Science and technology

Databases

GreenFILE is a research database covering all aspects of human impact to the environment. Its collection of scholarly, government and general-interest titles includes content on global warming, green building, pollution, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, recycling and more.

Access:

In the library and at home with your library card.

MasterFILE Premier contains full text for nearly 1,700 periodicals in a broad range of disciplines, including general reference, business, health, education, general science, multicultural issues and more. This database contains 100,000 primary source documents and an image collection of more than 500,000 photos, maps and flags. MasterFILE also includes a collection of over 500 reference e-books on history, geography, science, biography, psychology and more.

Access:

In the library and at home with your library card.

O'Reilly for Public Libraries (previously Safari Books Online) offers resources for learning about business, technology, design, science, engineering, travel, hobbies, health and more. O'Reilly includes over 50,000 books from top publishers (including pre-release titles for the most up-to-date information), more than 30,000 hours of video content, case studies from top companies, learning paths and expert playlists.

O'Reilly for Public Libraries help

Access:

In the library and at home with your library card.

Recommended websites

Astronomy | Biology | Chemistry | Earth sciences | Engineering | Mathematics | Physics | Science magazines | Technology

Astronomy

An introductory web site for astronomy, Created in 1995 by NASA Astronomer Dr. Sten Odenwald

This government based astronomy and space site includes guides for navigating the night sky, watching eclipses and recommended sites for finding data like satellite images and sky charts. 

A weekly "skygazing" article by local astronomer Dr. Ken Tapping covering topics varying from planets, and the sun to constellations and updates on night sky activity to look forward to.

A comprehensive physics and astronomy online education, research and reference web site.

This site is dedicated to space and all space-related subjects. It focuses on news, information, education and entertainment.

Biology

Provides an introduction to biodiversity in British Columbia and a search engine for the two biogeographic atlases of the province, E-Flora BC and E-Fauna BC, to search for species, habitats, and authors.

A tutorial on the Linnaean system of classification used in the biological sciences.

GBIF is an open-data research site started in 1999 with the aim to provide freely accessible searchable biodiversity data and information about all types of life on Earth.

The international research effort to determine the DNA sequence of the entire human genome.

An online interactive resource for learning biology.

Chemistry

MSDS contain the proper procedures for handling or working with a particular substance. Includes physical data (melting point, boiling point, flash point etc.), toxicity, health effects, first aid, reactivity, storage, disposal, protective equipment, and spill/leak procedures.

An award-winning online periodic table, which includes a chemistry search engine, forums and blogs.

Earth sciences

Canada's premier agency for geoscientific information and research, with world-class expertise focusing on geoscience surveys, sustainable development of Canada's resources, environmental protection, and technology innovation.

Canada's premier agency for geoscientific information and research, with world-class expertise focusing on geoscience surveys, sustainable development of Canada's resources, environmental protection, and technology innovation.

A multi-disciplinary science organization that focuses on biology, geography, geology, geospatial information, and water. Dedicated to the timely, relevant, and impartial study of the landscape, our natural resources, and the natural hazards that threaten us.

Engineering

Archives of questions and answers students have sent to Dr. Math.

A Canadian resource for credible, up-to-date energy information. The website covers the Canadian energy system from the mainstays of oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear and hydropower through to solar, wind, thermal, biomass, geothermal and fuel cells.

An online resource and business for engineers contains an extensive engineering library and directories, and free online tools. Considered the engineers ultimate resource tool.

Engineering web site from the virtual library whose pages are widely recognized as being amongst the highest-quality guides to particular sections of the Web.

Mathematics

Includes biographies of over 1000 mathematicians throughout history.

Math learning tools, activities and more for pre-kindergarten through college.

A well organized math site that is a clearinghouse for new mathematical discoveries that are routinely contributed by researchers.

A free online scientific calculator. Includes help with standard functions, linear algebra, unit conversions and more.

Physics

Rated as 'best of the best' physics sites by the American Physical Society.

A high-quality comprehensive physics and astronomy online education, research and reference web site.

A news, views and information for the global physics community from Institute of Physics Publishing.

Science magazines

An award winning site of the magazine National Geographic, contains access to geographic knowledge and issues.

The place for locating scientific publications using an online catalogue made available by the federal science libraries. 

The oldest continuously published magazine in the U.S., has been bringing its readers unique insights about developments in science and technology for more than 150 years.

Technology

This website explains the manufacturing processes of a variety of items.

A great site to learn about how things work in the world around you.

The science projects & ideas are especially designed to be useful for both students, teachers and the entire family.

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