Tech 10 December 1998 Winners

Izzy's Skylog

http://darkstar.swsc.k12.ar.us/~kwhite/skylog.html

Although there is a wealth of astronomy information out on the web, many of these sites assume quite a bit of knowledge on the part of the visitor - Izzy's Skylog has enough information to get one started in sky watching, without getting in over your head. The Sky Calendar, with it's helpful diagrams on where to look into the sky to see astronomical objects, is a great resource for beginners.

2. Silicon Valley Web Directory

Where and what is Silicon Valley? It's exact physical location and boundaries may be up for debate, but the Web knows no bounds - over 6000 sites are listed here in various categories, perhaps painting a better picture of our region (and it's connections around the world) than a conventional map. Take some time to dive in and get lost - it's worth it.

3. The First Hobby & Home Computers:
Scelbi - Mark-8 - Altair

http://inventors.miningco.com/library/weekly/mcurrent.htm

Sometimes it healthy to look back and see from where our modern home PC's have come. If you think your computer is short on memory and features, just take a peek at these pre-PC PC's. You'll be both fascinated and thankful.

4. The Stanford Linear Accelerator

http://www2.slac.stanford.edu/vvc/home.html

Our nearest linear accelerator, or "atom-smasher," the Stanford Linear Accelerator or "SLAC" is explored in surprising detail at this well-designed site. The dizzyingly complex subject is ingeniously made accessible using examples of similar technology found around us, from TV's and microwaves to pipe organs.

5. Inventors & Visions: Buckminster Fuller

http://www.wnet.org/archive/bucky/invent.html

The BucklyBall, Dymaxion Bathroom, and the Geodesic Dome all have one thing in common besides their spiffy names - they were invented by one of this century's most gifted and unusual inventors, Buckminster Fuller. This site by wNetStation, New York, provides a solid foundation for further exploration into "Bucky's" wild imagination.

6. NASA's Cool Robot of The Week

http://ranier.hq.nasa.gov/telerobotics_page/coolrobots.html

You can always count on NASA to be doing cool things online - here's another example. The honor of being listed as "Cool Robot of The Week" is bestowed upon those robotics-related web sites which show creative solutions to robotics problems, describe unique robotics systems, or have great robotics-related information online. Every week offers new and interesting features on this amazing branch of science.

7. The Bare Bones Guide to HTML

http://werbach.com/barebones/

What makes this intro to HTML a standout in the crowd? Aside from being well-written, clearly organized, and very practical, it's translated into over 20 languages! If English is not the preferred language for you or someone you know , check this site out to get started on creating your own web site from scratch.

8. Future Engineers & Scientists
Class Project Catalog

http://www2.fsea.org/

Finding well-written class project ideas on the web can be a daunting task. Thankfully, organizations like the Future Scientists and Engineers of America (FSEA) have just the ticket for hands-on hungry teachers. Organized by grade level, and easily downloadable, these projects are excellent models for in-class inquiry-based learning.

9. The Nobel Channel

http://www.nobelchannel.com/nsapi/index.html

A huge, multimedia-rich site about The Nobel Prize, which includes recognition of the world's top scientific achievements in a multitude of fields. There is not enough room here to cover all the opportunities for learning within the site, but a good place to start is the Interactive Learning Studio: lesson plans for educators with complete exercises, references, resources, Teacher Bulletin Boards, plus fun interactive learning experiences for students and families.

10. Einstein - Image and Impact

http://www.aip.org/history/einstein/

This wonderful online exhibit chronicles the life of Albert Einstein, and is produced by the American Institute of Physics. You'll find more than just the basic bio and chronology - the exhibit covers everything from E=MC2 to Quantum physics. The illustrations, audio, and extensive links make this a perfect place to start for researching this illustrious scientist.