World Development Report 2003 [.pdf]
http://econ.worldbank.org/wdr/wdr2003/text-17926/
Last month, the World Bank released this report (last mentioned in the March 8, 2002 Scout Report), which "examines the relationship among competing policy objectives-reducing poverty, maintaining growth, improving social cohesion, and protecting the environment-over a 50-year horizon." The report is divided into nine chapters, which deal with topics ranging from "Global Problems and Local Concerns" to "Getting the Best from Cities." While the casual reader may not have time to read the entire report, there is a 30-page overview that provides a description of the basic themes contained within the full report. At its essence, the report argues that "development is sustainable if the rules of the game are transparent and the game is inclusive." This important document will be especially relevant to those with an interest in sustainable development from an inclusive and global perspective. [KMG]
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Office of University Partnerships
http://www.oup.org/
The Office of University Partnerships, founded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development in 1994, is designed "to encourage and expand the efforts of higher education that are striving to make a difference in their communities through funding opportunities." Their online presence includes a number of helpful documents for persons interested in these relationships, including a recently updated guide to foundations likely to fund research related to topics dealing with colleges and communities. Also helpful is a database of research and publications conducted by OUP and its grantees, along with archived OUP newsletters. Rounding out the site is a section devoted to upcoming events sponsored by the OUP and participating institutions, in addition to documents for persons interested in applying for funding. [KMG]
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Department of Education Annual Plan 2002-2003 [.pdf]
http://www.ed.gov/pubs/annualreport2001/annualplan2003.pdf
Building on President Bush's earlier "No Child Left Behind" educational prospectus for the United States, this 148-page report explicates the Department of Education's 6-point plan for the upcoming years. The six points discussed in detail throughout the body of the report include improving student achievement, creating a culture of achievement, and enhancing the quality of access to postsecondary and adult education, among others. Throughout the report, specific nationwide objectives are discussed in detail, along with timelines detailing when these objectives might ideally be reached. The last fifty pages of the report are devoted to appendices dealing with opportunities to collaborate with different federal agencies and the equally thorny question of data quality. [KMG]
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HistoryLink
http://www.historylink.org
The brainchild of Walt Crowley, HistoryLink is an online, highly engaging, encyclopedia of essays, visual material, and maps relating the history of Seattle and King County. With oversight from a number of local and professional historians, the site contains over 3000 short essays on many different aspects of local history. Along with providing several search engines for navigating the material on the site, an interactive map of Seattle allows users to browse around the city for different historical information on different neighborhoods and communities. Other sections on the site include Magic Lantern slide shows dealing with subjects like the history of the Seattle Public Library and Seattle University and an evolving section containing transcriptions of oral histories. All in all, a fascinating way to get acquainted with Seattle history. [KMG]
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The Eleventh Biennial Report of Great Lakes Water Quality [.pdf]
http://www.ijc.org/comm/11br/english/report/index.html
The Eleventh Biennial Report of Great Lakes Water Quality has been released by the International Joint Commission (IJC). The IJC is an independent and objective advisor between the governments of the US and Canada that specifically focuses on boundary or transboundary water issues. The report includes the current state of the Great Lakes; policy issues; and information about nutrients, toxic substances, nuclear issues, and much more. This site is also reviewed in the September 20, 2002 NSDL Physical Science Report. [JAB]
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North Africa Research Group GeoNet
http://www.northafrica.de/
The North Africa Research Group GeoNet represents the combined efforts of different academics, primarily geologists, concerned with providing a platform for the exchange of ideas and information about geological research and exploration in North Africa. The home page of the site contains links to news stories in North Africa, along with links to recent studies of various geological phenomena and processes in the region, such as Tunisian black shale formations. Other helpful features on the site include a message board, discussions of recent and ongoing geological projects in the region, and an address database for contacting persons who have research interests in the area. Closing out the site is an interactive online database featuring recent research reports, journal articles, and books based on research conducted in North Africa. Appropriately, the site is also available in Arabic and French. [KMG]
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Biology in Motion [Flash]
http://www.BiologyInMotion.com/
Produced by Dr. Leif Saul, a biology teacher and Web site/ game developer, Biology in Motion has two new interactive education activities. Organize-It introduces an alternative way to test biological understanding by organizing concepts hierarchically. This exercise intends to "remedy some of the shortcomings of the traditional multiple-choice quiz." Users can choose self-tests from a variety of biology topics. Evolution Lab allows users to investigate how natural selection works by watching an animated simulation. Both activities are interesting and effective learning tools. While the Flash features may seem geared toward kids, the content and language are really meant for older students. Helpful tips for using this Web site's activities in the classroom are provided. This site is worth a visit even for those not searching for teaching material. This site is also reviewed in the September 20, 2002 NSDL Life Sciences Report. [RS]
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The National Park Service Southeast Archeological Center
http://www.cr.nps.gov/seac/seac.htm
The Southeast Archeological Center is a division of the National Park Service specializing in archeological research within the southeastern United States and the Virgin Islands. Information on the site includes recent and past reports on the diverse fieldwork conducted by the Center, including some of their most well-known work around Native American settlements and Civil War battlefield sites. Importantly, there are sections of the site devoted to educational outreach efforts to inform students about the nature of the Center's work and to provide them with introductory material on the practice and method of archaeology. Some of the more recent highlights include an outline of prehistory and history in the region and an updated report on the field work of the Center at the Shiloh National Military Park in Tennessee. [KMG]
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