Understanding Matter and Forces: Standard Model

The Standard Model is the name of the theory we use to help us understand what makes up the universe (i.e. particles of matter) and how matter interacts (fundamental forces of nature). It breaks down the hundreds of particles in nature down to 6 quarks, 6 leptons, and a few force carrying bosons, along with the Higgs boson that provides mass to particles in the first place. Check out a summary video!

Big Bang - Start of our Universe

What is the Big Bang theory for the creation of the universe? In principle it is as easy as saying there was a large explosion of unimaginably hot energy, which 'cooled' to form the fundamental particles and forces that we see in the universe today. This happened about 13.7 billion years ago, according to present-day best measurements and calculations.

As with any scientific theory, no one should put any belief into it until there are predictions made from the theory that are then tested experimentally and through physical observations. Over the past 100 years, the theories of Einstein and the eventual Big Bang models have gone through this slow process, and confirmation of the key ideas have occurred, making this the best understanding we have for the universe's creation.

Check out this video that explains the gist of the Big Bang theory, and a couple reasons why scientists believe it is a valid theory. Check here for a quick example of the Doppler effect.

Projectile Review

As we get back into motion, projectiles are a classic case of 2-D motion from sophomore year. Let's bring it back! Check out one video that focuses on the basic properties and concepts of projectiles, a video with a couple examples of how to set up these problems (and they are all pretty much the same!), and if interested, one that goes into the reason why projectiles move on a parabolic path, as well as the effect of air friction on that parabola.

Check these out as needed as you bring back the problem solving skills with the homework set of problems.

Fact or Fake?!?! Try to tell which articles are which!

If you are alive an breathing, you should know there is a battle going on, especially in the political world, over factual or fictitious news, reality versus alternative facts. Check out a site, Factitious, that provides real articles, but some of which are from legitimate, reputable news organizations (meaning stories are verified, vetted by journalists), and others are from well-known tabloids (usually made-up or embellished stories). You may be surprised by many of these! I was duped on several!  :-(

WELCOME BACK, ETHS!!

Let's make the ETHS 2017-18 school year your best one yet!! 

Why include UN Sustainable Development Goals in classes? How can we not?!

The United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs, include 17 aspects of global life that can be and NEED to be addressed in the next decade. These goals are related to everything from global education to climate change to ending hunger to gender equality to clean water and air. The motto is "17 Goals to Transform Our World."

Another reason to take action on these NOW, rather than later, is because the techniques/methods/knowledge that will be developed to achieve these goals by 2030 are necessary to have in place as the population continues to grow, where we expect to have an additional 2 billion people on the planet by around 2050.

Let's be aware of these, see which goals our studies are related to, and make even a small difference where we can! It is our world, so let's fix it and take care of it together! @TeachSDGs 

Why are Astronauts "weightless" in the space station?

This is easily one of the biggest MISCONCEPTIONS there is in science!!! A good majority of people would guess because there is no gravity in space....NNNNNOOOOOOO!!!!!

THERE IS LOTS OF GRAVITY ACTING ON THE SPACECRAFT!!! WHAT DO YOU THINK KEEPS IT IN ORBIT??????

So if there is a lot of gravity acting on the astronauts from the earth, how can they float???

It is actually because all satellites are constantly FREE FALLING towards the earth, because of gravity. And if you are on a scale in an elevator that is free falling, guess what the scale would read....0!! You would be 'apparently weightless' because everything falls with the same acceleration when gravity is involved. You would not be truly weightless, since there is still gravity acting on you.

Check out this really good video from the Veritasium channel.