Evaluating web resources
Consider the following questions when gathering information from web resources for research assignments.
Authority | Who is the author, publisher, source, or sponsoring organization? What experience or credentials does the author have? Are they an expert?
Purpose | Why does the information exist? Is the information fact or opinion? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain, or persuade? Does it appeal to emotion?
Relevance | Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question/s? Are you comfortable citing this source in your research assignment?
Date | When was the information published or posted? Does your topic require current information?
Accuracy | Where does the information come from? Is there supporting data or evidence? Can you verify the information or claim with another source
Recommended Physics Websites
- AIP | American Institute of PhysicsThe American Institute of Physics advances, promotes and serves the physical sciences for the benefit of humanity.
- Institute of PhysicsThe Institute of Physics is the professional body and learned society for physics in the UK and Ireland. We inspire people to develop their knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of physics.
- InteractionsThe Interactions Collaboration seeks to support the international science of particle physics and to set visible footprints for peaceful collaboration across all borders. The Interactions.org website is designed to serve as central resource for information about particle physics, including press releases, articles, news, event listings and images.
- NATIONAL NUCLEAR SECURITY ADMINISTRATIONEstablished by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear explosive testing; works to reduce the global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the United States and abroad.
- PhET - PhysicsPhET provides fun, free, interactive, research-based science and mathematics simulations. We extensively test and evaluate each simulation to ensure educational effectiveness. These tests include student interviews and observation of simulation use in classrooms.
- Physics.orgphysics.org is brought to you by the Physics in Society team at the Institute of Physics.
Our aim is to inspire people of all ages about physics. Let us be your guide and show you the best physics places on the web. - Physics WorldPhysics World helps scientists working in academic and industrial research stay up to date with the latest breakthroughs in physics and interdisciplinary science. We provide an international readership with a unique mix of daily news, opinion and analysis from an award-winning team of science writers and editors.
- ThermopediaA-to-Z Guide to Thermodynamics,
Heat & Mass Transfer, and Fluids Engineering
THERMOPEDIA™ is a comprehensive online reference source for professionals and students requiring information on the subject.
Online Videos and Podcasts
- Domain of ScienceHey welcome to the Domain of Science. I'm Dominic Walliman and I make these videos. I love science, and really like finding ways of explaining it to others because learning something new is the best, and science has a lot of mind-blowing stuff in it.
- minutephysicsSimply put: cool physics and other sweet science.
- NOVA: PhysicsNOVA is the most-watched prime time science series on American television, reaching an average of five million viewers weekly. Now in its fourth decade of production, the series remains committed to producing in-depth science programming in the form of one-hour documentaries and long-form mini-series, from the latest breakthroughs in technology to the deepest mysteries of the natural world. NOVA is produced by WGBH Boston and airs Wednesday nights at 9/8c on most PBS stations.