Mind Reading Challenge
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Importance of Science--Illusions
Objectives: I can....
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On the board
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Illusions trick us into perceiving something differently than it actually exists, so what we see does not correspond to physical reality. Hence, the word illusion comes from the Latin verb illudere meaning, "to mock."
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Fields of Science
- Make a list of the fields of science until you can no longer think.
- Compare with partner. Then compare with group of 4.
- Choose the top five sciences that interests you (from most highly interested to least). Write them on a piece of paper to turn in.
The Impossible Triangle
Impossible triangles drive students crazy. Impossible triangles or Penrose triangles create an image
that bends in an impossible manner. People hold certain untrue beliefs about objects. In the
Penrose triangle, the untrue belief is that the triangle's edges must connect. While they are hard to visualize, they actually help free your mind and are quite easy to draw.
_Challenge Question: Compare and contrast illusion and deception using a Venn Diagram |
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Resources
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Homework: Create an illustration or model of the impossible triangle or create a movie on your cell phone of the green dragon illusion
Pew Research Science Poll
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Scientific Process Interactive
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Students worked in the computer lab on the poll and science interactive
Directions: ake the 13-question Pew Research quiz to test your knowledge of scientific concepts. See how well you stack up against randomly sampled adults asked the same questions in a national poll. You have probably taken longer and lamer quizzes sent from random people on Facebook. http://www.pewresearch.org/quiz/science-knowledge/ Print or email the results to your teacher. (Make sure you include your name and not some unknown email address like rangergrl98) |
THE PITFALLS OF LEARNING SCIENCE
There are three main pitfalls in learning a difficult subject. They are new words, a lack of reality on a subject, and going at too steep or fast a pace.
New words and new symbols are the first thing you usually trip on.
Symptom: A Feeling of Disliking the Subject
Cause: Misunderstood Words and/or Symbols
Question 1: Pick a subject or class that you have had before that you disliked. Tell me a word used in that subject or class that you don't know then and still don't know now what it meant.
New words and new symbols are the first thing you usually trip on.
Symptom: A Feeling of Disliking the Subject
Cause: Misunderstood Words and/or Symbols
Question 1: Pick a subject or class that you have had before that you disliked. Tell me a word used in that subject or class that you don't know then and still don't know now what it meant.
Process of Science Review--Sunflower Seeds Pretest
On the board
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Process of Science Vocabulary
Students create scientific vocabulary graphic organizer
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Science and Society – Open Response Question
science_and_society_student.pdf | |
File Size: | 21 kb |
File Type: |
Process of Science Review--Led Zeppelin
Objectives: I can....
Apply the process of science using variables and controls Action to perform in passage
Place a star next to the hypothesis
Underline the constants in the passage Circle the dependent variable in the passage Box the independent variable in the passage |
On the board
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Resources
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Process of Science Review #2--It's Electrifying
Objectives: I can....
Apply the process of science using variables and controls Action to perform in passage
Place a star next to the hypothesis
Underline the constants in the passage Circle the dependent variable in the passage Box the independent variable in the passage |
On the board
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Resources
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Find Someone who...
find_someone_who..._-_scientific_method.pdf | |
File Size: | 388 kb |
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Process of Science Quiz--Chocolate
Objectives: I can....
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On the board
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Evaluating and Extraordinary Claim-- Watching You Lab
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BBC Physical Feats
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Science Like a Jigsaw Puzzle
How this activity is similar to “doing” science. 1) Assume that the pieces fit together – nature is a puzzle that we have not yet solved; 2) Trial and error is an essential ingredient to science; 3) New information may require the old theory to be modified or discarded; 4) Our current information may be incomplete and therefore, our theories incorrect; 5) Sometimes, we get lucky and find the right answer; 6) Collaboration may be helpful; 7) Once we arrive at the answer, it makes perfect, elegant sense. With the honors class, the concept of scientific paradigm and paradigm shifts i.e. germ theory, theory of evolution, and atomic thoery are discussed. Homework: Visit the Flash Mind Reader website and figure out how it works Adapted from Jason Choi 2004 |
Unit 2 Rules and Requirements of Science
Sunsets Souls and Senses
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Six Criteria of Science: Consistent, Observable, Natural, Predictable, Testable, and Tentative. The sequence is not important, but the acronym "CONPTT" makes a good long term memory hook.
