Weekly Blog 5/27/18 - Tu Youyou

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Summary

Tu Youyou is an accomplished Chinese pharmaceutical chemist as well as educator. She was born on December 30, 1930 in Ningbo, China and is currently 87 years old. Also, she has won many awards including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2015 and is best known for discovering artemisinin and dihydroartemisinin which she found could be used for treating malaria. Tu Youyou primarily conducted her research at the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (Beijing, China) and went to the Peking University Medical School and Beijing Medical College. Tu Youyou has saved millions of lives with her scientific research and findings.

SP8: Communicating Information

I communicated information when I created a scientist wanted poster on Tu Youyou and shared my findings in a flipgrid to the class.  In the flipgrid I summarized what I researched in a video and shared the link to my poster so my classmates can learn more about my scientist if they want. In addition to that, I commented on another students post about their scientist starting a discussion on the information they presented. 

XCC: Cause and Effect

While researching about my scientist I noticed many different examples of cause and effect relationships. For example, by focusing on combining traditional Chinese medicine with new information and technology, she was able to discover artemisinin. This cause had many effects including the saving of millions of lives and the winning of the Nobel Prize for Tu Youyou.

Weekly Blog 5/20/2018 - solar systems

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Summary

Our solar system lies within a galaxy called the Milky Way which contains billions of other stars. planets, and solar systems. In addition to that, our galaxy is only one out of hundreds of billions of other galaxies in the universe. There are three different kinds of galaxies. Spiral (like our Milky Way), Elliptical, and Irregular. The universe is an absurdly huge place. In order to measure things in space, we use a distance called light years. Light years are equal to how far light would travel in a year, roughly 6 trillion miles. Another unit of measurement astronomers use is AU or astronomical units. Astronomical units are used to measure distances within a solar system and are about the distance between the Earth and the Sun.

SP4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data

I analyzed and interpreted data when I read articles and watched videos to gather information on solar systems, galaxies, and more. By watching the videos, I gathered information which I then used to answer questions and fill out charts and tables on Formative. Finally, I completed a Mastery quest using all of the data and information I previously analyzed and gathered. 

XCC: Cause and Effect

In space, there are many examples of cause and effect. One example is with our sun. When a solar flare occurs, particles from the sun are ejected into space. When conditions are right and the particles hit Earth and interact with the atmosphere and magnetic fields by being funneled near the poles, they can cause the air to glow creating the aurora. In addition to this, as the particles interact they can generate massive amounts of electricity in the Earth's crust which can cause overloads in the power grid and blackouts. Nuclear fusion and solar flares in the sun can have big effects on other planets like the Earth. 

Weekly Blog 5/13/18 - Natural Disasters and Stress

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Summary

Chronic stress is having stress for a long period of time. Things that cause chronic stress are overworking or commonly fighting with another person. Some of the feelings associated with stress are loneliness, isolation, and anxiety. When you are stressed a hormone called cortisol is released. Exposure to cortisol for a long period of time can shrink your hippo campus (a part of your brain). It can also effect your memory, learning, and stress control since too much cortisol causes a reduction in the connections between neurons. People who have been through or survived a natural disaster usually develop trauma and other mental health disorders like depression. They are often extremely stressed due to the fact that they have gone through a huge loss.

SP8: Communicating Information

I communicated the information I obtained by working with my group members to create a flyer on ways survivors can cope with mental health disorders like PTSD. After researching by reading articles, watching a video, and completing a formative, I created the flyer. One way that survivors can cope after going through a natural disaster is yoga and meditation. Both of these activities involve deep breathing and relaxation. Doing these as well as exercising ca reduce the effects of cortisol on the brain. Another thing we wrote was reaching out and offering support to others who have gone through similar ordeals. Helping out others benefits both you and the other person. It can make you happier and combat depression.

