Geosciences 211
Physical Geology
Physical Geology Website Assignment
Earlham College, Geosciences 211, Spring 2005
How to Evaluate Websites
Think critically about the site. Above all, choose sites that are scientifically accurate and up-to-date.
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understand the purpose of a given website (to provide factual information, to sell something, to advocate a point of view, is it a personal homepage etc.). Watch out for the blending of advertising or entertainment with information.
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pay attention to the "domain name" of the URL (.edu, .gov, .org, .com etc.)
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think about the standards ways you evaluate scientific information:
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author/organization: Who is the author/organization? What are her/his credentials for creating the resource? Go to the main page of the site if necessary.
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reviewed: Has it been peer-reviewed? Has it received an award?
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currency: Is it new enough to have the most up to date information on your subject?
- artifacts of quality: Does the site have a bibliography, links to other sites supporting the content, or charts, graphs and illustrations? The presence of these often indicates a more substantial and thorough resource.
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appearance, ease of use, and appeal of the web page
Examples:
- Journal of Geology
- World Stress Map Project
- Crinoids
- Geographic Information Systems
- Flaws in dating the earth as ancient
- Geological Society of America
- Interactive Geologic, Geohydrologic and Geochemical Database and Model for the Little Snake River Drainage Basin, Wyoming
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© 2005, Ron Parker
Last modified on February 28, 2005