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Exploration
 Websites presented in alphabetical order 1492: An Ongoing Voyage 
 This online exhibit "focuse[s] on "those people who were in this hemisphere before 1492 and on those from Europe and Africa who arrived in the 16th and early 17th centuries." The information is brief, but includes maps, art, an article on Christopher Columbus, and facsimiles of different manuscripts. From the Library of Congress. http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/1492/ Topics: Geography, History, Holidays and Observances Individually, Literary Movements and Periods Last updated Sep 2, 2004 200 Years, 200 Books: A Lewis and Clark Expedition Bibliography in Honor of the Bicentennial: The Corps 33
This bibliography presents books about the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Part of a project to describe the 200 most important books about the journey, the title refers to the 33 members of the Corps of Discovery (the Expedition's official name) who made the journey to the Pacific and back. From the Washington State Library, the Washington Lewis and Clark Trail Committee, and the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation. Opens directly into a PDF file. http://www.secstate.wa.gov/history/pdf/corps33.pdf Topics: Geography, History, United States History Last updated Mar 2, 2005 American Journeys
This site "contains more than 18,000 pages of eyewitness accounts of North American exploration, from the sagas of Vikings in Canada in AD1000 to the diaries of mountain men in the Rockies 800 years later." Searchable, or browse documents by year in the Historical Highlights section. Also includes teacher resources. A collaborative project of the Wisconsin Historical Society and National History Day. http://www.americanjourneys.org/ Topics: Geography, History, Nonfiction by Genre, Regions of the World Last updated Apr 27, 2006 American Museum of Natural History Congo Expedition, 1909-1915
An exhibit of scientists Herbert Lang and James P. Chapin's almost six-year expedition to the Central African Congo River basin to catalog the plants and animals they found. Features biographies, notes, field photographs, diaries, illustrations, articles on the anthropology and zoology of the region, video clips, and interactive maps of early 20th century Congo (formerly Zaire). Searchable photos, field notes, anthropological objects, and publications. From the American Museum of Natural History. http://diglib1.amnh.org/ Topics: Environment, Geography, History, Museums, Nonfiction by Genre, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife, Science Last updated Sep 18, 2003 Antarctic Philately
This site explores the "postal history and heroic explorers of the polar regions and their surrounding islands." Contains information on the exploration of Antarctica (including Operations Highjump, Windmill, and Deepfreeze), profiles of explorers, a timeline (1519-1859), maps of the Antarctic and peri-Antarctic Islands, images of stamps, and information on the American Society of Polar Philatelists. http://www.south-pole.com/ Topics: Collectors & Collecting, Electrical Energy, Energy, Geography, History, Regions of the World Last updated Mar 27, 2002 Apollo Lunar Surface Journal
Transcripts of the Apollo lunar missions 11-17 are presented here, with most of them separated into convenient chapters such as "landing day." There is plenty of background material on the missions and crews (including portraits and brief biographies) to help it all make sense. RealAudio clips allow users to hear some of the communications for themselves. Images, and in some cases video clips (RealPlayer), are also available here. http://www.hq.nasa.gov/office/pao/History/alsj/frame.html Topics: Astronomy, Geography, Technology Last updated Apr 12, 2005 The Apollo Program
A comprehensive source for details, facts, and information about all of the NASA Apollo lunar exploration missions. Learn about the many uncrewed test missions as well as the eleven crewed space flights. Special features include images of each official crew patch and audio and video clips related to specific missions. http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/history/apollo/index.html Topics: Astronomy, Geography, Technology Last updated Apr 12, 2005 Arctic Passage
Website accompanying a PBS Nova program on the Northwest Passage, an Arctic route from the Pacific to Atlantic ocean, focusing on the failed attempt of British expedition led by Sir John Franklin and the successful attempt of the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. Highlights include an interactive map tracing the routes, analysis of the provisions carried by Franklin's ships, slide show of artifacts from the Franklin expedition, and an essay on the future of the passage. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/arctic/ Topics: Geography, History, Notable People, Regions of the World Last updated Sep 17, 2007 The Barren Lands: J.B. Tyrrell's Expeditions for the Geological Survey of Canada, 1892-1894
