IBM Research: Autonomic Computing
http://www.research.ibm.com/autonomic/
IBM's Autonomic Computing research site examines a dangerous trend in the information technology (IT) industry and proposes an unprecedented solution. Citing a serious lack of skilled IT workers and constantly growing complexity in computer systems, IBM envisions a time in the near future when maintaining these systems will become an impossible task. To prevent this, a drastic change in computer design and operation is required. Autonomic computing, IBM believes, is the answer. This technology could create computer systems that largely maintain themselves with little to no human involvement. The Web site offers an overview of autonomic computing and implications for business and academia. There is also a manifesto in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format that delves further into the technology. [CL]
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NAS Systems Division at NASA Ames Research Center [.pdf]
http://www.nas.nasa.gov/index.html
The NASA Advanced Supercomputing (NAS) division is part of the Ames Research Center Information Sciences and Technology Directorate. The NAS home page describes "leading-edge high performance computing and its role in many of NASAs critical missions for the 21st century." The site provides news and feature stories of NAS projects, but most of the site's information is in the Research & Technology section. There, you will find descriptions of many research areas and their corresponding papers and reports. Several software packages are available for download; however, some are restricted. Sample datasets of research simulation results are also offered for scientific use. [CL]
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Aerobiological Engineering
http://www.engr.psu.edu/www/dept/arc/server/wjkaerob.html
In light of the tragic events of September 11, research into airborne pathogen containment is becoming increasingly important. Aerobiological engineering examines methods of ventilation system design that can effectively minimize the spread of harmful spores or microbes. The Web site at Pennsylvania State University explores many aspects of this subject. Large databases of airborne pathogens contain information about particle size and shape, which could be useful in air filtration systems. There are very good sections of the site such as Bioterrorism and Immune Building Technology and The Spread of Disease in Office Buildings. Both current and developmental airborne pathogen control technologies are thoroughly explained. [CL]
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The Spatial Imaging Group
http://spi.www.media.mit.edu/groups/spi/
The Spatial Imaging Group (SPI) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab researches new techniques to develop three-dimensional displays. This involves extensive study of holograms, with potential implications for computer graphics, automotive design, and scientific visualization, to name a few. The SPI home page has information about the various areas of research conducted at the lab. The methods and processes used to create different types of holograms are described with step-by-step illustrations and explanations. A particularly interesting section deals with holographic video and two prototype displays that SPI has created. This site is suitable for experienced researchers or people simply interested in learning more about holograms. [CL]
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Robotics at Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, San Diego
http://www.spawar.navy.mil/robots/
The robotics division of the San Diego Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center is very active in research and development. Its home page has a good deal of information about the many projects currently underway. There are several categories of robotic systems to browse, including autonomous land robots; unmanned ground, air, and undersea vehicles; and telepresence and virtual reality. Image and movie galleries show the operation and features of many of the center's robots, and a quarterly newsletter is also given on the site, describing the most recent activities and research conducted at the center. [CL]
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University of Ulster: Centre for Communications Engineering
http://www.ether.ulst.ac.uk/index.html
The Centre for Communications Engineering is a small but very active program at the University of Ulster. It opened less than three years ago with support from Nortel Networks, and since then, the center has been involved with several research projects covering many aspects of communication technology. The center's home page has a news section and information about its facilities and laboratory equipment. Perhaps the most interesting part of the site is the research activities section. This includes discussions of radio communications systems, bioelectromagnetics, mobile and broadband data systems, medical and biological telemetry, and visual computing. There are also project posters available for download that illustrate some of the center's research. [CL]
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DjVu Zone
http://djvu.research.att.com/
DjVu is a product of the AT&T research labs that provides superior image compression technology over traditional formats such as JPEG and GIF. The DjVu Web site provides extensive documentation and examples of the software's incredible performance and specifications. There is a digital library that shows images "ranging from renaissance printed leaves to the latest scientific papers" that have been compressed with DjVu (to view these images, the free DjVu plugin is required). Technical papers about DjVu are also given, as well as in-depth tutorials about using the software. There is even a free conversion service on the site, where anyone can upload their own documents and have them converted to DjVu without having to download the software. [CL]
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The Mizar Home Page
http://mizar.org/
Mizar is a system used to represent mathematical vernacular so that it can be read and manipulated by humans and verified by computers. The Mizar Project began in 1973 and continues at the University of Bialystok in Poland. The computer formalization of mathematics is a daunting task; currently, the project has created a database with over 2,000 definitions of mathematical concepts and more than 30,000 theorems. The project's Web site has a complete description of the Mizar language syntax and offers free downloads of the Mizar system and mathematical library for non-commercial use. In the Journal of Formalized Mathematics section, there is information about submitting articles to contribute to the project. This site is mainly geared toward researchers and mathematicians. [CL]
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Mathematics Lessons that are Fun! Fun! Fun!
