Physics Portal
http://www.nature.com/physics/
As part of the Journal Nature's Web site, the Physics Portal, is an online resource providing physicists easy access to timely, relevant research. After the free registration users can view current and past articles, arranged by subject including everything from astro to quantum physics. The site also contains news articles, meeting and job information, a links page, and more, making it a must-stop for any researcher or educator in the field. [JAB]
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Ranking of the World's Oil and Gas Provinces by Known Petroleum Volumes
http://greenwood.cr.usgs.gov/energy/WorldEnergy/OF97-463/97463.html
A recent USGS open file report entitled Ranking of the World's Oil and Gas Provinces by Known Petroleum Volumes groups the worlds 937 geologic provinces into eight regions by known petroleum volumes of field. This site succintly describes the ranking methods used and results of the study. Perhaps not surprisingly, the Middle East and North Africa was found to contain nearly twice as many billions of barrels of oil than any other area. The researchers hope that the rankings will "facilitate studies of reserve growth, assessment of undiscovered resources, and analysis of economics and risk". [JAB]
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New Publication Explores Challenges to Thermophysical Researchers [.pdf]
http://www.nist.gov/public_affairs/update/upd011113.htm#Chemistry
In June 2000, the Fourteenth Symposium on Thermophysical Properties was held to review the progress of thermophysics over the last 100 years and to look forward to the next century of research and development in thermophysics. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) provides a special publication online covering the event, including overviews of topical issues by professionals in the field and several brief, invited essays on issues raised in the forum by panelists, audience participants, and other experts in thermophysics. The topics addressed in the 113 page .pdf document include molecular modeling, nuclear waste cleanup, power plants, process and chemical manufacturing, data evaluation, and simulation and sensitivity analysis. [HCS]
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Two Datasets from Antarctica
Ice Thickness and Surface Elevation, Southeastern Ross Embayment,West Antarctica
http://nsidc.org/data/nsidc-0099.html
A Databank of Antarctic Surface Temperature and Pressure Data
http://cdiac.esd.ornl.gov/epubs/ndp/ndp032/ndp032.html
The National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) has released online ice thickness and surface elevation data for the Ross Ice Sheet of Western Antarctica. This data is a result of the Corridor aerogeophysics of the Southeastern Ross Transect Zone (CASERTZ) experiments of the 1990s. According to NSDIC, "the CASERTZ geophysical surveys were aimed at understanding geological controls on ice streams of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, ultimately to help assess the potential for ice sheet collapse." Tables listing season/flight, date, latitude and longitude, and thickness (m) are displayed in ASCII text format and are also downloadable via FTP. Antarctic monthly mean sea surface temperature and pressure data are accessible online from the Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (CDIAC) of Oak Ridge, TN. Compiled by the Climatic Research Unit of the University of East Anglia, UK, this data is an update of temperature. and pressure data collected between 1957-1990 from 29 stations over Antarctica. CDIAC's Web page of this climatic research project displays a map of sampling localities and a table of contents, guiding readers to figure and table lists, the abstract, the introduction, data sources, error checking techniques, data revisions, file descriptions, and references. The data tables are presented in ASCII format and can be downloaded via FTP (instructions given). [HCS]
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Hydride Information Center
http://hydpark.ca.sandia.gov/
This site, posted by the US Department of Energy's Sandia National Laboratories, " provides access to a comprehensive set of databases on metal-hydrogen systems, their properties, applications, literature sources, and profiles of organizations involved in metal-hydrogen development." Metal hydrides are important because they are commonly used in batteries and as hydrogen fuel storage cells for autos and power generation (a fossil fuel alternative). The technical part of the database has hydride material listings (searchable by material, author, year); hydride properties (searchable by name, formula, pressure and temperature); and references (searchable by reference number, author, keyword). Another section of the database deals with applications (storage, processing, electrochemical). Scientists interested in using the Hydride Information Center database will also like the conference announcements and contact lists. [HCS]
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New Maps from the USDA
http://www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov/land/index/newmaps.html
As part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Natural Resources Conservation Services State of the Land Web site provides analysis products to the public. The latest release of nearly fifty maps have been made available, consisting mainly of agriculturally related information, such as percent of prime farmland used as cropland and pastureland in the United States. Other topics include land use cover by state and percent of non-federal area in water. All maps are downloadable, and most have a link to the related state summary table and the data file used to make each map. [JAB]
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Physical Reference Data
http://physics.nist.gov/PhysRefData/contents.html
National Institute of Standards and Technologys (NIST) Physical Reference Data Web site (last mentioned in the August 16, 1996 Scout Report) provides data on physical constants, ionization, x-ray and gamma-ray, radiation dosimetry, nuclear and condensed matter physics, atomic and molecular spectroscopic data, and more. For example, within the searchable physical constants page, visitors can find everything from alpha particle mass to the Wien displacement law constant. Any researcher, professional, or graduate student in related fields will find this readily accessible information invaluable. [JAB]