"Documents two exploratory surveys of the Barren Lands region west of Hudson Bay, in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan and the area now known as Nunavut" between 1892 and 1894. Contains over "5,000 images from original field notebooks, correspondence, photographs, maps and published reports." Searchable and browsable. Includes biographical information on geologist J.B. Tyrrell and his brother, surveyor and interpreter James W. Tyrrell. Also features interactive expedition maps. From the University of Toronto Library. http://link.library.utoronto.ca/tyrrell/ Topics: Correspondence, Geography, Geology, History, Photograph Collections: Regional Last updated Apr 1, 2006 Breaking the Ice: Canada and the Northwest Passage
Archival audio and video clips, images, and short essays about the Northwest Passage, a route through the Arctic Ocean connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Topics include early exploration, the first successful passage in 1906 by Norway's Roald Amundsen, issues related to Canadian Arctic sovereignty, Arctic native people, and recent developments in the area (such as the passage becoming more navigable due to ice melting from global warming). From the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). http://archives.cbc.ca/economy_business/transport/topics/2349/ Topics: Geography, History, History By Place, Notable People, Regions of the World Last updated Apr 18, 2008 British Antarctic Survey (BAS)
This group "is a component of the Natural Environment Research Council. Based in Cambridge UK, it has, for almost 60 years, undertaken the majority of Britain's scientific research on and around the Antarctic continent." The site features an overview of the region, images, information about living and working in the region, and details about research projects on topics such as climate change and the diminishing ice sheet. Searchable. http://www.antarctica.ac.uk Topics: Country Studies by Continent, Geography, History, Regions of the World Last updated Jun 18, 2007 Captain Cook Society
This is "a Society for everyone interested in [British explorer] James Cook (1728-1779)." The site features chronologies of Cook's life, information about his ships and family history, images of engravings and stamps featuring Cook, the wills of Cook and his crew (including William Bligh), brief extracts from Cook's journals from 1773-1774, and more. Also includes book reviews, selected articles from "Cook's Log" (the society's journal), and hundreds of related links. Searchable. http://www.captaincooksociety.com/ Topics: Geography, History, Notable People Last updated Oct 1, 2004 The Columbus Navigation Homepage
An extensive resource on Christopher Columbus. It includes a timeline; pages on his crew, ships, and navigation; individual pages covering his first, second, third, and fourth voyages; and the "Columbus Landfall Homepage," which discusses some of the best-known theories of exactly where Columbus originally landed. Also includes a bibliography with capsule reviews and an annotated list of other Web resources. http://www.columbusnavigation.com/ Topics: Geography, History, Holidays and Observances Individually, Notable People, Transportation Last updated Aug 31, 2006 Conquistadors
This site, illustrated with period maps, drawings, letters, etc., follows the paths of conquistadors Hernán Cortés in Aztecan Mexico, Francisco Pizarro in the Incan Empire, Cabeza de Vaca in Texas, and Francisco de Orellana on the Amazon River. Sidebar icons tell of the motivations and effects of conquest. Inspired by a PBS series narrated by filmmaker Michael Wood. http://www.pbs.org/conquistadors/ Topics: Geography, History, Regions of the World Last updated Aug 30, 2002 Crossroads of Empire: Early Printed Maps of Texas and the Southwest
A site about the discovery and exploration of the southwestern New World, Texas, and the neighboring region. Each map includes a description in English and Spanish. Includes a history of early mapmaking as well as images and backgrounds for explorers Cabeza De Vaca, de Soto, and Coronado. Also find classic images depicting California as an island, plus games, other learning activities, and related readings. http://www.humanities-interactive.org/crossroads/exhibit26.html Topics: History, U.S. Maps Last updated Jul 5, 2004 The Cultures and History of America: The Jay I. Kislak Collection at the Library of Congress
This is "an exhibition featuring fifty highlights from the rare books, maps, documents, paintings, prints, and artifacts that make up the Jay I. Kislak Collection at the Library of Congress. The exhibition focuses on the early Americas from the time of the indigenous people of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean through the period of European contact, exploration, and settlement." The site includes an online exhibition and a bibliography. http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/kislak/kislak-home.html Topics: Geography, History, Libraries & Archives by Type, Native Americans Last updated Aug 3, 2005 Discovering Lewis and Clark™
Provides extensive coverage of the events and natural history of the expedition. With over 1400 pages and monthly updates, the site contains selections from the expedition journals, photographs, maps, graphics, and sound. Searchable. Content centers on a synopsis of the expedition by history professor Harry Fritz, of the University of Montana, Missoula. http://www.lewis-clark.org/ Topics: Geography, History, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife, United States History Last updated Feb 23, 2003 Drake's Plate: The End of the Mystery?