http://math.rice.edu/~lanius/Lessons/index.html
This is a collection of over 20 fun and challenging math activities created by Cynthia Lanius, the executive director of the Center for Excellence and Equity in Education at Rice University. The activities range in level from grade school to adult. Many of these lessons are designed to be used in the classroom or at home with a teacher or parent leading the way. However, students can perform these activities on their own as well. Graphing, calendar-related algebra, money making problems, and fractions are just some of the exciting lessons on the site. [CL]
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Telstra Classroom
http://www.telstra.com.au/classroom/index.htm
The Telstra Classroom is a very large and informative site about telecommunications and is operated by an Australian company of the same name. There are five "kits" that explore many different aspects of telecommunications, its history, the current technology, and what the future may hold. The kits are suitable for ages nine to adult, and each one has several sub-sections. Topics include digital transmission, communication by light beam, telephone exchanges, and long distance and interactive communication. The stories span times from the invention of Morse Code to the information superhighway and beyond. [CL]
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Project Interactivate
http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/index.html
Project Interactivate has student and teacher resources for nearly every topic in middle school mathematics. The goals of the project "are the creation, collection, evaluation, and dissemination of java-based courseware for middle school mathematics explorations." There are over 50 java activities for students, separated into concepts of numbers and operations, geometry and measurement, functions and algebra, and probability and data analysis. The teacher section has detailed lesson plans, interactive portions of published text books, and standards and guidelines set forth by three national education organizations. [CL]
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The MathServ Calculus Toolkit
http://mss.math.vanderbilt.edu/~pscrooke/toolkit.shtml
The MathServ Calculus Toolkit is a good site for college or high school calculus students to check their work or graph functions. The toolkit is powered by Mathematica, a popular software package that can perform numerical or symbolical computations. There are fifteen functions from which to choose, including polynomial operations, derivatives, integrals, and summations. Even though the interface is quite easy to understand and the required fields are well defined, a brief introduction to using the toolkit is available to help inexperienced users. The site is operated by the math department at Vanderbilt University. [CL]
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Mudd Math Fun Facts
http://www.math.hmc.edu/funfacts/
Mudd Math Fun Facts is a site created by Francis Su, an assistant mathematics professor at Harvey Mudd College. Fun Facts are made to pique student's curiosity by showing them aspects of mathematics that are not usually taught in the classroom. There are currently over 150 items, and the list is still growing. The facts range in topic from algebra and geometry to probability and calculus, with varying levels of difficulty. Enthusiasts are invited to submit their own facts to share with the world. The site is very popular and has received numerous Web awards. [CL]
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Flashcards for Kids
http://www.edu4kids.com/math/
Flashcards for Kids is a great place for elementary students to hone their basic math skills and become faster at arithmetic. The flashcards can be customized by the type of math, complexity, number size, and number of problems to be done per session. An optional timer allows students to measure their improvement. Besides simply entering the answer to an equation, the flashcards system also allows users to answer with an alternate equation to increase the challenge. In addition to flashcards, the main Edu4Kids site also has four other math activities to try, and there are no advertisements or banners. Due to funding issues though, the site could close as early as April 2002. [CL]
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Technology Lessons
http://www.eecs.umich.edu/~coalitn/sciedoutreach/funexperiments/agesubject/technology.html
Technology Lessons is part of a University of Michigan Web site operated by Reach Out! and the Southeastern Michigan Math-Science Learning Coalition. There are many lessons that have been divided into appropriate age levels, ranging from early elementary school to high school. Each lesson begins by discussing insights and connections into the subject and is followed by a main activity with suggestions for extending the concept further. Topics covered on the site include Electric Cars, Making a Steam Powered "Rocket Boat," and How TV Works, to name just a few. The lessons are all interesting and educational, and can be used in or out of the classroom. [CL]
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Patterns in Mathematics
http://www.learner.org/teacherslab/math/patterns/
