Access To Space
http://accesstospace.nasa.gov/
Access To Space is a Web site created by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. It is partly used by individuals and businesses interested in putting something into orbit, but it is also a very large and growing information source. The Mission Design section has a database of missions (both in progress and underway) and access mode information about various launch vehicles. It prompts for registration, but visitors can log in as guests. The Tech Space and Jump Space sections have many links to aerospace technology and related developments, and University Space is currently under construction. This site is perfect for researching different methods of space access and scheduled launches. [CL]
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US Army Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation Command
http://www.stricom.army.mil/
The US Army's Simulation, Training, and Instrumentation Command (STRICOM) researches and implements technology that is used to prepare troops for combat situations. Much of the group's work involves virtual reality and computer graphics. Two directorates on STRICOM's Web site (Research and Engineering and Operations and Support) have information about several divisions within the organization and the projects with which they have been involved. The Cool Tech section has a technology gallery with a photo archive and demonstrations using the Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML). A special browser plugin is required for the demos, however. [CL]
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Making Mathematics: Mentored Research Projects for Young Mathematicians
http://www2.edc.org/makingmath/
Making Mathematics is a great way for middle and high school students to get involved in mathematics research. The program matches a student or group of students with a mentor (a professional mathematician or graduate student). The student then works on an open-ended research problem and corresponds with his/her mentor via email. The student's teacher can also participate or communicate directly with the mentor. The Making Mathematics Web site has information about possible research projects and applications for students, mentors, and teachers. There are even some examples of completed student work. This can be a very rewarding and educational experience for ambitious math students. Registration is required. [CL]
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Underfloor Air Technology
http://www.cbe.berkeley.edu/underfloorair/Default.htm
Underfloor Air Technology is "a method of delivering space conditioning in offices and other commercial buildings that is increasingly being considered as a serious alternative to conventional ceiling-based air distribution systems." The Center for the Built Environment at the University of California, Berkeley conducts research on this form of air conditioning to determine its advantages. There is an in-depth analysis given on the Web site that explains what the technology is, how it is applied, and where it has been implemented. A glossary and list of frequently asked questions are very helpful for people new to the subject, and there are also many details such as code requirements and construction issues for the more experienced visitor. [CL]
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JPL Sensor Webs Project
http://sensorwebs.jpl.nasa.gov/
The NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory has devised a remarkable new type of sensor that could revolutionize the way scientists gather data. A Sensor Web is a network of many individual sensors that are about the size of a ping-pong ball. By themselves, they collect a single measurement-like temperature or humidity. But an entire Sensor Web can be spread out over a very large area and collect vast amounts of data remotely. The Sensor Webs Web site has a lot of information about the technology and its applications. A fun activity for kids is also given that teaches the basic techniques that Sensor Webs use to collect data. [CL]
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Rapid Prototyping Laboratory: Stanford University [.pdf]
http://www-rpl.stanford.edu/
In today's technology-driven marketplace, groundbreaking advances are made daily, and many companies are struggling to keep up. Rapid prototyping is a system that decreases a product's time-to-market, which can give companies that practice it an edge. Stanford University's Rapid Prototyping Laboratory is very active in research, and its Web site has information on the many projects with which it has been involved. The research section is divided into three parts: applications, processes, and planning. Additionally, there is a large collection of theses and conference papers that are available for free download. [CL]
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California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology
http://www.calit2.net/
The California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology is an advanced research and development organization whose goal is to "extend the reach of the current information infrastructure throughout the physical world to enable anytime/anywhere access." Highlights and news stories from the Institute are given on its Web site, as well as a multimedia section with live Webcasts and a video archive. The Institute has taken an original approach to "layered" research; a detailed overview is given for each research department that comprises one of the five layers of the new Internet. [CL]
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FreeCalc.com: Online Applications for Engineering Design
http://www.freecalc.com/