Explains a hoax, uncovered in 1977, about a brass marker discovered in 1936 that allegedly recorded the 1579 landing of Sir Francis Drake on the California coast. Discusses dating the item and suggests evidence for who created this elaborate practical joke. Includes links to a press release with a slide show and material about dating archaeological objects. From the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. http://www.lbl.gov/Science-Articles/Archive/NSD-Drakes-plate.html Topics: California: History, Geography Last updated May 31, 2006 Encyclopedia Astronautica
This website details the history of space exploration, with an emphasis on human missions to space. Brief astronaut biographies are given with links to various spacecraft, boosters, rocket engines, fuels, space programs, and launch sites. Also has descriptions of proposed space programs by both the U.S. and Russia which were never implemented. Other features include women in space and hundreds of photographs and drawings. From a space enthusiast. http://www.astronautix.com/ Topics: Astronomy, Geography, Photograph Collections, Photograph Collections: Regional, Ready Reference & Quick Facts Last updated Dec 18, 2006 The Endurance: Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition
This combination of photographs by expedition photographer Frank Hurley, maps, diary entries, and brief explanatory text captures one of the great stories of exploration. In 1916, Sir Ernest Shackleton and five sailors made a remarkable boat and land journey to reach a whaling station and organize the rescue of the rest of his crew, stranded when their ship, "Endurance," was crushed in pack ice near Antarctica. From the American Museum of Natural History. http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/shackleton/ Topics: Geography, History, Nonfiction by Genre, Photograph Collections, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife, Regions of the World, Transportation Last updated Jan 22, 2004 ESA: Aurora Exploration Programme
"The primary objective of Aurora is to create, and then implement, a European long-term plan for the robotic and human exploration of the solar system, with Mars, the Moon and the asteroids as the most likely targets." The site presents news, describes the Aurora program and its missions, and provides related information. Includes documents and artist images. Searchable. From the European Space Agency (ESA). http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Aurora/ Topics: Astronomy, Geography Last updated May 14, 2005 ESA: Science & Technology: Rosetta
The purpose of the European Space Agency (ESA) Rosetta Orbiter is "to study the origin of comets, the relationship between cometary and interstellar material and its implications with regard to the origin of the Solar System." The site provides a description of the orbiter, an overview of its flight (including "its first Earth swing-by" on March 4, 2005), news, summaries of related publications (with some links to full text), images, and a glossary. http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/area/index.cfm?fareaid=13 Topics: Astronomy, Geography, Technology Last updated Mar 15, 2005 The Estevanico Society
An exploration of the "life and journeys of Estevanico (also Esteban or Stephen the Black) ." There is information about his "origins in Morocco, his enslavement by the Portugese and Spanish, and his historic journey through the American Southwest, ending with his death at the Zuni Pueblo of Hawikuh." There is a page of related sites, including one on the Spanish explorer Cabeza de Vaca. http://www.estevanico.org/ Topics: Geography, History Last updated Nov 6, 2001 exploreMarsnow.org
This site presents an interactive, three-dimensional model of a possible base station and habitat for the first humans on Mars. It includes the base exterior, the layout, work and living spaces, greenhouse, Mars car, robot rovers, and, and other details. There is also a section of Mars facts. From Nexterra, a nonprofit group composed of "design professionals and educators" interested in space exploration. http://www.exploremarsnow.org/ Topics: Astronomy, Geography, History Last updated Jan 7, 2004 The Explorers Club
"The Explorers Club is an international multidisciplinary professional society dedicated to the advancement of field research and the ideal that it is vital to preserve the instinct to explore." The site includes information on grants offered by the Club, an annotated list of related links, newsletters, and more. http://www.explorers.org/ Topics: Geography, History, Science Last updated Aug 1, 2004 Exploring the Planets
This online exhibit from 2002 "highlights the history and achievements of planetary explorations, both Earth-based and by spacecraft." It features information about tools of exploration and about the planets, asteroids, and comets in our solar system. Information for planets includes atmosphere, moons, magnetic fields, images, and more. From the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. http://www.nasm.si.edu/research/ceps/etp/etp.htm Topics: Astronomy, Geography Last updated Jun 7, 2005 Fact, Fiction and the New World
