In this activity students use log tapes and base-two slide rules as …
In this activity students use log tapes and base-two slide rules as references to graph exponential functions and log functions in base-10 and base-2. Students discover that exponential and log functions are inverse, reflecting across the y = x axis as mirror images. This is activity E2 in the "Far Out Math" educator's guide. Lessons in the guide include activities in which students measure, compare quantities as orders of magnitude, become familiar with scientific notation, and develop an understanding of exponents and logarithms using examples from NASA's GLAST mission. These are skills needed to understand the very large and very small quantities characteristic of astronomical observations. Note: In 2008, the GLAST mission was renamed Fermi, for the physicist Enrico Fermi.
This lesson provides a way for students to determine the relationship between …
This lesson provides a way for students to determine the relationship between the distance from a light source and its brightness. Once students discover the relationship, they can begin to understand how astronomers use this knowledge to determine the distances to stars and far away galaxies.
Students observe how water acts differently when placed on hydrophilic and hydrophobic …
Students observe how water acts differently when placed on hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. They determine which coatings are best to cause surfaces to shed water quickly or reduce the "fogging" caused by condensation.
Forensic anthropology is the application of anthropology to criminal investigations. It incorporates …
Forensic anthropology is the application of anthropology to criminal investigations. It incorporates concepts and methods from biological anthropology (the study of the physical aspects of humanity). Identifying unknown individuals is a key part of forensic anthropology. Anthropologists assist in identifications primarily by constructing a biological profile. This includes estimating age, sex, stature, and ancestry, as well as identifying specific characteristics, like diseases or injuries. In addition to helping identify human remains, the anthropologist analyzes injuries that happened around the time of a person's death, which can help determine how a person died. To do these things, an anthropologist begins by asking a series of important questions.
Website includes more information on forensic anthropology, including photos and videos.
CAUTION: THIS SITE CONTAINS IMAGES THAT SOME MAY FIND DISTURBING. A criminal …
CAUTION: THIS SITE CONTAINS IMAGES THAT SOME MAY FIND DISTURBING.
A criminal case has just been opened. Your task is to help close it. Have you ever wondered how forensic science works? You may have seen police and crime lab work on television but what is a real forensic science investigation like? This site includes information and activities that recreate some of the challenges forensics experts deal with. You will learn first-hand about forensics by taking on the roles of Forensic Archaeologists, Anthropologists, Entomologists, Botanists, DNA Analysts, and Stable Isotope Analysts. Each of your tasks will be a real job that a forensic expert does and every step is important to solving the case. Think carefully, but if you get stuck there are hints to help you. Additionally, there are expert videos on each discipline, photographs of practising forensic scientists at work in the field and in the lab, and a detailed textual library in the "Resources" section. Links to these resources occur at the end of each activity.
Students learn about radar imaging and its various military and civilian applications …
Students learn about radar imaging and its various military and civilian applications that include recognition and detection of human-made targets, and the monitoring of space, deforestation and oil spills. They learn how the concepts of similarity and scaling are used in radar imaging to create three-dimensional models of various targets. Students apply the critical attributes of similar figures to create scale models of a radar imaging scenario using infrared range sensors (to emulate radar functions) and toy airplanes (to emulate targets). They use technology tools to measure angles and distances, and relate the concept of similar figures to real-world applications.
This is a lesson to demonstrate magnetic field lines in 2- and …
This is a lesson to demonstrate magnetic field lines in 2- and 3-dimensions. In the first activity, learners sprinkle iron filings over a magnet underneath a paper and record their observations. The second activity involves building a 3-D magnetic field visualizer using a clear plastic bottle, a cow magnet and iron filings. This is the second lesson in the first session of the "Exploring Magnetism" teacher guide.
In this activity, students graph second and third order functions, discovering an …
In this activity, students graph second and third order functions, discovering an inverse relationship between squares and square roots and between cubes and cube roots. Students graph these functions on both linear grid (evenly spaced numbers), and a log-log grid (evenly space exponents). Graph lines that curve on linear grids transform into straight lines on the log-log grids, with slopes equal to their exponential powers. This activity is activity E3 in the "Far Out Math" educator's guide. Lessons in the guide include activities in which students measure, compare quantities as orders of magnitude, become familiar with scientific notation, and develop an understanding of exponents and logarithms using examples from NASA's GLAST mission. These are skills needed to understand the very large and very small quantities characteristic of astronomical observations. Note: In 2008, GLAST was renamed Fermi, for the physicist Enrico Fermi.
In this activity, students conduct an investigation to purify water. They engineer …
In this activity, students conduct an investigation to purify water. They engineer a method for cleaning water, discover the most effective way to filter water, and practice conducting a scientific experiment. Through this activity and its associated lesson, student teams follow the steps of the engineering design process related to water treatment, as done by practicing engineers, including constructing and testing their designs.
When we hear the word radiation, it壽猻 tempting to picture huge explosions …
When we hear the word radiation, it壽猻 tempting to picture huge explosions and frightening mutations. But that壽猻 not the full story 壽� radiation also applies to rainbows and a doctor examining an X-ray. So what is it, really, and how much should we worry about its effects? Matt Anticole describes the different types of radiation.Lect
Students will brainstorm ways that they use and waste natural resources. Also, …
Students will brainstorm ways that they use and waste natural resources. Also, they will respond to some facts about population growth and how people use petroleum. Lastly, students will consider the different ways that engineers interact with and use our natural resources.
In this activity, students survey other people to find out their thoughts …
In this activity, students survey other people to find out their thoughts about life beyond Earth and compare their ideas with visitors to the Cosmic Questions exhibit. Students can also analyze their survey data to see whether there is any variation or patterns in answers from men and women or people of different ages. To do this, students will need to design their own method for tracking demographic data. This activity is part of the "Cosmic Questions Educator's Guide" that was developed to support the Cosmic Questions exhibit. Activities in the guide can be used in conjunction with or independently of the exhibit.
This activity uses Dr. Drake's framework to have students consider the implications …
This activity uses Dr. Drake's framework to have students consider the implications of each term and make their own estimates of life in the Milky Way galaxy.åÊThis activity is part of a guide that was developed in conjunction with the Cosmic Questions exhibit and complements a museum visit. However, the activities can also be used independently. The format is flexible, and educators can pick and choose the materials that are most appropriate for their students.
In the wake of a hurricane and beset by an economic recession, …
In the wake of a hurricane and beset by an economic recession, the University of Texas Medical Branch on Galveston Island rebuilt for future resilience.
Are all atoms of an element the same? How can you tell …
Are all atoms of an element the same? How can you tell one isotope from another? Use the sim to learn about isotopes and how abundance relates to the average atomic mass of an element.
In this activity, students will conduct a survey to identify the environmental …
In this activity, students will conduct a survey to identify the environmental issues (in their community, their country and the world) for which people are concerned. They will tally and graph the results. Also, students will discuss how surveys are important when engineers make decisions about environmental issues.
In this video-based activity, students learn that sea level is an average …
In this video-based activity, students learn that sea level is an average measurement of the height of the ocean, and sea level changes with the seasons and over time. El Ni̱o and La Niṉa events are compared, demonstrating that sea height is a function of temperature.Summary background information, data and images supporting the activity are available on the Earth Update data site. To complete the activity, students will need to access the Space Update multimedia collection, which is available for download and purchase for use in the classroom.
Is there liquid water on Mars? By experimenting with water as it …
Is there liquid water on Mars? By experimenting with water as it changes state and investigating some effects of air pressure, students not only learn core ideas in physical science but can deduce the water situation on Mars by applying those concepts.
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