ThinkQuest Internet Challenge Winners 1998

Science & Mathematics


The Soundry

This excellent web site explains what sound is and how humans perceive it through the ear. Take an interactive journey through the human ear to see how the ear collects and interprets sound. Use the SoundScene applet to organize a scene to help you understand Auditory Scene Analysis. In the Sound Lab you can see and hear sounds and their effects--c… More

Arts & Literature


Totally Tessellated: An Introduction to Tessellations

What is a tessellation? A tessellation is any repeating pattern of interlocking shapes. M.C. Escher made this art form famous. This site gives students a comprehensive introduction to tessellations and explains the basic math that is used in creating them. So enter Totally Tessellated to learn, create, explore, and have fun! Languages: English. More


Science & Mathematics


Dolphins- The Oracles of the Sea

Dolphins are as intelligent as a human being. Or are they? Find out the truth as you explore this well-researched and excellent site on the different species of oceanic dolphins, various small toothed whales (they are closer to dolphins than whales), and river dolphins. The site includes evolution, taxonomy, anatomy, behavior, and more. There are w… More


Social Sciences


The Hidden Killers: Deadly Viruses

Learn all about the basics of viruses, their evolutionary history, their discovery, what vaccines have been developed, and how they may evolve in the future. Find out how viruses infect and how you can prevent infection. Examine profiles of diseases caused by viruses: polio, measles, AIDs, ebola, smallpox, and more. The threat of military and terro… More




The Cuban Experience

This site allows you to experience Cuba without actually traveling to this hard-to-visit country. This site includes an in-depth tour and presents information on culture, history, politics, people, places, and current events. Basic information such as: population, life expectancy, religions, presidents, and major industries are also included. Langu… More


Interdisciplinary


Volcanoes Online

This beautifully-designed site offers an encyclopedic look at plate tectonics and volcanoes around the world. After you've explored and learned all about subduction of the earth's plates, pahoehoe lava, and famous volcanoes, try the Save the Village game. Every correct answer saves 800 more people! The site is available in English and Dutch. More

Science & Mathematics


Conceiving a Clone

Trace cloning technology from its beginnings to today's exciting biotechnology developments. Learn about techniques for "conceiving a clone." But not everyone agrees on the answers to the ethical and moral questions raised by this biological tinkering. Should humans be cloned? Join the discussion and let your views be known! Discover what countries… More


Social Sciences


Tae Kwon-Do - The Dream Becomes Reality

Did you know that Tae-Kwon-Do is a self-defense system characterized by extremely high kicks? It is also one of the newest sports of the Summer Olympics. This excellent site is for all sports enthusiasts who are interested in learning not only Tae-Kwon-Do moves, but also the history and philosophy of this beautiful sport. Following the Tae-Kwon-Do … More




Electric Snow: TV in our time

This is a serious look at the influence television plays in our lives. The web site provides examples that we all recognize, lesson plans for the teachers, interviews with authorities, and a dual language choice between English and Swedish. The Rating System, Advertising, Entertainment, Information, and Regulation are just a few of the TV topics co… More


Interdisciplinary


The Living Africa

This is an excellent educational site on the continent of Africa that teaches students about the people, the land, and the wildlife. There are too many topics to list, but not only can you go on a virtual safari, you can also send electronic post cards to friends, explore the Living Atlas, and take the Wildlife Conservation Challenge. More

Arts & Literature


Music Magic: A Piano Exploration

Your piano teacher has arrived! No, your mentor is not a little old lady, but a web site that provides online piano lessons by employing a Java keyboard. You can play with the click of a mouse. Endless interactive features allow you to step into the virtual concert hall, organize your practice sessions, or play a variety of musical games. This is a… More


Science & Mathematics


Designer Genes

Learn about genetics in a nontechnical way. Biotechnology, DNA, and the controversial topic of cloning are discussed. An interactive poll allows you to submit your opinions on some of these topics. Learn about the history of genetics by reading more about prominent people in the field. An online homework helper lets you submit questions and get hel… More


Social Sciences


Nicaragua: In Perspective -- History, Culture, Politics, Economics

Planning a trip to Nicaragua? Before going, check out this extensive site. This excellent web site has something for everyone: maps, tips about hotels, currency, economics, history, politics, poetry, music, recipes, and more. You can develop a real feeling for the country when you visit this web page. Besides English, information from this site is … More


Sports & Health


Driving Under the Influence

Alcohol. Drugs. Cars. These things don't mix and this site has the death and injury statistics to prove it. Learn about the problem and what can done about it. Although you may know you should never get into a car whose driver has been drinking, what do you say to your friend or relative? This site offers suggestions, and the most important one is … More