XCC: Cause and Effect 

A natural disaster can have many effects. For someone who went through the disaster, their physical and mental well being is usually hurt. Aside from getting injured, many survivors develop trauma, PTSD, depression and other mental health disorders. Natural disasters can even effect those far away watching the scene from a TV screen. Family members and friends far away from the action feel deep worry and fear from not knowing whether or not that person is okay. In addition to this, natural disasters effect the government and town. Restoring the damage done can be a lengthy and pricey process. Overall, a natural disaster is one cause with many negative effects. 

 

Eclipses, Seasons, and Tides Master Quest Re-grade

Question:

 Correct answer: 

The correct answer is Spring because the solar energy of the sun towards the Northern Hemisphere in this position isn't super high or super low and the hours of daylight due to the tilt of the Earth is in the middle.

Question:

Correct answer:

The correct answer is summer because in this position the Northern Hemisphere receives the most amount of sunlight energy from the sun making the days warmer and has the longest days in the year. The axis of the Earth is tilted towards the sun giving it the most light.

Question:

 Correct answer:

The correct answer is fall because the Northern Hemisphere is receiving moderately low levels of sunlight. The tilt of the Earth's axis is making it face a little ways away form the sun.

Question:

 Correct answer:

The correct answer is winter because the Earth is tiled away from the sun causing the Northern Hemisphere to receive the lowest levels on sun energy making it the cold season, winter.

Question:

Correct answer:

The correct answer is 23.5 degrees because the Earth is tilted at 23.5 degrees.

Question:

Correct answer:

The correct answer is summer because the Earth's axis is tilted towards the sun making the Northern Hemisphere receive the most amount of sun energy.

Question:

 Correct answer:

The correct answer is winter because since the Earth's axis is tilted towards the sun making the Southern Hemisphere face away from the sun and receive low levels of light and sun energy.


Question:

 Correct answer:

The correct answer is a lunar eclipse because in order for a lunar eclipse to happen the sun, Earth, and a full moon needs to be lined up exactly with the Earth in between them. The position that the moon needs to be in for a lunar eclipse (in the umbra) is also where a full moon would occur. 

Question:

Correct answer:

The correct answer is when the sun is directly above Earth's equator. This is because the angle of the sun in relation to the Earth's equator causes day and night to be of equal length making an equinox.

Project Blog Musical Waves - 4/22/18

Summary

For the musical waves project, I worked with my group members to create the string a box. The string a box is a box cut a slant with rubber bands stretched around it. To play it, you simply have to pluck the strings. When the strings are plucked, they vibrate a create note which is amplified through the box. Due to the slant of the box, the strings are tightened at different amounts. This is what allows the box to be able to play full scale of notes. When the bands are pulled tighter, they will have a higher pitch. When strings are looser, they will have a looser pitch. Through Audacity, we also found that notes with a higher pitch have higher wave frequencies while notes with with a louder volume result in sound waves with higher amplitudes.

Backwards Looking - What process did you go through to produce this piece?

The first step to building the string a nox was finding a corrugated cardboard box. Originally, we simply cut the top of the cardboard box at a slant and tried to stretch the rubber bands around the box. However, the box was too large making it impossible for the rubber bands to go on without snapping from tension. In order to solve this issue we cut the box up in a way that made it skinnier and smaller. Doing so also created legs to hold the instrument up. Once we did that we stretched 8 rubber bands around the box and adjusted their positions so they played a C major scale using an instrument tuner.

Inwards Looking  - What did you find especially satisfying about either the process or finished product?

One thing that I found especally satisfying about the product was that it was able to play insteresting music. We created a video of a song we played which you can find in the slide presentation. In addition to that, I found that the rubber bands on the side could create a snapping percussion noise. I thought that was cool because it was unintended and surprising.

Outwards Looking - In what ways did your work meet the standards for this assignment? In what ways did it not meet those standards?

