(#43) Far Out Math
This is the first of three books we're producing for NASA's upcoming GLAST (Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope) space shot, scheduled for 2006. The Activity Sheet lessons in this program launch algebra students (grades 9-12) into a study of logarithms. Why logarithms? Logs help astronomers gather vast ranges of astronomical data, collected by instruments like GLAST, and interpret the results in meaningful ways.
Those of us over 50 probably used log tables in high school to multiply and divide big numbers. If we studied physics, we also learned to use slide rules. Today digital calculators allow us to calculate with greater convenience, but often at the expense of understanding. Slide rules are still important in helping us understand (and remember in concrete, memorable ways), that logs are simply exponents: we add them to multiply and subtract them to divide.
In this module students will build ingenious slide rules from folded paper. They'll solve exponential equations by applying base-ten and base-two logarithms, and transform higher order equations into straight lines on log-log graphs. Along the way, they'll learn intriguing bits of astronomical lore. With NASA's help, we can offer this unique and remarkable book at an astoundingly low price.
(#43 ) FAR OUT MATH is part of our Activity Sheet Series. This format is typical in its structured presentation of each lesson in small, illustrated steps. But unlike other books in this series, it is written for more advanced high school students with a working knowledge of algebra. It's a soft-bound, 64 page book, designed for easy photocopying. Comprehensive teaching notes support 14 great lessons, all developed in great depth. In this book are:
PREPARATION AND SUPPORT
* Welcome/Standards * History/Overview * Getting Ready * Tracking Sheet * Test Questions/Answers *
A/SLIDING SCALES:
* Adding Slide Rule * Multiplying Slide Rule * Glastoids *
B/LOG TAPE:
* Log Tape * String Calculator * No Strings Calculator *
C/BASE-TWO SLIDE RULE:
* Base-two Slide Rule * Exponential Ups and Downs * Log Algebra *
D/CLASSIC LOG SCALES:
* Log Ruler * Reading Scales * Significant Figures * Scientific Notation * Classic Slide Rule *
E/LOG GRAPHS:
* Slide Rule Graph * Inverse Functions * Ironing Out Curves *
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(#43 ) FAR OUT
MATH runs on little more than paper, plastic bags, tape and string. Students cut out and fold together their own slide rules!
GRADE RANGE: 9-12
ORIGINS: written by Ron Marson / illustrated by Peg Marson / copyrighted in
2003 by TOPS Learning Systems /
ISBN 0-941008-43-
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14 lessons /grades 9-12
AS43 Far Out
Math $15.00
