SCISConnections

Website reviews

Alexander McCall Smith

http://www.alexandermccallsmith.co.uk/Pages/Home.aspx
Official homepage of prolific Scottish author, Alexander McCall Smith. Although McCall Smith has written many children’s books, the site focuses on his adult books, including the Number 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, the 44 Scotland Street series and the Sunday Philosophy Club series.
SCIS No: 1402215

Designer Aboriginals

http://www.bronwynbancroft.com/index.html
Showcasing the stunning artwork and book illustrations of noted Aboriginal artist Bronwyn Bancroft, this website is suitable for use in primary and secondary schools. Subsections include a biography, exhibition details, selected paintings and comprehensive information regarding her book illustrations.
SCIS No: 1168026

Education – Australian Human Rights Commission

http://www.hreoc.gov.au/education/index.html
Education is a major role of the Australian Human Rights Commission and this is highlighted by the wide-ranging material available on this website. Students are catered for with resources explaining what human rights are, their origins, how these rights are protected by law and the relevance of human rights to their own lives.
SCIS No: 1402202

Elders Weather

http://www.eldersweather.com.au/
Geared to national and local weather forecasts, this website allows users to type in a postcode or town name to access current data, short-term and long-range forecasts, radar and satellite images, weather charts and climatic indicators. World weather information is also available.
SCIS No: 1402223

European Discovery and Colonisation of Australia

http://www.cultureandrecreation.gov.au/articles/australianhistory/
A wealth of material regarding the impact and significance of this period of Australian history is available from this Australian Government site. Students can browse authoritative texts, links, video footage, artworks and reflections on Australia by a selection of writers.
SCIS No: 1251391

Governor-General of New Zealand

http://www.gov-gen.govt.nz/
The official website of the Governor-General of New Zealand, the Honourable Anand Satyanand. Features include the role of the Governor-General, the Constitution of New Zealand, press releases, a picture tour of Government House and a variety of associated links.
SCIS No: 1402226

HeyJude

http://heyjude.wordpress.com/
Judy O’Connell, Head of Library and Information Services at St Joseph’s College, Hunters Hill, has created an absorbing and significant blog focusing on emerging Web 2.0 technologies and their consequences for schools, school libraries and teacher librarians. Links are available to O’Connell’s presentations, Web 2.0 toolkits, relevant publications and student resources.
SCIS No: 1402238

Interactives. The Rock Cycle

http://www.learner.org/interactives/rockcycle/
Students will enjoy exploring this interactive geology website which looks at the formation and characteristics of the three main types of rocks: sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous. Suitable for both senior primary and junior secondary students.
SCIS No: 1402248

Microscope Imaging Station

http://www.exploratorium.edu/imaging_station/index.php
Students have the opportunity to study the microscopic world by undertaking a virtual tour of the Microscope Imaging Station in San Francisco. Subjects include living things, human health and disease. Students are provided with high resolution images from research grade microscopes, background information and videos. A selection of teacher resources can be easily accessed.
SCIS No: 1329132

New and Recommended – Auckland City Libraries

http://www.aucklandcitylibraries.com/new-and-recommended.aspx
Auckland City Libraries has created an intriguing database of resources, including books, DVDs and music that have been recommended by their librarians or website members. Teacher librarians will enjoy browsing the librarian list.
SCIS No: 1402253

Philips – A Simple Switch

http://66.245.160.26/philips/asimpleswitch/
This award-winning website focuses on the impact that switching from regular incandescent bulbs to energy-saving compact fluorescent lamps has on climate change. The site encourages individuals to change and shows the benefit to the environment of that single change. The interactive software also shows the influence of multiple changes.
SCIS No: 1402267

Renewable energy sources

http://www.teachers.ash.org.au/jmresources/energy/renewable.html
Teacher librarian Jackie Miers has compiled an impressive collection of renewable energy links. The links are grouped into general renewable energy sites and specific sites relating to wind, solar and geothermal power, hydropower, biomass and ocean energy.
SCIS No: 1402271

Storylines

http://www.storylines.org.nz/
Storylines Children’s Literature Charitable Trust of New Zealand promotes public awareness of reading and literature and ensures that NZ children can access high-quality literature. Its website features profiles of NZ authors and illustrators, upcoming festivals, awards, news and links.
SCIS No: 1402287

YABBA – Young Australian Best Book Award

http://home.vicnet.net.au/~yabba/
By giving children the opportunity to vote for their favourite books, the organisers of this annual award aim to promote Australian children’s fiction and develop discerning readers. Details regarding membership, nominations, the shortlist, voting, previous winners and additional resources can be accessed.
SCIS No: 1402296

Reviewed by Nigel Paull Teacher librarian South Grafton Primary School
Email: npaull@telstra.com

The Internet sites selected in Website reviews are often of a professional nature and should be initially viewed by teachers and library staff to determine suitability for students. The links, content and address of these sites may not be permanent.