Our instrument met most of the standards for the assignment. It was able to play 8 different notes as well as was loud enough to clearly hear. In addition to that, in our presentation we clearly covered ow volume and pitch changes the appearance of waves, how we built our instrument, how it works, and what problems we encountered. However, we never finished the music sheets for our instrument.

Forwards Looking - What would you change if you had a chance to do this piece over again?

If I had a chance to do this project  over again, I would start by finding and developing a working instrument earlier. My group had to change our whole instrument halfway through the project since we found our original idea wasn't working. If we tested it sooner, it would have saved us a lot of time as well as work. That way, we would have had more time to focus on other aspects of the project such as our music sheets and presentation.

Weekly Blog 4/15/18 - Sounds and Music

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Summary

weekly Blog 4/1/18 Analog Vs Digital

Weekly Blog 3/24/18 - Digital VS Analog

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Summary

Analog technology is any kind of non-digital tool that is used to create an "analogy" of what it is measuring or doing. In the case of sound, analog recordings adjust and create "analogies" based on variations in air pressure. Digital technology, however, takes the sound waves then converts it into numbers to store or display. Many believe that analog sounds produce warmer, more natural, and better quality audio than digital recordings do. However, there are many more benefits to digital recordings. They are easier to manage, store, edit, create and distribute. Overall, there are pros and cons to both digital and analog recordings.

SP7 Engaging in an Argument from Evidence

I engaged in an argument from evidence when I researched the advantages and disadvantages of both analog and digital versions of sound recording. Ultimately, I decided to write my WAC about and argue the reasons why digital recordings are more suitable for artists and their producers. One of the cons of analog tapes is that they are hard to edit and there is no undo button. One mistake and the recording will be ruined and we will have to start all over. In addition to this, tape hissing and static background noises that often comes with analog recordings are nearly impossible to fully get rid of. With digital formats, however, getting rid of background noise can be as easy as the click of a few buttons. Digital recording equipment requires less maintenance, is more efficient at its job, cheaper, and takes up less space. 

XCC: Cause and Effect

By using digital recordings, you are able to do many things like store more information in less space. This is because digital recordings are just "samples" of sound waves converted into numbers and stored in devices. There are many effects that digital sound technologies cause. One negative effect of using digital sounds is that the quality tends to get worse after sampling. One positive effect is that digital formats allow you to send and share information with others quickly and efficiently.

Digital Vs Analog WAC 3/21/18

     Since the 80's and especially now, digital recording technology has been overtaking and dominating the music industry leaving analog recordings in the dust. However, recently many people have been arguing the benefits of analog sound recording. According to the article Analog, Digital, What's the Difference? by Recording Connection, "analog sound tends to be warmer, has more texture and is thought to capture a truer representation of the actual sound."(para. 9). Digital, however, is described as "somewhat cold, technical and perhaps lacking in analog’s nuance."(para. 9). But which format of sound recording is better for me as a recording artist? Though both analog and digital recording formats have their pros and cons, I should record my music in a digital format. This is due to the fact that digital recording formats are cheaper, easier to work with, and more accessible to everyone.

     If we decided to record in analog format, editing would be a tedious and difficult task for you, the producer and the studio. Analog tapes are hard to edit and worst of all, there is no undo button. One mistake and the recording will be ruined and we will have to start all over. In addition to this, tape hissing and static background noises that often comes with analog recordings are nearly impossible to fully get rid of. With digital formats, however, getting rid of background noise can be as easy as the click of a few buttons. "You can chop, edit and manipulate audio within a matter of minutes"(para.4), says Charmain2010 in his article Analogue VS Digital: Advantages VS Disadvantages. Overall, when it comes to easier editing in the studio, digital recording definitely wins.

     There are also more benefits to digital recording than just editing. In addition to that, digital recording equipment also requires less maintenance and is cheaper. To create an analog recording, you would need a whole studio full of expensive and bulky equipment. For digital, however, you could create a whole soundtrack at home on your laptop. Also, in Chris Woodford's article Analog and Digital, he writes "You'll need several shelves to store 400 vinyl, analog LP records, but with an MP3 player you can put the same amount of music in your pocket!".