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Nature of Science--CONPTT Vocabulary Cut and Paste
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On the board
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Requirements of Science--CONPTT pretest and vocabulary
observeinfer.ppt | |
File Size: | 680 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
Observation/Inference in Science
My Dad is an Alien
Challenge Question: Describe a time when you have gained information using indirect evidence. Challenge Question: How does indirect evidence allow us to know about things we can not see?
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CONPTT Versus Claims
Strong or weak evidence in science? Bigfoot? Medium foot?
There is a significant amount of evidence for Bigfoot - there are tracks, there are fuzzy photographs, there are hair samples, there are sighting reports - the problem is that it's not good evidence," said Benjamin Radford, managing editor of Sceptical Inquirer magazine.
"I liken it to a cup of coffee - if you have many cups of weak coffee, they can't be combined into strong coffee.
"It's the same with scientific evidence. If you have lots of weak evidence, the cumulative effect of the evidence doesn't make it strong evidence - and what science needs to validate a Bigfoot is strong evidence."
Ask yourself
- Is there any way of getting evidence? That is, is there something you can touch, see, hear, smell, or taste that you can find out more about?
- Could you do an experiment? That is, could you form a hypothesis (have an idea), work out what would happen if your hypothesis (idea) were true, and then test whether that is in fact what happens?
- Is there more than one source of evidence?
- What is the simplest explanation of the evidence? Is there an explanation which does not require us to believe in things which we have no evidence?
Strong Evidence
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Weak Evidence
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"My uncle said he once heard a loud grunting sound up near Bagby." The quote above is an anecdote. An anecdote is a story. People generally find anecdotes highly compelling, while scientists are deeply suspicious of anecdotes. Anecdotal evidence is not scientific. We are fond of saying that the plural of anecdote is anecdotes, not data.
Read about some of our local Bigfoot sightings. What kind of evidence is presented? |
Bigfoot Versus AsteroidsStrong or weak evidence in science?
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Resources
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Gremlin In The Drink Machine |
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- Read the passage Gremlin In The Drink Machine
- Highlight any observations you find in the text as you read.
- Fill in the table with any observations and inferences that Support the "Gremlin" model.
- Fill in the second table with any observations and inferences made from the text that do not support the "Gremlin" model.
Is that a scientifically testable question?
Objectives/ I can....
Identify which questions can be answered through science and which questions are outside the boundaries of scientific investigation Is That Question Testable? Circle all the testable questions you can find in the list given below. #1. Which is heavier, a dog or a rat? #2. Which is prettier a blue flower or a red flower? #3. Which weighs more, a husky or a malamute? #4. How tall is the boogy man? #5. Which is more comfortable, wool or fleece? #6. How much does Jake weigh? #7. How much does a beluga weigh? #8. How deep is the ocean? On the board
Evidence--A thing or things helpful in forming a conclusion or judgment. Scientists weigh the evidence for and against a hypothesis. |
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Strong vs Weak Evidence Practice #2 |
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What is a theory?
Objectives: I can....
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Class work-Homework
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On the board
- hypothesis-explanation or idea about how things work
- scientific theory-a well-established explanation for scientific data, facts or phenomena.
- fact- and indisputable truth, something measurable
- It is a fact some people have been burned so completely by fire that even the bones are destroyed and much of the room is left untouched.
- It is a theory that once ignited the humans burn slowly like a candle using the body fat as a fuel source. Temperatures hot enough cause bones to crumble are produced.Small flames confined to the body do not allow the fire to burn out of control leaving most structures untouched. Hot gasses damage objects place high in the room
- One hypothesis is that static electricity build up ignites the person and they are consumed from within
- It is a fact that on June 30, 1908 in Tunguska, Siberia, an explosion equivalent to about 15 million tons of TNT occurred and blasted a huge area of trees flat.
- It is a theory that this explosion was due to a natural, extra-terrestrial phenomenon and not to an activity associated with man.