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Petrological Database of the Ocean Floor
http://petdb.ldeo.columbia.edu/petdb/
Carried by Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (LDEO) of Columbia University, the Petrological Database of the Ocean Floor is a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded research project that includes over 30,000 samples and over 700,000 chemical values from oceanic stations throughout the world. Samples can be searched by location, expedition name, ship name, sample characteristics, reference, or by chemistry. A typical result might include the sample id, description, age, date, tectonic setting, latitude/longitude of site, rock chemistry analysis, and more. Uncluttered and easy to use, this site provides an excellent resource for users wanting to utilize this somewhat nonubiquitous data. [JAB]
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ScienceMaster - Physical Science Homework Helpers
http://www.sciencemaster.com/physical/item/index_java.php
As part of the much larger commercial site ScienceMaster, the Physical Science page Homework Helper contains an interactive periodic table, scientific calculator and several glossaries of related terms. The site also provides length, area, mass, and temperature equivalency converters and even a weight calculator to determine how much you would weigh if you were on the moon or one of several planets. Students from junior high on will find these and the several other tools provided very useful and fun to explore. [JAB]
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ChemLab
http://www.dartmouth.edu/~chemlab/
Dartmouth College's introductory chemistry course program has a Web site that is worth a look by students and professors of chemistry at other institutions. Visitors to the site can ignore the exam and grading sections and head straight to the Java applets. With these nine, nifty mini-tutorials, students can create a custom periodic table, play fill-in-the-blank periodic table puzzles, run virtual labs on anions and cations, construct a visible spectrum, practice least-squares regressions, and much more. Visitors to the site will also find the "Chemistry and Background" portions of the online laboratory manuals (filed under Chem 3/5 and Chem 6) useful and also should review the section on how and why to keep a chemistry lab notebook. [HCS]
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New Activities from Windows to the Universe:
Magnetometer
http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/teacher_resources/magnetometer_edu.html
Magnetometer Extensions Activity
http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/teacher_resources/extension_edu.html
Terrabagga Activity Using a Magnetometer
http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/teacher_resources/terrabagga_edu.html
Three Clouds Activity
http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/teacher_resources/3clouds_edu.html
The University of Michigan's educational site called Windows to the Universe (last mentioned in the January 6, 1999 Scout Report for Science and Engineering) has added many new lessons to their content. Highlights of these include two activities centered around magnetism and cloud formation. Clicking on the links to the Student Activity Sheet and reading the Notes to the Teacher are essential for getting the most out of the activities. To undertake the magnetism lessons, first follow the instructions to make the homemade magnetometer. Then, you can do neat activities modeling real-world uses of a magnetometer instrument, such as exploring Earth's magnetic reversals. You can explore how magnetic fields of the planets are measured by creating your own planet, with magnetic poles out of a paper bag and a few other simple items ("Terrabagga"). Once you've had enough of the magnets, put your head in the clouds with the Three Clouds activity. This set of three lessons uses items such as a jugs and jars, a plastic bag, an aquarium thermometer, and an overhead projector to explore how clouds form and the relationship between the hydrosphere and human activity. [HCS]
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Create a Graph
http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/graphing/
Part of the National Center for Education Statistics' Classroom feature, Create a Graph is a simple, visual program in which kids can create a custom bar, area, line or pie graph. Clicking on the graph type from the menu leads to a brief overview about that type of graph, what sorts of data it is useful for, and links to the data entry page. On the data entry page, kids can enter up to 15 data values, type titles, select graph size and colors (12 to choose from), designate .png or .jpeg file type, and create a printer-ready graph. This is an excellent tool for homework assignments and educational play. [HCS]
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Ask ERIC - Lesson Plans
http://ericir.syr.edu/cgi-bin/lessons.cgi/Science
Ask ERIC, or the Educational Resources Information Center, is a federally funded project within the Department of Education that hopes to "provide education information to teachers, librarians, counselors, administrators, parents, and anyone interested in education throughout the United States and the world." This portion of the site provides lesson plans in twenty-three science subjects, geared for students from K-12. Clearly and attractively presented, each lesson plan gives a suggested grade level, objectives, materials needed, and more. The site contains other worthwhile information, such as a writing guide, mailing list, newsletter, and a link to submit your own lesson plan. [JAB]
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The pH Factor
http://www.miamisci.org/ph/