FreeCalc.com has over fifteen engineering design applications developed by Beacon Engineers Inc, which are useful for quick calculations for work or research. The applications can be used freely online; to be able to save your work and get further benefits, a subscription is required. Categories include general engineering, liquid and gas flow, fans and HVAC, pumps, heat transfer, vessels and tanks, and civil and structural engineering. Each application has a very easy-to-use interface, and there are many options from which to choose. Equipment data sheets are also given on the site for quick printing and submittal to suppliers. There are several additional applications under development. [CL]
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Get A Grip On Robotics
http://www.thetech.org/exhibits_events/online/robots/teaser/
Get A Grip On Robotics is a wonderful site for both children and adults to learn about robots. The site focuses mainly on industrial applications of robots -- their most common and practical use. The exhibit covers robot basics, the five main parts of a robot, how they move (i.e., "degrees of freedom"), and current and future outlooks for the technology. There are several animations that show a jointed-arm robot in action and how it compares to a human arm. One section of the site addresses the issue of robotic automation replacing human workers. Two fictitious stories are given that highlight this problem and allow readers to consider the pros and cons of different decisions. This site presents both technical and philosophical aspects of robotics, which makes it a very unique source of information. [CL]
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Introduction to Mechanisms
http://www-2.cs.cmu.edu/People/rapidproto/mechanisms/tablecontents.html
Most grade school students learn about the lever, the pulley, the inclined plane, the wheel and axle, the wedge, and the screw. These are collectively known as the six simple machines. The Introduction to Mechanisms offers a much more in-depth look at the underlying principles of these and other more complex devices. The material is appropriate for advanced high school students, engineering students, or anyone interested in learning how mechanisms work. Hosted by Carnegie Mellon University, the site is essentially an online book with a well-defined table of contents and hyperlinked index. Besides the simple machines, other topics include physical principles, kinematics, planar linkages, cams, and gears. Each chapter has many figures and diagrams that illustrate the concepts. [CL]
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Mathlets: Java Applets for Math Explorations
http://cs.jsu.edu/mcis/faculty/leathrum/Mathlets/
Mathlets are a collection of over 40 Java applets written by Dr. Tom Leathrum, a professor of mathematics at Jacksonville State University. These handy utilities perform basic calculator and graphing functions, as well as demonstrating several concepts from precalculus and calculus. The three-dimensional graphing applets are especially useful; by simply clicking on the graph and moving the mouse, the entire plot rotates, allowing the user to see it from any angle. This can greatly ease the visualization process, which is often very difficult for students. For Java programmers interested in how Dr. Leathrum created these applets, many examples of the source code are given on the Web site. [CL]
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Electronics for Beginners and Intermediate Electronics
http://ourworld.cs.com/gknott5413/
Graham Knott, an instructor at Cambridge Regional College in England, has put together a very large collection of information about electronics for beginning and intermediate levels. The beginners section is divided into categories consisting of general theory, practical skills and projects, components, test and measurement, digital, DC theory, and block diagrams. Each of these categories has many subsections that describe the fundamentals of electronics. The intermediate area has even more information, including transistor operation and common amplifiers. This is a great site for hobbyists, too. The material can be purchased on CD, bundled with several software tools and simulators; however, the educational material is all free on the Web site. [CL]
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The KnotPlot Site [.mpeg]
http://www.pims.math.ca/knotplot/
No, this isn't an instructional knot-tying site for the Boy Scouts! The KnotPlot Site looks at the mathematical side of knots and the theory behind them. There are many categories of knots to explore, with hundreds of pictures of some very perplexing twists and tangles. The pictures were created with the KnotPlot software, which can be downloaded from a link on the site's home page. MPEG animations give an even better view of knot formation. KnotPlot has received numerous Internet awards and is maintained by Rob Scharein at the Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences. [CL]
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Floppy's Web3D Guide
http://web3d.vapourtech.com/
Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) first came into general use about seven years ago "to create the infrastructure and conventions of cyberspace, a multi user space of many virtual worlds on the Net." To this day, the three dimensional "worlds" designed with VRML are breathtaking, allowing the user to move around and see them from any perspective. Floppy's Web3D Guide has a VRML tutorial for curious programmers and several workshops that expand on the tutorial. A developer library has loads of source code, or you can submit your own. The Info section has frequently asked questions lists about general VRML information, and Tools has many viewers and utilities for download. Even if you're not into programming, just seeing a well-modeled three dimensional world is quite an experience. [CL]
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Dimensional Analysis
http://www.physics.uoguelph.ca/tutorials/dimanaly/
