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This section emphasizes the human aspect of science. It uses
history to describe human endeavors as well as the role science
has played in the development of various cultures.
Be sure to look at the different
set of resources listed at the Student/Learner webpage
for this topic.
 American Institute of Physics History Exhibits
Learn about Madame Curie and radioactivity, the discovery of the electron, Albert Einstein, and Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle. In addition, look at “The Human Face of Science” for more biographies about scientists.
 Einstein
Revealed
This NOVA website explores the key points in Albert Einstein’s
life and weaves together history and physics. Learners are
provided with a timeline, an explanation of the Theory of
Relativity, and interactive explorations of time travel and
the nature of light. The teachers’ guide is excellent,
and it includes these experiments:
"What’s
Your Wavelength?"
"Seeing
the Invisible"
 Exploring
Leonardo
As this website’s Note to Teachers says. Leonardo
da Vinci "…was a terrific role model for applying
the scientific method creatively in every aspect of life including
art and music." Pursue the activities assembled by the
Boston Museum of Science and the Science Learning Network.
This website has a glossary, a bibliography, and a hotlist
of additional websites. Don’t miss "Leonardo’s
Mysterious Machinery."
 Flights
of Inspiration
This website looks at the challenge of flight, with resources
"for anyone who has an interest in the history of science
of flight", though there are sections directed specifically
to science teachers. Learners investigate the "First
Flight" of Orville and Wilbur Wright in 1903, and the
"Long Flight" of Alcock and Brown in 1919. Learners
are challenged to create their own flight by using the online
resources to learn about the forces and challenges of flight.
There is an excellent teachers’ guide. This is a Science
Learning Network project created by the Franklin Institute
Science Museum and the Museum of Science, London.
 Race
for the Superbomb
This website is a companion to the PBS television documentary
by the same name, a part of the "The American Experience"
series. This website contains an historical timeline of nuclear
warfare activities between 1941-1963, links to information
about people and events, maps of international bomb test sites,
two interesting graphs on nuclear stockpiles and tests, and
a teachers’ guide to discussion topics. There are special
features, such as a Nuclear
Blast Mapper, a "Panic Quiz" from 1953, videos
of actual tests, and a virtual tour of an underground bunker.
 Shackleton’s
Antarctic Odyssey
Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1914-1916 Endurance
expedition is an amazing survival story. This NOVA website
has wonderful historical, geographical, scientific, and technological
information on Shackleton’s original expedition and its
recreation in 1999-2000. There are sections on "Surviving
Antarctica" and "Navigating the High Seas".
Take a look at two great interactive exhibits, as well:
 Slates, Slide Rules, and Software –Teaching Math in America
“Throughout American history, teachers and parents have used objects--from colonial--era slates to modern electronic calculators--to help students master abstract mathematical concepts. These math teaching tools reflect society’s hopes and dreams.” Learn about it from this online exhibit from the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
What is science?
Why do so many people enjoy being scientists? Find out the answers to these and other questions by reading the answers from eight scientists. The website contains an interview chart to assist in writing assignments. Additional features include a glossary of terms, an audio portion, and notes to teachers and to learners.
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