An exhibit that explores the history of printing and the resulting explosion of ideas for and about the New World. Text is in both English and Spanish. http://www.humanities-interactive.org/newworld/fact_fict/ Topics: Geography, History, Printing, Publishing, and Book Arts, Technology Last updated Dec 25, 2000 The Fate of Franklin
This site contains a wealth of information on Sir John Franklin, leader of a doomed expedition to discover the Northwest Passage, who set sail in 1845 in two ships and vanished. Find contemporary newspaper articles; Arctic images from contemporary sources; expedition notes from modern archaeological searches for remains of the Franklin party; a directory of Franklin links, including a detailed biography; and a bibliography of books related to Arctic exploration. http://www.ric.edu/faculty/rpotter/SJFranklin.html Topics: Geography, History, Notable People, Regions of the World Last updated Jul 28, 2007 The Frederick A. Cook Society
The nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to the life and work of the controversial polar explorer Frederick Albert Cook. This site includes a brief biography of Cook, current polar research, a review of polar literature, and links to other polar Web sites. http://www.cookpolar.org/ Topics: Geography, History, Notable People, Regions of the World Last updated Oct 2, 2004 Galaxy Evolution Explorer (GALEX)
Information about this "orbiting space telescope that will observe galaxies in ultraviolet light across 10 billion years of cosmic history." Features quick facts, images, a glossary, educational materials, and updates about this mission, which is a partnership between NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the California Institute of Technology (CalTech). http://www.galex.caltech.edu Topics: Astronomy, Geography, Science, Science, Social Issues Last updated Sep 14, 2006 Historic Figures: Leif Erikson
This profile of explorer Leif Erikson summarizes the various accounts of his journey to North America, and notes the proclamation by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964 of Leif Erikson Day (October 9) "in commemoration of the first arrival of a European on North American soil." Provides related articles and multimedia features about the Vikings. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/erikson_leif.shtml Topics: Agriculture, Geography, History, Notable People, Presidents by Name Last updated Oct 2, 2004 HubbleSite
Devoted to NASA's Hubble Space Telescope. Contains news; photographs of "stars, planets, galaxies, nebulae, and strange celestial phenomena" taken by the telescope; a FAQ; educational resources and games; and more. http://hubblesite.org/ Topics: Astronomy, Geography, Photograph Collections Last updated May 14, 2009 The Jesuit Relations and Allied Documents: Travels and Explorations of the Jesuit Missionaries in New France 1610 - 1791
Scanned images of the original English contents of this 71-volume work published in 1898. View the volumes individually. There are estimated times to download. From Creighton University in Omaha. http://puffin.creighton.edu/jesuit/relations/ Topics: Geography, History, History By Place, Native Americans, Religion Last updated Jan 11, 2004 Jet Propulsion Laboratory
"The Jet Propulsion Laboratory is the lead U.S. center for robotic exploration of the solar system." In addition to informative papers, this site includes news releases about scientific and educational programs, fact sheets about programs in the Earth sciences, and archives. Other sections cover such topics as astrophysics; cosmogony; past, present, and future missions; and technology. Browse via the site map. Searchable. http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/ Topics: Astronomy, Geography, Technology Last updated May 17, 2002 John Cabot
The Italian explorer Giovanni Caboto, who sailed for England under the name of John Cabot, is profiled here. There is a synopsis of his life; and his voyages of 1497 and 1498 to the Newfoundland area are highlighted. One of his sons, Sebastian, is also covered briefly on this site. Searchable. http://www.heritage.nf.ca/exploration/cabot.html Topics: Geography, History, Notable People Last updated Oct 2, 2004 Journal of the H.M.S. Endeavour, 1768 - 1771 [Manuscript]
Images of the hundreds of pages of James Cook's "journal of the voyage of H.M.S. Endeavour during which Cook discovered Eastern Australia and circumnavigated New Zealand. Bound with the journal is a copy of a report from John Hutchinson, surgeon of the Dolphin to Capt. Samuel Wallis, 16th May 1768, of observations on the effects of saloop, portable soup, mustard and vinegar, distilled water and beef fat on scurvy." From the National Library of Australia. http://nla.gov.au/nla.ms-ms1 Topics: Fish, Meat, & Dairy, Geography, History, Literary Movements and Periods, Nonfiction by Genre, Regions of the World, Transportation, Writing Last updated Apr 20, 2005 The Journey of Christopher Columbus: Beyond the Textbook
