For Students: The sites below, for reference study, are also online textbooks that provide background information for high-school science-fair projects or that supplement college lecture notes. Many have sample exam questions. Most contain links to sites with more in-depth information.

Science Project Help

Assemble a winning Science Fair Project with the help from our kids' and teens' pages!

Science Links
http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/Libraries/kids/
LibrariesKidsSchoolstuff.aspx#Science

Science Fair Links
http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/Libraries/kids/
LibrariesKidsSchoolstuff.aspx#Projects

Science Project Pathfinder: Planning a Successful Science Project
http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/Libraries/teen/
pathfinder/LibrariesTeenPathfinderMain.aspx

More Help for Science Projects
http://visual.acornweb.org/databases/ys.asp
Use our research databases to help with your project.

General Science

The Franklin Institute Science Museum
http://sln.fi.edu/
A virtual visit to this venerable yet dynamic Philadelphia institution. A great topic-specific site, with many science projects and experiments for elementary-age children.

Regents Exam Prep Center
http://regentsprep.org/
This testing center for NY State high-school students has a site with excellent links for many topics, including earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics.

World Lecture Hall
http://www.utexas.edu/world/lecture/
An easy-to-use collection of websites for a multitude of course subjects, including many sciences.

Life Sciences A-Z

Tree of Life Web Project
http://tolweb.org/tree/phylogeny.html
A huge, well-designed site with thousands of academic contributors, devoted to all aspects of biology based on phylogeny. It includes a special Treehouse section for young scientists.

Botany

Biology of Plants
http://www.whfreeman.com/raven/con_index.htm?02
An online botany textbook from W H Freeman & Co. that includes illustrations, practice questions, and flashcards.

Virtual Cell
http://www.life.uiuc.edu/plantbio/cell/
Choose your options to learn about or view all the organelles and other structural components of a plant cell. No plug-ins or downloads required.

Cell Biology/Biochemistry

Cell Biology Topics
http://cellbio.utmb.edu/cellbio/
This is an online text in outline format from the University of Texas Medical Branch, with many electron micrographs and useful diagrams. Bonus material is in the form of a Power Point lecture slides.

Ecology

McGraw-Hill Online Learning Center - Ecology On the Web
http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/pae/molles/ontheweb.mhtml
One of the many sites sponsored by McGraw-Hill with links to textbook and specialty subjects. This “On the web” supplement to the textbook by Manual C. Molles Jr. offers links to many sites about ecology.

Ecology: Biomes/Ecoregions

Major Biomes of the World
http://www.runet.edu/%7Eswoodwar/CLASSES/GEOG235/biomes/main.html
This website by Dr. Susan Woodward of Radford University presents basic content on the distribution and nature of the world’s major biomes.

Entomology

Iowa State University Department of Entomology
http://www.ent.iastate.edu/
Online entomology site with an insect image gallery, webcam for their insect zoo, interactive grasshopper (no messy live dissection!) and links to many websites about insects and related invertebrates.

Genetics

Mendelian Genetics – North Dakota State University
http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/instruct/mcclean/plsc431/mendel/
An introductory genetics site, with basic genetic crossing, Mendel's laws, and pedigrees.

Mendelian Genetics – Utah Wheat Information Center
http://wheat.usu.edu/courses/plsc2000/outline/mendel.html
This introductory site has a number of problems, with solutions, in addition to basic topics in genetics.

Genetics: Molecular Genetics

DOEgenomes.org
http://www.doegenomes.org/
This site contains a wealth of information about molecular biology presented by the founders of the Human Genome Project. Among the many pages are: a glossary of terms and genome primer; chromosome maps and gene databases; benefits of and uses for genetic information; and the history and future of this project.

Genetics Science Learning Center
http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu
Aimed at the nonscientist (student, teacher, families), this site covers the natural history of genes, plus news updates for genetic research and applications. A good source of science-fair materials, with a great project for doing a DNA extraction with ordinary household chemicals.