Patterns in Mathematics is a site useful for both teachers and students. It is part of a project sponsored by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Annenberg Foundation. There are three main sections -- logic patterns, number patterns, and word patterns. Each section starts with a brief description, followed by two activities that demonstrate the necessary principles. Each lesson is well illustrated, and students can follow the guided steps through an interactive interface. Alternatively, teachers can introduce the material as a fun activity for the whole class. These lessons should help students quickly recognize and identify patterns. [CL]
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Center for Women and Information Technology
http://www.umbc.edu/cwit/
The Center for Women and Information Technology (CWIT), located at the University of Maryland Baltimore County, was named "the best resource on women and technology on the Web" by ABCNews.com. The center's primary goal is to promote women's involvement in the IT industry. CWIT's Web site provides a wealth of information for women, ranging from learning the basics of computers to IT training and certification. Women considering IT as a field of study will also find information on financial aid and the CWIT Scholars Program. There is a list of books and many links to news articles about women and IT that are both interesting and insightful. This site is also reviewed in the March 1, 2002 Scout Report. [CL]
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Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
http://www.cbbt.com/
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is a 20 mile long series of bridges and tunnels that connect Virginia Beach/Norfolk to Virginia's Eastern Shore. The project is an engineering marvel; besides supporting vehicular traffic, the tunnels allow sea-going vessels passage into and out of the bay. A great deal of information is given on the project's home page, including a map of the surrounding area, historical perspectives, interesting facts, tourist attractions, and frequently asked questions. There are also a few pictures scattered throughout the site that show the enormity of the bridge-tunnel. [CL]
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Eureka County, Nevada: Nuclear Waste Page
http://www.yuccamountain.org/
Yucca Mountain in south central Nevada is the site of a governmental project for long-term storage of radioactive waste. Although it is a highly controversial subject, the project, if approved and completed, will certainly be an engineering marvel. A tunnel to a massive repository deep under the mountain is expected to take several years and cost billions of dollars. The Nuclear Waste Page of Eureka County has continually updated reports about the status of the project, pictures and maps of the surrounding area, and information about federal and state legislation. A detailed timeline shows the history of the issue and even continues until 2033 with future plans for Yucca Mountain. This Web site is an excellent resource for people to learn about the project and the many factors involved in nuclear waste storage. [CL]
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Support for Engineering Examinees
http://ppi2pass.com/Support/support.html
Support for Engineering Examinees is a good source of information for anyone planning to take any of the major tests for engineering, land surveying, architecture, or interior design. Although the site is operated by Professional Publications, who offer many books and study guides for these exams, there is also a lot of free material available. A very popular section is the Exam Forum, where fellow test-takers can exchange ideas and ask questions. Other useful areas include Exam FAQ's, Advice from Those Who've Been There, Qualifying to Take the Licensing Exams, and an exam checklist. People can send email questions to Michael Lindeburg, PE, who has over 25 years of experience. [CL]
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iSixSigma
http://www.isixsigma.com/
Six Sigma is a term often defined as "a measure of quality that strives for near perfection." In today's increasingly competitive corporate marketplace, this is a concept with growing importance. iSixSigma is a free source of information that helps businesses implement procedures that maximize quality and efficiency. While any organization can benefit from this site, the technology and manufacturing industries might have the most to gain. iSixSigma fosters open communication and idea exchange between businesses through an impartial source. Its Web site offers tools, calculators, methodologies, discussion forums, and much more to help any business achieve Six Sigma. [CL]
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Aladdin Matrix and Finite Element Environment
http://www.isr.umd.edu/~austin/aladdin.html
"Aladdin is a computational toolkit for the interactive matrix and finite element analysis of large engineering structures." It is being developed at the University of Maryland Institute for Systems Research and is funded by the National Science Foundation and Federal Highway Administration. Aladdin has numerous functions, including matrix arithmetic, structural analysis, and mechanics of finite elements. The software is excellent for use by both student and professional engineers. Extensive information and publications are given on the Web site, providing a good overview of the package. The Aladdin source code is available for download after a free registration. It can be compiled under UNIX operating systems, and special instructions are given for use in Windows. [CL]