This site provides information about the 1492-1493 journey headed by Christopher Columbus from Spain to the "new world." The site features background about how Columbus obtained support for the journey, a voyage timeline with excerpts from journals, information about the native people Columbus encountered (such as the Tainos and Caribs) and his activities after his return, and a map. From the McGraw-Hill textbook publishing company. http://www.glencoe.com/sec/socialstudies/btt/columbus/ Topics: Geography, Holidays and Observances Individually, Notable People Last updated Oct 20, 2005 Kaboose: Columbus Day
A collection of annotated links about Columbus Day. Includes links to biographical information for Christopher Columbus, alternative views of Columbus, sites on ship navigation, holiday activities, electronic greeting cards, and clip art. http://holidays.kaboose.com/columbus-day/ Topics: Geography, History, Holidays & Observances, Holidays and Observances Individually, Notable People Last updated Aug 28, 2008 The Kepler Mission
Scheduled for a Discovery launch, "the Kepler Mission will use a unique spaceborne telescope," or photometer, "specifically designed to search for Earth-like planets around stars beyond our solar system." This official NASA site is laden with scientific language and hard to navigate, and it could use a fashion makeover, but the information is comprehensive and authoritative. Also available in Spanish. http://www.kepler.arc.nasa.gov/ Topics: Astronomy, Geography, Photograph Collections Last updated Sep 4, 2002 KODAK: The Endurance
A look at the expedition of the ship Endurance , captained by Sir Ernest Shackleton, that focuses on the work of Frank Hurley, the photographer. The remarkable images he brought back from a fight for survival in Antarctica combined with text and a map show the plight of the explorers. A timeline, and biographies of both Hurley and Shackleton complete the site. http://www.kodak.com/US/en/corp/features/endurance/ Topics: Geography, History, Notable People: Arts & Humanities, Photograph Collections, Photograph Collections: Regional, Photography, Regions of the World Last updated Jun 5, 2002 The Kraus Collection of Sir Francis Drake
"Sir Francis Drake, English explorer and naval strategist, circumnavigated the earth from 1577-1580. During these travels, Drake visited the Caribbean and the Pacific. ... This collection comprises important primary and secondary materials accumulated about Drakes voyages throughout the then Spanish territory of the Americas. Texts are in English, Latin, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish and French." Also includes a timeline and information about the collection. Searchable and browsable. From the Library of Congress (LOC). http://international.loc.gov/intldl/drakehtml/ Topics: Geography, History Last updated Mar 2, 2005 Leif Ericson Viking Ship
This nonprofit organization is "dedicated to the study, education and promotion of the fact that Leif Ericson was the first European to set foot upon and explore the North American Continent and of Vikings in general, their times and travels throughout the world." This site includes brief historical information about Ericson and the Vikings, and information about Leif Ericson Day (October 9). An interactive drawing shows elements of a Viking ship. http://www.vikingship.org Topics: Geography, History, Notable People, Transportation Last updated Oct 2, 2004 Lewis & Clark: The Maps of Exploration, 1507-1814
This exhibit of history, maps, and navigational instruments "examines the planning of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the cartographic tradition that made the expedition possible." Includes maps of the emerging view of the new continent of North America, French cartographic contributions, and those "made to western exploration by the Virginia gentry." A bibliography and related links are available. From the University of Virginia. http://www.lib.virginia.edu/small/exhibits/lewis_clark/ Topics: Geography, History, Maps, U.S. Maps, United States History Last updated Nov 11, 2004 Lewis & Clark Bicentennial: 1804 - 2004
An extensive list of Web links about the Lewis & Clark expedition, the Louisiana Purchase, historical sources, Sacagawea, and places named after Lewis & Clark. From Carlos A. Diaz, Government Documents Specialist for the Daniel J. Evans Library at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington state. http://govdocs.evergreen.edu/hotopics/lewis-clark/ Topics: Geography, History, Holidays and Observances Individually, United States History Last updated May 26, 2008 Lewis and Clark: Mapping the West
A cooperative project of several organizations, this site provides access to Lewis and Clark maps, with related activities and lesson plans. http://www.edgate.com/lewisandclark/ Topics: Geography, History, Lesson Plans, Maps, U.S. Maps, United States History Last updated Jan 11, 2004 Lewis and Clark: The Journey of the Corps of Discovery
