An interactive applet and associated web page that describe the concept of …
An interactive applet and associated web page that describe the concept of the coordinate plane (Cartesian Plane). The applet shows the plane, its axes, origin and related controls. The user can drag a point around and see the coordinates change, and click anywhere to create new points. The origin can be dragged to emphasize or eliminate certain quadrants. The grid, axis pointers and coordinates can be turned on and off. The coordinate display can be turned off to permit class exercises and then turned back on the verify the answers. The applet can be printed as it appears on the screen to make handouts. The web page has a narrative description of the concept. Applet can be enlarged to full screen size for use with a classroom projector. This resource is a component of the Math Open Reference Interactive Geometry textbook project at http://www.mathopenref.com.
Students design and build a mechanical arm that lifts and moves an …
Students design and build a mechanical arm that lifts and moves an empty 12-ounce soda can using hydraulics for power. Small design teams (1-2 students each) design and build a single axis for use in the completed mechanical arm. One team designs and builds the grasping hand, another team the lifting arm, and a third team the rotation base. The three groups must work to communicate effectively through written and verbal communication and sketches.
A web page that introduces the concepts behind coordinate geometry. Can be …
A web page that introduces the concepts behind coordinate geometry. Can be used as a reference for students to learn about the topic when away from class. Has links to other related pages that contain animated demonstrations. This resource is a component of the Math Open Reference Interactive Geometry textbook project at http://www.mathopenref.com.
Why does the Moon not always look the same to us? Sometimes …
Why does the Moon not always look the same to us? Sometimes it is a big, bright, circle, but, other times, it is only a tiny sliver, if we can see it at all. The different shapes and sizes of the slivers of the Moon are referred to as its phases, and they change periodically over the course of a lunar month, which is twenty-eight days long. The phases are caused by the relative positions of the Earth, Sun, and Moon at different times during the month.
Students work in teams of two to discover the relative positions of …
Students work in teams of two to discover the relative positions of the Earth, Sun and Moon that produce the different phases of the Moon. Groups are each given a Styrofoam ball that they attach to a pencil so that it looks like a lollipop. In this acting-out model exercise, this ball on a stick represents the Moon, the students represent the Earth and a hanging lightbulb serves as the Sun. Students move the "Moon" around them to discover the different phases. They fill in the position of the Moon and its corresponding phase in a worksheet.
An interactive applet and associated web page that show the major and …
An interactive applet and associated web page that show the major and minor axes of an ellipse. The applet has an ellipse whose major and minor axis endpoints can be dragged. As they are dragged the major and minor axes change length and may swap places. The applet also shows the location of the foci, which are always on the major axis, and shows how they move with variation of the axis lengths. Applet can be enlarged to full screen size for use with a classroom projector. This resource is a component of the Math Open Reference Interactive Geometry textbook project at http://www.mathopenref.com.
The purpose of this lesson is to teach students about the three …
The purpose of this lesson is to teach students about the three dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. It is important for structural engineers to be confident graphing in 3D in order to be able to describe locations in space to fellow engineers.
Students are introduced to the fabulous planet on which they live. Even …
Students are introduced to the fabulous planet on which they live. Even though we spend our entire lives on Earth, we still do not always understand how it fits into the rest of the solar system. Students learn about the Earth's position in the solar system and what makes it unique. They learn how engineers study human interactions with the Earth and design technologies and systems to monitor, use and care for our planet's resources wisely to preserve life on Earth.
Student groups use a "real" 3D coordinate system to plot points in …
Student groups use a "real" 3D coordinate system to plot points in space. Made from balsa wood or wooden dowels, the system has three axes at right angles and a plane (the XY plane) that can slide up and down the Z axis. Students are given several coordinates and asked to find these points in space. Then they find the coordinates of the eight corners of a box/cube with given dimensions.
Students learn the concept of angular momentum and its correlation to mass, …
Students learn the concept of angular momentum and its correlation to mass, velocity and radius. They experiment with rotation and an object's mass distribution. In an associated literacy activity, students use basic methods of comparative mythology to consider why spinning and weaving are common motifs in creation myths and folktales.
An interactive applet and associated web page that show the semi-major and …
An interactive applet and associated web page that show the semi-major and semi-minor axes of an ellipse. The applet has an ellipse whose major and minor axis endpoints can be dragged. As they are dragged the semi-major and semi-minor axes change length and may swap places. The applet also shows the location of the foci, which are always on the major axis, and shows how they move with variation of the semi-axis lengths. Applet can be enlarged to full screen size for use with a classroom projector. This resource is a component of the Math Open Reference Interactive Geometry textbook project at http://www.mathopenref.com.
Students learn about the daily and annual cycles of solar angles used …
Students learn about the daily and annual cycles of solar angles used in power calculations to maximize photovoltaic power generation. They gain an overview of solar tracking systems that improve PV panel efficiency by following the sun through the sky.
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