Google Internet Keep Safe Workshop 1: Detecting Lies and Staying True Instructor Handbook - Manual (Page 26)

(c) IKSC 2010 Copying allowed for incidental, classroom purposes. 22
3. http://www.seti.org
This is a website of SETI Institute, a well known institute that is sponsored by respected
entities such as NASA, and the National Science Foundation, among others. The domain
name and the domain extension (.org) usually represents a non-profit organization, which
matches SETI. “SETI Institute is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to scientific
research, education and public outreach” (from “Our Mission/About Us” page). The staff
is comprised of experts in the field (“Staff” page) whose credentials and expertise can be
verified. Contact information is readily available – both at the bottom (there is a specific
geographic address and a phone number, which adds to the reliability of the source as it can
be easily verified) and in the Contact Us page.
The tone of the website is very scientific and impartial. Interpretation of facts is neutral and
non-conclusive. For example: “Whether evolution will give rise to intelligent, technological
civilizations is open to speculation” (http://www.seti.org/seti). Different points of view are
presented and even juxtaposed (for example: http://www.seti.org/Page.aspx?pid=584
presenting science facts as opposed to science fiction). There are also links to other SETI
programs.
There are links to reputable sources that give more useful information, such as news sources
like The Sunday Times, BBC, New York Times, etc., well-known institutes like NASA and
educational institutes such as UC Berkeley (Optical SETI @ UC Berkeley).
Although it is not always clear when the entries were written, the site looks updated, and links
to news stories are current. Also, the Copyrights (bottom of the page) are dated for 2010,
which is current and suggests that the content is relatively new.
The subject is discussed in depth and includes videos, radio broadcasts
(http://radio.seti.org/), educational curriculum (Education page), and many links to other
useful information. Photos and illustrations are also provided and helpful.
Conclusion: This source is objective, reputable, current and comprehensive, and is an excellent
source to be used for a research project on the topic of “Is There Life on Other Plantes?”