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The Encyclopedia of Life

It’s called The Encyclopedia of Life and when it is finished it will offer photographs, video, sound, maps and multimedia information. Already 1.25 million pages have been scanned.

This project could not have been done even 5 years ago.  It is only possible because of recent advances in technology, media and search capacities.

Their introductory video walks you through the vision and possibilities for this site. http://www.eol.org/home.html   

And check out the demonstration pages to see how the site will work http://www.eol.org/vision/bear_novice.html

If this doesn’t boost interest in science education, I don’t know what will.

James Edwards, the biologist picked to lead the project hopes the Encyclopedia of Life will have the same catalytic effect the Human Genome Project has had on biology.

It will be a scientific, education and policy tool. For example “You can model possible future changes based upon different climate scenario, land use scenarios, etc.” said Edwards.

The project was initiated by several US organizations, including Chicago’s Field Museum of Natural History, Harvard University, the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Smithsonian Institution and is funded by 12.5 million dollars in grants from the MacArthur and Sloan foundations.

Tags: Communications & Media, Media Tools, Encyclopedia of Life

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