Science, Art, and Technology [QuickTime]
http://www.artic.edu/aic/students/sciarttech/
This fine exhibit and pedagogical tool was developed by the Art Institute of Chicago in order assist science teachers in their efforts to explore the relationship between science and art in a museum setting. Supported by a grant from the Polk Brothers Foundation, the various sections of the site reveal "how the scientific method is applied to the making, conserving, and exhibiting of art." The online exhibit is divided into six primary sections, including Perception, Light, and Color, Art and Astronomy, and Conservation: Light in the Making and Viewing of Art. Within each section, there are a number of lovely features, including self-contained units that include short video selections that illustrate the general themes of each module, along with providing a transcript of the lecture. Educators will also find the lesson plans section particularly useful, as it contains plans that deal with topics such as the connection between pigment and light colors and the effects of acid rain on stone sculpture. [KMG]
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The Evolution of the American Conservation Movement, 1850-1920
http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/amrvhtml/conshome.html
The development of a conservation ethic in the United States was (and is) a process that displayed a great deal of heterogeneity, and to a certain extent, a good deal of contentious debate about what might be done to conserve natural resources and landscapes throughout the country. Some of the phenomena that manifested themselves during this period included a perceived crisis in American national identity and purpose, expressions of anti-urbanism, and the growth of travel literature. All of these subjects (and quite a few more) are explored within this fine documentary archive of materials developed by the American Memory group at the Library of Congress. In total, the archive contains 62 books and pamphlets, 140 Federal statutes and Congressional resolutions, various Presidential proclamations, 170 prints and photographs, and 2 motion pictures. The collection can be searched by keywords, or users may elect to browse an index of subjects, authors, or document titles. [KMG]
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Neighborhood Funders Group [pdf]
http://www.nfg.org/
The Neighborhood Funders Group (NFG) is a "national network of foundations and philanthropic organizations." Based in Washington, DC, the NFG supports community-based efforts that improve economic and social conditions in low-income communities. On their Web site, visitors can learn about the Group's core values and how organizations can apply for membership. The news and resources section of the site contains information about professional opportunities, recommended reading lists (along with links to selected online readings), and links to related sites on the Web such as the National Low-Income Housing Coalition. Visitors may also want to look at the organization's newsletter (which is archived back to 1998), and check out its publications, which include papers dealing with the affordable rental housing market and community organizing. [KMG]
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St. Augustine: America's Ancient City [Macromedia Flash Reader]
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/staugustine/intro.htm
While many persons think of Boston as the first major European settlement in what is now the United States, the once tiny military outpost of Spain, St. Augustine, is significantly older. In fact, the settlement of the area that is St. Augustine predates the European settlements at Jamestown by 42 years. Much of the interesting historical development of St. Augustine can be explored in this online exhibit presented by the Florida Museum of Natural History, located at the University of Florida. The exhibit is divided into six historical periods, beginning with the founding of St. Augustine in 1565, and concluding with a special section dedicated to the role of archaeologists and historic preservationists in preserving the area's unique history. Within each chronological section visitors can view images of artifacts from each respective period (such as recovered pottery fragments), and examine maps and drawings as well. [KMG]
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The Healthy Refrigerator
http://www.healthyfridge.org/
In recent years, Americans have grown more concerned about their health. The Healthy Refrigerator site is a good way for users to learn about how to eat healthier and improve their cholesterol at the same time. The site is divided into four separate sections, including The Healthy Fridge, Good Nutrition, Heart of the Matter, and Just for Kids. The Healthy Fridge area is a good place to start, as it contains a "top 10" list of ways to maintain a refrigerator with healthy food options, along with introducing the "Refrigerator Makeover" program, where various celebrities (such as Mike Ditka) agree to have their refrigerators "made over" to incorporate healthier foods. The Heart of the Matter section is also a valuable area, as it contains a place where users can calculate their risk for heart disease and learn more facts about heart disease. [KMG]
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California Sheet Music Project [RealOne Player]
http://www.sims.berkeley.edu/~mkduggan/neh.html
With oversight provided by Professor Mary Kay Duggan of the University of California at Berkeley, the California Sheet Music Project provides online access to some 2000 pieces of sheet music published in California between 1852 and 1900. The project was funded by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, and also contains interesting ephemera ranging from a music publisher's catalog from 1872, advertisements, and photographs. The entire database may be searched or browsed by image subject (from the frontispiece of each composition) or by the subject addressed by each piece of music. Some of the songs included in the archive deal with beggars ("Just One Penny to Buy Bread," babies ("Baby's Asleep"), and politicians ("Horace Greeley's Grand March"). Finally the site also has several musical performances of pieces from the collection for the listening pleasure of those compelled to visit this interesting tribute to the sheet music of the Golden State. [KMG]
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