  We have created a website, called "Black Holes: Gravity's Relentless Pull",
which explains the physics and astronomy of black holes for a general audience.
The site emphasizes user participation and is rich in animations and
astronomical imagery. It won the top prize of the 2005 Pirelli INTERNETional
Awards competition for the best communication of science and technology using
the internet. This article provides a brief overview of the site. The site
starts with an opening animation that introduces the basic concept of a black
hole. The user is then invited to embark on a journey from a backyard view of
the night sky to a personal encounter with a singularity. This journey proceeds
through three modules, which allow the user to: find black holes in the night
sky; travel to a black hole in an animated starship; and explore a black hole
from up close. There are also five "experiments" that allow the user to: create
a black hole; orbit around a black hole; weigh a black hole; drop a clock into
a black hole; or fall into a black hole. The modules and experiments offer
goal-based scenarios tailored for novices and children. The site also contains
an encyclopedia of frequently asked questions and a detailed glossary that are
targeted more at experts and adults. The overall result is a website where
scientific knowledge, learning theory, and fun converge. Despite its focus on
black holes, the site also teaches many other concepts of physics, astronomy
and scientific thought. The site aims to instill an appreciation for learning
and an interest in science, especially in the younger users. It can be used as
an aid in teaching introductory astronomy at the undergraduate level.