     Another important factor that will determine my success as an artist is how widely distributed and available to the public my music is. We live in a digital age where everyone can connect and discover new things online through the internet. The biggest way to get my name and songs out in the world for the public to discover is through online social media sites like YouTube and Spotify. In addition to this, we could upload and sell our music online in places like I tunes. If we sold analogue records, listeners would be limited to those owning and interested in analog record players. We should take advantage of the many music sharing platforms online available to us and record in a digital format.

     A common argument that is often brought up in favor of analog recordings is that they simply sound better and are of better quality. Steve Guttenburg wrote in his article, Why does Analog Sound Better than Digital?,"Music isn't a test tone or just a sequence of numbers. It's about soul, and when the music's good, it's supposed to connect with people...Analog-sourced music does that stuff better than digital"(para. 4). In reality, however this is incorrect. In the video created by PastVid, Analog or Digital (1993) it mentioned that "It takes a good stereo with a good turntable to hear the subtleties that CD's seem to miss"(2:16). The difference between the two are so slight, it doesn't really matter whether or not you are listening to an analog or digital recording since they sound the same. In addition to this, static and hissing background noise is commonly found in analog recordings and they degrade over time. Unlike with analog where the more you listen to an analog recording the worse the quality gets, digital CD's or files sound exactly the same every time you play it. 

     So which one do you think is the better option now? Digital recordings are efficient, cheap, highly distributive, durable, and basically sound as good as analog recordings. Analog recordings can be expensive, consume time and space to make, degrade over time, and more. Not to mention how little people own analog record players nowadays. It is obvious that I should record my music in a digital format because of digital's many pros.

Weekly Blog 3/11/18 - Analog and Digital Sounds

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Summary 

Analog technology is any kind of non digital tool that is used to create an "analogy" of what it is measuring or doing. For example, in a clock the hands are representing time. This doesn't mean that the clock is time but rather that the clock is creating an analogy of time. Digital technology, however, is different. Unlike analog technology, digital technology takes the information, then converts it into numbers to store or display. Digital technology is generally faster and easier to read than analog technology. Also, more information can be stored in less space using numbers and digital technology that with analog. However, this doesn't exactly mean that digital technology is better. While it may be more efficient, many argue that digital technology is sacrificing quality for convienience. In the image above, you can see the difference between an analog and digital recording. In the digital recording, lots of information is lost. However, you can improve the quality of a digital recording by increasing the sampling rate which is basically recording more heights out of more points on the original recording.

SP 4: Analyzing and Interpreting Data

I analyzed data when I created two graphs of digital recordings based on the same analog recording at different sampling rates. Comparing the graphs side by side showed me the how good the quality of an analog recording is compared to a digital one. However, when analyzing my graphs I found that the more points I collect or the higher the sampling rate, the less information will be lost on the digital recording. This reminded me of how taking a picture on a good camera with higher resolution compares to one on an old, bad camera. Just like digital recordings with more numbers and data, images with higher resolution and more pixels are better quality than ones with less. 

XCC: Struction and Function

Sounds travels differently through different mediums because of their structure. When molecules are closer together, it allows sound to travel faster because the sound vibrations and energy can move without losing and having to use any energy. Sound slowly through the air, faster in liquids, and even faster through solids. On a cold day, molecules will contract and come closer together allowing sound to travel faster. The structure and formation of molecules in all of these different mediums cause  sound vibrations to travel through and function differently when encountered. 

Quizizz! Re-grade

Question:

Correct Answer: Reflection

Explanation: Reflection is the correct answer because the action of a something (like a wave) bouncing off a surface is a form of reflection. The light is being "reflected" making it bounce back, not "refracted". Refraction, however, is something completely different which has to do with a change in angles and direction.

