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/

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/

Phenomena: A science salon hosted by National Geographic Magazine

In the 19th century, the height of a learned experience might be taking part in a salon in the grand quarters of a beautiful manse. In our own time, it's much easier to take part in such erudite explorations. This online Phenomena salon is "a gathering of spirited science writers who take delight in the new, the strange, the beautiful and awe-inspiring details of our world." Hosted by National Geographic's Jamie Shreeve, the site includes thought-provoking essays, reader feedback, and an ongoing conversation about the very broad and deep world of science. Visitors can search all of the entries, or they can look through sections that include The Loom (which houses work by Carl Zimmer) and Only Human (written by Virginia Hughes). Recent entries include "With Alzheimer's Comes Empathy" and "For the Love of Dinosaurs." Overall, the material is accessible, thoughtful and well worth a close look. 

http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/?source=hp_phenomena

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

MIT OpenCourseWare: Teaching College Level Science & Engineering

How does one teach science and engineering at the college level? It can be a daunting question, particularly for newly minted PhDs, but this rather fine course from the OpenCourseWare initiative at MIT offers high-quality suggestions. The site includes a syllabus, calendar, readings, video discussions, assignments, and other related resources. In the Syllabus area, visitors can learn about the basic lesson plans for the course. The Readings area has some great material, including sections on Teaching Equations, Course Design, Lecture Planning and Performing, and Political Barriers To Educational Change. Visitors should look over the Video Discussions area, which includes conversations with Professor Sanjoy Mahajan about the material. Finally, the site includes links to helpful books and other materials that will be most useful for those seeking further edification.

http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/chemistry/5-95j-teaching-college-level-science-and-engineering-spring-2009/index.htm

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

Scientific American: 60-Second Science

Science in a minute? Sure, why not! Scientific American is offering up these bite-sized offerings that give a brief intro to a range of science-related topics and investigations. New, minute-long offerings are added every weekday, and recent additions have included "Fly Cells Divide by the Clock," "Twitter Reveals Language Geographic Distribution," and "Bed Bugs Bollixed by Bean." Visitors can sign up to learn about new additions via their RSS feed or iTunes. These short audio blurbs could easily be used in any number of classrooms to keep students engaged. It's a great resource and one that can be used with a range of learners. 

http://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/podcasts.cfm?id=60-second-science
 
From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout 1994-2013. https://www.scout.wisc.edu/

15 Evolutionary Gems

Teachers and members of the general public will find this resource from Nature magazine quite wonderful. Crafted by Henry Gee, Rory Howlett, and Philip Campbell, this collection of 15 evolutionary gems brings together items "for those wishing to spread awareness of evidence for evolution by natural selection." The 16-page document explains key scientific discoveries under headings like "A case of co-evolution," "The origin of feathers," and "Darwin's Galapagos finches." Each of these sections features a narrative essay, along with references and links to additional resources for further exploration.

http://www.nature.com/nature/newspdf/evolutiongems.pdf

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

Berkeley Lab: Center for Science and Engineering Education

At the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, the staff members are always looking for ways to create valuable, high-quality educational products for educators. This website provides interested parties with materials created by the lab's Center for Science and Engineering Education (CSEE). On the website, visitors can find sections that include High School Students, Teachers, and Undergraduates & Graduate Students/Faculty. In this last section, visitors can learn about undergraduate laboratory internships and researcher programs offered by the CSEE. The Programs link will take visitors to a listing of offerings by name (such as Science Bowl) and type. Visitors should't miss the Educational Resources area, which includes links to helpful handouts and activities, such as "Energized Learning" and "Hands-On Universe."

http://csee.lbl.gov/

From The Scout Report, Copyright Internet Scout 1994-2012. https://www.scout.wisc.edu/