- One hypothesis is that a comet collided with the Earth (a competing hypothesis is that a small black hole collided with the Earth)
Pop Culture Example of "theory" being used incorectly:
Here is a pop culture example of a famous baseball player using "theory" incorrectly. "ANCIENT GRAVITY,...BIG DINOS"?
http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/2013/02/25/dinosaur-reproduction-not-ancient-gravity-made-sauropods-super-sized/
Here is a pop culture example of a famous baseball player using "theory" incorrectly. "ANCIENT GRAVITY,...BIG DINOS"?
http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/2013/02/25/dinosaur-reproduction-not-ancient-gravity-made-sauropods-super-sized/
Just a Theory?
A scientific theory is not a guess, or just a good idea. It is a well-tested structure of interlinked ideas that unifies and explains observational facts. Scientific theories must make testable predictions, must be falsifiable, and must be open to revision and rejection.
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Resources
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Checkerboard Universe Activity
The Checkerboard Universe In order to give you a better idea of what it is like for a scientist to discover the laws of nature, you will do the following lab activity. It's actually more like a game. In fact, you will need a checkerboard and a set of checkers to do it. If you do not have a checkerboard and checkers, you can download a printable version of checkers here. You will also need a lab partner. This can be a parent, friend, sibling, co-worker, etc. They will need to be able to read and follow the instructions without any help from you. So, make sure your lab partner is at least a teenager.
Science vs Pseudoscience
Example:
•Ivory soap - "99.44/100% Pure: It Floats“ •Mixture is unidentified – what’s “pure”? •What does “floating” have to due with purity? –Air bubbles mixed in – therefore impure –A boat floats, is it “pure”? |
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On the board
labeled "pseudoscience". 5. Place the topics (from the index cards) under the appropriate column. |
Discussion
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Science vs Pseudoscience
Criteria for identifying pseudoscience
•Is anecdotal evidence cited? –Individual stories or testimonies
•Does the claim fit with existing knowledge? •Is “conspiracy theory” used to support claims? –Doctors --The government –Big corporations
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•Is it possible to test the claim? –Elimination of plausible influences
•Are sources cited? –Unbiased –Credible •If sampled, how was the sample obtained? |
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Science vs Non science
Class work
Dragon In My Garage
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The nature of science --Dragon In My Garage
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Using Reason & Evidence To Decide What is True.
Ask yourself:
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Method Lab Options
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Nature of Science Quiz Review
On the board QUIZ TOMORROW!! Review sheet can be downloaded on the right |
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Science Writing
Fairy Tales vs Science Books
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how_big-far-hot-old.pdf | |
File Size: | 576 kb |
File Type: |
Metric Conversion Prequiz
On the board
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1. Our entry task for the day was to watch The Inner Life of a Cell a video created by the Harvard University group BioVisions.
2. We discussed the scale of cells, with students learning that white blood cells are only 6-8 μm in diameter (one micrometer (μm) is 3. equal to one-millionth of a meter). We then created class lists of tools scientists use.
4. Each class added to a growing list, and tomorrow we will categorize our large list.
2. We discussed the scale of cells, with students learning that white blood cells are only 6-8 μm in diameter (one micrometer (μm) is 3. equal to one-millionth of a meter). We then created class lists of tools scientists use.
4. Each class added to a growing list, and tomorrow we will categorize our large list.
Nature of Science: Measuring in Metric
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Nature of Science: Pseudoscience |
Today’s entry task asked students to draw their daily class schedule as a network diagram in their lab notebook. Next, we practiced how to use the clickers for tomorrow’s clicker quiz. We finished the day learning to differentiate between science and pseudoscience with the help of Bill Nye’s Eyes of Nye Pseudoscience video (watch below). Students completed a worksheet with questions from the video and were asked to apply their understanding of pseudoscience to what they understand about the Golden Ratio.
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Nature of Science: Milk Lab
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We launched in to the Milk Lab. Students combined 2% milk, food coloring, and liquid soap. After carefully documenting “before soap” and “after soap” observations, students worked with their lab partner to come up with a testable hypothesis about what caused the “after soap” reaction. Students were asked to write a new procedure, changing either the type of milk or soap used. On Friday, students conducted the experiment again, following their new procedure. Most groups had time to extend their learning by integrating the results from their new experiment, formulating a new hypothesis, and running a third experiment. After carefully recording all observations, students assembled into larger lab groups, sharing results with other students who had tested similar experimental conditions (i.e. used the same procedure including the same type of milk). Groups then reported their findings out to the class. We created a class summary table each period which included the variable changed (type of milk or soap) and the outcome (compared with 2% milk).