For many chemistry and physics students, some of the most frustrating problems involve dimensional analysis. This is a very important concept that is more related to mathematics and equation consistency than the sciences. A dimensional analysis tutorial is offered at the physics department's Web site of the University of Guelph. It is an excellent guide that helps students understand the five dimensions of physical quantities and how to work with units to achieve correct results. There are seven quizzes and a final post-test that assess the student's grasp of the topic, with answers given after each exercise for comparison. [CL]
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Engineer On A Disk [.pdf]
http://claymore.engineer.gvsu.edu/eod/
Engineer On A Disk is a great resource for any undergraduate engineering student studying for a fundamentals exam. The material covered on the site spans nearly every engineering discipline and is maintained by a professor at Grand Valley State University. Topics include circuits, materials, computer programming and hardware, mechanical device design, mechatronics, quality control, manufacturing processes, and general reference. Each section is huge, with many items that are discussed in detail. The HTML version of Engineer On A Disk is quite difficult to navigate; however, the Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) version is much better. [CL]
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Molecular Expressions: The Silicon Zoo
http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/creatures/index.html
Although most of us will never examine a computer chip under a microscope, computer engineers are showing their creative side by hiding silicon artwork in a chip's layout. The Silicon Zoo has a collection of highly-magnified images that showcase the designer's talent, and each image is accompanied by an interesting, and often humorous, explanation. The silicon doodles have many different themes, ranging from cartoon characters to King Arthur's sword. Two Java tutorials are also on the Web site: the first describes how engineers create their "creatures," while the second explains how computer chips are searched to find them. There are many interesting sections of The Silicon Zoo, so be sure to explore! [CL]
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Handhelds.org
http://handhelds.org/index.html
Handheld computers are a common tool in businesses and homes, and their popularity is rising. Handhelds.org is "part of the Open Source Software movement, focused specifically on handheld and wearable computers." Even though the site has resources for both software designers and end users, it is mainly oriented toward developers. There is extensive hardware and software documentation, downloadable source code, mailing lists, and discussion forums. New visitors to the site will find the Frequently Asked Questions section a useful reference. Instructions for configuring and programming a Linux handheld are given in the Howto's section. Developers can also contribute to the site by uploading their source code. [CL]
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The Big Dig: Worth Its Wait
http://www.bigdig.com/index.htm
The Central Artery in Boston, Massachusetts is a notorious six-lane highway known for horrible traffic problems and an extremely high accident rate. A massive engineering undertaking, called the Central Artery/Tunnel Project, was started in 1991 to relieve the congestion and is now about 75% complete. The project's Web site is constantly updated with progress reports, milestones, and anything that is related to the "Big Dig." There are sections that discuss environmental issues, history, and the archaeological treasures that were uncovered during excavation. Photo and video galleries show various phases and the many obstacles that make this such a long and difficult project. [CL]
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DXing.com: The Web Resource for Radio Hobbyists
http://www.dxing.com/
Despite the fact that radio predates television by many years, it is still an important and widely used form of communication. DXing.com is sponsored by Universal Radio Research and is a very informative source of radio technology and news. For users interested in learning how radio works, many basics are described, such as frequency, wavelength, and modulation. An introduction to shortwave radio is a good guide to learn how to listen to worldwide broadcasts. A monthly radio program that provides "tips, broadcast insights and the latest developments (and gossip) from the world of domestic and international broadcasting" is featured on the site in Real Audio, along with archives of previous programs. There are many more areas of the site that have not been mentioned that make DXing.com a very comprehensive site. [CL]
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IC Knowledge [.pdf]
http://www.icknowledge.com/
IC Knowledge is a company that serves the semiconductor industry. Besides providing information about its products, the company's Web site has a few very interesting features. Of particular interest is the technology trends section, which covers microprocessors, die size, DRAM, microlithography, and MOS logic complexity. In History of the IC, the integrated circuit is examined to show how it evolved on a decade-by-decade basis. An extensive glossary of terms defines many of the technical words and acronyms that are often tossed around by professionals. Articles dealing with the economics of the semiconductor industry are also available on the site, as well as a handy table of physical constants. [CL]
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AbilityHub: Assistive Technology Solutions
http://www.abilityhub.com/
