Fundamentals of Physical Geography
http://www.geog.ouc.bc.ca/physgeog/home.html
The Fundamentals of Physical Geography Web site was created by Dr. Michael J. Pidwirny of the Department of Geography at Okanagan University College. The site is a complete online text book with eleven chapters, covering topics ranging from maps, energy, hydrology, geology, and much more. Descriptions include links to a terms page, informative illustrations, and photographs. The Online Study Guide is especially helpful, containing a chapter summary; list of key terms; and study questions, problems, and exercises. Although students will surely find this site very helpful, others interested in any of the subjects will also appreciate the clear descriptions and simple navigation the text book provides. [JAB]
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Light and Optics Activities
http://acept.la.asu.edu/PiN/act/activities.shtml
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Arizona State University maintains the Patterns in Nature Web site, which includes the Light and Optics Activities page. Here, visitors can attempt almost twenty activities at home, with titles such as lenses, photons, optical microscopy, and polarized light. The activities and descriptions are great for kids and adults wanting to explore and learn physics related concepts. [JAB]
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Map Collections: 1500-1999
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/gmdhtml/gmdhome.html
The Library of Congress maintains the online map collection Web site which contains maps from 500 years in seven different categories. The site, entitled Map Collections: 1500-1999, can be browsed by cities and towns, conservation and environment, discovery and exploration, general maps, transportation and communication, military battles and campaigns, and cultural landscapes. The database can be searched by keyword and also browsed by additional parameters that include geographic location, subject, creator, and title. Each map has a description, can be zoomed to fine detail, and even downloaded in most cases free of charge. A wonderful resource for anyone interested in maps or any of the subjects they portray. [JAB]
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Environment Australia
http://www.ea.gov.au/
The Department of Environment and Heritage Web site, Environment Australia, gives an overview of environmental concerns of the country. Topics covered include the atmosphere, biodiversity, coasts and oceans, inland waters, land management, meteorology, and more. The site gives an interesting look into the unique problems and concerns that Australia is faced with and what its governmental agencies are doing to protect its resources. Many additional links are available on the main page for those interested in more information, such as databases and publications. [JAB]
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SciNet Science Search
http://www.scinet.cc/
SciNet Science Search Engine is described as "Your Science, Engineering, and Medical Search Engine and Directory." Visitors can browse the many categories or search by inputting key words (an advanced search option is not available). The site has additional features such as a highest rated sites link and a 5-star site link, as well as news, a picture post, unit conversions, and periodic tables. Users searching for science specific sites and information will appreciate the engine's ease of use and non-technical feel. [JAB]
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An Atlas of the Universe
http://anzwers.org/free/universe/
Created by astrophysicist Richard Powell, An Atlas of the Universe is a Web site that allows visitors to see nine main maps of the universe, ranging from 12.5 light years to 15 billion light years from the sun. Each map then contains several other corresponding maps as well as descriptions of what is being shown. The maps give perspective to the vastness that lies beyond earth and explains, clearly and simply, things such as "where is the center of the universe" and "where did the big bang occur." Anyone interested in astronomy will enjoy the well organized and informative content. [JAB]
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Environmental Issues and Astronomy: An Introductory Resource Guide
http://www.astrosociety.org/education/resources/environment.html
The Astronomical Society of the Pacific maintains a Web site of the same name, with an interesting section titled Environmental Issues and Astronomy: An Introductory Resource Guide. Most people may not normally think that their would be environmental issues related to astronomy, but this site explores four of them -- one of which is light pollution. Although the descriptions of the issues on this site are fairly short, links are provided to give readers further information about each, making the unique subject of these pages worth looking at. [JAB]
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Marvelous Molecules [Flash]
http://www.nyscience.org/marvelousmolecules/index.html
Presented by the New York Hall of Science, the Marvelous Molecules Web site accompanies its physical museum's exhibit by offering descriptions and additional online activities. The first page "About the Exhibit" shows what is available at the museum and gives interesting facts about molecules. The next page "All About Molecules" explains what a molecule is and gives eight examples (e.g., aspirin and carbon dioxide). The next page called "Marvelous Activities" contains several activities, one of which is the "How Many Molecules Are You?" interactive exercise. Here, users input their weight to see how many molecules their bodies contain and how that compares to other living things. Geared mainly towards kids, the Web site should give all people a fun way to learn. [JAB]
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