Natural History

If you loved dinosaurs as a child and have retained an enthusiasm for them, then check out the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History's website first. Renowned for its dinosaur collection, the Smithsonian now allows you to pay a virtual visit to Dinosaur Hall; while nothing can top the actual experience of confronting the reconstructed pterodactyls that hang menacingly from the ceiling, this online exhibition nonetheless provides a taste of the treats in store when you go to the museum itself.

Indeed, some of the Western world's most famous museums have ventured online with thrilling results. The Canadian Museum of Nature, for instance, brings you the latest news in the field in both English and French, plus includes reports straight from archeological excavations. While viewing the museum's impressive diamond exhibition, you can also read stories of how these gems were discovered and get the facts on building your own collection. If you can't make it to England, surf over to London's Natural History Museum website, where you can watch an ant colony at work in real time (courtesy of streaming Webcast footage) or enjoy images of the seasonal wildlife gardens.

Research institutes have much to offer natural history buffs, too. Take National Geographic's site, an interactive bonanza that sacrifices none of the print magazine's detailed articles and stunning photographs, and features a virtual exploration of the Great Barrier Reef to boot. The U.S. Geological Survey provides another good source of information, all tailored to different sectors of the population (students, scientists, journalists) for accessibility. Be sure to look up websites devoted to your favorite natural phenomena as well; from volcanoes to earthquakes to storms, the World Wide Web has you covered.