Archive

Current and past selections of exemplary sites--browse month by month through every year. When sites are no longer available, they are not listed as Digital Dozen winners.

October 1998

1. Amusement park physics: what are the forces behind the fun?
   Grade(s): 7 - Post-Sec. ENC#: 013231
   Synopsis: Even though roller coasters are often described as "death defying," this Web site reveals how the laws of physics and technology work together to make amusement park rides one of the safest forms of recreation available. Visitors can read about ride safety, free fall, roller coasters, and bumper cars. They can also try their hand at designing their own conceptual roller coaster. A physics dictionary explains the terms and concepts used.
   (For more details, see ENC Record.)
   
   
2. Extreme science
   Grade(s): K - 12 ENC#: 013279
   Synopsis: The Marvels of Science on this site will appeal to anyone who's ever "wondered about the biggest, the baddest, and the best" in the natural world. Webmaster Elizabeth Keller's Extreme Science menu highlights natural phenomena such as the world's biggest wave, the biggest spider, the deepest place in the ocean, and the most ferocious creature. The Gallery of Scientists provides background information on the scientists featured in Extreme Science.
   (For more details, see ENC Record.)
   
   
3. Famous problems in the history of mathematics: a Math Forum Project
   Featured in ENC Focus  
   Grade(s): 6 - Post-Sec. ENC#: 013284
   Synopsis: Learn how the great mathematicians tackled puzzling problems throughout the course of history. The site explains each dilemma and shows how mathematicians have worked to resolve them. Samples include the problem of finding prime numbers, determining the numeric value of pi, and confronting Zeno's paradoxes. Also provided is background information on the historical context of each problem and mathematician.
   (For more details, see ENC Record.)
   
   
4. Fractals: exploring its simplicity, beauty, and mathematics
   Featured in ENC Focus  
   Grade(s): 9 - Post-Sec. ENC#: 013353
   Synopsis: Fractals are a fun, interesting, and creative way to learn about and enjoy math. The site teaches students simple methods to construct fractals and contains sample problems that students can do as they work their way through the lesson. Solutions are provided in Java applets that remain closed to the students until the teacher provides them with the key.
   (For more details, see ENC Record.)
   
   
5. Internet history of science sourcebook
   Grade(s): 11 - Post-Sec. ENC#: 013756
   Synopsis: A gold mine of educational links, this site is the doorway to a world of information about the history of science. It addresses topics such as the Ancient Near East, the Scientific Revolution, and Moral Issues and Modern Science, to name just a few. The site provides a brief summary for each link and indicates the type of resource to which the link leads.
   (For more details, see ENC Record.)
   
   
6. JavaSketchpad DR3 Gallery
   Grade(s): 9 - Post-Sec. ENC#: 013628
   Synopsis: Stretch, twist, rotate, and otherwise manipulate geometrical figures at this site. Each sketch of a figure is accompanied by an explanation of the illustrated figure and instructions for how to manipulate the object.
   (For more details, see ENC Record.)
   
   
7. NOVA online
   Grade(s): 7 - Post-Sec. ENC#: 012691
   Synopsis: The online companion for the science television show, this site contains teacher guides and lesson plans to help teachers incorporate the show's science concepts into their classrooms. The site is updated weekly and features full-color photos, video clips, and transcripts of interviews. Past sites are easily accessible and a Web schedule keeps visitors apprised of what they will find on the site in upcoming weeks.
   (For more details, see ENC Record.)
   
   
8. Scorecard
   Grade(s): K - Post-Sec. ENC#: 013209
   Synopsis: Find out how your community rates in terms of its level of environmental pollution. This site provides information on the major polluters in your community and the severity of pollution in your area. Visitors can also learn about the types of chemicals that are harmful to the environment and human health.
   (For more details, see ENC Record.)
   
   
9. The George Lucas Education Foundation
   Featured in ENC Focus  
   Grade(s): K - 12 ENC#: 013463
   Synopsis: The George Lucas Educational Foundation was established to promote and encourage reform in K-12 education. It features an online version of the documentary film Learn & Live, hosted by Robin Williams, which profiles innovative schools across the country. Accompanying the film are suggestions for classroom use and online and pdf versions of the resource book. The site also provides grant information and links to other online educational resources and projects.
   (For more details, see ENC Record.)
   
   
10. The virtual field trips site
    Featured in ENC Focus  
    Grade(s): K - 12 ENC#: 013215
    Synopsis: This site contains a number of "tours" of various natural phenomena and ecosystems, such as deserts, salt marshes, and hurricanes. Preparatory materials for each tour include a brief description of the topic, vocabulary terms, and guiding questions that focus on relevant concepts. Teacher materials for each tour consist of objectives and related Web sites that provide additional information about each topic.
    (For more details, see ENC Record.)