Science
Science in the News
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New Scientist
New Scientist covers the latest news from all areas of science, from public health to space travel. They provide a balanced, impartial viewpoint on the biggest stories as they happen to give you the facts you need. -
Scientific American
Scientific American covers the most important and exciting research, ideas and knowledge in science, health, technology, the environment and society. It is committed to sharing trustworthy knowledge, enhancing our understanding of the world and advancing social justice. -
Nature: News
Nature is dedicated to publshing significant discoveries that advance knowledge and address some of the greatest challenges that we face as a society today. -
Science: News
Every day the news staff of Science magazine and contributing freelancers bring you top stories from the world of scientific research and science policy. -
Nautilus
Nautilus takes you into the depths of science and spotlights its impact on our lives. They believe any subject in science, no matter how complex, can be explained with clarity and vitality. -
Quanta Magazine
Quanta reporters focus on developments in mathematics, theoretical physics, theoretical computer science and the basic life sciences.
Physical Sciences
Physical science is the systematic study of the inorganic world. Physical science is ordinarily thought of as consisting of four broad areas: astronomy, physics, chemistry, and the Earth sciences. Each of these is in turn divided into fields and subfields.
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Chemistry
Chemistry deals with the properties, composition, and structure of substances, the transformations they undergo, and the energy that is released or absorbed during these processes. Every substance, whether naturally occurring or artificially produced, consists of one or more of the hundred-odd species of atoms that have been identified as elements. Chemistry is concerned with the properties of atoms and the laws governing their combinations and how the knowledge of these properties can be used to achieve specific purposes. -
Physics
Physics deals with the structure of matter and the interactions between the fundamental constituents of the observable universe. In the broadest sense, physics is concerned with all aspects of nature on both the macroscopic and submicroscopic levels. Its scope of study encompasses not only the behaviour of objects under the action of given forces but also the nature and origin of gravitational, electromagnetic, and nuclear force fields. -
Astonomy
Astronomy encompasses the study of all extraterrestrial objects and phenomena. This includes the solar system, the stars that make up the Milky Way Galaxy, and other, more distant galaxies. Astronomists also study the application of physical and chemical knowledge to understand the nature of celestial objects and the physical processes that control their formation, evolution, and emission of radiation. -
Earth Science
Earth Science is the study of the solid Earth, its waters, and the air that envelops it. This includes geology, meteorology, and oceanography. The broad aim of the Earth sciences is to understand the present features and past evolution of Earth and to use this knowledge, where appropriate, for the benefit of humankind.
Search Tips
1) Start with an overview for your topic. For example, you can start with an encyclopedia such as Credo Reference or Gale eBooks (see list of BPL resources below) to get a basic idea of what your topic is all about.
2) Once you have a general idea of what your topic is about, you can narrow your topic down by subcategory, such as "Organic" or "Biochemistry" under "Chemistry."
3) Search for more information on your topic using journal article databases, government websites, organization websites, etc. A good place to start is Gale Academic OneFile, which includes full-text journal and magazine articles and citations covering the sciences, technology, and medicine.
Different types of information that you can look for include:
- Overview -- General description or outline of a topic
- Statistics -- Collection of quantitative data
- Evidence -- A visible sign of a phenomenon; something which demonstrates that a phenomenon or theory exists or is true
- Guides -- "How-to" instructions or an outline of how to do something
- News Articles -- Article from a newspaper or other news source; good source of current and local information and can be considered a primary source
- Blogs -- Website on which someone writes about personal opinions, activities, and experiences
- Journal Articles -- Article from a magazine or academic journal
- Multimedia -- Videos, photographs, and audio resources
- Reports -- Official documents from the government or other institution that give information about a particular subject
- Interviews -- Reporting of meetings at which information is obtained from a person
Chemistry Resources
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Science: In the Pipeline
Organic chemist and writer, Derek Lowe’s commentary on drug discovery and the pharma industry. Lowe was one of the first people to blog from inside the pharmaceutical industry, with the approval of his supervisor and the company legal department, and one of the first science bloggers.