The Miami Museum of Science's learning site, The pH Factor, gives teachers a fun and interactive way to teach elementary and middle school students some basics of science. Material is divided into seven learning areas: excite, explore, explain, expand, extend, exchange, and examine. Each contains an interactive screen that can be used directly in the classroom and lesson plans that correspond with each subject. For example, the excite area contains the "tasting tongue" that, when clicked, shows the location on the tongue where you taste bitter or sour things. The site's teaching style is based on the proposition that learners need to build their own understanding of new ideas. The unique material that is offered on this site provides educators with an excellent alternative for teaching these sometimes difficult concepts to grade school students. [JAB]
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Online Physics Experiments [Shockwave]
http://littleshop.physics.colostate.edu/Experiments.html
Colorado State University's Hands-On Science Outreach Program, Little Shop of Physics, contains several dozen online experiments that can be done at home, in the classroom, or directly on a computer. The Amazing Physics section offers directions on completing the classic imploding pop can experiment and other experiments using common household items. The other two sections, Computer Stuff and Shockwave Stuff, allows users to try interactive activities like the headshrinker experiment. After staring at the animation of moving circles for a minute and then looking at a friend's head, it strangely appears to be shrinking. Each detailed experiment provides clear and straightforward directions as well as an explanation of what is actually happening, making this site an excellent resource for teachers and parents in helping kids understand physics. [JAB]
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Working With Maps
http://info.er.usgs.gov/education/teacher/what-do-maps-show/index.html
The United States Geological Survey's Learning Web site Working with Maps contains a complete Web-based lesson for students between grades 5 and 8. The site introduces the basic concepts related to cartography, including the definition of a map, various map types, and information that you can find on them. Printable activity sheets are available for download, covering four lessons: Introduction to Maps, Some Things You Need to Know to Read a Map, What You Can Learn From a Map, and How to Read a Topographic Map. The tradition of quality material from the USGS continues with this well done, attractive site that gives educators premium content and ease of use. [JAB]
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Natural Hazards
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/
NASA's Earth Observatory Web site's newest addition, Natural Hazards, is a continually updated resource of remarkable photography taken from the satellite MODIS (Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) of visible natural disasters around the globe of things such as the thick cloud of pollution currently over India and the dozen ravaging bush fires in Australia. Each page contains a high-resolution image of the event, a description of what is taking place, and links to any related images. [JAB]
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United States Climate Normals
http://www5.ncdc.noaa.gov/cgi-bin/climatenormals/climatenormals.pl?directive=prod_select2&prodtype=CLIM81&subrnum=
The National Climate Data Center has recently released weather data from the last thirty years, which is used by forecasters to compare day-to-day normal conditions. The daily and monthly reports are available for download in ASCII or PDF formats and include data on such things as average daily temperatures and precipitation from nearly 8,000 weather stations in the United States, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Pacific Islands. Everyone from researchers to those users interested in weather in their hometown will find the information provided valuable. [JAB]
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Two Geospatial Images from Canada:
Lake Nipigon
http://www.ccrs.nrcan.gc.ca/ccrs/imgserv/tour/42/42_onte.html
Ekati Diamond Mine
http://www.ccrs.nrcan.gc.ca/ccrs/imgserv/tour/43/43_nwte.html
These recent postings from the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing's (CCRS) "Images of Canada" series provide an interesting introduction to remote sensing techniques and the history of landforms, both natural and human-made. The Landsat image of Ontario's Lake Nipigon, a name meaning "deep, clear lake," is viewable in two sizes and is accompanied by text and other remote images on the structural geology, rock types, recent forest fires, and forestry research around the lake. The page on the Ekati Diamond Mine, which is located in the Northwest Territories and is North America's only operating diamond mine, also presents two sizes of satellite images and informational text. A nifty feature of the Ekati page is a section where users can compare the satellite imagery to ground images of particular features (e.g., tundra, glacial eskers, and heath) of the mine area. Other highlights include a satellite view of the excavated terraces and blast sites of this pit mine and a time series of Landsat images showing the Ekati mine site in five-year increments. The CCRS was last mentioned in the May 24, 2000 Scout Report for Science and engineering. [HCS]
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How Volcanoes Work
http://www.geology.sdsu.edu/how_volcanoes_work/
How Volcanoes Work was constructed and is maintained by Dr. Vic Camp from San Diego State University's Department of Geological Sciences. The site takes a comprehensive look into every aspect of volcanic formations and eruptions, including historical eruptions (Mt. St. Helens) and volcanism on other planets. Well written and designed, this site offers excellent illustrations, photographs, and several multimedia files such as a cross-sectional view of an eruption taking place. Anyone from geology students to lifelong learners will find this site interesting and informative. [JAB]
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HESSI is Go for Launch
http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/headline_universe/hessi_launch.html
From the news section of the Windows to the Universe Web site (last mentioned in the January 6, 1999 Scout Report), NASA's High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (HESSI), built to help study solar flares on the sun, is scheduled to launch on January 24th after several failed attempts. Although a short article, the provided links give in-depth descriptions of the satellite, solar flares, the sun and more -- all with very nice illustrations and photographs. One of the most unique aspects of the article is the ability to choose among three varying levels of expertise, which changes the wording of the article to accommodate everyone from beginners to experts. [JAB]
