Website Review: A Digital Volcano

A DIGITAL VOLCANO is an interactive website exploring an active volcano in Nicaragua.

Sponsored by General Electric, this immersive online volcanic expedition tells the story of how GE scientists learn about extreme environments and apply the data to real-world projects. Users scroll through a series of interactive screens containing amazing images and video footage. Along the way, users learn about how scientists are using big machines and data to identify issues related to power and our planet. The project explores the first steps in designing predictive systems for the natural world.

Librarians will find this interactive website to be useful in helping students bridge the science curriculum with real-world science projects.

To visit the website, go to https://www.ge.com/digitalvolcano/.

Website Review: Global Volcanism Program

THE GLOBAL VOLCANISM PROGRAM from the Smithsonian Institution contains valuable resources about volcano science from around the world.

The website is divided into sections titled Reports, Databases, Learn, Research, and Information.

The Reports section provides weekly reports of recent volcano activity from around the world. These activity reports can be viewed through an interactive map. The Bulletin of the Global Volcanism Network contains reports since 1968.

The Database section allows users to search for specific volcanoes or eruptions. Information is also available in list or spreadsheet forms.

The Learn section provides lots of resources for educators including links to YouTube videos, a gallery of terms and photos, and links to maps and other information.

The Research section details the petrology and volcanology projects currently connected with the Smithsonian including online exhibits and collections.

Librarians will find this to be an easy-to-use website for information about specific volcanoes and eruptions. It’s also an effective way to show students the real-world work of scientists.

To learn more, go to http://volcano.si.edu/.