NSDL Science Literacy Maps

Science literacy maps are a great new concept that continue to garner significant attention by teachers, students, and the general public. This specific site was created by the National Science Digital Library (NSDL) and features concept maps that illustrate connections between thematic science and math concepts, including "The Living Environment" and "The Nature of Mathematics." The Getting Started area provides a fine tutorial on how to use these materials, along with several short, helpful videos. Additionally, there is a purely text-based version for those interested in the subject matter, but a little wary of diving into the literacy maps themselves. Once brave enough to jump in, there are over 12 sections to explore. 

http://strandmaps.nsdl.org/

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

Earth Science Literacy Maps

This collection of remarkable Earth Science Literacy Maps serves as a great tool for teachers and students searching for resources related to specific Earth science concepts. Visitors will note that the maps are contained within four topical areas, including Flow of Matter in Ecosystems and Evidence and Reasoning in Inquiry. Once a concept is selected, additional digital learning resources can be found that connect thematically to the original concept. Additionally, users can find out how these concepts and ideas are related to National Science Education Standards. Visitors should also take advantage of the powerful search engine here that cross-references educational matters located throughout the entire database. 

http://www.dlese.org/library/literacy_maps/

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

Inside Science TV

The Inside Science TV program produces news segments that depict "the impact of recent advances in science" and is part of a nice partnership between the American Institute of Physics and the American Mathematical Society. On this site, visitors can watch these short and eminently watchable programs which include "How to Design a 51-Star Flag" and "The Science Behind Movie Magic." Currently, there are two dozen short films here and visitors are encouraged to submit their own suggestions for future programs. Additionally, users can follow Inside Science TV on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

·http://www.ams.org/news/discoveries/discoveries

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

 

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/

Howard Hughes Medical Institute: Resources for Early Career Scientists

What is it like to be a postdoc or new faculty member in the sciences? This series of guides and meditations is a great way to learn about such things, and it is based on workshops cosponsored by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). The full-length book offered here, titled "Making The Right Moves: A Practical Guide to Scientific Management for Postdocs and New Faculty," can be downloaded in its entirety or as individual chapters. The chapter titles include "Obtaining and Negotiating a Faculty Position" and "Staffing Your Laboratory." Additionally, there are some equally fine stand-alone resources, such as the trenchant "Writing a Letter of Recommendation." The site is rounded out by the Additional Resources section, which contains a number of professional development resources crafted by the HHMI and other peer organizations.

http://www.hhmi.org/educational-materials/lab-management/for-early-career-scientists

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

Science: Podcast

Brown dwarfs, numerosity maps, and social learning in bird migration are but a few of the topics covered within these excellent podcasts offered up by Science magazine. The audio explorations here date back to 2005 and users can browse around at their leisure. Some of the recent offerings include conversations about North Korean volcanoes, faulty ribosomes, and how pesticides might be used to prevent suicides. Each podcast is between 44 and 47 minutes in length and visitors can read along with a complete transcript for each installment. Needless to say, the materials here can be utilized in the classroom or for the general edification of those wishing to know more about the natural world.

http://www.sciencemag.org/site/multimedia/podcast/

From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout 1994-2009. http://scout.wisc.edu/

National Geographic Education Collections

The National Geographic Education website has a number of sections dedicated to different areas within the natural sciences including animals, climate change, ecosystems, engineering, oceans, migration and weather. On the site, visitors can dive in via the Latest Updates or browse the features. Visitors can use the filters on the site to look over the resources by Type, Grades & Ages, Intended Audience, and Subjects.

http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/topics/