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Resource reviews are provided for teachers to support their teaching and learning programs.
The views expressed by reviewers are not necessarily those of the NSW Department of Education and Training. Copyright for reviews is held by the NSW Department of Education and Training. Permission for reproduction of reviews in part or full for any purpose must be sought in writing. For further information contact colleen.foley@det.nsw.edu.au
Sites are listed alphabetically by title. Those reviews which note links to other sites, especially as a major part of the site, will require additional exploration time by teachers to verify specific curriculum applications relevant to their classes. The USER LEVEL descriptor, Professional, is a pertinent reminder of such issues. Please note that changes happen daily on the Internet. Sites come and go. We cannot guarantee that the following sites are permanent or are structured as they were when they were reviewed.
Aerospace, mechanical & mechatronic
engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of
Sydney
ASEE Engineering K12 Center: where to go for K-12 engineering education
ATSE - Views on technology strategy, development
and policy
The Bioengineering Group, Inc. home
page
Donan Engineering Co.: forensic engineering & fire investigation
The Exploratorium’s science of cycling
Fibre optics and telecommunications - Key
text
Flying pig gallery
The great buildings collection
How bridges work
HowStuffWorks
Introduction to biomaterials properties
database
IT and Internet issues
MatWeb, the online materials information
resource
NAWIC
NEEDS: a digital library for engineering education
Physclips: a multi level, multi-media resource
Tall buildings
TSA the meeting place for telecommunications
professionals
Virtual laboratory
Zoom: engineer your career in
manufacturing
Zoom2: aerospace careers
Aerospace, mechanical & mechatronic
engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of
Sydney
The University of Sydney’s School of Aerospace, Mechanical
and Mechatronic Engineering provides an excellent introduction to
the scope of this field. Welcome offers a comprehensive
explanation of facilities available, academic opportunities and
the scope of the profession of aeronautical engineering.
Research contains detailed photographs of the flight
simulator developed at the school with clear exposure of the
hydraulics used to manipulate it. Diagrams of the test facility
with mouse over explanations are an excellent source of
information about the function of the equipment. Students and
teachers of Aeronautical engineering in Engineering
Studies will find this site very useful. P. Thompson
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS; VOC ED
SYLLABUS: Engineering Studies Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Aeronautics
KEYWORDS: Aerodynamics; aeronautics; aerospace; aircraft
design; aircraft propulsion; flight mechanics; mechatronic
engineering
PUBLISHER: University of Sydney
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 [629.13] SCIS 1081606
ASEE Engineering K12 Center: where to go for K-12 engineering education 
It is great to see a site that demonstrates the diversity of study and practice options in engineering. Careers are explained in
The engineering alphabet.Careers advisors can benefit from the site as it has downloadable pamphlets on the various fields of engineering and possible career paths. Students will be able to determine whether engineering studies are right for them by taking a series of online quizzes which ask questions about the way they think and learn. Teachers can access a large library of lesson activities and web resources to produce lessons that promote problem solving and teamwork in pairs or large groups. B. Maher
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Design & Technology 7-10; Engineering Studies Stage 6; Industrial Technology Stage 6; Technology (Mandatory) 7-8
SCIS SUBJECTS: Engineering; Engineering - Study and teaching
PUBLISHER: American Society for Engineering Education
REVIEW DATE: 16/07/07 [620.007] SCIS 1212844
ATSE - Views on
technology strategy, development and policy
ATSE was formed to foster a broad understanding of scientific and
engineering knowledge in Australia, this detailed and easily
navigable site provides a forum to disseminate information by way
of recent papers, workshop activities and discussion boards. The
section History of technology in Australia - 1788-1988 offers valuable
material for projects relating to the innovation and technological development
that took place in Australia in the first two hundred years of European settlement.
The site is regularly updated and displays the topic, in hypertext, for the
latest papers presented at the Academy. This site is relevant to
course work relating to the social, environmental and cultural
implications of technological change in engineering. B. Tom
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Computing Studies 7-10; Design & Technology
Stage 6; Engineering Studies Stage 6; Industrial Technology Stage
6; Information Processing & Technology Stage 6; Software
Design & Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Engineering; Technology
KEYWORDS: History; science; sustainable development
PUBLISHER: Australian Academy of Technological Science and
Engineering
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 SCIS 1045539
The
Bioengineering Group, Inc. home page
Covering pond, stream, stormwater and wetland management in urban
landscapes and parks, this site demonstrates how something as
apparently simple as a stream is very complex upon analysis, and
requires the work of many experts, such as engineers, scientists,
and ecologists, in its management. The nature and range of work
done is clearly evident and this gives a good indication of the
scope of the profession. It is well worth visiting this site as
it could be used as a resource in writing an engineering report.
