1. Web Page Evaluation
Comparing Websites for Sir Isaac Newton
Amanda McConnell
EDTL 6360

2. Website 1: Isaac Newton
Biography and highlights of his work
• http://galileoandeinstein.physics.virginia.edu/lectures/
newton.html
• This lengthy site has several topic pages that summarize
Newton, Einstein, Galileo, and other’s work.
• Part of a lecture series used by the author at the
University of Virginia
• Summarizes his life from birth to death.
• It explains equations Newton has used to describe his
work.
• Also included are several images and animated graphics
to elucidate his theories.

3. Website 1: Isaac Newton
Authority
• Author of Website: Michael Fowler, University of
Virginia, Physics Department
• University of Virginia Directory Michael Fowler:
http://www.virginia.edu/cgi-local/ldapweb?mf1i
• Title: Professor of Physics
• Several contact information given: Office Phone, Fax
Phone, Home Phone, Office Address, E-mail address,
Registered E-mail address

4. Website 1: Isaac Newton
Accuracy
• Reputable links provided for additional reading:
Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical
Sciences http://www.newton.ac.uk/newton.html
• Several links provided for animated graphics of
Newton’s theories.
• Most information is based on verifiable fact:
several formulas and facts used in the everyday
life of a physicist.
• This site is probably used every semester as a
lecture series for the professor that created it.

5. Website 1: Isaac Newton
Currency
• Current within 4 years. This seems very current to
me based on the fact that this website is a biography
page, and information about people and their work
doesn’t change often. (History doesn’t change)
• After checking the links provided, none of them
were dead.
• Topic pages were added to the website at different
dates. All the dates are listed underneath the title of
all the topic pages.
• Copyrighted 1996, Revised 2008

6. Website 1: Isaac Newton
Objectivity
• Doesn’t have bias- success
and flaws of Isaac Newton
stated on the site.
• Isaac Newton’s life is not
very controversial
• Author of the web page
based his research off a
published book, The Life of
Isaac Newton.

7. Website 2: Isaac Newton
• http://www.gardenofpraise.com/ibdnewt.htm
• Along with a biography, this site is very teacher
friendly. Interactive games are provided and
Isaac Newton handouts are made with the ability
to print.
• There are several advertisements on this page,
however.
• There are several at the top and a few within the
text. At the bottom, there are advertisements for
books on Isaac Newton.

8. Website 2: Isaac Newton
Authority
• Author’s name can be found at the bottom of the
page. Patsy Stevens (retired teacher)
• The subjects and grade level the teacher taught
cannot be found.
• No contact information given (the school the
teacher taught at is not even listed)

9. Website 2: Isaac Newton
Accuracy
• Website is based on facts
• No sources listed
• Few links provided for outside reputable sources
• Several ads for books about Isaac Newton given
at the bottom of the page (Amazon and their
prices)
• Several advertisements for colleges and e-billing
shown at the top of the page

10. Website 2: Isaac Newton
Currency
• This webpage was written in 2001.
• There are no indicators as to if and when the
page was revised.
• Links were all working- several ads update
automatically.

11. Website 2: Isaac Newton
Objectivity
• Doesn’t seem to be biased (Highlights Newton’s
ups and downs of his life)
• Mostly focuses on facts about Newton (not
opinionated)
• Biography doesn’t include much of his life before
higher studies (college)

12. Which Site Should I Use?
• Without a doubt, I would choose Website 1.
• I trust the author and his credentials.
• I can e-mail him if I have questions.
• He provides links of other sources I can use in addition
to his.
• Because most of it is based on facts, I trust the
information is true.
• It was created a time ago, but has been currently revised.
• Author uses it as a guideline to teach students at a
reputable university.
• Because Newton and his theories are difficult to
understand without a science/math background, a
report on Newton would be more appropriate for high
school aged students.

13. Credits
Fowler, M. (1996 Rev. 2008). Isaac Newton. In Galeleio and Einstein Overveiw and
Lecure. Retrieved May 5, 2012, from
http://galileoandeinstein.physics.virginia.edu/lectures/newton.html.
Patsy Stevens. (2001). Sir Isaac Newton. In Garden of Praise. Retrieved May 5,
2012, from http://www.gardenofpraise.com/ibdnewt.htm.