Microbiology & Immunology

Microbiology Webbed Out
http://www.bact.wisc.edu/microtextbook/
This is an excellent basic bacteriology textbook that covers all aspects of introductory microbiology. Of particular interest is the section on Bacterial Diseases which includes descriptions of the organism, methods of infection, mechanisms of disease, and treatment.

Zoology

Introduction to the Eukaryota
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/alllife/eukaryota.html
Everything you need to know about multicellular organisms. Easy to use and very thorough.

National Zoo
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Visit/
Besides animal feeding schedules and ways to plan your visit to the National Zoo, check out some of the special sections of this site: The Migratory Bird Center has fact sheets full of information on many different birds in the zoo, plus some Spanish-language material. The Zoo’s Office of Horticulture surveys many exhibits such as the Pollinarium and the Butterfly Garden. Also try the plant index by scientific name for the plants in the zoo.

Physical Sciences

Astronomy

NASA
http://www.nasa.gov/
View images of the latest space projects. Read updates on research and developments in space exploration. Catch up on the International Space Station.

This Week's Sky at a Glance
http://skyandtelescope.com/observing/ataglance/article_110_1.asp
From the editors of Sky & Telescope, learn all about the sky as it appears above us: stars, planets, everything! Changes weekly.

Chemistry

Atomic/Molecular Structures of Compounds - RasMol Homepage
http://www.umass.edu/microbio/rasmol/
Various types of molecular models, e.g., 3D, animated, ball and stick, linear (requires a Netscape plug-in).

Chemistry: Virtual Chemistry Textbook
http://library.thinkquest.org/3659/
This is primarily a general chemistry textbook including information on bonding, thermodynamics, and acid-base chemistry, with some limited sections on organic and nuclear chemistry.

WebElements
http://www.webelements.com/
A comprehensive version of the periodic table. Clicking on a particular element of the table gives a complete profile of physical properties as well as compounds it forms, reactions, uses, and bonding diagrams.

Chemistry: Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry Help
http://www.chemhelper.com/index.html
Frostburg University has produced this well-organized site complete with nomenclature, chemical models, practice exams, and strategies for problem solving.

Geology/Earth Sciences

Earth Science Explorer
http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/explorer.html
There are concise explanations on basic geology topics plus a separate section on dinosaurs. Excellent graphics and links make this site easy to navigate.

Geologylink
http://www.geologylink.com/
Sponsored by Houghton-Mifflin, with links to online textbooks about earth science.

Physics

Contemporary Physics Ed Project
http://www.cpepweb.org
Information about nuclear and particle physics ONLY. CPEP, a nonprofit organization of teachers, educators, and physicists from around the world, focuses on the fundamental nature of matter and energy, incorporating recent major research findings.

Ken Koehler’s Web Resources
http://www.rwc.uc.edu/koehler/
This University of Cincinnati introductory physics professor provides this site, which includes a hypertext book and other useful links.

Learn Physics Today
http://library.thinkquest.org/10796/
Newtonian physics and electromagnetism explained, with sample problems and animated examples.

The Particle Adventure
http://particleadventure.org/index.html
An interactive tour of particle physics, including research techniques; part of a web ring entitled Passport to Adventure.

Physics Classroom
http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/Class/BBoard.html
Great short Graphic Interchange Format animation segments illustrate mechanical and electromagnetic concepts.

Physics 2000
http://www.Colorado.EDU/physics/2000/index.pl
Easy-to-navigate, interactive demos include topics such as X-rays, CAT scans, electromagnetic waves, the quantum atom, and more.

Weather

El Niño - NOAA
http://www.elnino.noaa.gov/
How will El Niño affect you? Read forecasts, history, and learn about the global impact of this phenomenon.

National Warnings Area (NOAA)
http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov/iwin/nationalwarnings.html
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides immediate access to all available weather-related warnings for the United States. "Refreshes" every 60 seconds to provide the most current data.

Tornado Information (USA Today)
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/tornado/wtwist0.htm
Tornado index. Latest severe-weather watches, warnings. Latest tornado news. Storm-spotter information. And lots more about twisters and their lore.