C. Williams
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: TAS; VOC ED
SYLLABUS: Engineering Studies Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Erosion; Water resources; Wetlands
KEYWORDS: Bioengineering; management; restoration
PUBLISHER: The Bioengineering Group, Inc., USA
REVIEW DATE: 21/12/00 SCIS 1031721
Donan Engineering Co.: forensic engineering & fire investigation
This family owned company founded in 1947 provides full service forensic engineering and fire investigation services. Information on the website investigates various forms of engineering such as civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, industrial, environmental, geotechnical, and vehicle accident reconstruction. It looks at structural analysis, construction defects, mechanical failures and equipment failures in detail. Senior students would benefit from information found in this site when looking at problems and standards relating to design and structural engineering. The website is easy to navigate and contains multiple pages detailing different aspects of engineering. It includes coloured graphics, links to career opportunities within the company and a mail in service for component testing. The site is useful for students investigating engineering firms and what engineering is all about. A. Parnis
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Engineering Studies 7–10; Engineering Studies Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Accidents; Accidents – Research; Donan Engineering; Engineering industry – United States; Investigation
PUBLISHER: Donan Engineering, USA
REVIEW DATE: 01/07/09 [338.7] SCIS 1407677
The
Exploratorium’s science of cycling
The second in a series of three planned sports science resources, this is a
large website, with over 20 pages in six main sections. It has 20 audio and
video clips, interactive javascripts, and lots of images. Easy to navigate,
the website provides a detailed look at Drives and gears,
the design and mechanics behind Frames and materials, Braking
and steering development
and design, and Aerodynamics and Human power.
This website provides an interesting and informative look at the specific design
of a product and its development over time. A. Parnis
USER LEVEL: Stage
4 Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: CA; Science; TAS
SYLLABUS: Design & Technology 7–10; Design & Technology
Stage 6; Engineering Studies Stage 6; Science 7–10; Visual Design 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Bicycles and cycling
PUBLISHER: Exploratorium,
USA
REVIEW DATE: 26/05/06 [796.6015] SCIS
1248439
Fibre optics and telecommunications - Key
text
An extensive Australian site that provides detailed and easily
accessible activities using fibre optics, it outlines the
achievements by three notable Australian scientists who were
awarded The Australia Prize for 1997. It is a useful site for
educators planning practical activities in their lessons when
addressing the topics ofOPtical fibres, Digital
communication and Binary numbers. The activities
highlight how light behaves when sent through a long fibre; what
sort of physical equipment is needed to make it work; and how
flashes of light can be made to carry a message. Hypertext links
to a glossary are available for those students who want further
information. B. Tom
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Computing Studies 7-10; Engineering Studies
Stage 6; Information Processes & Technology Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Optics; Telecommunications
KEYWORDS: Fibre optics; lasers; telecommunications
PUBLISHER: Australian Academy of Science
AUTHOR: Richard Upton
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 SCIS 1045355
Flying pig
gallery
Animated cardboard models may be purchased through this site. The
models are constructed easily, using a sharp knife, scissors, and
glue. Each model investigates a mechanism, and the completed
models work! The site includes some downloadable free samples.
This site would provide inspiration to teachers and students
investigating mechanical systems. Of equal value are the pages
explicitly dealing with mechanisms. Simple animations show the
workings of Cams, Levers, Linkages, Ratchets, Crank slider,
and Gears. These are
colourful and informative, with excellent descriptions and
explanations. P. Thompson, R. Thompson
USER LEVEL: Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: ST; TAS
SYLLABUS: Design & Technology 7-10; Industrial
Technology Stage 6; Engineering Studies Stage 6; Science &
Technology K-6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Gearing; Mechanics; Models and model
making
KEYWORDS: Gallery; gears; mechanisms; pulleys
PUBLISHER: Flying Pig Company, UK
AUTHOR: Rob Ives
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04
The great
buildings collection
Eight hundred of
the world’s best ancient and modern structures are shown on
this large and visually appealing site. Each building has a
detailed description, multiple images, and analysis of
construction that provides information as to why and how these
building were designed and created. Insight into the innovation
and history of the built environment is enhanced by extensive and
well written profiles of Architects,
Places, and descriptions of
Architectural types. Some buildings are further
described in 3D models, and the site has links
to the program required to view the models. Research into
architectural styles, design processes, construction materials,
and historical structures, are some of many activities that
students could undertake within this inspiring site. B.
