ChemEdX February 2018 Update
ChemEdX February 2018 Update
By now, a lot of you have been able to watch the Winter Olympics. If you are like me, you have been able to draw similarities and relevance to what you are teaching in the classroom.
For example, my Chemistry 1 semester classes recently reviewed the idea of accuracy and precision. Curling is a wonderful example for discussing those concepts. Perhaps you have covered significant figures and limits of accuracy by discussing the difference in timing among the different sports (recording to the hundredths place vs. the thousandths place). Maybe you teach physics - the physics of curling (momentum, inertia, etc) or ski jump (trajectory, velocity) would be relevant.
You might be interested in reading Doug Ragan's post about Significant Digits, Pool Tolerances, and Ties in Swimming.
What other lessons come to mind from the Winter Olympics? How might these lessons relate to NGSS? Comment below!
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Comments 2
Funny you bring up curling
The physics still isn't understood regarding the curl of the curling stone. When an object is pushed normally and spun it curls opposite the direction in which it was rotated. For example a glass on a wet surface. However, a curling stone will spin in the same direction in which it is rotated. Here is a link to the article and the different theories. Great post and Curl on! https://www.newyorker.com/tech/elements/physicists-still-dont-know-what-puts-the-curl-in-curling
Revamping our Chem I as well
Look forward to hearing from you your thoughts on the MSS and NGSS as you revamp. We are doing the same. I wont be at BCCE this year but lets connect this summer! Good Luck!