Global Human Traits Survey 2002
http://www.edquest.ca/Projects/GHTS/ghts.html
One of the latest online projects from EDUQUEST.CA Middle School Science Resources is the Global Human Traits Survey. The survey allows students to collect data on inherited traits from a local population and then share it online with other participants. Once data is collected, Phase Two will allow students to use the data collected by themselves and others for hypothesis testing. This is an interesting forum for students to learn about genetics and the scientific method by sharing real world data with their peers across the globe. This site is also reviewed in the August 9, 2002 Scout Report. [AL]
[Back to Contents]

Global Climate Change Research Explorer: Biosphere
http://www.exploratorium.edu/climate/biosphere/index.html
Take a first-hand look at how climate change affects the biosphere at this Web site from San Francisco's Exploratorium. Visitors can access long-term, short-term, and even near real time data from a number of research projects conducted by various institutions. All data are presented graphically, with straightforward explanations of phenomena in question. Science educators may find this Web site useful in that it conveys the sense of "how researchers gather evidence, test theories, and come to conclusions." A helpful glossary and a number of useful related links are included. [RAS]
[Back to Contents]

Brain: The World Inside Your Head [Flash]
http://www.pfizer.com/brain/index.html
The pharmaceutical company Pfizer publishes this Web site as a complement the traveling exhibit of the same name (currently in Atlanta, GA). This Web site makes learning about the brain interesting and fun for children and adults alike. Visitors can take a virtual tour of the museum exhibit for a thorough introduction to the brain and how it works, and then test their understanding with a well-presented quiz. Educators will find the Teacher's Guide useful; it offers over a dozen brain-related exercises for students, clearly indicating the appropriate grade levels for each activity. This Web site also features a downloadable video game based on neuron function (for PC only). [RAS]
[Back to Contents]

Webvision: Organization of the Retina and Visual System [QuickTime]
http://webvision.med.utah.edu/
Offered through the John Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah, this Web site aims to "summarize the recent advances in knowledge and understanding of the mammalian retina." The Web site is arranged simply in a book-like fashion with chapters headings leading to well-referenced text and illustrations. The information presented is quite comprehensive, and would serve as a useful educational tool for anyone interested in retinal function. The site includes two new chapters titled Psychophysics of Vision and Primary Visual Cortex. [RAS]
[Back to Contents]

Ecology Explorers
http://caplter.asu.edu/explorers/index.htm
This Web site from the Center for Environmental Studies at Arizona State University was developed as part of the Central Arizona-Phoenix Long-term Ecological Research Project (CAP LTER), but can be used by any classrooms interested in exploring urban ecosystems that surround them. Students and teachers learn about the scientific method and several data collection protocols that they can use right in their schoolyard. The site is attractive and easy to navigate; information is explained clearly and logically. A number of lesson plans for a variety of K-12 age groups will help teachers incorporate activities from this Web site into their classroom. [AL]
[Back to Contents]

Pathfinders: Science
http://infozone.imcpl.org/kids_pathfinders.htm#science
The Indianapolis Marion County Public Library provides these educational subject specific pathfinders "that contain a list of library materials, web sites, and other information about a topic." The Science section includes topics focused on how the human body works, including the circulatory, digestive, excretory, muscular, nervous, respiratory, and skeletal systems. Each topic includes a detailed diagram and facts about the body system, and a variety of helpful books and online resources appropriate for children. This site is a useful resource for gathering information on a specific subject or browsing a variety of topics. [AL]
[Back to Contents]

BirdCentral.net: An Introduction for Teachers and Students
http://birdcentral.net/teacher.htm
This section of the Web site BirdCentral.net is focused specifically on students and teachers. Developed by Jim Rosso, a PhD student in Educational Technology at Pepperdine University, the site provides a number of brief lesson plans to get teachers and students started learning about zoology and, more specifically, birds. Although brief, the lesson plans are organized by grade level, focus on a variety of subjects, and leave plenty of room for teachers to adapt them to their own needs. The glossary gives lots of information on a number of scientific terms, and the Index of Zoological Themes provides much information on a large number of birds, behaviors, and habitats. These themes also link to appropriate lesson plans, adding to the site's usefulness. [AL]
[Back to Contents]

The Minibeast World of Insects and Spiders
http://members.aol.com/YESedu/welcome.html
Directed especially at young people, this Web site provided by the Young Entomologists Society (YES) is a wealth of information on insects and spiders. Students can learn about arthropods, how they are studied and classified, and learn the specifics of several species. A large selection of bibliographical topics can help lead students toward further research, and the youth center activity ideas may lead students to develop their own insect related projects. The Teacher's Tower is a useful section that includes some activities, lesson plans, and other teacher resources to help integrate these creatures into science education. YES has additional Web sites that focus more specifically on certain types of insects. [AL]
[Back to Contents]