This Web site is designed to accompany the Ken Burns documentary and includes expedition maps and journals, a timeline, opinions from historians, classroom resources, and more. Information on Sacagawea can be found in the list of the corps members. Related Web sites and a bibliography of other resources are also included. http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/ Topics: Geography, History, United States History Last updated Feb 14, 2003 Lewis and Clark: The Ultimate Adventure
Time Magazine celebrates the bicentennial (1803-2003) of the Corps of Discovery expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. The Web site includes two essays on the leaders, an interactive map of the journey, pages from the original journals, a map of tribal lands then and now, a bibliography, and a guide to more resources. See the full table of contents for essays on Sacagawea, their Shoshone guide. http://www.time.com/time/2002/lewis_clark/ Topics: Geography, History, Notable People, United States History Last updated Oct 2, 2004 The Mariners' Museum Age of Exploration On-line Curriculum Guide
"Especially appropriate for grades 3 through high school world history and geography," this site traces the history of exploration from the ancient world of the Egyptians and Phoenicians to 1768. Provides images and information about discoveries, ships, shipboard life, maps, charts, and navigation methods. Also includes the evolution of steering ships, a timeline, brief biographies of the explorers and some of their crews, and suggested learning activities. http://www.mariner.org//educationalad/ageofex/ Topics: Geography, History, Transportation Last updated Sep 25, 2004 Mars
This profile of Mars features facts, news, and photos. Includes information about missions, Canada's role in Mars exploration, the use of Canadian Arctic areas for space research, and an annotated timeline of Mars missions from the Soviet probes in the early 1960s to the present. Provides links to related stories and resources. From the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/space/mars_index.html Topics: Astronomy, Geography, History, Photograph Collections: Regional Last updated Feb 9, 2005 Mars 2001 Odyssey: Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS)
Provides the goals of this space mission (very generally, geological research), its progress, photographs of instruments, and visible light and infrared images of the surface of Mars taken by cameras aboard the spacecraft. http://themis.asu.edu/ Topics: Astronomy, Geography, History Last updated Jan 7, 2004 Mars Exploration Rover Mission
Home page for the "twin robot geologists," Spirit and Opportunity, and their mission to Mars to research the "history of water on the planet." Provides information about the mission and describes the science and technology involved. Offers pages designed for the press, educators, children, and students. Includes photos, news, and multimedia features. From NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/home/ Topics: Astronomy, Geography, History, Photograph Collections Last updated Jan 7, 2004 Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO)
Research reports, photographs, and 3-D images resulting from NASA's 2005 mission to Mars. Covers the mission, science, technology, and people involved. From the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology. http://marsprogram.jpl.nasa.gov/mro/ Topics: Astronomy, Geography, History Last updated Dec 15, 2008 Messenger: Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry, and Ranging
Information about the "NASA Discovery mission to conduct this orbital study of the innermost planet." Messenger launched in August 2004. It should be "in position to enter Mercury orbit in March 2011." The site provides a FAQ, an overview of the mission, status reports, facts about the planet Mercury, information for students and teachers, related links, and more. From John Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL). http://messenger.jhuapl.edu Topics: Astronomy, Geography, Technology Last updated Apr 27, 2005 Mount Rainier: Its Human History Associations
A report prepared for the Field Division of Education of the National Park Service in 1934. "Its purpose was to provide an outline of the pertinent historical facts which could be used in the development of a museum ... at Mount Rainier National Park." The report includes elevation measurements of the mountain (in Washington state) and a discussion of discovery and exploration in the region. Includes a timeline and bibliographies. From the National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/berkeley/rensch2/ Topics: Geography, History, National Parks & Forests, United States History Last updated Jun 17, 2007 The Museum of Westward Expansion
This site, based on the museum located in the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, focuses on the "history of the 19th century American West, from the Louisiana Purchase to the closing of the frontier in 1890." The site includes an interactive tour of the museum, a chronology of events in the 1800s, audio clips, and narratives highlighting exploration, American Indians, the fur trade, and other topics. From the National Park Service. http://www.nps.gov/archive/jeff/expansion_museum.html Topics: Geography, History, Museums by Place: United States, National Parks & Forests, United States History Last updated Nov 14, 2006 NASA's Mars Exploration Program