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Nature of Science: Milk Lab Analysis
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We concluded the Milk Lab with an analysis of the summaries prepared by my classes on Day 2 of the Milk Lab. Students worked in groups of 4 and analyzed the consistency (and inconsistency) of results reported in 5 summary tables. By working in teams and analyzing results from similar experiments performed by students in other classes, we simulated a scenario scientists practice routinely when evaluating how their own results compare with what is reported in the scientific literature. We then discussed the results of the analysis in the context of the Milk Lab Explanation document.
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Nature of Science: Networking |
Complete the Entry Task for today. Students must complete the writing portion and attempt to complete the critter diagram as homework. Tomorrow we will use the critter diagrams as a tool both to meet each other and to begin the process of learning how to construct networks to model information flow.
the class period was spent constructing a social network. Students used their critter diagrams to introduce each other and used that content to create a network diagram. Nodes consisted of student names (names inside circles) and edges (lines connecting the nodes) represented shared points of interest. The ability to construct a network diagram will be a valuable skill as we continue on with our study of biology. Class concluded with students analyzing their networks by counting the number of nodes and edges and sharing out with the class.
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Classifying Units
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11/3/14 Metric System Introduction
Objectives: I can...
I can identify the standard metric units present in the metric system. I can understand the the metric system is the measurement system used in science and all around the world |
Class work-Homework
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On the board Why is the metric system used in science?
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Resources
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11/4/14 Metric Conversion Practice #1
The base units were introduced through the artistic talents of teacher Pete Hendley (actually, his alter ego KILA META) in his amazing rap video, “Meters, Liters, and Grams.”
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Using the Metric Ladder
Try these steps each and every time you want to use use the metric ladder. 1. Find the spot (unit) on the ladder that has the same prefix as the measurement you are starting with 2. Locate the spot on the ladder that you want to convert your number to 3. Count the number of steps you must move on the ladder to make your conversion 4. Move the decimal in your original number this same number of steps and in the same direction (don't forget the Base step) (decigrams) |
An Example Using the Metric Ladder
How many dg (decigrams) are there in 5276.4 mg (milligrams)? 1. Put your pencil on the "milli" box 2. Put your finger on the "deci" box 3. Move the pencil until it meets your finger (two steps to the left) 4. Move the decimal two steps to the left to get your answer = 52.764 dg (decigrams) |
Resources
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11/5/14 Metric Conversion Practice #2
On the board
Directions:
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Resources
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Ramen Myth Lab
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On the board
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Resources
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Smile Metric Style
Class work-Homework
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Directions: 1. Find a partner and a Length of String. 2. Have partner measure smile with string. 3. Transfer string to ruler + measure. 4. Enter your smile measurement into the Data Table. 5. Convert your measurement into other METRIC units. 6. Grab a Ruler and Measure/Convert the lines on the back of the lab sheet. 7. Due end of the period
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- Measure the height of the tallest person in your home other than yourself in centimeters (cm) and then convert that measurement to meters (m) and millimeters (mm) using the “Ladder Method”.
- Measure the diagonal width of the largest T.V. screen in your home in centimeters (cm) and convert that measurement to Kilometers (Km) and decimeters (dm) using the “Ladder Method”.
- Measure the height of the shortest person in millimeters (mm) then convert that measurement to meters (m) and Hectometers (Hm).
Hexametric Puzzle Conversion Practice
On the board
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Scientific Notation--Learning to use large numbers
http://aspire.cosmic-ray.org/Labs/ScientificNotation/stu_int.html
Student Lab
Teacher Lesson Plan
Student Lab
Teacher Lesson Plan
Student Lab
Teacher Lesson Plan
Student Lab
Teacher Lesson Plan
11/10/14 Scientific Notation Conversion Practice
We practiced converting into scientific notation in the computer lab using the following practice program
11/12/14 Scientific Notation Conversion Puzzle Practice
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Students practiced converting into scientific notation with a notation puzzle
Students will match their given number to another students scientific notation number. We will then line the students up as a class in order of increasing standard and scientific notation.