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Chemistry World
Created by the Royal Society Chemistry, Chemistry World publishes scientists’ discoveries and insights so they can be used to improve our health, environment and lifestyles. -
SciTechDaily: Chemistry
SciTechDaily offers the best intelligent, informed science and technology coverage and analysis you can find on a daily basis, sourcing a huge range of great writers and excellent research institutes. -
Chemical & Engineering News
Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN) is committed to keeping you up to date with the chemistry news that matters most. Their reporters and editors track important research advances, business and policy trends, chemical safety practices, career guidance, and more. -
The Column
Created by Darius Mortazavi, the Column is an email newsletter that provides context and commentary on events in the industry at large—it’s an endeavor that he hopes will unite different sectors of the industry, and foster an online community.
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Gale Academic OneFile This link opens in a new window
Millions of full-text articles cover the physical sciences, technology, medicine, social sciences, the arts, theology, literature and other subjects. Includes full-text coverage of the New York Times back to 1985. Updated daily. Coverage: 1980 - current.
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Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
Credo Reference is a giant online reference library that provides access to as many as 162 reference books, including encyclopedias, dictionaries, thesauri, books of quotations, as well as a range of subject-specific titles all cross-referenced throughout the collection. Special features include a crossword solver and conversion calculators.
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National Geographic Virtual Library This link opens in a new window
National Geographic Virtual Library brings the National Geographic Society to the library in a cross-searchable platform that fits the way today's students and patrons conduct their research. With standard library features and functionality common to many Gale resources, National Geographic Virtual Library is a powerful tool for research through the 100+ years of quality publications.
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Gale eBooks This link opens in a new window
Includes more than 90 encyclopedias, plus numerous specialized reference sources covering a diversity of subjects including Arts, Biography, Business, Education, Environment, History, Law, Literature, Medicine, Multicultural Studies, Nation & World, Religion, Science, and Social Science. Some "Junior" sources included as well.
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Smithsonian Collections Online This link opens in a new window
Combining the full archive of Smithsonian Magazine and Air & Space Magazine, this product presents unique and comprehensive insight into history, science, nature, the arts, innovation, technology, and world culture. Available in a fully searchable digital archive, these publications bring depth and expert coverage of high-demand topics.
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Practice Makes Perfect: Organic Chemistry
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Call Number: QD253.2 .D48 2017xISBN: 9780071789868Publication Date: 2017-03-03 -
The Handy Chemistry Answer Book
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Call Number: QD39.2 .S75 2014ISBN: 9781578593743Publication Date: 2013-10-01 -
The Chemistry Book
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Call Number: QD31.3 .C428 2022xISBN: 9780744056327Publication Date: 2022-08-09 -
Chemistry Essentials for Dummies
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Call Number: QD31.3 .M65 2019xISBN: 9781119591146Publication Date: 2019-05-14 -
MCAT Biochemistry Review 2025-2026
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Call Number: R838.5 .M3216ISBN: 9781506294087Publication Date: 2024-08-13 -
The Elements We Live By
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Call Number: QD466 .R63813 2020ISBN: 9781615196456Publication Date: 2020-06-09 -
Magick, Mayhem, and Mavericks
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Call Number: QD452 .C63 2002ISBN: 9781573929769Publication Date: 2002-11-01
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Chemguide
Jim Clark, a chemistry teacher and textbook author, created Chemguide in his spare time to help students who had trouble grasping chemistry concepts. Focusing on the topics that textbooks tend to do too quickly and that students often find difficulty with, the website is designed to help students gain confidence in chemistry. -
PTable
PTable is an interactive periodic table created by Michael Dayah. Use the Periodic Table to search for all kinds of information about elements and their inorganic compounds. -
LibreTexts: Chemistry
This Living Library is a principal hub of the LibreTexts project, which is a multi-institutional collaborative venture to develop the next generation of open-access texts to improve postsecondary education at all levels of higher learning. The LibreTexts approach is highly collaborative where an Open Access textbook environment is under constant revision by students, faculty, and outside experts to supplant conventional paper-based books. -
ChemCollective
The ChemCollective contains a collection of virtual labs, scenario-based learning activities, tutorials, and concept tests. Teachers can use our content for pre-labs, for alternatives to textbook homework, and for in-class activities for individuals or teams. Students can review and learn chemistry concepts using our virtual labs, simulations, and tutorials. -
Khan Academy: Chemistry
With practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard, Khan Academy empowers learners to study at their own pace, both in and out of the classroom. -
Chemistry Dictionary
A free online chemistry dictionary containing over 1,800 chemistry terms and definitions. The collection of chemistry terms and definitions cover all areas, including: organic chemistry, inorganic, biological, physical, and analytical chemistry.