All things Mars for students, teachers, journalists, and anyone else with an interest in the Red Planet. Learn about Mars missions, including science goals and enabling technologies. Includes images, videos, and the history of Mars in pop culture. Searchable. From NASA. http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/ Topics: Astronomy, Geography, History Last updated Jan 7, 2004 National Geographic: Lewis & Clark
Features an interactive log (illustrated with historical photos, drawings, and maps) based on the journal entries from the Lewis and Clark expedition. Also offers a timeline, lists of expedition supplies and discoveries, photos of the trail today, activities for children, and articles on Sacagawea and other related topics. Includes message boards, a preview of the film "Lewis and Clark: Great Journey West," a bibliography, and links. From the National Geographic Society. http://www.nationalgeographic.com/lewisandclark/ Topics: Geography, History, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife, United States History Last updated Jun 22, 2005 Ocean Explorer
This searchable site from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) "is an educational Internet offering for all who wish to learn about, discover, and virtually explore the ocean realm." The site includes information about featured NOAA ocean expeditions and related exploration activities; a gallery of images, audio, and video documenting exploration; photos and descriptions of the various technologies used; a history of ocean exploration; a bibliography; lesson plans; and professional development offerings for educators. http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/ Topics: Geography, Geology, History, Lesson Plans, Photograph Collections: Nature & Wildlife, Science Last updated Jun 25, 2003 Passages: A Treasure Trove of North American Exploration
Features information on European voyages and explorations in North America, from Columbus's Atlantic crossing in 1492 to Roald Amundsen's exploration of the Northwest Passage in 1905. Browsable by name of explorer, or chronological outline. Available in English and French. From the National Archives of Canada and National Library of Canada. http://epe.lac-bac.gc.ca/100/206/301/lac-bac/passages-ef/passages/index-e.html Topics: Geography, History, Regions of the World Last updated Jun 13, 2008 Planet Quest
This informative and comprehensive site tracks the search for new planets. Visitors to the site learn about the science of planetary discovery, possible habitable planets, instruments, and missions. Join the Planet Finder Club and search the New Worlds Atlas for newly discovered planets and planetary system information. Educator resources, multimedia gallery, and related project links are included. Supported by NASA and sponsored by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology. http://planetquest.jpl.nasa.gov/ Topics: Astronomy, Geography Last updated Feb 12, 2003 The Race to Mars
This site provides news, history, a timeline, features, photographs, graphics, and related links about missions to Mars, including Europe's Mars Express (with the Beagle 2 lander) and the United States' Spirit probe. Also provides information about Mars. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/sci_tech/2003/race_for_mars/default.stm Topics: Astronomy, Geography, History Last updated Sep 8, 2009 Scientists Lift Veil on Beagle 3
Article about the November 2004 announcement of a proposal by British scientists for putting a robotic lab on Mars in 2009. Also includes links to related articles on Mars and Mars exploration. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3977967.stm Topics: Astronomy, Geography, History Last updated Nov 8, 2004 The Search for a Northwest Passage
This exhibit focuses on the "many explorers [who] have ventured into the inhospitable Arctic regions in search of the Northwest Passage, a navigable channel that was believed to connect the North Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans." Essays and images cover early approaches in the 15th century until the passage was successfully navigated in 1903-06 by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. Includes related website links. From the British Library. http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/features/northwpass/intro.html Topics: Geography, History, Notable People, Regions of the World Last updated Sep 17, 2007 Sedna (2003 VB12)
"On 15 March 2004, astronomers from Caltech, Gemini Observatory, and Yale University announced the discovery of the coldest, most distant object known to orbit the sun." This site provides background information about Sedna, and details about the findings of the team. Includes images and related links (such as to the legend of Sedna, the Inuit goddess of the sea). From a member of the team that discovered Sedna. http://www.gps.caltech.edu/~mbrown/sedna/ Topics: Astronomy, Geography, Technology, Transportation, Water Last updated Mar 16, 2004 Shackleton's Voyage of Endurance