Tornado Project Online
http://www.tornadoproject.com/
Tornado myths, tornado oddities, personal experiences, tornado chasing, tornado safety, and tornadoes in the past as well as more recent tornadoes.

Applied Science

Applied Physics

Amusement Park Physics
http://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics/
A visit to an amusement park yields examples of physical principles in many aspects of daily life. Terrific internal links, with great diagrams and easy to understand explanations.

Engineering in the Middle School Classroom
http://www.asme.org/Education/PreCollege/TeacherResources/Integrated_Design_Activity.cfm
Developed by the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, this site has directions for many applied physics projects

Applied Chemistry

MatWeb: Your Source for Materials Information
http://www.matweb.com/index.asp?ckck=1
A database with multiple search capabilities with extensive information about properties of all types of materials

Applied Microbiology

Microbes in the News
http://commtechlab.mus.edu/sites/dlc-me/news/news.html
Microorganisms can be useful members of society; visit this page for the latest information on the good, the bad and the ugly of the microbial world.

Biotechnology (Applied Molecular Genetics)

i-Bio UK Information Biotechnology
http://www.i-bio.gov.uk/UkBioportal/servlet/UkBioportal/template/userView%2CUserType.vm/
redirected/Done;jsessionid=0000U5KRBRJMEKBRW0DPMGUFF5I:-1
This UK government sponsored site includes information about all aspects of biotechnology including public concerns, investing, definitions and applications

MATH & Mathematicians

Biographies of Women Mathematicians
http://www.agnesscott.edu/lriddle/women/women.htm
These pages are part of an ongoing project by students in mathematics classes at Agnes Scott College in Atlanta, Georgia, to illustrate the numerous achievements of women in mathematics. Names are listed in alphabetical and chronological order. See also Biography Resource Center for biographies of mathematicians.

College Algebra Tutorial
http://www.math.armstrong.edu/MathTutorial/
If you are looking for a quick review course before you take that placement or standards exam, here it is.

Electronic Textbook StatSoft
http://www.statsoftinc.com/textbook/stathome.html
Produced as a public service by StatSoft Inc. this is an exhaustive tutorial of basic to advanced statistical terms, formulae and analysis, including some excellent animated graphics to illustrate statistical distributions.

MacTutor: History of Mathematics Archive
http://www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/index.html
Valuable resource from Scotland, loaded with information on mathematicians and the development of mathematics. See also Biography Resource Center for biographies of mathematicians.

Math for Physics
http://www.physics.upenn.edu/courses/gladney/
mathphys/section1_1.html
A review of college-level algebra and trigonometry.

The Mathematical Atlas
http://www.math-atlas.org/
Designed by David Ruskin of Northern Illinois University, this site has just about everything mathematical: history, theory, major and minor sub-categories of math topics and biographies of mathematicians.

The Prime Pages
http://www.utm.edu/research/primes/
Prime-number research, records and resources from the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Everyday Science & Math

For day-to-day applications: If you need to know how to calculate something and have forgotten the formula, or if you want to understand the science column in the daily paper, try one of these.

General Science

Glossary of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
http://db.portlandpress.com/
Curious about the human genome project or what DNA fingerprints really are? Search for dictionary definitions by browsing alphabetically or by direct term searching.

How Things Work
http://rabi.phys.virginia.edu/HTW//
Louis Bloomfield, physics professor from UVA, answers everyday physics questions. Site includes an index of recently asked questions.

The Last Word
http://www.last-word.com/
Answers to general science questions.

This to That
http://www.thistothat.com/
How to connect any material to another. Covers some applied-chemistry concepts.

Everyday Math

Ask Dr. Math
http://mathforum.org/dr.math/dr-math.html
Check the FAQs for an alphabetic index of everyday math questions, or search for math topics by school grade.

Dave's Math Tables
http://www.sisweb.com/math/tables.htm
Math reference tables, indexed by subject. Easy to navigate among topics such as algebra, calculus, or discrete math. In Spanish, too.