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The Organic Chemistry Tutor
This YouTube channel focuses on providing tutorial videos on organic chemistry, general chemistry, physics, algebra, trigonometry, precalculus, and calculus.
Physics Resources
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Quanta Magazine
Quanta Magazine is an editorially independent online publication launched by the Simons Foundation in 2012 to enhance public understanding of science.
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Phys.org
Phys.org provides thorough daily coverage of the full sweep of science, technology and medical news. They are dedicated to our readers: scientists, researchers, engineers, tech enthusiasts, academics and lifelong learners alike. With a highly educated and sophisticated readership, Phys.org stories go beyond mere catchy jargon. -
Scientific American: Space and Physics
Scientific American covers the most important and exciting research, ideas and knowledge in science, health, technology, the environment and society. It is committed to sharing trustworthy knowledge, enhancing our understanding of the world and advancing social justice.
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Physics Today
Physics Today, published by the American Institute of Physics, is the trusted source for news and insights in the physical sciences.
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Gale Academic OneFile This link opens in a new window
Millions of full-text articles cover the physical sciences, technology, medicine, social sciences, the arts, theology, literature and other subjects. Includes full-text coverage of the New York Times back to 1985. Updated daily. Coverage: 1980 - current.
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Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
Credo Reference is a giant online reference library that provides access to as many as 162 reference books, including encyclopedias, dictionaries, thesauri, books of quotations, as well as a range of subject-specific titles all cross-referenced throughout the collection. Special features include a crossword solver and conversion calculators.
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National Geographic Virtual Library This link opens in a new window
National Geographic Virtual Library brings the National Geographic Society to the library in a cross-searchable platform that fits the way today's students and patrons conduct their research. With standard library features and functionality common to many Gale resources, National Geographic Virtual Library is a powerful tool for research through the 100+ years of quality publications.
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Gale eBooks This link opens in a new window
Includes more than 90 encyclopedias, plus numerous specialized reference sources covering a diversity of subjects including Arts, Biography, Business, Education, Environment, History, Law, Literature, Medicine, Multicultural Studies, Nation & World, Religion, Science, and Social Science. Some "Junior" sources included as well.
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Smithsonian Collections Online This link opens in a new window
Combining the full archive of Smithsonian Magazine and Air & Space Magazine, this product presents unique and comprehensive insight into history, science, nature, the arts, innovation, technology, and world culture. Available in a fully searchable digital archive, these publications bring depth and expert coverage of high-demand topics.
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How to Make an Apple Pie from Scratch
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Call Number: QC793.26 .C57 2021ISBN: 9780385545655Publication Date: 2021-08-10 -
The Matter of Everything
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Call Number: QC793.16 .S54 2023ISBN: 9780525658757Publication Date: 2023-01-10 -
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Decoherence and Quantum Darwinism
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Call Number: QC794.6.C58 Z87 2025ISBN: 9781009552905Publication Date: 2025-03-13 -
The Physics of Superheroes Goes Hollywood
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Call Number: 530.071/1ISBN: 9780593719039Publication Date: 2025-09-16 -
The Simulation Hypothesis
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Call Number: QC6.4.R42 V57 2025ISBN: 9780593853382Publication Date: 2025-07-22 -
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arXiv
arXiv is a free distribution service and an open-access archive for nearly 2.4 million scholarly articles in the fields of physics, mathematics, computer science, quantitative biology, quantitative finance, statistics, electrical engineering and systems science, and economics. Materials on this site are not peer-reviewed by arXiv. -
PhET Interactive Simulations
Founded in 2002 by Nobel Laureate Carl Wieman, the PhET Interactive Simulations project at the University of Colorado Boulder creates free interactive math and science simulations. PhET sims are based on extensive education research and engage students through an intuitive, game-like environment where students learn through exploration and discovery. -
Physics Classroom
Since the 90s, Physics Classroom has been making learning Physics (and now Chemistry) phun and affective for students across the world, and our teaching tools allow teachers to focus less on administrative work and more on engaging their classrooms in impactful ways. -
HyperPhysics
HyperPhysics is a premier repository of physics content created in 1998 by Associate Professor Emeritus Dr. Carl Rod Nave of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Georgia State University, Atlanta GA. The website serves as a copy of lecture materials for use in physics courses and consists of a wide and substantial array of topics in physics and astrophysics. Since its inception, HyperPhysics has become an intensely used resource across the world. -
MIT: OpenCourseWare
MIT OpenCourseWare is an online publication of materials from over 2,500 MIT courses, freely sharing knowledge with learners and educators around the world.