This site contains background material to accompany NOVA 's PBS television programs about Sir Ernest Shackleton and his Antarctic expedition. It includes an interview with Shackleton's daughter Alexandra, several stories of polar survivors, teacher resources, and an annotated list of suggested books and online resources. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/shackleton/ Topics: Geography, History, Regions of the World, Transportation Last updated Apr 24, 2002 Solar System Exploration
Great assignment information on the planets, as well as the sun and moon, asteroids, comets, meteoroids, Kuiper Belt Objects, and space missions. There is a timeline history of space flight. The Education and Public Outreach Forum (in education section) includes pages for educators, students, scientists, community groups and the public. http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/ Topics: Astronomy, Geography Last updated Jul 24, 2002 Space Calendar
A directory of links to sites covering "astronomical and space-related activities and anniversaries for the coming year." Includes archive dating back to 2003. From NASA. http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/calendar/ Topics: Geography, Holidays and Observances Individually, Ready Reference & Quick Facts Last updated Oct 30, 2005 Spain, the United States, and the American Frontier: Historias Paralelas
Reflecting the different perspectives of Spain and the United States, this site contains material which documents the history of Spanish expansion in North America through the South, the Southwest, and north to Alaska. Digital collections of texts, manuscripts, letters, maps, prints, photographs, films, and early edition books can be viewed online. Available in English and Spanish, the site is a collaboration of the Library of Congress and The National Library of Spain. http://international.loc.gov/intldl/eshtml/ Topics: Geography, History, History By Place, Photograph Collections: Regional, Photograph Collections: Regional: United States Last updated Feb 12, 2003 Surveyors of the American West
This New York Public Library virtual exhibit highlights America's westward expansion through the photographs and searchable notes of photographer William Henry Jackson and of civil/mining engineer Robert Brewster Stanton. Three months of Jackson's diary entries made during the summer of 1869 along with many large format images and stereoscopic views are on display. Four volumes of Stanton's notes and selected photographs taken during two expeditions surveying the canyons along the Colorado River from 1889 to 1890 are also featured. http://digital.nypl.org/surveyors/ Topics: Geography, Geology, History, Nonfiction by Genre, Photograph Collections, Photograph Collections: History, Photograph Collections: Regional: United States, Technology, United States History Last updated Aug 24, 2004 Vikings: the North Atlantic Saga
A site about the Scandinavian discovery of North America over 1000 years ago. "Presented through a spectacular array of artifacts and archeological finds, the exhibit explores a previously unknown chapter in the history of North America." View the voyage in standard or enhanced versions. Sections for points along the journey include Archaeology, Sagas, Environment, and History. From the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. http://www.mnh.si.edu/vikings/ Topics: Geography, History Last updated Mar 16, 2002 Virtual Exploration Society
Information about several explorers and expeditions. It includes Colonel Percy Fawcett, who charted the wilderness of South America; Matthew Henson, Peary's partner in reaching the North Pole; Amelia Earhart's last flight; Howard Carter and his finding of King Tut's tomb; Dian Fossey's study of gorillas; and others. From the online Museum of Unnatural History . http://www.unmuseum.mus.pa.us/ves.htm Topics: Geography, History Last updated Aug 9, 2006 Virtual Museum of New France
This site is devoted to French exploration and settlement in North America. Includes biographies of the explorers; special exhibitions and collections; articles about fur traders, trappers, and settlers; and historical places to visit. Also available in French. Sponsored by the Canadian Museum of Civilization. http://www.civilization.ca/cmc/explore/virtual-museum-of-new-france Topics: Geography, History Last updated Jun 24, 2009 Web de Anza
This site "provides students and scholars with primary source documents and multimedia resources covering Juan Bautista de Anza's two overland expeditions from the Sonoran desert to northern California, leading to the colonization of San Francisco in 1776." Includes maps, pictures, timelines, the text of the diaries of de Anza and the Franciscan friars who were with him, biographies of key figures, a bibliography, and more. From the University of Oregon. http://anza.uoregon.edu/ Topics: Geography, History, Nonfiction by Genre Last updated Mar 21, 2006 |
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