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Monday, August 9, 2010

remembering the joy of discovery: science Mondays



UPDATE:
and the answer to the question I asked of my students who opted for something different.... 0.31 ounces per cubic inch


I have talked about discussing the history of science with some of my students this summer. As I read through the major events of the 60's, 70's, and 80's; it took me back to my days of studying science in college 81-86 (yes, I ventured into a five year plan).

It wasn't a memory of where or exactly when I heard it, but more of the thrill of finding out how nature operated. It was an emergence.

This past year I came across the news that 6 atoms of a new element had been produced. I was reminded about how new elements are brought into being by scientists. So I ask you, what I asked my students, "Do you know how to create something new?"





I hope I am instilling a thrill of discovery to some of my students.

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3 comments:

  1. Nice! I've been exploring how elements form in supernovae due to curiosity piqued by NPR story on gold. Good stuff.

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  2. Duh....I wasn't even aware that scientists were "creating" new elements. Interesting post, Wayne...

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  3. Kathryn and Jim... thanks for the visit... I used to think that when they "discovered" a new element they found it in some dark corner of the Earth.

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