What are the Properties of Waves? How do they interact?

Today in class we completed a discovery activity using trays of water and clay to investigate how waves react when they interact with each other, reach a barrier, or reach two barriers.  

In a new blog post, explain the materials you and your partner used, the tests you completed for each scenario (no barriers, one barrier, two barriers) and be sure to explain how the waves reacted when they met. 


When you complete your analysis of your observations then go to this simulator to discover more about the interactions of waves.  http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/wave-interference
Try different combinations. Try increasing the amplitude or the frequency. Add another dripping faucet. Add a barrier (wall) or try a slit or two.  Try turning the sink to the side view.  


How do these changes affect the appearance of the waves?  What have you learned about wave properties (wavelength, frequency, and amplitude) and how waves interact? You should be able to discuss these topics in class and in your blog posts. 

Space Exploration: Is it worth the cost?

Introduction to the Essay:

How many of the planets in our solar system have been photographed up close or visited by space probes from Earth? ALL OF THEM!  :)  What have we learned about them that couldn't be learned with Earth-based observations?  Surface features, existence of minor moons, existence of rings, properties such as magnetic fields, composition of rocks, and so on. Have any of the moons or planets in the solar system been explored by astronauts?  YES! Our own moon!  :)

Assignment:

So, my question to you is:  What value is there in exploring space?  If there is value in exploring space, is there any real value in sending people to explore space or just nonliving beings like robots or space probes?

Please read pages 92 and 93 in your Astronomy Textbook (Science Explorer).  Then, you will write an essay about your opinion based on facts and your own knowledge you gained from the unit.  Be sure that you provide your opinion about where you stand on the issue.

The main question is:  How much is space exploration really worth to human society? Does it outweigh the costs? What are the benefits and what are our limitations?

Questions to be answered in paragraph form:

1.  In your own words, discuss the various costs and benefits of space exploration.

2.  Make suggestions for three different approaches to space exploration:  sending humans to the moon or another planet, doing only Earth-based research, and one other opinion/suggestion for possible space exploration.

3.  What are the benefits and drawbacks of each of these approaches.

4.  Imagine that you are a member of Congress (government), who has to vote on a new budget (money to be spent).  There is a fixed amount of money to spend, so you have to decide which needs to your country is the most important.  Discuss the top five to ten priority areas (such as medical research, health, transportation systems, roadways, education, science studies, etc...).  Give back-up or your reasonings for your decision. Which would get the most funding (money)?  Where do you think space exploration should be in your prioritized list?

Concluding thoughts...

For help in your research go to the GO ONLINE at www.phschool.com website.  Then, type in the web code:  cfh-5030.  Here you will find more on space exploration.  (BELOW YOU WILL FIND SOME TIPS ON WHAT TO RESEARCH)

http://www.theurbn.com/2011/05/space-exploration/--Space Exploration in 2035

Search the Internet to learn more about the debate over space exploration.

The following key words will help you gather information:

• NASA spinoffs
• Space exploration benefits
• Space exploration costs
• Space exploration dangers

Tips for an Effective Internet Search

• Be aware that search engines present pages in descending order of relevancy; the most useful pages will be at the top of the list.
• To help determine whether the Web page is a reliable source, note the URL endings. Educational institutions maintain sites ending in .edu. Government agencies maintain sites ending in .gov. Nonprofit organizations maintain sites ending in .org. Sites ending in .com are commercially or personally maintained.
• Be sure to respect copyrighted material.

Meteor Craters: How are they created?

This class we will investigate various websites and complete an measurement and location activity using Google Earth. You will locate 10 major craters on Earth's surface and measure their diameters.  Which one is the biggest?  How do their sizes compare?  Do they all look the same?  Which one is the oldest?  If you were to stand in them, how long would it take you to get to the other side?  How do the craters compare to those we see on the moon?  Extension:  How do scientists know which crater is older and the age of craters?  

Before you begin, have a look at these websites to get your thinking started...

http://www.meteorcrater.com/

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/08/impactcraters/all/1

How many craters do you think there are?  Have a look! 
http://geology.com/meteor-impact-craters.shtml

You will be using this website, but I have printed it for you to write on in class. 
http://supernova7.apsc.csi.cuny.edu/google_earth_impacts_worksheet%5B1%5D.pdf

To help you identify the craters when using Google Earth, you may need to use this link to help you. 
http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/featured/10-greatest-major-impact-craters-on-earth/1403?image=0