Sciences

Good general science information can be found in either of the two encyclopedias listed here, and on the BBC website.  Included on this page is a link to the Opposing Viewpoints database, which investigates some topical science issues, and includes magazine, journal and newspaper articles, and primary source material.  If you are looking for current information from magazines or newspapers, then the Ebsco database is also a useful resource. Selected websites with more specific information are also listed below.

Please note: links with a lock icon next to them () are to databases that any of our library members can use – you will be asked to type in your library barcode and PIN - if you don't know your PIN just Ask Us!

 

Encyclopedias

•  World Book Online - excellent general knowledge starting point, good illustrations, maps, etc, current affairs
•  Encyclopedia Britannica Online - 32 volume encyclopedia includes junior and student editions, excellent general knowledge starting point, good illustrations, maps, etc, current affairs

 

Magazines

•  EBSCO general news and magazines - thousands of full-text newspapers and general/specialist magazine articles, including many NZ and Australian

 

General Science

• BBC Science & Nature - Learn and have fun - lots of interactive games - chemistry, biology, physics – revision and tests
•  Opposing Viewpoints in Context - information and contrasting opinions on today's hottest issues   
• Discovery Education - science homework help
• ABC Science  - the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's online gateway to science.

 

Biology

• Sparknotes - Biology - study guides
• Biotechnology Learning Hub - up-to-date examples of biotechnology in NZ, with classroom activities, worksheets and teaching resources
• Biotechnology Online - balanced up-to-date information, designed to meet the Australian curriculum
• Online Biology Book - has diagrams and illustrations on many biology topics
• DNA from the beginning - an animated primer on the basics of DNA, genes and heredity

 

Chemistry

• Sparknotes - Chemistry - study guides
• Periodic table - explore the chemistry of each element

 

Physics

• Sparknotes - Physics - study guides

 

New Zealand

• Biosecurity New Zealand  - MAF Biosecurity is the leader in NZ biosecurity, with information on animal welfare, imports, pests and diseases, and the latest news in biosecurity
• Department of Conservation - flora and Fauna of NZ
• Landcare research - animal and plant pests, native plants
• Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry - info on all things rural - animals, horticulture, forestry and heaps more
• NIWA Science  - info on NZ water and ocean environments; weather and climate; natural hazards; atmosphere and climate change
• New Zealand Science Learning Hub - resources developed by educators for school years 5-10, linked to the science curriculum. Once you've chosen a context, click on "Learn more" and use the "Related Content" panel on the right (see Biotechnology Learning Hub too)
• Science New Zealand - represents the eight Crown Research Institutes advancing ideas and latest news
• Starfish - NZ Ministry of Fisheries resource for students and teachers. Includes history, current fishing methods and marketing, fish identification - check out the fact sheets