Brussels, 16 Sep 2002
For many, the internet is a commercial tool first, a source of entertainment second, and then handy for doing research when necessary. But there are a few foresighted developers out there who want to make education number one on the Net - and it doesn't have to be boring.
Enter the words 'explore' and 'science' into Google search engine and the top of the list of over 2 million entries is the website 'ExploreScience.com'.
The developers of this award-winning science site believe the real power of the internet lies not in boring, static facts but in its ability to bring educators and students together in ways which are informative, creative and, importantly, entertaining.
If a search can yield over 2 million results, it is no surprise that finding effective teaching resources on the internet can be difficult and time-consuming. Finding an interactive multimedia site which brings sometimes complex scientific concepts to life is even scarcer.
Flying crows
From discussions on the origin of the expression 'as the crow flies' to multimedia experiments related to electricity and magnetism, optics and exploring the physics behind ultrasound, ExploreScience.com provides a wealth of knowledge and interesting simulations. For example, in the site's 'Density Lab' visitors can pick up objects with their computer's mouse and drop them into a liquid container.
Then, by adjusting the density dial, the objects will either float or sink to the bottom depending on their mass. So, for anyone wanting to know more about mouse genetics, such as why some mice have red eyes, this is a fun site to start the search.
Contact: info@explorescience.com
More information on this subject: http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/fp6/i nfrastructures_en.html
http://www.explorescience.com/index.cfm (requires Shockwave)
DG Research
http://europa.eu.int/comm/dgs/research/index_en.html