This is one of the most ambitious and exciting projects I’ve seen … the Encyclopedia of Life is setting out to gather all information about life on our planet. Rather a daunting task – but so exciting! In fact, on their official launch date (yesterday) so many people clicked in that their servers couldn’t handle it. Good problem to have because I feel confident that they’ll be up and running again soon. Imagine the possibilities when students can get accurate information and possibly contribute what they have learned?

Ultimately, the Encyclopedia will serve as an online reference source and database for every one of the 1.8 million species that are named and known on this planet, as well as all those later discovered and described. Encyclopedia of Life will be used as both a teaching and a learning tool, helping scientists, educators, students, and the community at large gain a better understanding of this planet and all who inhabit it.