Test your math and science knowledge at the National Center for Education Statistics Web site. Select a test topic and grade level (4th or 8th grade), then see how you do on a set of multiple-choice questions. The questions are from the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). Go to: http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/eyk/
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Quark Colors
The Jefferson Lab (Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility) in Newport News, Va., offers a six-page coloring book devoted to particle physics and quarks. Use a flash plug-in or download a copy to color the pages and learn about the fundamental particles of matter. Go to: http://education.jlab.org/coloringbook/index.html