Question:

Correct Answer: Only a small part

Explanation: Though most of it isn't, part of the electromagnetic spectrum like visible light is visible meaning only a small part of it is visible. That part is known as the visible spectrum.

Question:

Correct Answer: False

Explanation:

Light is not a mechanical wave because it doesn't require matter or a medium to be produced and is not the vibration of molecules. It is a electromagnetic wave and can travel through space. 

Question:

Correct Answer: Microwaves

Explanation:
In order to receive and send information with your cellphone, microwave signals are transmitted between the two phones. Cellphones use microwaves.

Question:

Correct Answer: back and forth

Explanation:
In a transverse wave, the motion is moving back and forth or oscillating in a rhythm. This means that in a transverse wave particles move back and forth.

Question:

Correct Answer: solid molecules are packed tightly

Explanation:
Sound is able to move through a solid faster than a gas because solid molecules are packed tightly and closer together meaning less energy is lost between the traveling of molecules. With gas molecules, they are too far spread. When sound has to travels between them, energy is lost and used up resulting in sound traveling slower.


Question









Correct Answer: wavelength, lower

Explanation:
Since the frequency is the amount of waves pass by a certain point in a second, when the wavelengths are longer that means less waves will pass by since they are larger. If less waves pass by it results in a lower frequency. Therefore, the longer the wavelength the lower the frequency.

Weekly Blog 3/4/18 - Sound

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Summary

Sounds are formed by the vibration of molecules in a medium. It carries energy and travels in sound waves. When you hear sounds, the reason why they all sound different is because of wavelength, amplitude, and frequencies. Wavelength is the distance from the top of one wave to another or how wide the waves are. Amplitude is the height of the wave. Frequencies are the number of wavelengths that travel past one point in one second. The frequency of a sound directly affects the pitch of the sound. Lower frequencies have a lower pitch while higher frequencies have a higher pitch.

SP2: Developing and Using Models

I developed models when I experimented with bottles and water to produce sounds of different pitches. By adjusting the amounts of water in each bottle and blowing on them, I was able to learn that bottles with less water have a lower pitch when you blow and bottles with more water have a higher pitch. Using the bottles helped me learn more about sound vibrations and how frequency affects pitch.

XCC: Structure and Function

In order to be able to hear sounds, our ears are specially built and include certain parts. Sound waves enter through the outer ear and travel through the ear canal. Once it reaches the eardrum, the sound waves cause the eardrum to vibrate which moves the tiny bones in the middle ear. The purpose of the tiny bones are to help sound travel into the inner ear where they enter the cochlea (a curled tube in the inner ear that is filled with liquid) and produce waves. Along the exterior of the cochlea are tiny cells that are covered in even tinier hairs. The vibrations of the sound cause the hairs to move sending nerve signals to the brain. The brain processes the nerve signals as sound so you can hear it. Without any of these parts, you wouldn't be able to hear. For example, when the hair cells on your cochlea die or are damaged, that's when you begin to experience loss of hearing.

Roller coaster Project 2/18/18

Our Roller Coaster

Summary
This past week, our group was tasked with the challenge of creating a roller coaster using a base, tubing, tape, dowels, and cardboard. In addition to this, we had to stay within a budget and purchase all of our materials. In order to create a roller coaster, you must understand Newtons 3 laws of physics as well as have a basic understanding of motion. Creating our track took lots of trial and error. The angle of the tube combined with the acceleration and velocity of the marble were very important factors in ensuring the success of our track. Often, little movements in the tubing would cause out whole track to fail. In order to complete this project, we had to have patience and the ability to think of new ways to support and hold up the roller coaster.


