Advising guidelines put together at the University of Arkansas as the undergraduate program grew and developed. Presented at the 2012 SPIN-UP conference in Austin and the PhysTEC leadership meeting at the AAPT summer meeting in Edmonton.

This short article suggests ten math activities which parents can incorporate into their children's summer routines to prevent loss of learning over the summer months. These suggestions can be used year round to help students develop number sense and positive connections to mathematics.

The transit of Venus is a rare astronomical event that has been well documented throughout history. The most recent transit occurred in June of 2004, and the one before that took place more than 100 years earlier in 1882. This site from the South African Astronomical Observatory provides information and first-hand observations of the 1882 event from Wellington, South Africa. Just prior to the event, an observatory was erected at the Huguenot Seminary for girls, and some of the historical observations made from that site in 1882 are provided here for your perusal.

This dataset, created by Robin H. Locke of St. Lawrence University, describes 93 new cars for the 1993 model year with 26 variables, including price, mpg ratings, and engine size. It also illustrates a broad range of statistical techniques such as box-whisker plot, confidence intervals, difference in means, one-way ANOVA, contingency table, scatterplot, regression, and correlation. If further research is required the author has included a list of references.

3D interactive model of 1-chloro-1_1_2_2_2-pentafluoroethane C₂ClF₅ for demonstrating molecular geometry, vibrations, symmetry and orbitals.

This NASA page is an image set illustrating the 20g centrifuge at the Ames Research Center. The photographs include two of human subjects strapped in the place at one end of the centrifuge arm.

The University of Minnesota Biocatalysis/Biodegradation Database (UM/BBD) contains "microbial biocatalytic reactions and biodegradation pathways primarily for xenobiotic, chemical compounds." A new microbial enzyme-catalyzed reactions has been posted for 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid. 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is used in cultivated agricultural areas, rangeland and pastures, forests, and homes or gardens, and is "a chlorinated phenoxy compound [that] functions as a systemic herbicide and is used to control many types of broadleaf weeds." The degradation pathway map includes organisms which can initiate the pathway. The pathway map provides detailed information on each hyperlinked step, including graphics, product/substrate reactions, and external links to further information.

The Two Micron All Sky Survey at IPAC website provides an image gallery of the solar system's objects, Jupiter's moons, H II regions, star formation regions, and reflection nebulae, open star clusters, globular star cluster, young stellar objects, planetary nebulae, supernova remnants, various IRAS sources, galaxies, as well as galaxy groups and clusters.

Created by David Lane of Rice University, this applet simulates experiments using 2 x 2 contingency tables. You specify the population proportions and the sample size and examine the effects on the probability of rejecting the null hypothesis. The author provides instructions and then five different exercises to practice these concepts. Overall, this is a nice interactive resource that allows users a more hands-on approach to statistics.

3D Normal Modes is a Web application for interactive visualization and three-dimensional perception of the normal modes of molecular vibration, suitable for undergraduate students in chemistry. The application uses the Macromedia Shockwave plug-in and has been designed and developed especially for the Web. It has a simple graphical user interface and requires a download of only 120 KB, allowing it to be used even with low bandwidth Internet connections. Its performance is comparable to a desktop application.

These zipped documents from MatEd provide information on designing a course on 3 Dimensional Digital Laser Scanning Fundamentals. At the end of the course, students will be able to identify applications for 3 dimensional digital laser scanning, operate a NextEngine brand 3 dimensional digital laser scanner, and have proposed a project to reinforce these concepts. The documents include a draft syllabus, contact information for the author of the course, a sample new course proposal form, and a course outline.

This web site, hosted by the University of Chicago Dept. of Astronomy and Astrophysics, is an image gallery of the Yerkes 40 inch refracting telescope--the largest refractor in the world. It includes views of the telescope, the machinery that turns it, and the observatory building. Links go to other parts of the Yerkes website.

With over 100 years of service, the 4-H Organization is committed to helping "young people and their families gain the skills they need to be proactive forces in their communities and develop ideas for a more innovative economy." Their work includes outreach to agricultural communities, teen leadership programs, and many other initiatives. On the site's homepage, visitors will find four primary areas, including "About 4-H", "Programs", and "Resource Library". In the "Resource Library" area, visitors can learn about 4-H curriculum materials, volunteer resources, and grant opportunities. Moving on, the "Programs" area includes information about their youth research programs that address climate change, community leadership, and childhood obesity. Also, visitors can sign up for the "Power of YOUth News" updates and other news bulletins.

