The Nature of the Universe

Spiral galaxy M74 holds 100 billion stars. Oddly, stars at its outer edges rotate with the same velocity as those closer in, suggesting the influence of a substantial mass of unseen dark matter.  NASA

There are many questions concerning the nature of the universe that science attempts to answer.  Some of these scientific discoveries and ideas seem to be counter-intuitive or even defy the senses.  This week's articles point out problems that physics tackles concerning the universe that have yet to be fully answered. The question to consider is: What do we know about the nature of the universe in which we live?  To what extent do you base your ideas about the universe on scientific evidence or on belief? 

• The Dark Hunter
• Stephen Hawking Asks Big Questions About The Universe
• Shedding Light on Dark Matter

Busted!!

This week students tackled several "science myths."  To view some of their finding please click on a link below:

• Scientists have genetically engineered mice with high IQ's
• Lemmings are small rodents that commit mass suicide
• Cell phones can cause brain cancer
• Rice shouldn't be thrown at weddings because it can kill birds
• Humans only use 10% of their brain
• Is cell phone use linked to brain cancer? 
• The Great Wall of China is visible from space 
• Fluorescent lights can leach vitamins from your body 
• You can shatter a glass with your own voice 

Check back as more myths are added!!

Science Myths

Have you ever wondered if elephants are really afraid of mice?  Maybe you've been curious about whether or not it's true that, on average, we swallow 8 spiders every year.  Perhaps you've heard that we use only 10% of our brains or that toilets flow counter clockwise in the southern hemisphere.  These "urban legends," also know as "Science Myths," are the topics of exploration as students in physical science attempt to de-bunk or to support a Myth using evidence that they find on the Internet.  In the process we will explore how to assess the "content," "credibility," and "currency" of the information that they find.  We have worked with our library specialists to determine "Rules of Thumb" (ROT) to weed out the credible websites from the dubious.  Students will then present their evidence in a editorial piece to be shared with the class on Wednesday, Oct. 12.  Their editorial can be a type-written paper, a blog, a video, a podcast, an interactive poster, or a multimedia presentation.  I hope to be able to display student work on the blog so please check back and find out if the Myths have been busted!