Maher
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5
Stage 6 Professional
KLA: HSIE; TAS
SYLLABUS: Ancient History Stage
6; Design & Technology 7–10; Engineering Studies Stage
6; History 7–10; Modern History Stage 6; Technology
(Mandatory) 7–8
PUBLISHER: Artifice, USA
REVIEW DATE: 16/03/05 [720]
SCIS 1158372
How bridges work
The site takes an in-depth look at the three major types of bridges: the beam bridge, the arch bridge and the suspension bridge. It clearly and engagingly shows the forces dealt with in bridge design, construction and operation. The introductory page contains a video explaining the basics of how a drawbridge works. Other pages contain diagrams and images illustrating aspects of bridge design, engineering articles and video clips of related topics. The site’s explanations and visuals are particularly suited to Engineering Studies. Current information and data is also relevant for Physics. A. Parnis
USER LEVEL: Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: Science; TAS
SYLLABUS: Engineering Studies Stage 6; Physics Stage 6; Science 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Bridges
PUBLISHER: HowStuffWorks.com, USA
REVIEW DATE: 17/12/07 [624.2] SCIS 1198915
HowStuffWorks
Working like an Internet search engine (but only within their own
server), this fascinating site allows users to locate information
on: how virtually any object with moving parts works; and the
meaning of commonly used terms, phrases or customs. A keyword
search facility and a range of categories help users to locate
information. Hyperlinked words within the fact sheets lead to
additional diagrams and text for further understanding and
exploration. The direct, conversational language may appeal to
students. Discussing the author’s view of the audience, and
clarifying American expressions could be helpful activities.
Answers to related questions tend to be specific to America.
Students requiring additional literacy support may find this a
challenging site for independent research. This could be
addressed, for example, by clearly focussed use of the site,
structured group work, peer tutoring, and specific strategies to
assist students to read the often dense text. Devices as diverse
as toilets, computers, smoke detectors, planes and telephones are
explained using simple scientific concepts, through text and
diagrams, making this site applicable to the prescribed focus
area Applications and uses of science of the Science
Stages 4 -5 syllabus, and to several topics in the Physics: Stage 6 syllabus.
S. Bremner, K. Heap, J. Morgan
USER LEVEL: Stage 3 Stage 4 Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: Science; ST; TAS
SYLLABUS: Computing Studies 7-10; Design & Technology
7-10; Design & Technology Stage 6; Engineering Studies Stage
6; Food Technology Stage 6; Industrial Technology Stage 6;
Physics Stage 6; Science & Technology K-6; Science 7-10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Inventions; Technology
KEYWORDS: Machines; physics; science
PUBLISHER: Howstuffworks.com Inc. USA
AUTHOR: BRAIN, Marshall
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04
Introduction to biomaterials properties
database
An extensive collection of online information charts about
materials used in dental bioengineering, this site is a useful
supplement to the Engineering Studies: Stage 6 syllabus.
Students could investigate properties such as: Bond strength
between restorative materials and tooth structure; Brinell
hardness; coefficients of friction; dynamic and elastic modulus; Ultimate tensile strength (UTS);
and many more. The amount of information is staggering; and provides an excellent
resource for calculations of stress and strain. Application of
materials’ properties to engineering design can be
realistically followed. In many cases, both imperial and metric
units are given, and numerous common metals and alloys are shown.