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Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey [.pdf]
http://www.uwex.edu/wgnhs/
The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, as part of the University of Wisconsin-Extension, is "an interdisciplinary organization that conducts natural resources surveys and research to produce information used for decision making, problem solving, planning, management, development, and education". The site offers downloadable online publications such as annual groundwater level summaries and understanding Wisconsin township, range, and section land descriptions. It also contains lists of other publications and various maps of Wisconsin, all of which can be ordered by mail. Information on the history of the survey and an interesting section that includes pictures and descriptions of karst (limestone) development and features is also available. [JAB]
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Grand Canyon Explorer
http://www.kaibab.org/home.htm
Maintained by Bob Ribokas, Grand Canyon Exploer is quite extraordinary for a unaffiliated Web site. Updated regularly, it contains everything from stunning photography and geologic descriptions to information about hiking permits and park trials for users planning a trip. A highlight of the site is the guided tour, which provides descriptions and pictures from the park entrance to the Grand Canyon's spectacular formations like Mohave Point on the South Rim. The author has even provided a downloadable version of the Web site for Pocket PC's and PDA's, enabling users to have all the information at their finger tips when visiting the park. [JAB]
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The Living Lakes
http://www.livinglakes.org/top.htm
Living Lakes Partnership, a nonprofit organization has a goal to "create and support a network within which local lake organizations can find critical kinds of assistance for promoting sustainable development in lake areas." Their award winning site highlights nearly twenty lakes around the world, describing their individual, watershed, and biological characteristics as well as the geologic and human history of the area. The Living With Lakes section discusses lake management and conservation issues dealing with agriculture and urban areas (such as pollution and habitat loss). Other links include a photo gallery, news and events section, discussion groups, and much more. Visitors will enjoy the rich content and visuals that make up this site and will find themselves exploring it for some time and learning along the way. [JAB]
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The Return of El Nino
1. "Is El Nino Back?" -- ABCNEWS.com
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/scitech/DailyNews/elnino020110.html
2. "El Nino Could Return in Months" -- BBC News
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/sci/tech/newsid_1755000/1755560.stm
3. "Is El Nino Coming Back?" -- NOAA News
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories/s849.htm
4. "Tracking El Nino" -- PBS online
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/elnino/
5. "Ocean Surface Topography from Space - El Nino/La Nina Watch" -- NASA
http://topex-www.jpl.nasa.gov/elnino/index.html
6. "Make Your Own El Nino in the Classroom" -- NASA Education
http://topex-www.jpl.nasa.gov/education/make-your-own-el-nino.html
7. "The El Nino/ Earth Science Virtual Classroom" -- ThinkQuest
http://library.thinkquest.org/3356/main/enesvc.html
8. "El Nino Loss Reduction Center" -- FEMA
http://www.fema.gov/nwz97/elnino.htm
Recent observations have suggested the return of the phenomenon El Nino, which potentially can cause severe abnormalities in weather patterns around the world, as it did in 1997-1998.
An article from ABCNEWS.com (1) describes El Nino, the 3,000 mile long and growing streak of warm water in the Pacific Ocean that satellites have detected, and also mentions the advisory that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued regarding the phenomenon. The BBC's article (2) similarly tells of the new data and its potential effects to the weather worldwide. A news release dated January 10, 2002 from NOAA is the third site (3) , discussing the recent activity observed. It includes links to other informative NOAA sites that explain in great depth about El Nino. The next site (4) by PBS.org, (last mentioned in the February 4, 1998 Scout Report ), is excellently designed and written, giving visitors well-described information and stunning illustrations, photographs, and animations. NASA's site, (5) El Nino/La Nina Watch, offers satellite images of temperature trends back to 1999. Each image is accompanied by an explanation and a description of the potential effects on the climate. Also by NASA (6) , the Make Your Own El Nino in the Classroom page gives a simple hands-on demonstration that any junior high or high school student would find interesting and helpful in understanding the phenomenon. The El Nino/ Earth Science Virtual Classroom (7) bills itself as an online learning resource for junior high through graduate school students. Students can read about El Nino and, most notably, communicate via a free mail server with other students and teachers for additional information. The last site (8) , maintained by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, takes a different perspective of El Nino by providing information on preparing for its potentially disastrous effects. Information includes tips on protecting your home from floods and Real Audio files of FEMA Radio Network interviews regarding El Nino. [JAB]
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Below are the copyright statements to be included when reproducing annotations from The NSDL Scout Report for the Physical Sciences.
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From The NSDL Scout Report for Physical Sciences, 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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