Backwards-Looking: What problems did you encounter while working on this piece?
While working on this project, we encountered many problems especially during the building phase of the track. Often, we would struggle to find the perfect position for the tubing. For example, in the second half part of our track, it involved a hill where the marble could accelerate to accumulate the speed needed to clear the next loop. Finding a happy medium between having a marble going so fast it falls out of the track and a marble going to slow it falls out of the loop took some time. Combined with angle positions, placing the tubing in the perfect position took lots of trial and error. Sometimes, even, the track would work perfectly one time and fail the next. Making it consistent was the hardest part of the project.


Inwards-Looking: What was especially satisfying to you about either the process or the finished product?
Due to how much of struggle it was to create our roller coaster track once we completed it, it was especially satisfying. It took way too much time for our group to finish construction since the marble was never consistent in the way that it traveled. However, despite this, I like how it turned out and think that the design of the track is pretty cool thanks to all of its loops, drops, and turns. It is fun to watch as well as was fun to build.


Outwards-Looking: What do your classmates particularly notice about your piece when they look at it?
One negative thing a classmate may notice when looking at our roller coaster is that it is kind of plain and messy as far as construction goes. The dowels are held up with rough cut pieces of cardboard and wads of tape, making it not very attractive. However, they may also notice that our roller coaster's design is really loopy and interesting. Making all of the loops was hard to do since the marble would constantly fall out of it so that is one part of the track I am proud of.


Forwards-Looking: What's the one thing that you have seen in your classmates' work or process that you would like to try in your next piece?
When looking around the classroom at other group's roller coasters, I noticed one group had really nice decorations. They covered the dowels and cardboard pieces in paint and tons of decorations made out of pipe cleaners. The roller coaster looked much more neat and nicer than ours did. When working on another construction type project, I will make sure to set more time aside so I can spend more time on the appearance and attractiveness of our product.

Weekly Blog 2/11/17 - Motion

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Weekly Blog 2/4/18 - Energy

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Summary

Energy is the ability to do "work". It is measured in something called joules. One joule is equal to the force of one newton acting through a distance of one meter. Kinetic energy is energy an object has due to its motion. For example, if a ball is dropping down like shown in the picture. The ball is in motion and the energy is kinetic. Potential energy is energy that is being stored and waiting to be used. When an object begins to move, the potential energy stored in that object becomes kinetic energy. There are different kinds of potential energy including gravitational, elastic, and chemical potential energy.

SP4 - Analyzing and interpreting data

I analyzed data when I completed several online interactives that taught me about newtons laws as well as energy. While completing the games and activities, I collected and recored the data I found in a graph on either a paper or google document. Once I completed the tables, I interpreted the data and made conclusions on my findings. In one game, I collected data on the amount of energy produced based on the speed an object is being launched at and its mass. After creating a table, I analyzed it and saw that the higher the speed and mass of an object, the higher amounts of energy would be produced.

XCC: Energy and Matter

When you are throwing an object, the speed of the launch and mass of the object will directly affect the amount of energy produced. If you throw the same ball at different speeds, the amount of energy produced will change. The higher the speed the more energy. The same thing happens when you throw different balls with different masses and different amounts of matter at the same speed. The heavier the ball, the more energy produced. This is one example of the relationship and system between mass and matter, speed, and energy.

Weekly Blog 1/28/18 - Newtons Laws of Motion

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Summary 

Newton's first law of motion is the law of inertia. This law states that an object with no force applied to it will never move and when force is applied to an object, it will stay in motion as long as no outside forces cause it to stop. Newton' second law states that force is equal to mass x acceleration (f = ma). But what exactly is acceleration? Acceleration is when you are either speeding up, slowing down, or changing direction. This means that even if you are just standing still and turning in a circle, you are still accelerating. Newton's third law states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. 

SP 5: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking

While conducting several experiments on finding the speed and velocity of different cars I had to use lots of math. For example, to calculate the velocity of one of the cars I had to use certain mathematical skills like division and addition to find averages. Using the formula speed = distance/time, I was able to calculate the speed and velocity of all of the cars. Once I had completed that portion of the experiment and collect all of my data in tables I created line graphs to represent my data. 