For Students: The sites below, for reference study, are also online textbooks that provide background information for high-school science-fair projects or that supplement college lecture notes. Many have sample exam questions. Most contain links to sites with more in-depth information.

Science Project Help

Assemble a winning Science Fair Project with the help from our kids' and teens' pages!

Science Links
http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/Libraries/kids/
LibrariesKidsSchoolstuff.aspx#Science

Science Fair Links
http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/Libraries/kids/
LibrariesKidsSchoolstuff.aspx#Projects

Science Project Pathfinder: Planning a Successful Science Project
http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/Libraries/teen/
pathfinder/LibrariesTeenPathfinderMain.aspx

More Help for Science Projects
http://visual.acornweb.org/databases/ys.asp
Use our research databases to help with your project.

General Science

The Franklin Institute Science Museum
http://sln.fi.edu/
A virtual visit to this venerable yet dynamic Philadelphia institution. A great topic-specific site, with many science projects and experiments for elementary-age children.

Regents Exam Prep Center
http://regentsprep.org/
This testing center for NY State high-school students has a site with excellent links for many topics, including earth science, biology, chemistry, and physics.

World Lecture Hall
http://www.utexas.edu/world/lecture/
An easy-to-use collection of websites for a multitude of course subjects, including many sciences.

Life Sciences A-Z

Tree of Life Web Project
http://tolweb.org/tree/phylogeny.html
A huge, well-designed site with thousands of academic contributors, devoted to all aspects of biology based on phylogeny. It includes a special Treehouse section for young scientists.

Botany

Biology of Plants
http://www.whfreeman.com/raven/con_index.htm?02
An online botany textbook from W H Freeman & Co. that includes illustrations, practice questions, and flashcards.

Virtual Cell
http://www.life.uiuc.edu/plantbio/cell/
Choose your options to learn about or view all the organelles and other structural components of a plant cell. No plug-ins or downloads required.

Cell Biology/Biochemistry

Cell Biology Topics
http://cellbio.utmb.edu/cellbio/
This is an online text in outline format from the University of Texas Medical Branch, with many electron micrographs and useful diagrams. Bonus material is in the form of a Power Point lecture slides.

Ecology

McGraw-Hill Online Learning Center - Ecology On the Web
http://www.mhhe.com/biosci/pae/molles/ontheweb.mhtml
One of the many sites sponsored by McGraw-Hill with links to textbook and specialty subjects. This “On the web” supplement to the textbook by Manual C. Molles Jr. offers links to many sites about ecology.

Ecology: Biomes/Ecoregions

Major Biomes of the World
http://www.runet.edu/%7Eswoodwar/CLASSES/GEOG235/biomes/main.html
This website by Dr. Susan Woodward of Radford University presents basic content on the distribution and nature of the world’s major biomes.

Entomology

Iowa State University Department of Entomology
http://www.ent.iastate.edu/
Online entomology site with an insect image gallery, webcam for their insect zoo, interactive grasshopper (no messy live dissection!) and links to many websites about insects and related invertebrates.

Genetics

Mendelian Genetics – North Dakota State University
http://www.ndsu.nodak.edu/instruct/mcclean/plsc431/mendel/
An introductory genetics site, with basic genetic crossing, Mendel's laws, and pedigrees.

Mendelian Genetics – Utah Wheat Information Center
http://wheat.usu.edu/courses/plsc2000/outline/mendel.html
This introductory site has a number of problems, with solutions, in addition to basic topics in genetics.

Genetics: Molecular Genetics

DOEgenomes.org
http://www.doegenomes.org/
This site contains a wealth of information about molecular biology presented by the founders of the Human Genome Project. Among the many pages are: a glossary of terms and genome primer; chromosome maps and gene databases; benefits of and uses for genetic information; and the history and future of this project.

Genetics Science Learning Center
http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu
Aimed at the nonscientist (student, teacher, families), this site covers the natural history of genes, plus news updates for genetic research and applications. A good source of science-fair materials, with a great project for doing a DNA extraction with ordinary household chemicals.