In 1953, Gottfried Moellenstedt invented the electron biprism, more or less by accident, with the serendipity characteristic to him: Aiming at dark-field imaging in an electron microscope, he stretched a thin tungsten wire across the objective aperture to block off the zero beam. However, instead of a dark field image, because of inadvertent charging of the wire under the beam, he found two images of the ZnO-needles serving as an object. Instead of trying the dark field imaging over and over again, he asked what the effect would be if the obtained two images were superimposed. Is coherence given? Moellenstedt, educated by Walther Kossel in diffraction of electron waves, had a vision: Together with his PhD-student Heinrich Dueker, he developed the electron biprism, consisting of a 1 micron m thin wire deliberately chargeable by means of a voltage source, as a beam splitter for coherent superposition of the electron waves passing the filament on the right and on the left. In 1955 they published the first results showing biprism interference fringes [G. Moellenstedt and H. Dueker, Naturwiss. 42, 41 (1955)], which, since then, gave access to the understanding of electron waves and their use for analysis of object structures up to atomic dimensions. Target Audience: 2-4 Year College Faculty/Administrators

This blog post contains links to resources intended to help teachers and parents prepare for and engage in successful parent-teacher conferences.

This resource introduces students to the Dry Valleys of Antarctica, the largest area on the continent that is not covered by ice. Materials include a map and some brief facts about Antarctica and the valleys, such as size, location and physical properties (temperature, precipitation and others), and an online journal in which participants in the Dry Valleys Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) project discuss what it is like to live and work there. The journal entries include descriptions of some of the organisms that inhabit the extreme environments of the valleys, physical features of the valleys, and the strange mummified bodies of animals such as penguins and seals that have been preserved in the cold, dry climate. There is also a glossary of acronyms used in the project and a set of links to other websites with additional information about the Dry Valleys.

9th Grade Math Practice Questions to test addition, multiplication, word-problem skills, and basic algebraic skills. Includes answers and explanations. From the Proficiency Building Activities of the NASA Lewis Research Center K-12 Program.

The AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science Atlas of Population and Environment is an important analysis of the relationships between human population and the environment. Through text, maps, and diagrams, the Atlas illustrates how population affects the world's ecosystems and natural resources both in the short and long term. Using sophisticated mapping and graphic techniques, the Atlas provides quantitative analyses of the important links between such factors as human population density, rates of growth, migration, resource consumption, and technologies, and the state of the global environment. These links are explored across the content areas of natural resources, land use, the atmosphere, waste and chemicals, ecosystems, and biodiversity. The Atlas draws on research and data from a number of academic institutions and international organizations, including the United Nations, its specialist organizations and agencies; the World Resources Institute; the Center for International Earth Sciences Information Network; Oak Ridge National Laboratory; U.S. Geological Survey; and the UNEP-World Conservation Monitoring Centre. The Atlas was produced to provide a concise, science-based compendium of information on the population and environment topics so important to the realization of a sustainable future.

This special feature page from the American Chemical Society (ACS) showcases the up-and-coming field of "green chemistry," that is, the development of chemical products and processes that eliminate or reduce the use and generation of hazardous substances. A list of principles behind green chemistry, a searchable bibliography of green chemistry references, and green chemistry links (including conferences). This page comes from ACS's Green Chemistry Project, a three-year educational project to develop and disseminate green chemistry educational materials for graduate and undergraduate chemistry students.

A+ Click is an interactive collection of more than 3700 math problems and answers for K-1 K-12 school program. It defines the personal level of math knowledge. You move up into the next level if you give 5 correct answers in a row. Practice makes perfect.

Provided by the American Dental Hygienists' Association, this site's resources are valuable for both dental patients and hygienists to help understand "the importance of oral health to total health." Patients will find informative fact sheets describing potential oral health problems as well as tips for preventing them. Hygienists will find the free posters useful as well as the instructions included for proper brushing and flossing techniques in order to educate and support their patients. The site underscores dental hygienists' roles in tobacco cessation efforts, a major topic of concern in the allied health professions. Providing free "life-saving advice", the ADHA hopes to promote overall heath beginning with oral care.