The charts are relevant to other fields of bioengineering and
engineering in general. P. Thompson
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Engineering Studies Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Biotechnology; Dentistry
KEYWORDS: Bioengineering; Brinell; dentistry; engineering;
ultimate tensile strength; UTS
PUBLISHER: University of Michigan & Quintessence
Publishing, USA
AUTHOR: Dr. William J. O'Brien
REVIEW DATE: 23/3/01 SCIS 1036113
IT and Internet issues
A page on the Australian Privacy Commission site, it provides a
legal perspective on issues dealing with Information technology
and the Internet. A link of particular interest within this page
is, Protecting your privacy on the Internet. This offers
informal discussions aimed at promoting awareness of the issues
regarding the impact of the Internet on the privacy of
individuals. The whole site, which is continually updated,
presents a collection of papers presenting relevant, thought
provoking information in the areas of Privacy Act and other laws
The site is extensive, easy to read and understand, and offers
ease of navigation throughout. B. Tom
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Computing Studies 7-10; Design & Technology
Stage 6; Engineering Studies Stage 6; Industrial Technology Stage
6; Information Processing & Technology Stage 6; Software
Design & Development Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Privacy
KEYWORDS: Information technology; internet; privacy
PUBLISHER: Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission,
Australia
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 SCIS 1045482
MatWeb, the online
materials information resource
Covering a wide range of natural and synthetic materials, this is
a huge collection of information about the physical and chemical
properties of materials. Users are able to search for materials
by: name; property; colour; metal composition; trade name; or
manufacturer. For example, one could search for a strong,
green non conductor. Search strategies provides tips on how
to use MatWeb most efficiently. The range of polymer based
materials alone is staggering, and will provide Engineering
Studies: Stage 6 syllabus students and teachers with a wealth
of facts to use in the analysis of products. P. Thompson
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Engineering Studies Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Engineering; Materials
KEYWORDS: Hardness; material; metal; plastic; polymer;
strength
PUBLISHER: Automation Creations, Inc ., USA
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04 SCIS 1036120
NAWIC
With a
broad membership base of construction related occupations, this
inspiring green and purple site has high school relevance beyond
VET. In particular, UNSW scholarship in
News showcases the well written
Martha’s essay; written by a university
scholarship winner, it clearly describes the writer’s
motivation and self recognition of skills in Year 9, and her
pathway away from the traditional female work models. Designed to
improve building skills and knowledge, and to inform women of
News and industry developments, the site
describes tertiary study options, awards, and emphasises the
positive role models of women in construction. A
Forum is available to subscribers, and
information about this can be found in Members
only. The NSW/ACT chapter does not make
its newsletters freely available, but
Newsletters from other states are available
online. C. Thomas
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS; VOC ED
SYLLABUS: Construction Stage 6; Engineering
Studies Stage 6; Industrial Technology 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Building Industry –
Careers; Women – Employment
PUBLISHER: NAWIC, Australia
REVIEW DATE: 16/03/05 [690] SCIS 1187336
NEEDS: a digital library for engineering education
Engineering students and teachers will appreciate this digital library of online learning materials. The site is a useful portal for a comprehensive collection of resources in engineering and related areas of science and mathematics. Search allows for easy navigation through the index and a comprehensive search page includes drop down menus to help refine the desired criteria. A search on projects leads to many different projects related to engineering. About NEEDS has some relevant Publications and an interesting section in Current projects on the important topic of Gender equity. Communitylinks to engineering pathways. Many areas in computing, science and engineering education are covered by the articles linked to this site. A. Parnis
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Design & Technology Stage 6; Engineering Studies Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Engineering - Education
PUBLISHER: NEEDS, USA
REVIEW DATE: 16/07/07 [620.007] SCIS 1308349
Physclips: a multi level, multi-media resource
A multimedia introduction to mechanics and areas of electricity and magnetism, this site covers the syllabus of an introductory university course. Covering much of the material taught in high school physics courses, Physclips works at three levels, elements, introductory presentations and supporting pages. The website contains film clips, animations, still photos, montages and diagrams ofdemonstrations that are typically performed in classrooms and some simple lab experiments. In Introduction, topics such as Newton’s laws and Gravity are clearly explained in short videos that introduce, develop and illustrate important points. There are hyperlinks to supporting web pages for more in-depth information. A. Parnis