XCC: Cause and Effect

All of Newton's laws of motion have to do with cause and effect. For example, the law of inertia states how you need to apply a certain amount of force to an object in order to get it moving. This is cause and effect. One way to think about it is if you are biking. On a mountain or road bike, you can shift gears to control the amount of force needed to pedal making you go faster or slower. When you are on a low gear, it takes more force to pedal and set the bike in motion because there is more weight against you. The cause is the force you apply against the pedals and the effect is the motion and movement of the wheels. In addition to this, Newtons third law of motion is also all about cause and effect. In Newton's third law, every action has an equal opposite reaction, the action is the cause while the reaction is the effect.

Weekly Blog 1/21/18 - Speed

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Summary

The formula for finding speed is distance/time. In other words, speed is simply how fast you are going. It is a scalar quantity meaning it only measures magnitude. An example of speed is 31 mph. Velocity, on the other hand, measures speed with direction. It is a vector quantity. Knowing the velocity of objects is very important. We use our knowledge of speed and direction in our everyday life like when you are in a car, turning and driving around the road when you are crossing the street, and more. To keep track of speed and velocity, you can represent them in a graph. You can do this with either a distance-time graph or a speed-time graph.

S&EP 3 - Planning and Carrying Out Investigations

I planned and carried out an investigation when I completed a lab testing out and comparing the speeds of three different cars on a ramp. I first had to identify the controlled variables on a worksheet such as the height of the ramp, material of the ramp, slope, and the length of the track. The variable being manipulated was the car since we took turns sending different cars down the ramp to test their speeds. Once we set up the ramp, I made my hypothesis. My hypothesis was that the green car would travel the fastest and take the least amount of time to get to the end since it was the heaviest. After testing and timing all of the cars and recording my data on a chart, I found that my hypothesis was correct.

XCC: Structure and Function

To record your data and represent motion, you can create a distance-time graph. The function for a distance-time graph would obviously be distance/time which will give you speed. These graphs help you see how long it took for an object to travel a certain distance. The structure of these graphs are the distance plotted on the y-axis and time on the x-axis. It is really important to get the structure of the graph down and the axis' marked and written correctly. For example, if you recorded speed on the y-axis instead of distance on the y-axis the function of the graph would completely change. Now, the graph tells you how fast an object is moving for how long. That would be a speed graph.

Weekly Blog 1/14/18 - Speed, Motion, and Velocity

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Summary

Scalar quantities only measure the magnitude of objects while vector quantities measure both the magnitude and direction. An example of a scalar quantity would be a distance while a vector quantity would be displacement. People often get distance and displacement confused. Distance is the total amount of distance you traveled/moved while displacement is the amount of distance between your start and end point. Another example of scalar vs vector quantities would be speed and velocity. Speed is a scalar quantity while velocity is a vector. In addition to all of this, regarding motion, to determine whether or not something is in motion you use reference points. A reference point is an object used in comparison to another object to determine whether or not that object is in motion.

SP2: Developing and Using Models

I developed and used models to determine and represent the distance and displacement of objects. By using simple math and sometimes the pythagorean theorem, I was able to draw models on graph paper and in formative that represented the direction and distance objects traveled. The models helped me visualize the movement of the object by creating a visual representation of the object's distance and displacement. I also used models when I analyzed and learned about distance over time graphs. I used the graphs to visualize and see the speed an object, distance traveled, and time spent traveling. 

XCC: Stabillity and Change

In distance over time graphs, you are able to observe when the speed of the object is stable, and when it is changing. You can observe this by looking at the slope of the line. When the object is moving at a steady pace, the line will be linear or straight. The higher the slope, the faster the object is moving. In a formative, I analyzed the movement of Tom by looking at a graph and determining the stability and change within his speed and travel distance. The graph was able to tell me how fast he was moving, how long it took him, how far he traveled in what direction, and when he was stable or not.