The Ryan White CARE Act provides funds for programs to "improve the quality of life of patients living with HIV/AIDS through the provision of high quality professional education and training." The AIDS Education and Training Centers (AETC) are part of such a program, and they "conduct targeted, multi-disciplinary education and training programs for healthcare providers treating persons with HIV/AIDS." Visitors interested in a thorough overview of this website can take the "Online Tour of the NRC", available on the homepage, on the right side menu. Both the "Clinician Resources" and "Trainer Resources" have "Featured Resources", such as a PDF of a short influenza management guide for HIV+ patients, a PowerPoint presentation on Diabetes Mellitus and HIV, a newsletter, the HIV Meds Quarterly, and a video, "HIV and the Older Adult". Visitors can also view materials on the website by topic, under the "Topics" tab. Topics include "Prevention", "Testing" and "Population/Settings".

This site, operated by the American Association for Artificial Intelligence (AAAI), is a great starting point for people who want to learn more about the rapidly growing world of artificial intelligence (AI). AI Topics acts as a central hub for an enormous collection of material that exists on the Web. The links given on the site offer a wide range of information, including basic definitions of AI, discussions about related philosophical issues, journal articles, and current research. The news section is particularly useful, as it is updated frequently with new developments. Most of AI Topics are geared toward high school students, undergraduate students, people with little knowledge of the subject, and people interested in pursuing a career in AI.

This site, created by Michelle Lacey of Yale University, gives an explanation, a definition and an example of ANOVA for regression. Topics include analysis of variance calculations for simple and multiple regression, and F-statistics. This is a great overview of this topic.

This Astronomy Picture of the Day shows a test in which a small satellite was tethered to the Space Shuttle in 1992. Numerous wide-ranging links provide further information.

This Astronomy Picture of the Day (APOD) image shows a laboratory test of the ion drive engine used to propel the Deep Space 1 exploratory probe across the solar system in 1998. The site includes a description of how the device works and provides links for related information.

The American Phytopathological Society (APS) is a professional society dedicated to "high-quality, innovative plant pathology research." Founded in 1908, the APS continues to provide educational resources for those seeking to learn more about the science of plant pathology. One way they work to accomplish this goal is through this particular section of their website. The materials on this site include "Plant Disease Management Simulations", "Laboratory Exercises", and "Topics in Plant Pathology". The "Topics in Plant Pathology" area includes topical articles that deal with various aspects of plant pathology, including the use of reverse genetic tools for investigating gene function and the population genetics of plant pathogens. Moving on, the "Laboratory Exercises" area contains two activities that can be used by college students studying plant pathology. The "Plant Disease Management" area contains a handful of simulations that will help students learn about the spread and management of some common plant diseases. Finally, the site is rounded out by an illustrated glossary of plant pathology.

AQUASTAT - a global information system of water and agriculture developed by the Land and Water Development Division of FAO - provides comprehensive information about agricultural water management across the world, with emphasis on developing countries and countries in transition. The site includes a database of country data, country profiles, maps and GIS, water resources, online publications, and links to related sites and resources.

ARKive is a collection of photographs, videos, and fact-files illustrating thousands of species of animals, with emphasis on the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) Red List of endangered species, and on species found in Britain. For each animal there are approximately 10 minutes of video footage, 6-10 still photos, and sound recordings (where appropriate), creating a complete profile of the species' characteristic behavior and appearance. The images are accompanied by a page of facts, including taxonomy, a physical description, conservation status, geographic range, habitat, and other information. There are also links to other animals with related taxonomic families, habitats, or conservation status.

This curriculum guide, from the American Radio Relay League, is "a resource that will help you do what you do best...teach, and teach in a refreshing, captivating way that will bring your students into the world of wireless technology, a journey that will enrich their lives, and our lives." From this site, visitors can either download the basic document or browse the various units and activities listed here. Topics covered include Ohm's Law, Oscillators, Wireless Technology in Robotics, and an Introduction to Ham Radio, among many others.