Astronomy Resources
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Astrobites
Astrobites is a daily astrophysical literature journal written by graduate students in astronomy since 2010. Their goal is to present one interesting paper per day in a brief format that is accessible to undergraduate students in the physical sciences who are interested in active research. -
Astronomy
Astronomy.com covers all the latest news in the world of astronomy, including sky observing events, spaceflight news, and the newest discoveries in space. Whether you’re just getting started in the hobby, an advanced observer, or naturally curious about the universe we live in, we have the content for you. -
The Quantum Cat
"Put simply, this newsletter is about space, physics, and the cosmos. It’s for people who are curious about these things - about the stars and the planets, the telescopes we’ve sent to explore them, and our efforts to reach beyond the Earth and out into the vast and dangerous universe around us." -
Starts with a Bang!
Published by Medium, astrophysicist Ethan Siegal, along with his scientist friends, Starts with a Bang! explores issues in contemporary astronomy, physics, and related sciences. -
Sky & Telescope
Sky & Telescope covers all aspects of the science and hobby of astronomy, from scientific discoveries to what’s in the sky tonight and the latest equipment. Their content is written by expert professional and amateur astronomers and award-winning science writers who together share a passion for our amazing universe.
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Gale Academic OneFile This link opens in a new window
Millions of full-text articles cover the physical sciences, technology, medicine, social sciences, the arts, theology, literature and other subjects. Includes full-text coverage of the New York Times back to 1985. Updated daily. Coverage: 1980 - current.
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Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
Credo Reference is a giant online reference library that provides access to as many as 162 reference books, including encyclopedias, dictionaries, thesauri, books of quotations, as well as a range of subject-specific titles all cross-referenced throughout the collection. Special features include a crossword solver and conversion calculators.
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National Geographic Virtual Library This link opens in a new window
National Geographic Virtual Library brings the National Geographic Society to the library in a cross-searchable platform that fits the way today's students and patrons conduct their research. With standard library features and functionality common to many Gale resources, National Geographic Virtual Library is a powerful tool for research through the 100+ years of quality publications.
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Gale eBooks This link opens in a new window
Includes more than 90 encyclopedias, plus numerous specialized reference sources covering a diversity of subjects including Arts, Biography, Business, Education, Environment, History, Law, Literature, Medicine, Multicultural Studies, Nation & World, Religion, Science, and Social Science. Some "Junior" sources included as well.
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Smithsonian Collections Online This link opens in a new window
Combining the full archive of Smithsonian Magazine and Air & Space Magazine, this product presents unique and comprehensive insight into history, science, nature, the arts, innovation, technology, and world culture. Available in a fully searchable digital archive, these publications bring depth and expert coverage of high-demand topics.
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Facing Infinity
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Call Number: QB843.B55 E6313 2025ISBN: 9798893030853Publication Date: 2025-09-09 -
The Secret Life of Stars
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Call Number: QB801 .H28 2021xISBN: 9781760761585Publication Date: 2021-05-04 -
Hubble, Humason and the Big Bang
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Call Number: QB991.E94 V65 2021xISBN: 9783030821807Publication Date: 2021-10-29 -
The Astronomy Handbook
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Call Number: QB64 .S43613 2024ISBN: 9780762486502Publication Date: 2024-05-28 -
Accidental Astronomy
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Call Number: QB44.3 .L56 2024ISBN: 9781541605411Publication Date: 2024-06-11 -
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PBS: Space Time
Space Time explores the outer reaches of space, the craziness of astrophysics, the possibilities of sci-fi, and anything else you can think of beyond Planet Earth with our astrophysicist host: Matthew O’Dowd. -
Stellarium
Stellarium is a free open source planetarium for your computer. It shows a realistic sky in 3D, just like what you see with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope. -
Hubble Telescope
View and search Hubble images taken by NASA, including science images, astronaut servicing missions, mission operations, images of the spacecraft, Hubble anniversaries, and more!