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: Science; TAS
SYLLABUS: Engineering Studies Stage 6; Physics Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Dynamics; Electricity; Magnetism; Mechanics
PUBLISHER: School of Physics, University of New South Wales
REVIEW DATE: 24/04/09 [531] SCIS 1407892
Tall buildings
Thewebsite of a 2004 exhibition takes a look at 25 of the world’s tallest buildings, such as the new World Trade Centre, London Bridge Tower, Jin Mao and the New York Times HQ. Information for each includes the architect, design and floor plans, images, material structure and history. The site is easily navigated with Flash animations giving construction and contextual detail. As well as individual pages for each building, the website allows for comparison of the buildings in regard to their height, geographic location, program distribution and total area. Students of design, engineering and architecture would benefit from using this site when looking at building designs. A. Parnis
USER LEVEL: Stage 6
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Design & Technology Stage 6; Engineering Studies Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Skyscrapers - Design and construction
PUBLISHER: Museum of Modern Art, USA
REVIEW DATE: 17/12/07 [720] SCIS 1313505
TSA the meeting place for
telecommunications professionals
Professionals within the telecommunications industry are the
intended audience for this site. Students and teachers of the Engineering Studies: Stage 6 syllabus HSC
focus Module 2: Telecommunications engineering, will find the links
to companies and organisations within the telecommunications
industry most useful. Telecommunications Journal gives a
full text article on a different topic in each quarterly. An
index, back to 1935, is provided for those who may like to order
past publications. The lack of graphics on the site may reduce
its appeal. D. Jackson
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6 Professional
KLA: TAS
SYLLABUS: Engineering Studies Stage 6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Telecommunications
KEYWORDS: Bandwidth; information technology; Internet;
radio spectrum; telecommunications
PUBLISHER: Telecommunication Society of Australia
REVIEW DATE: 10/11/03 [621.382] SCIS 1086215
Virtual laboratory
This virtual laboratory is a series of interactive tasks aimed at
beginning university students, emphasising experimentation and
problem solving. The most useful experiments for the Physics:
Stage 6 syllabus include: a Diffusion simulator; Drilling for oil; Bridge designer;
and Sound propagation. Although the simulations require a high
skill level, they will allow students to address the computer
simulation requirements of the syllabus. The site would also be a
resource for the Engineering Studies: Stage 6 syllabus ,
with experiments such as controlling a two segment robotic
arm. J. Morgan
USER LEVEL: Stage 6 Professional
KLA: Science; TAS
SYLLABUS: Engineering Studies Stage 6; Physics Stage
6
SCIS SUBJECTS: Physics - Experiments; Engineering -
Experiments
KEYWORDS: Forces; laboratory; simulations; virtual
PUBLISHER: Johns Hopkins University, USA
REVIEW DATE: 10/5/04
Zoom : engineer your career in
manufacturing
The Australian Industry Group
promotes the work skills of its largest sector membership with
this innovative and easy to navigate web site. On a wheel of
choices, Careers and Interests
provide users with information to help them identify their skills
and then narrow general career ideas into Jobs ,
including complex technological work and practical engineering.
Each is given a short description, with links for researchers to
follow. Information includes job descriptions, training options,
and current wage rates. The site is straightforward and
purposeful, and is not without a sense of humour, as opening
Flowers will show. E. Kesby
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: TAS; VOC ED
SYLLABUS: CEC Electrotechnology Stage 6; CEC
Work Studies Stage 6; Design & Technology 7–10; Design
& Technology Stage 6; Engineering Studies Stage 6; Industrial
Technology Stage 6; Metal & Engineering Stage 6; Work
Education 7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS: Engineering – Careers;
Manufacturing processes – Careers; Vocational
guidance
PUBLISHER: Australian
Industry Group
REVIEW DATE: 16/03/05 [670.23] SCIS 1092013
Zoom2 : aerospace
careers
A written introduction from a Captain
welcoming us aboard this web site is a friendly touch that is
echoed in the site’s style and content. Flying graphics
over an aerial shot of an airport facility form an entry platform
into six areas of employment. The site covers work in
Terminal services, Aircrew, and
Training, and the more technical choices of
Avionics, Mechanical
maintenance, and Structural
maintenance. The site suits careers browsers rather than
those seeking solid information. Adequate job descriptions are
given in an informal tone, but specifics, such as wage and
training information, are not provided. E. Kesby
USER LEVEL: Stage 5 Stage 6
KLA: VOC ED
SYLLABUS: CEC Electrotechnology Stage 6; CEC
Work Studies Stage 6; Engineering Studies Stage 6; Industrial
Technology Stage 6; Metal & Engineering Stage 6; Tourism
& Hospitality Stage 6; Work Education
7–10
SCIS SUBJECTS:
Aeronautics, Commercial – Careers
PUBLISHER: Australian Industry Group
REVIEW DATE: 16/03/05 [387.7] SCIS 1183854
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