AbilityHub is a site "for people with a disability who find operating a computer difficult, maybe even impossible." The site is maintained by Mr. Dan Gilman, who understands the needs and concerns of the disabled because he personally suffered a spinal cord injury. There is a tremendous amount of information provided. Frequently asked questions lists cover several key topics. Assistive technology alternatives are discussed, including a remarkable technique that allows the user's eye movements to control the mouse cursor. In addition to physical disabilities, there is also information for the visually impaired and people with cognitive disabilities. [CL]
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Bad Human Factors Designs
http://www.baddesigns.com/
Here is a site that is not only useful, it is also somewhat amusing. The basic concept being conveyed is why learn from your own mistakes when you can learn from someone else's? Any type of engineer, student, or professional should know the difference between a bad design versus a good one. This site has a long list of bad designs, and new ones are added regularly. The material is maintained by a usability engineer, which means he obviously knows a lot about the topic. Some examples include a stapler, a paper towel dispenser, and a shower faucet. They might not make sense right now, but look over the site. You should soon realize the importance of a good design. [CL]
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Zooknic Internet Intelligence
http://www.zooknic.com/index.html
Zooknic Internet Intelligence is a collection of interesting facts and figures about Internet usage and trends. The User Maps section shows the geography of Internet users with color-coded maps; each country's share of the world's Internet users and the percentage of the country's population online are given. There is also a lot of data on domain names (i.e., .com, .org, .edu), such as worldwide totals, domain name geography, and top domain name holders. Some of these categories give historical data as well. A weekly email newsletter called Zooknic Zaps with much more information is scheduled to be released in March 2002; however, there could be a subscription fee. [CL]
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Distributed Computing
1. dccentral: all you need to know about distributed computing
http://library.thinkquest.org/C007645/english/0-welcome.htm
2. The Worldwide Computer
http://www.sciam.com/2002/0302issue/0302anderson.html
3. Software finds possible anthrax cures
http://www.msnbc.com/news/691885.asp?0dm=C14QT&cp1=1
4. The Globus Project
http://www.globus.org/
5. distributed.net
http://www.distributed.net/
6. The DataGrid Project
http://www.eu-datagrid.org/
7. Compute Against Cancer
http://www.computeagainstcancer.org/
8. fightAIDS@home
http://www.fightaidsathome.org/
Distributed computing can take many forms, but perhaps its most powerful use involves connecting many computers to form a grid. A grid is a group of networked computers that work together to perform a very large and complex task. Rather than having expensive dedicated computers, grids put home and business PCs to work during the time that they would normally be idle. With thousands or even millions of computers working together, the computational power is extraordinary.
A good introduction to distributed computing can be found at DCcentral (1). The site is perfect for inexperienced people and is very easy to understand. There is an interactive glossary and a couple fun games that demonstrate the concepts. The Worldwide Computer (2) is an article from a recent issue of Scientific American. The authors present some amazing scenarios that could be realized with an Internet-scale operating system (ISOS). Although a true ISOS has not yet been implemented, imagine getting paid for work that your computer does in its spare time! Distributed computing is also being used to address a more immediate concern -- anthrax (3). A project organized by British researchers has compiled a list of about 300,000 potential drugs that could cure an anthrax infection, with about 12,000 of them as strong candidates. The Globus Project (4) is an organization that "provides software tools that make it easier to build computational grids and grid-based applications." The tools are open source and can be freely downloaded from their Web site. Many companies use the Globus software to solve problems in areas such as security, fault detection, communication, and portability. Distributed.net (5) has a lot of interesting facts about the project's various distributed computing challenges in which it has participated. The history section is especially noteworthy, as it shows how the time needed to complete a task can dramatically be reduced as more computers are used. The European Union is funding the DataGrid Project (6), which allows next-generation scientific research that requires intensive computation. The project is led by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). Some of CERN's test facilities produce more scientific data than can be analyzed by conventional computing techniques, and this was one of the motivations for the DataGrid Project. If you would like to participate in a distributed computing project, there are two sites that provide free software. The first is Compute Against Cancer (7), whose Pioneer utility uses your computer to find new insights into cancer treatment and diagnosis. The second site is similar, except AIDS is the target (8). [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.
The single phrase below is the copyright notice to be used when reproducing any portion of this report, in any format:
From The NSDL Scout Report for Math, Engineering, & Technology, Copyright Internet Scout Project 1994-2002. http://scout.cs.wisc.edu/
The paragraph below is the copyright notice to be used when reproducing the entire report, in any format:
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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For information on additional contributors, see the Internet Scout Project staff page:
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