500 Women Scientists

500 WOMEN SCIENTISTS is an online project focusing on women scientists.

This online database contains information and resources about female scientists from around the world. The resource also includes ideas and resources for building leaders. In addition, users can locate female scientists across the globe.

To learn more, go to https://500womenscientists.org/

Website Review: BugGuide

BUGGUIDE is a website focusing on insects, spiders, and related creatures.

This online community of naturalists shares information about creatures originating in the US and Canada. The website provides identification, images, and information. Users can click on a guide of interest or request help with identifying a specimen. A forum provides opportunities for interaction.

Librarians will find this website a useful tool for science students. Whether identifying creatures or discussing the benefits of niche, online communities, this science-based website is a useful resource.

To visit the website, go to https://bugguide.net.

Technology Review: How Stuff Works

HOWSTUFFWORKS is both a website and app that shares information about how the world works.

Website users can either search the database of articles or go directly to topics of interest such as animals, culture, entertainment, or health. The short articles generally include a photograph along with content. Suggested readings are also provided. Unfortunately, the advertising may be distracting for students.

The app includes articles, videos, podcasts, quizzes and other elements found at the website in an easy-to-use format. With less advertising, students are less likely to get lost in unrelated content.

Librarians will find this resource to be a popular quick reference. The resource provides short overviews of topics that can be woven into the curriculum. Pair the website with books on related topics.

To visit the website, go to http://www.howstuffworks.com/.
To download the app, go tohttps://itunes.apple.com/us/app/howstuffworks/id401986544

App Review: LeafSnap

LEAFSNAP is a comprehensive field guide app focusing on tree species and their leaves.

Developed by researchers at Columbia University, University of Maryland, and Smithsonian Institution, the free app includes high-resolution images of leaves, flowers, fruits, petioles, seeds, and bark to help with tree identification. An onscreen ruler, color guide, and leaf pattern legend is useful in leaf identification.

The Browse section allows users to search for a particular tree and organize trees by common or scientific name. Users can also switch among the leaf mode and other views.

Using location software and mapping tools, the app will identify trees in your area. However this feature is only effective in some areas.

Users can take photos of leaves and create their own database of leaf photos for quick reference. In addition, the app uses visual recognition software to help identify trees based on photographs of their leaves.

Librarians will find this app to be a great addition to their science app collection. Both iPhone and iPad versions are available.

To download the app, go to https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/leafsnap/id430649829?mt=8.