Earth Sciences Resources
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Yale Environment 360
Yale Environment 360 is an online magazine offering opinion, analysis, reporting, and debate on global environmental issues. They feature original articles by scientists, journalists, environmentalists, academics, policymakers, and business people, as well as multimedia and a daily digest of major environmental news. -
Sci.News: Paleontology
provides the latest science news from around the world, covering breaking news in astronomy and astrophysics, archaeology, paleontology, medicine, biology, physics, genetics & more. -
NASA: Earth Science News
NASA's Earth Science Division operates more than 20 satellites in orbit, sponsors hundreds of research programs and studies, and funds opportunities to put data to use for societal needs. They develop new ways to observe the oceans, land cover, ice, atmosphere, and life, and measure how changes in one drive changes in others over the short and long term.
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Phys.org: Earth Sciences
Phys.org provides thorough daily coverage of the full sweep of science, technology and medical news.They are dedicated to our readers: scientists, researchers, engineers, tech enthusiasts, academics and lifelong learners alike. With a highly educated and sophisticated readership, Phys.org stories go beyond mere catchy jargon.
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Gale Academic OneFile This link opens in a new window
Millions of full-text articles cover the physical sciences, technology, medicine, social sciences, the arts, theology, literature and other subjects. Includes full-text coverage of the New York Times back to 1985. Updated daily. Coverage: 1980 - current.
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Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
Credo Reference is a giant online reference library that provides access to as many as 162 reference books, including encyclopedias, dictionaries, thesauri, books of quotations, as well as a range of subject-specific titles all cross-referenced throughout the collection. Special features include a crossword solver and conversion calculators.
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National Geographic Virtual Library This link opens in a new window
National Geographic Virtual Library brings the National Geographic Society to the library in a cross-searchable platform that fits the way today's students and patrons conduct their research. With standard library features and functionality common to many Gale resources, National Geographic Virtual Library is a powerful tool for research through the 100+ years of quality publications.
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Gale eBooks This link opens in a new window
Includes more than 90 encyclopedias, plus numerous specialized reference sources covering a diversity of subjects including Arts, Biography, Business, Education, Environment, History, Law, Literature, Medicine, Multicultural Studies, Nation & World, Religion, Science, and Social Science. Some "Junior" sources included as well.
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Smithsonian Collections Online This link opens in a new window
Combining the full archive of Smithsonian Magazine and Air & Space Magazine, this product presents unique and comprehensive insight into history, science, nature, the arts, innovation, technology, and world culture. Available in a fully searchable digital archive, these publications bring depth and expert coverage of high-demand topics.
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The Princeton Field Guide to Pterosaurs
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Call Number: QE862.P7 P38 2022ISBN: 9780691180175Publication Date: 2022-06-07 -
When the Earth Was Green
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Call Number: QE905 .B564 2025ISBN: 9781250288998Publication Date: 2025-02-25
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NASA: Earth Observatory
NASA's Earth Observatory brings you the Earth, every day – the images, stories, and discoveries about the environment, Earth systems, and climate that emerge from NASA research.
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Massachusetts Geological Survey
The Massachusetts Geological Survey is housed in the Department of Earth, Geographic, and Climate Sciences at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. The office employs a number of geologists, GIS technicians, and students who perform research and disseminate earth science information about the Commonwealth. -
USGS: National Map
The National Map is a suite of products, services, and applications that provide access to base geospatial information representing the topography, natural landscape, and built environment of the United States and its territories. -
MIT: OpenCourseWare
MIT OpenCourseWare is an online publication of materials from over 2,500 MIT courses, freely sharing knowledge with learners and educators around the world.
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Mindat
The mindat.org database contains information on minerals and the localities they are found at. This information is entered by an army of volunteers worldwide and then verified by our team of experts. -
Oregon State University: Volcano World
Volcano World was founded by Dr. Chuck Wood in 1995. Since that time over fifty professionals and hundreds of students have contributed content and/or time to Volcano World. The site includes information about volcanoes, their activity, and how they form and erupt. -
GeoRef
The GeoRef database, established by the American Geosciences Institute in 1966, provides access to the geoscience literature of the world. GeoRef is the most comprehensive bibliographic database in the geosciences and continues to grow by more than 100,000 references a year. The database contains over 4.8 million references to geoscience journal articles, books, maps, conference papers, reports, and theses.