9/25 Earth Science update and homework due 10/2

Hi folks,

Today we spent time taking a look at looking. In my opinion, one of the most important parts of the scientific method, and indeed, just living, is the ability to observe. We all walk through the world with preconceived notions of the way things are or should be. One of the things that made Einstein and Newton so good at what they did, was that they were able to truly "see" what was happening. Free from preconceived notions and ideas. We did several activities today designed to show how our preconceived ideas get in the way of our perceptions and to try to get better at seeing what is really there.

For homework this week I want you to work on your observation skills. Keep an "Observation Log". Each day, either when you wake up or go to bed, write down five things you notice about your room. I'll bet that this will be very easy at first but that over time it may become more difficult and you find your observations getting more specific and more generic. (I'll talk more about what I mean during next week's class.)

Have fun with this!

Best,

Jim Mueller

(919) 907-3217

9/18 Earth Science class and homework due 9/25

Hi folks,

No recording this week since the majority of the time was spent doing activities.  If you missed class this week feel free to take a look at the "Communication" chapter of the eBook I sent a couple of weeks ago.  That should give a good overview of what we did in class this week.

This week we worked on a skill that is not only important for science but is also vital for just living, communication.

I attempted to show the students that we tend to make a lot of assumptions when talking to people and those assumptions can sometimes lead to poor communication. In a way, science is a "language" designed to ensure that miscommunications don't happen. It's a system that is familiar to everyone that, not only, speaks clearly to the reader, but also communicates instructions to repeat the same methodology. (At least that's the hope. Not all papers meet that mark.)

I also had the students play a great "game" where they were to set up a set of blocks in secret and then give instructions to the rest of the class on how to duplicate the same set of blocks. It's surprising how difficult this can be.

For homework this week,

1. Gather any three objects, toys, silverware, blocks, coins or a combination of all.

2. Lay those objects on the table in any way you wish. (If you can, take a picture of your set up.)

3. Attempt to write a set of instructions for how to set up those three objects. Your goal is to write your instructions so clearly that you can give them to someone and they can set up the objects in the exact same way you did. (Feel free to give the instructions and objects to friends or family to try it.)

4. Bring your instructions, your picture and your objects to class next week. We will be passing them around to see if folks can reconstruct your design from your instructions. (Be sure the picture is separate from the instructions.)

Good Luck!

Earth Science Class is ON for Tuesday

Hi all,

Just wanted to let you know that it looks like all is good to go for tomorrow's Earth Science class.

Looking forward to seeing everyone after the storms!

Jim Mueller

Science Jim classes next week

Hi folks,

Well, we're heading into the unknown here and with that in mind I figured I'd put a little plan together regarding classes for next week.  

My plan is to email folks to let them know if class is a go or not.  However, my big worry at the moment for my location is loss of power/internet.  So, if you don't hear from me, assume class is OFF.  

Please don't hesitate to contact me to let me know if you won't be able to make it to class for any reason.  If most folks can't make it to class we may cancel class due to lack of attendance.  

My phone # is (919) 907-3217 if you wish to text or call for information about class.  Assuming my phone is still operational and has power I will get back to you ASAP.

Here's hoping this email is for not and all will be well for all of us next week!

My best wishes for safety and comfort for everyone next week!

Jim Mueller

9/11 Earth Science Recording - Variables

https://youtu.be/ttR1GuxvN_g

9/11 Earth Science update and homework due 9/18

Hi folks,

Today we spent time on the, very important, concept of variables. We learned some of the definitions of the different variables such as changing, independent, dependent and constant. We also did a lab using a pendulum in order to see how changing the length of the string effected how many swings there would be in 10 seconds.


Homework due 9/18 is to:

Read the Variables chapter in the enclosed eBook.

Do all the questions at the end of the Variables chapter.


Also, answer the following questions regarding today's pendulum lab.


1. What was the dependent variable?

2. What was the independent variable?

3. What were five different constant variables?

4. Create a new hypothesis that can be tested using the same materials that we used today.

9/4 Earth Science Recording - Intro to Class

https://youtu.be/6zzazpR7_SQ

9/4 Earth Science update and homework due 9/11

Hi Everyone!

Every week I'll be sending out an email with a quick summary of what we did in class. This email is a little later than usual due to "beginning-of-the-year-organizational stuff". Usually, these will be in your email boxes within 24 hours or so. I also send a recording of each class so that folks who miss class or who would like to review the material can take a look. That is usually also posted to YouTube within 24 hours. The recordings are "unlisted" so that they can only be viewed by folks who have the link.

This week we spent some time going over some of the administrative details of class such as homework and quizzes and we went over a general syllabus for the class. We also touched on the topic of "What is Science?" We will be doing quite a bit more with the where's, what's and why's of science in the next couple of weeks.

For homework this week:

Read pages 6 - 14 in the Earth Science text book

Answer the following questions:

1. What is the definition of hypothesis?


2. Give an example of a scientific hypothesis.


3. List the 5 steps of the scientific method that we discussed in class.


4. What does the word "data" mean?


5. What is the definition of science that we used in class?


6. Why do we need science?


7. What is the definition of Earth Science?


8. Why is it important that scientists perform an experiment more than one time?