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The Universal Troubleshooting Process
http://www.troubleshooters.com/tuni.htm
The Universal Troubleshooting Process (UTP) is an abbreviated version of the book Troubleshooting Techniques of the Successful Technologist by Steve Litt. UTP consists of ten steps designed to help modern workers diagnose the system in question and ultimately repair it. The process is very general and can be applied to virtually any well-defined system. Each step of the process is carefully outlined and can be easily followed. The Web site also has links to applicable articles from Steve Litt's online Troubleshooting Professional Magazine. UTP is a clever and original approach to troubleshooting technical systems. [CL]
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The Glossary of Mathematical Mistakes
http://www.mathmistakes.com/
Each month, the Glossary of Mathematical Mistakes examines a common fallacy that is frequently made by the media, politicians, and "many non-math people." The site has won awards from Scientific American, Britannica.com, and several others. Besides the monthly addition, there is an archive that includes mistakes that date back one year, plus many more that are just too classic to remove. Readers have the opportunity to email suggestions for mistakes that they would like people to know about. Another section called Puzzles and Problems poses many fun, thought-provoking math questions that involve arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and logic. [CL]
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Maglev Technology
1. How Things Work: Magnetically Levitated Trains
http://howthingswork.virginia.edu/magnetically_levitated_trains.html
2. Maglev 2000 of Florida Corporation
http://www.maglev2000.com/
3. The Baltimore-Washington Maglev Project
http://www.bwmaglev.com/
4. The California Maglev Project
http://www.calmaglev.org/
5. Make a MagLev Train
http://education.magnet.fsu.edu/student/inter/maglev.html
6. Seraphim: Sandia National Laboratories
http://www.sandia.gov/seraphim/
7. Transrapid International
http://www.transrapid.de/en/index.html
8. Personal Electric Rapid Transit Systems
http://www.crts.vt.edu/perts_fs.htm
Short for magnetic levitation, maglev involves the use of superconducting magnets to cause an object to float. Train systems using maglev technology are a recent development, and they already have the potential to compete with existing forms of transportation in the 21st century.
To get a basic understanding of the principles involved in maglev, try How Things Work (1) at the University of Virginia. This is essentially a frequently asked questions list about the physics of magnetism and maglev trains. The Maglev 2000 of Florida Corporation (2) describes the importance of developing the technology and its possible applications. In the US, there are a number of maglev train systems in the works. The Baltimore-Washington Maglev Project (3) has an interactive map that shows the currently planned route and a possible expansion that could someday connect Charlotte, NC to Boston, MA. There is also a project that will serve Los Angeles and the surrounding area (4). The site has maglev pictures and video, as well as news and developments that are continually updated. To spark children's interest in the subject, there are detailed instructions to Make a MagLev Train (5) with only poster board, magnets, and masking tape. Governmental research is being conducted at Sandia National Laboratories (6). The lab's Segmented Rail Phased Induction Motor (SERAPHIM) will be used in a "maglev system for the Denver metropolitan area." A German company, Transrapid International (7), is a pioneer in maglev technology. Their Web site tells the history of maglev, from the patent of magnetic levitation for trains in 1934 until the present. There is also a countdown until the first Transrapid voyage in Shanghai, China. Lastly, the Personal Electric Rapid Transit System (PERTS) (8) offers a very unconventional view of maglev. Hosted at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute, the PERTS vision applies maglev technology to achieve a "door-to-door transportation system that... allows unlimited mobility in personal travel." [CL]
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Below are the copyright statements to be included when reproducing annotations from The NSDL Scout Report for Math, Engineering, and Technology.
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From The NSDL Scout Report for Math, Engineering, & Technology, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2002. http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/
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Copyright Susan Calcari and the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, 1994-2002. The Internet Scout Project (http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/), located in the Computer Sciences Department of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, provides information about the Internet to the U.S. research and education community under a grant from the National Science Foundation, number NCR-9712163. The Government has certain rights in this material. Permission is granted to make and distribute verbatim copies of the entire Scout Report provided this paragraph, including the copyright notice, are preserved on all copies.
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