Metric Measuring Quiz
What a busy last few weeks! After the quiz today, students are filling out note cards listing the contents of their notebooks. After filling out the note card, students will have the remainder of the class period to write a self-reflection about how their experience in science class has been so far this school year. The reflection should consist of:
- What you have learned in science so far
- How you can use this learning outside of science
- What is going well for you in this class
- What you need to feel safe and successful in class
Carl Sagan's Famous Words Concerning Earth--The Pale Blue Dot
Nearly every naturally occurring element more massive than iron is created in a supernova explosion. This includes many obscure elements critical to life such as molybdenum and selenium. Thus, our specific existence depended on the death of giant stars billions of years ago. Our Sun’s death, while not as violent as a supernova, will fuel future solar systems. We are all part of a great “circle of cosmic life”. Does this make you feel insignificant or important? Why?
Mass Volume and Density Presentations
density_and_volume_interactive.ppt | |
File Size: | 3224 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
massandweight.ppt | |
File Size: | 1762 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
density.ppt | |
File Size: | 934 kb |
File Type: | ppt |
Mass Volume and Density Practice
density-triangle-foldable.jpg | |
File Size: | 26 kb |
File Type: | jpg |
density_math.doc | |
File Size: | 35 kb |
File Type: | doc |
density_worksheet_practice.doc | |
File Size: | 22 kb |
File Type: | doc |
density_worksheet_practice.doc | |
File Size: | 22 kb |
File Type: | doc |
Interactive Density Lab
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Use density to determine what three different substances are. Possible choices included in this chart.
Maple 0.77 g/ml Polypropylene 0.90 g/ml Polystyrene 1.03 g/ml Polyamide (Nylon) 1.15 g/ml Acrylic 1.17 g/ml Polyurethane 1.23 g/ml Phenolic 1.32 g/ml Polyvinylchloride 1.37 g/ml PTFE 2.2 g/ml Aluminum 2.71 g/ml
Maple 0.77 g/ml Polypropylene 0.90 g/ml Polystyrene 1.03 g/ml Polyamide (Nylon) 1.15 g/ml Acrylic 1.17 g/ml Polyurethane 1.23 g/ml Phenolic 1.32 g/ml Polyvinylchloride 1.37 g/ml PTFE 2.2 g/ml Aluminum 2.71 g/ml
How Much Does a Cloud Weigh?
Scale of the Universe
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Universe Size and Scale -- Know Your Galactic Address
On the board Comprehending the size of the universe is incredibly difficult. This project will help you understand the vastness of space Gloop Glork, a friend in a distant galaxy wants to send you a letter about her trip to a black hole. A regular address has only three or four lines. Due to the great distance, the address has to be specific so the letter can get to you. PROCEDURE:
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Vocabulary
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Sizing Up The UniverseStudents complete this activity in the computer lab
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How Big, How Far, How Old?
How big do you think all the planets are compared to earth? How big do you think the Sun is compared to the planets? Let’s look at this next image of the relative sizes of the Sun and the planets. Click on the image for a larger view in a new window.
This shouldn’t really be any surprise. Since our school days, have looked at relative sizes of the planets and the Sun. But the next image will surely take you by surprise. Size and Scale activity - How Big, How Far, How Old. (cards) Students completed a size and scale activity - How Big, How Far, How Old. (cards) Students were given cards with astronomical pictures. They were told to take seven cards and determine the order of distance from nearest to farthest; they took seven different cards and had to determine size from smallest to largest; they took seven different cards and had to determine age from newest to oldest. |
If you made a beach using grains the proportionate size of the stars in the Milky Way, what would that beach look like?
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The universe is weird, expanding, and explained by the Big Bang Theory
Students took guided notes on the Big Bang Theory.
Strong lines of evidence include:
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Expanding Universe Outline
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Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation
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We took the Universe and galaxy quiz today. This quiz was our first online quiz.
You will need to get a code from me to take it if you missed today.
You will need to get a code from me to take it if you missed today.
Physics of Santa Claus
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Teach an adult 18 years or older, who is not in high school, a concept learned this semester. The adult needs to write down what they were taught and also sign the paper.