Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory

Created in 1890, the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory has a rich history of space science research. Affiliated with Harvard University, the SAO moved from Washington, DC to Cambridge, MA in 1955. Today, the Observatory employs over 300 scientists working on broad programs of astrophysical research supported by federal appropriations and other funding sources. Its divisions include high energy astrophysics, theoretical astrophysics, and optical and infrared astronomy. First-time visitors might do well to look over the Research area, which contains research statements and detailed project information on the SAO's work on the solar system, galaxies, and stars. The Features area is quite a find and it contains profiles on the third dimensions of Cassiopeia A, the search for other Earths, and dozens of other subjects dating back to 2009. Within Education & Outreach, visitors will find links to curriculum materials and public outreach ideas like "Inside Einstein's Universe" and "Black Holes: Space Warps & Time Twists." Finally, visitors should look over the Opportunities area as it contains information for science researchers and those seeking postdoctoral fellowships.

http://www.cfa.harvard.edu/sao/

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

 

Transitions to alternative vehicles and fuels

"For a century, almost all light-duty vehicles (LDVs) have been powered by internal combustion engines operating on petroleum fuels. Energy security concerns about petroleum imports and the effect of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions on global climate are driving interest in alternatives. Transitions to Alternative Vehicles and Fuels assesses the potential for reducing petroleum consumption and GHG emissions by 80 percent across the U.S. LDV fleet by 2050, relative to 2005.
This report examines the current capability and estimated future performance and costs for each vehicle type and non-petroleum-based fuel technology as options that could significantly contribute to these goals. By analyzing scenarios that combine various fuel and vehicle pathways, the report also identifies barriers to implementation of these technologies and suggests policies to achieve the desired reductions. Several scenarios are promising, but strong, and effective policies such as research and development, subsidies, energy taxes, or regulations will be necessary to overcome barriers, such as cost and consumer choice."

Available for free download at http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=18264

Photobiological Sciences Online

Photobiological Sciences Online (PSO) has modules covering such topics as Photomorphogenesis, Photomovement, Photophysics, Photosensitization & Photosynthesis. The content is owned by the American Society for Photobiology. 

 http://www.photobiology.info/

ARKive

There is little more fascinating than the overwhelming variety of life on our planet. This variety is represented in dazzling detail by a team of wildlife photographers, filmmakers, conservationists, and scientists who have partnered with wildlife charity Wildscreen to create "an awe-inspiring record of life on Earth." Visitors to the site can browse a library of images, videos, and information about over 15,000 species, from extinct to vulnerable. ARKive also allows users to browse by place and conservation status, for those users who are interested in finding out about endangered species close to home. The Educate tab provides materials for teachers, all of which are sorted into appropriate age categories. Finally, a Fun section adds a little levity to an otherwise very serious topic, offering a blog, activities, games, quizzes, and other options for those who enjoy learning through play.

http://www.arkive.org/

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

An Introduction to Teaching Mathematics at the College Level

Teaching college mathematics can be a daunting task, indeed. It's nice for seasoned professionals and others to have a solid primer on the subject and this guide from Professor Suzanne Kelton is quite useful. The 54-page guide is divided into four chapters that cover documenting teaching practices, classroom basics, course policies, and discussion sections. Each of these chapters has additional subsections, such as syllabi, pace, and proofs. As a bonus, the document has an appendix that covers graphing techniques. The language of the document is jargon-free and accessible, which is a welcome departure from other guides. Visitors will want to share this item with friends in the field and even those who are teaching in other disciplines.

http://www.ams.org/profession/career-info/grad-school/Kelton-TEACH.pdf 

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

Numberphile

Are you a numberphile? Maybe you are and you don't know it yet. If you have any interest in topology, geometry, algebra, or other facets of math, this website may be right up your alley. Created by Brady Haran, the site contains hundreds of entertaining videos, including titles like "Unboxing Calculators," "Politics and Numbers," and the very engaging "Pi and the Size of the Universe." Visitors can search the entire collection as they see fit, read comments by other users and also even view topical themes, such as Prime Numbers and Yahtzee. Additionally, there is a Discussion area where visitors can engage in dialogue with other scholars and folks with an interest in mathematics education.

http://www.numberphile.com/text_index.html

From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout 1994-2013. https://www.scout.wisc.edu/http://www.numberphile.com/videos/simpsons_pi.html

As Many Exceptions As Rules

Dr. Lasbury is a scientist, educator, and writer who lives in Indiana. In his entertaining blog, exceptions to biological rules are used as a base to explore and reinforce the core concepts of biology. Ranked by Blogtopsites as once of the best science blogs, recent topics include free will (neural parasitology and domoic acid toxicity) and zombies (characteristics of life, cell theory, reproduction, homeostasis and  evolution). 
http://biologicalexceptions.blogspot.com.au/