CGHS Library

Like Being There: Virtual Tour of Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Periodic Table of Videos

 

and, as QR codes

Concentration and Distraction

All of us overestimate our ability to multitask, and drivers are no exception. Despite what you might think, you cannot write a love letter and listen in class at the same time. Texting and driving is the same. The New York Times has developed a game to prove it.

Trees: A Visual Guide

Beautifully illustrated and designed, this gorgeous reference book explores the world of trees from every perspective—from the world's great forests to the lifespan of a single leaf. Arresting color photographs of a wide variety of trees and close-ups of many of their remarkable features provide an enormous amount of information in a highly accessible format. The volume illustrates how trees grow and function, looks at their astounding diversity and adaptations, documents the key role they play in ecosystems, and explores the multitude of uses to which we put trees—from timber and pharmaceuticals to shade and shelter. A highly absorbing read cover to cover or dipped into at random, Trees: A Visual Guide delves into many specific topics: the details of flowers, bark, and roots; profiles of favorite trees; how animals and insects interact with trees; trees in urban landscapes; the role trees play in our changing climate; deforestation and reforestation; and much more. (from University of California Press)

Visual Elements Periodic Table

Attractive and functional, this is the best online periodic table I've seen. As you scroll over each element, it shows some details, and if you click on the element, it provides a thorough and interesting collection of links examining the element in even more detail. Produced by the Royal Society of Chemistry, it has to be good.

Wolfram Alpha

If you are into math or science at ALL, you need to be familiar with WolframAlpha. More than a search engine, WolframAlpha calculates the answers to math or science questions, creates plots, converts units, efficiently accesses scientific data and statitistics, and lots more. It took me awhile to get used to it because it is different than a regular search engine, but it is very, very useful.

WolframAlpha also has some unexpected breadth. I enjoyed floating around in the Wolfram Demonstrations Project. I doubt I'll ever get my mind around all that WolframAlpha offers, but I plan to enjoy trying. (MHouse)

Mathematica » The #1 tool for creating Demonstrations and anything technical. Wolfram|Alpha » Explore anything with the first computational knowledge engine. MathWorld » The web's most extensive mathematics resource. Course Assistant Apps » An app for every course— right in the palm of your hand. Wolfram Blog » Read our views on math, science, and technology. Computable Document Format » The format that makes Demonstrations (and any information) easy to share and interact with. STEM Initiative » Programs & resources for educators, schools & students. Computerbasedmath.org » Join the initiative for modernizing math education.

Quantum Kitty

Time

The concept of time has always blown my mind, and I think you will discover that thinking about it too much can drive you crazy. The BBC does a nice job of explaining potentially mind melting ideas at the following web site.

NASA Images