This website is home to the Arizona State University (ASU) Mars Education Program. This program includes information about the MSIP (Mars Student Imaging Project), student visits to the Mars Space Flight Facility, educator workshops held at ASU and other national sites, and Mars hands-on activity guides. Red Planet Connection is a quarterly publication, which stimulates children's interest in science through the topic of Mars and Mars missions. The educator guides provide Mars-related information and activities for classroom use, including teacher resources, lessons, and information about Mars Surveyor, Mars Pathfinder, and Mars Global Surveyor. The website also covers ASU's involvement with the Mars program, including the Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES).

ATE Central is a freely available online portal and collection of materials and services that highlight the work of the Advanced Technological Education (ATE) projects and centers. These National Science Foundation funded initiatives work with educators from two-year colleges to develop and implement ideas for improving the skills of technicians and the educators who teach them. ATE Central is designed to help educators, students, and the general public to learn about, and use materials from, the entire depth and breadth of the Advanced Technological Education program.ATE Central helps direct users to a full range of high-impact ATE resources available online, including curricula, learning objects, and podcasts. The portal aggregates information about the materials developed by ATE centers and projects, and organizes them using subject taxonomies, context appropriate keywords, and other digital cataloging techniques.

This site from the Advanced Technology Environmental and Energy Center explains the ATEEC Fellows Institute. Each year, the ATEEC selects excellent math, science and environmental technology educators to participate in the institute, which is hosted by the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). Please visit the site for more information about the program.

This video, created by ATETV and presented by WGBH, takes a look at internships and co-ops that students can participate in while earning their degree. This video explains the value of participating in internships and co-ops to gain valuable workplace experience to show employers after graduation. The hands-on skills that students learn will be complemented by classroom work, creating graduates proficient in both experience and education. This video is helpful for students whose skills and education could benefit from internships or co-ops. Educators will also find a background essay, discussion questions, and standards alignment for the material. Running time for the video is 2:09.

This organization promotes sustainable agriculture. Their website provides publications on production practices, alternative crop and livestock enterprises, innovative marketing, and organic certification, and highlights of local, regional, USDA and other federal sustainable ag activities.

The abacus has been around for several thousand years, and it is an efficient and interesting counting machine. The standard abacus can be used to perform addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication, along with its use in extracting square roots and cubic roots. This site was created by Luis Fernandes, and it explores the wide world of the abacus through illustrations, thoughtful essays, and other items. On the site's homepage visitors can read a detailed introduction to the abacus, look over an interactive abacus tutorial, and learn about the history of the device. In the "Articles, Excerpts and Analysis" area visitors can read about an early encounter between the abacus and an electric calculator in 1946 and a hilarious encounter between famed physicist Richard Feynman and the abacus. The site is rounded out by the "All Things Abacus" area, which includes resources for teachers and photos of Fernandes' impressive abacus collection.

This Gulf of Maine educational website takes students aboard the submersible Alvin. It includes informational pages such as a project overview, as well as pages about Alvin, hydrothermal vents, and the researchers involved in the project. Classroom activities explore nautical and mythical names such as the Titanic, instruct students how to make a model of the ocean floor in a shoebox, and introduce topics such as deep sea vents and plate tectonics. A photo gallery highlights research aboard the Alvin and links are provided to recent dispatches describing research experiences on the Alvin.

This webpage from Wayne's Word provides basic information about dust storms, including how they are formed and the problems they cause. Recent dust storms in New South Wales, Australia, are described. Several photos of dust storms are included.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) has had a Web site for some time now, but the site has recently become more user-friendly with this new About section. About NCBI explains NCBI's role in facilitating research and education specific to the "fundamental molecular and genetic processes that control health and disease." An introduction to NCBI databases and maps helps researchers select tools that may help them. A particularly helpful feature is entitled A Science Primer, which provides an easy-to-read introduction to many science topics relevant to NCBI's resources like bioinformatics, genome mapping, molecular modeling, and molecular genetics. This is an excellent site that should serve to orient both new users and those who have visited the NCBI site before.

Beverly Lynds at the Unidata Program Center has made available the About Temperature Web Site. Lynds provided a thorough discussion of temperature along with information about and diagrams of thermometers, heat and thermodymanics, kinetic theory, and radiation temperature. Additionally, she provides links to acknowledgment and external resources for further study.