Interdisciplinary


Death: An Inquiry Into Man's Mortal Weakness

The three categories dealt with are the causes of death, coping with death, and the afterlife. This web site is very interesting because each category is broken down into the social sciences, philosophy, science, and art and literature. Interviews with those who deal with death on a daily basis offer an unusual look at this subject. Even though the… More

Arts & Literature


A Reminiscence Of The Nineties

In this entry, three teenagers relive major events of the nineties and describe them in their own words. The Death of Princess Diana in 1997 is the first topic, followed by the Hong Kong Handover, Asian Financial Crisis, Gulf War, Nuclear Tests, Internet Growth, and Comet Collision. An Interactive section allows you to chat, vote for the event you … More


Science & Mathematics


Learn Programming with Logo

With the help of a very smart turtle you can learn Logo, a computer language. Learn about loops, parameters, and stars as you learn to draw with a computer. A special guide for teachers instructs them on using the lessons in a classroom setting. Once you have learned to use Logo, enter the online contest and show off your knowledge. This site is in… More


Social Sciences


Alternative Medicine Online

You may be familiar with traditional Western health care and medicine, but Alternative medicine and therapies are gaining in popularity. They include acupuncture, ayurvedic medicine, aromatherapy, herbal medicine, homeopathy, massage, crystals, and many more. Each therapy is described in detail and further Internet and other resources are suggested… More




World War II: The Homefront

Take a simulation that follows a typical American family through a school year during WW II. While this site doesn't give in-depth reasons for the war, it does cover day-to-day life and period culture, such as television, movies, and toys. The pictorial timeline is thorough, covering events that led to the war right up through the defeat of Japan.… More


Interdisciplinary


Views on Cloning and Genetic Engineering: Improving on Nature or Popping the Genie’s Cork?

This web site provides information on the controversial issue of genetic cloning. The site explains what cloning is by focusing on the birth of Dolly, the lamb that was cloned by Scottish scientists in 1997. The site explains the cell and what scientists must do to clone it. Explore reactions to cloning from politicians, lawmakers, and scientists.… More

Arts & Literature


Music Notes: An Interactive Musical Experience

This interactive, online musical experience puts the world of music at your fingertips. Theory, History, Styles, Professions, and Instruments are explained fully. Learn about note reading and chords, and explore historical information spanning from Medieval times to the present. The section on Music Styles is very in-depth and gives the definition … More


Science & Mathematics


Energy Matters

Have you ever thought about how important energy is? Do you know where it comes from? How many types of energy are available and which is best? At this site you can read about fossil fuels--coal, wood, oil and natural gas--or learn the difference between nuclear fission and fusion. Solar, wind, and geothermal are also covered. Play a simulation gam… More


Social Sciences


Health Careers Resource Center

Great site for high schoolers thinking of a career in medicine. This web site could also be an excellent asset to science or history class because of its history of medical careers. The section on Healthcare Career Information gives an alphabetical career listing, an Interactive Career Finder, and Medical career Clusters. Pursuing Your Healthcare C… More


Interdisciplinary


La Casa de Comida

Need a cure for the hiccups? Ever wonder what makes our stomachs "growl"? These and more questions about food and digestion can be answered at this web site for elementary students. You'll also find a guide to eating right that contains recipes and descriptions of healthy food. See how nutrients in food help our bodies function, then take a closer … More

    Sponsored By : Microsoft

Science & Mathematics


Learn Programming with Logo

With the help of a very smart turtle you can learn Logo, a computer language. Learn about loops, parameters, and stars as you learn to draw with a computer. A special guide for teachers instructs them on using the lessons in a classroom setting. Once you have learned to use Logo, enter the online contest and show off your knowledge. This site is in… More

    Sponsored By : Microsoft

Science & Mathematics


The Soundry

This excellent web site explains what sound is and how humans perceive it through the ear. Take an interactive journey through the human ear to see how the ear collects and interprets sound. Use the SoundScene applet to organize a scene to help you understand Auditory Scene Analysis. In the Sound Lab you can see and hear sounds and their effects--c… More

    Sponsored By : Microsoft

Sports & Health


Driving Under the Influence

Alcohol. Drugs. Cars. These things don't mix and this site has the death and injury statistics to prove it. Learn about the problem and what can done about it. Although you may know you should never get into a car whose driver has been drinking, what do you say to your friend or relative? This site offers suggestions, and the most important one is … More