Passages 12

Web Links

Unit 5 Technology and Science: On the Cutting Edge

Indefinite Divisibility painting by Yves Tanguy

• Tanguy 1
  Students can visit this Web site to find out more about the surrealist artist who created the unit opener image on page 197, as well as viewing other images. They will need to enter "Tanguy" as a search term at the top of the page in order to access the information.
• Tanguy 2
  Students can visit this Web site to view other images by Tanguy.

• Engineering Achievements in the 20th Century
  This Web site has been created by various engineering societies and suggests the top 20 engineering achievements of the 20th century. The history of each achievement is given as well as a timeline. Note the site caters mainly to an American audience. Ask students to explore and discuss one achievement listed on the site. As a class, review the top-20 list and discuss the items listed. Do students agree with this list? Why or why not?
• Up-and-Coming Technology
  This article from Wired magazine examines the fears connected with the invention of a new technology—"e-clothes" that will keep people "connected." Discuss the new technology and the fears as a class.

• Petroglyphs
  On this Web site, students can view other photos of petroglyphs in Utah, like the one on page 201 of the Student Anthology. Discuss the attraction of these photos and images. Why are people fascinated by this ancient art form?

• The Myth of Prometheus
  On this Web page, students can read a short synopsis of the myth of Prometheus. Invite students to explore other links on this site, one of which provides the full text of Aeschylus' "Prometheus Bound." Lengthier versions of the myth are also provided. Note that this is a commercial site with banner ads.
• Jan Cossiers
  This Web site provides two short biographies on the 17th century Flemish painter as well as other examples of the artist's work.

• Ray Bradbury
  This Web site is dedicated to renowned author Ray Bradbury and includes a biography, interviews, and articles. Small groups can read and discuss an interview or article. Note that this Web site includes a message board; discuss school policy regarding the use of message boards.
• Bradbury Bibliography
  This Web site provides students with an extensive Bradbury bibliography, including his novels, short stories, and collections. Ask students to skim the list and name any other Bradbury writings they have read. Challenge students to choose one other writing by Bradbury to read.
  • Students can investigate other science fiction authors on this site. Note that this is a commercial site and includes advertising.
• Interview with the Author
  On this Web page, students can read a lengthy 1991 interview with Ray Bradbury that explores his writing, his work, and his views on society. Discuss the interview as a class.
• History of Flight
  This Web site is an excellent resource developed by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics; it provides information on the history of flight internationally. Students can trace the earliest days of flight from 3500 BC to present day. Ask students to choose a country and investigate its contributions.
  • Students can link to the image gallery on this Web site, and choose an appropriate image to accompany the story.

As It Is poem by Dorianne Laux

• Dorianne Laux
  On this Web site, students can read about Laux, as well as reading other poems by her. Note that the poems include mature subject matter, and are mostly about death.
• Laux Biography and Poetry
  This Web site provides a brief biography of the poet. Links are provided to other examples of her poetry. Again, poems include mature subject matter. Choose an appropriate poem from either site for students to read and discuss.

Clocks, Computers and Why We Play God editorial by Jay Bookman

• Clockworks
  This is an excellent Web site that gives students a history of timekeeping throughout the ages. The site provides an account of clocks throughout time and gives students a working knowledge of various timepieces. Animated diagrams and history combine to bring clocks and their history to life.
• Computers
  This Web site provides a history of computers—in a much plainer style the previous Web site. Compare these sites.
  • Students can trace the history of the computer from the abacus to the microprocessor. Links are provided on various computer-related topics.
• Artificial Intelligence
  The NewScientist magazine's Web site provides useful information and articles on the development of artificial intelligence. Ask students to read at least two of the articles and discuss what they think the future of AI will be.
• Genetic Cloning
  This site provides useful information on genetic cloning. Teachers can use the lesson plan designed for high school students to stimulate discussion on the future of genetic cloning. Numerous links on the topic are also provided.

Virtual Therapy, Real Results newspaper article by Clive Thompson

• Thompson Article 1
  Students can read another article by Thompson on this site.
• Thompson Article 2
  Students can read a third article by Thompson on this site. After reading all three articles, discuss Thompson's style as a class.

Body Scanners magazine article by Kimberley Noble

• Airports Look to Biometrics for Security
  This article from the CNN Web site explores the future of biometrics at airports. The article also mentions an Ottawa-based company's advances in the field. Excellent links are provided to give students the opportunity to further research biometrics. Ask students to compare this article with the one in the Student Anthology.

Zap! It's the Future magazine article by Chris Wood

• Forecasts for the Future
  Students can read this article from CNN and discuss the trends that forecasters are predicting, including technology embedded in humans to facilitate shopping, learning, and much more.
• Future Facing
  This fun and informative site uses the latest trends to forecast the future of things such as money and flying cars. Have students read at least two of the articles, which cover predictions in various areas, and discuss whether they believe any of them are likely to happen in the future. Note that this is a commercial site.

Future Tense interview from Flare magazine

• Faith Popcorn
  On Popcorn's Web site, students can explore her predictions. The site also provides a short biography.
• Popcorn on Marketing to Women
  In this interview from the Washington Post, Faith Popcorn explains her views and predictions on the shopping habits of women. After students have read the article, discuss the points it raises, but also students' responses to it. Do they think the article perpetuates male/female stereotypes? Why or why not?

Written in the Body newspaper article by Marni Jackson
and
Genome Sequence Just the Beginning essay by David Suzuki

• Marni Jackson
  This Web site features useful information about the author of "Written in the Body." A bibliography is also provided. Ask students to access and read other articles by Jackson or interviews with Jackson.
• David Suzuki and Biotechnology
  In this article by David Suzuki, he writes about the future of genetics, including genetically modified foods. Have students discuss the merits and dangers highlighted in the article. Note that this Web page provides a link to Suzuki's discussion forum; discuss the school policy on discussion forums. Note that this is a commercial Web site.
• The Human Genome Project
  Students and teachers can explore this Web site for the Human Genome Project from the U.S. government. It provides a wealth of information including news on recent developments, frequently asked questions, and a description of the Human Genome Project. Resources for teachers are also provided.