Microbiology & Immunology

Microbiology Webbed Out
http://www.bact.wisc.edu/microtextbook/
This is an excellent basic bacteriology textbook that covers all aspects of introductory microbiology. Of particular interest is the section on Bacterial Diseases which includes descriptions of the organism, methods of infection, mechanisms of disease, and treatment.

Zoology

Introduction to the Eukaryota
http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/alllife/eukaryota.html
Everything you need to know about multicellular organisms. Easy to use and very thorough.

National Zoo
http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Visit/
Besides animal feeding schedules and ways to plan your visit to the National Zoo, check out some of the special sections of this site: The Migratory Bird Center has fact sheets full of information on many different birds in the zoo, plus some Spanish-language material. The Zoo’s Office of Horticulture surveys many exhibits such as the Pollinarium and the Butterfly Garden. Also try the plant index by scientific name for the plants in the zoo.

Physical Sciences

Astronomy

NASA
http://www.nasa.gov/
View images of the latest space projects. Read updates on research and developments in space exploration. Catch up on the International Space Station.

This Week's Sky at a Glance
http://skyandtelescope.com/observing/ataglance/article_110_1.asp
From the editors of Sky & Telescope, learn all about the sky as it appears above us: stars, planets, everything! Changes weekly.

Chemistry

Atomic/Molecular Structures of Compounds - RasMol Homepage
http://www.umass.edu/microbio/rasmol/
Various types of molecular models, e.g., 3D, animated, ball and stick, linear (requires a Netscape plug-in).

Chemistry: Virtual Chemistry Textbook
http://library.thinkquest.org/3659/
This is primarily a general chemistry textbook including information on bonding, thermodynamics, and acid-base chemistry, with some limited sections on organic and nuclear chemistry.

WebElements
http://www.webelements.com/
A comprehensive version of the periodic table. Clicking on a particular element of the table gives a complete profile of physical properties as well as compounds it forms, reactions, uses, and bonding diagrams.

Chemistry: Organic Chemistry

Organic Chemistry Help
http://www.chemhelper.com/index.html
Frostburg University has produced this well-organized site complete with nomenclature, chemical models, practice exams, and strategies for problem solving.

Geology/Earth Sciences

Earth Science Explorer
http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/explorer.html
There are concise explanations on basic geology topics plus a separate section on dinosaurs. Excellent graphics and links make this site easy to navigate.

Geologylink
http://www.geologylink.com/
Sponsored by Houghton-Mifflin, with links to online textbooks about earth science.

Physics

Contemporary Physics Ed Project
http://www.cpepweb.org
Information about nuclear and particle physics ONLY. CPEP, a nonprofit organization of teachers, educators, and physicists from around the world, focuses on the fundamental nature of matter and energy, incorporating recent major research findings.

Ken Koehler’s Web Resources
http://www.rwc.uc.edu/koehler/
This University of Cincinnati introductory physics professor provides this site, which includes a hypertext book and other useful links.

Learn Physics Today
http://library.thinkquest.org/10796/
Newtonian physics and electromagnetism explained, with sample problems and animated examples.

The Particle Adventure
http://particleadventure.org/index.html
An interactive tour of particle physics, including research techniques; part of a web ring entitled Passport to Adventure.

Physics Classroom
http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/gbssci/phys/Class/BBoard.html
Great short Graphic Interchange Format animation segments illustrate mechanical and electromagnetic concepts.

Physics 2000
http://www.Colorado.EDU/physics/2000/index.pl
Easy-to-navigate, interactive demos include topics such as X-rays, CAT scans, electromagnetic waves, the quantum atom, and more.

Weather

El Niño - NOAA
http://www.elnino.noaa.gov/
How will El Niño affect you? Read forecasts, history, and learn about the global impact of this phenomenon.

National Warnings Area (NOAA)
http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov/iwin/nationalwarnings.html
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides immediate access to all available weather-related warnings for the United States. "Refreshes" every 60 seconds to provide the most current data.

Tornado Information (USA Today)
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/tornado/wtwist0.htm
Tornado index. Latest severe-weather watches, warnings. Latest tornado news. Storm-spotter information. And lots more about twisters and their lore.

