NASA: Astrophysics Science Division

What goes on in outer space? This is a fascinating question and an ongoing line of human inquiry. The Astrophysics Science Division of NASA conducts a broad program of research in astronomy, astrophysics and fundamental physics, and this site provides access to information on the Division's projects, publications, and research agenda. Visitors can dive right in by looking over the Press Releases & Feature Stories area on the homepage. Here they can learn about upcoming dark energy missions, long duration balloons, and the remarkable work of the James Webb Space Telescope. In the Missions & Projects area, visitors can search through over 40 projects, which include the Absolute Radiometer for Cosmology, Astrophysics, and Diffuse Emission and the Broad Band X-ray Telescope.

http://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/sed/ 

From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout 1994-2013. https://www.scout.wisc.edu/

Ocean Tracks

How are marine animals moving around when they are deep below the ocean's surface? It's a fascinating question, and one that has driven the work of part of Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). On this website, visitors can see the "tracks" of selected marine animals tagged by CSIRO and partner agencies. It's an amazing experience, and visitors just need to download a small plug-in to get started. Some of the marine animals here include white sharks patrolling Australia's southern coast and bluefin tuna on their oceanic migrations. The About area is a great way to learn about the research and technology involved with this complicated endeavor. Also, visitors can check out the low-tech/accessible version of the site if they are so inclined.

http://www.oceantracks.csiro.au/

From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout 1994-2013. https://www.scout.wisc.edu/

Instructional Science and Engineering Videos

These fun, intelligent, and engaging videos were created by scientist Jonathan Hare to be used in schools, workshops, and in home-study with accompanying information. On the site, visitors can make their way through 25 short films that explore the worlds of infrared photography, light beams, parabolic light collectors, generators, and seawater batteries. The videos are about five minutes long, and they feature hands-on demonstrations, witty commentary, and scientific asides that are informative and accessible. Visitors can also sign up to receive updates when new videos are released or watch them via YouTube.

http://vega.org.uk/video/subseries/27

From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout. 1994-2013. http://www.scout.wisc.edu