General
http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blslinky2.htm
Did you know the Slinky was invented in 1945 by a Naval Engineer? This article from About.com gives a history of the slinky. Apparently the engineer was working on developing a meter that would monitor horsepower on naval battleships when he discovered the way the tension springs he was working with kept moving after they fell to the ground. As the story goes, "Richard remarked to his wife Betty, 'I think I can make a toy out of this'" and the Slinky was born. Along with the article are links to more interesting facts about slinky history, a letter from Betty James (his wife) and the physics and workings of spring coils (using Hooke's Law). Dont' miss the animated version of a slinky in motion -- it almost put me in a trance! [VF]
http://hobby_elec.piclist.com/e_menu.htm
This website (originally created in Japanese and translated into English using translation software) by a Japanese systems engineer, Seiichi Inoue, provides an extensive overview of electronic circuit engineering. Topics covered include: Basic knowledge of Electronic parts, Basic knowledge of Engineering Instruments, an Introduction of Engineering Method, and the Assembly Process. A variety of electronic circuits and their uses are provided, as well as a separate section on PIC electronic circuits. The language may be difficult to follow at times given the translation, but still a gem of a site for anyone wanting to build some circuits! Keep in mind that in some sections, the author notes that he is "describing while studying, there seems to be mistakes in the contents. Do at your own risk." For some further browsing, he includes sections on his other interests, such as 3D photography, java programming, CAD, Japanese customs and the Japanese language. [VF]
http://www.vintagecalculators.com/
This "web museum" devoted to vintage calculators shows "the evolution from mechanical calculator to hand held electronic calculator." Some items featured include: Mechanical and early electronic desk calculators, "strange hand-held calculators," and articles, photographs, and databases from the archives of the International Association of Calculator Collectors. A history of the technology and information on British and sterling currency calculators are also posted here. The website also offers a Calculator time-line (chronicling calculator developments), background on the technology used by mechanical and early electronic calculators, and information on The Calculator Business. An index allows visitors to search the calculators featured on this site. The Puzzle Corner section asks visitors to contact them with any information that may answer unresolved questions regarding vintage calculators. [VF]
http://web.mit.edu/invent/n-pressreleases/n-press-04index.html
In January 2004 Lemelson-MIT released results from their annual Invention Index Study, which measures Americans' attitudes towards invention. This news release highlights the study findings, methodology and background about the study. The nationally representative survey found that "the cell phone is the invention they most hate but cannot live without" -- just slightly more hated than the alarm clock. The report notes that, "While the Lemelson-MIT Invention Index found a vast majority of Americans (95%) believe inventions have improved the quality of life in the United States, their strong feelings toward cell phones illustrate both the benefits and unintended consequences of innovation." The study also surveyed Americans' views on America's competitiveness globally and where the responsibility for encouraging invention lies (industry, universities, primary schools or government). The Lemelson-MIT Program "provides the resources and inspiration to make invention and innovation more accessible to today's youth." [VF]
The Virtual Museum of Computing provides an extensive list of websites on the history of computing and on-line computer-based exhibits around the world. Inventors who recently died are highlighted, with links to websites about them and their work. The online galleries include exhibits on mathematics, computing, electronics, corporate histories and general historical information. Links to other computer-related museums and online exhibits, personal collections, newsgroups and computer simulators are also available from this website. Another section includes information on the future of computing and networking. [VF]
http://www.pbs.org/digitaldivide/
This PBS series on the Digital Divide, which aired in 2000, "asks the question: is everyone participating equally, if at all, in the Digital Revolution? And are 'wired' kids being taught how to use computers in ways that enhance instead of replace traditional learning skills?" The website is organized in terms of four major gaps in technology usage: schools, gender, race, and the workplace. Each section includes subsections which offer: 1) historical and general information (in an interactive display), 2) resource links, and 3) transcriptions from interviews with educators, community leaders, and experts in the technology field. They also highlight common themes that emerged across these divides, such as access, education, diversity, and careers. These themes are then used to organize the section providing links to other resources online. As part of a national outreach campaign, PBS produced brochures on suggested activities for teachers, students, and youth community leaders, which are available in the Learning Tools section. [VF]
http://www.futureofchildren.org/pubs-info2825/pubs-info.htm?doc_id=69787
The Future of Children is a publication of The Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University and The Brookings Institution. The purpose of the site is "to promote effective policies and programs for children" by providing information and research findings. Available from this website is the journal of Children and Computer Technology, which focuses on children's use of computer technology both in school and at home. The articles "summarize the knowledge and research available on how the use of computers affects children's development, whether it increases or decreases the disparities between rich and poor, and whether it can be used effectively to enhance learning." The site describes "promising examples of computer use" and offers recommendations to improve children's access to computers. Other sections include a review of Federal Programs to Increase Children's Access to Educational Technology, a survey on What Children Think About Computers, and a glossary which gives definitions for selected terms and acronyms. [VF]