Tornado Project Online
http://www.tornadoproject.com/
Tornado myths, tornado oddities, personal experiences, tornado chasing, tornado safety, and tornadoes in the past as well as more recent tornadoes.

Applied Science

Applied Physics

Amusement Park Physics
http://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics/
A visit to an amusement park yields examples of physical principles in many aspects of daily life. Terrific internal links, with great diagrams and easy to understand explanations.

Engineering in the Middle School Classroom
http://www.asme.org/Education/PreCollege/TeacherResources/Integrated_Design_Activity.cfm
Developed by the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, this site has directions for many applied physics projects

Applied Chemistry

MatWeb: Your Source for Materials Information
http://www.matweb.com/index.asp?ckck=1
A database with multiple search capabilities with extensive information about properties of all types of materials

Applied Microbiology

Microbes in the News
http://commtechlab.mus.edu/sites/dlc-me/news/news.html
Microorganisms can be useful members of society; visit this page for the latest information on the good, the bad and the ugly of the microbial world.

Biotechnology (Applied Molecular Genetics)

i-Bio UK Information Biotechnology
http://www.i-bio.gov.uk/UkBioportal/servlet/UkBioportal/template/userView%2CUserType.vm/
redirected/Done;jsessionid=0000U5KRBRJMEKBRW0DPMGUFF5I:-1
This UK government sponsored site includes information about all aspects of biotechnology including public concerns, investing, definitions and applications

MATH & Mathematicians

Biographies of Women Mathematicians
http://www.agnesscott.edu/lriddle/women/women.htm
These pages are part of an ongoing project by students in mathematics classes at Agnes Scott College in Atlanta, Georgia, to illustrate the numerous achievements of women in mathematics. Names are listed in alphabetical and chronological order. See also Biography Resource Center for biographies of mathematicians.

College Algebra Tutorial
http://www.math.armstrong.edu/MathTutorial/
If you are looking for a quick review course before you take that placement or standards exam, here it is.

Electronic Textbook StatSoft
http://www.statsoftinc.com/textbook/stathome.html
Produced as a public service by StatSoft Inc. this is an exhaustive tutorial of basic to advanced statistical terms, formulae and analysis, including some excellent animated graphics to illustrate statistical distributions.

MacTutor: History of Mathematics Archive
http://www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/index.html
Valuable resource from Scotland, loaded with information on mathematicians and the development of mathematics. See also Biography Resource Center for biographies of mathematicians.

Math for Physics
http://www.physics.upenn.edu/courses/gladney/
mathphys/section1_1.html
A review of college-level algebra and trigonometry.

The Mathematical Atlas
http://www.math-atlas.org/
Designed by David Ruskin of Northern Illinois University, this site has just about everything mathematical: history, theory, major and minor sub-categories of math topics and biographies of mathematicians.

The Prime Pages
http://www.utm.edu/research/primes/
Prime-number research, records and resources from the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Everyday Science & Math

For day-to-day applications: If you need to know how to calculate something and have forgotten the formula, or if you want to understand the science column in the daily paper, try one of these.

General Science

Glossary of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
http://db.portlandpress.com/
Curious about the human genome project or what DNA fingerprints really are? Search for dictionary definitions by browsing alphabetically or by direct term searching.

How Things Work
http://rabi.phys.virginia.edu/HTW//
Louis Bloomfield, physics professor from UVA, answers everyday physics questions. Site includes an index of recently asked questions.

The Last Word
http://www.last-word.com/
Answers to general science questions.

This to That
http://www.thistothat.com/
How to connect any material to another. Covers some applied-chemistry concepts.

Everyday Math

Ask Dr. Math
http://mathforum.org/dr.math/dr-math.html
Check the FAQs for an alphabetic index of everyday math questions, or search for math topics by school grade.

Dave's Math Tables
http://www.sisweb.com/math/tables.htm
Math reference tables, indexed by subject. Easy to navigate among topics such as algebra, calculus, or discrete math. In Spanish, too.