Tuesday: Six Flags
Should I really say more? Roller coasters, water rides, food, excitement... the Argonauts loved it. We actually were able to use the rides at the theme park to show the inner workings of physics. This showed the students why the rides are thrilling and why they work the way they do. They loved it... we used a simple "g" force meter to show how the forces changed during the roller coaster rides... it really worked. Some of us rode the rides more than once... riding in different sections of the train to see where the forces were greater.
I do not think that the students ever thought about how the rides worked, or the physics behind them. After all, it is supposed to be fun not school.
Physics and energy go hand in hand on a roller coaster. The potential energy built up as a passenger car goes to the top of the track is transferred into that screaming flying sensation that becomes kinetic energy as the car starts moving downhill. The total motion change from curves and slopes actually is what keeps the car on the track and the person riding in the car from flying out. Loops and curls, ups and downs, all of these have to be taken into consideration when designing a roller coaster.
There has to be conservation of energy taken into account and the energy from the height of the ride is transferred into the thrilling part of the downhill run; but if there is another hill for the coaster to climb then the previous hill has to be higher so that the car has enough energy to get over the next hill. This presents the designers with many challenges and predicaments to make it scary, thrilling, yet still safe. So as we rode the rides we became more aware of how the coasters transferred the energy making it more fun and thrilling because we were thinking about why it was happening and opening our eyes to the science of the roller coasters. Anybody want to ride the "ROAR" again?
Wednesday: Nationals Baseball
Talk about energy! As we arrive at the Nationals baseball game, I can tell that the local people are very excited about their team. Being an Astros fan I have been to many really big games at home and I love baseball. It's funny how people seldom think about how baseball is a great science tool. The physics and math behind the game are a great teaching device. There are levers and energy transfers going on when a player throws the ball and when it is hit.
There are statistics and problem solving that would astound the most astute mathematician. Most people think of baseball as a place to just watch who is running what bases and which pitcher is having the best game that day. But if you look behind the scenes these players are using more than just muscle to play to win. There are many calculations and strategies used inside the game that make for a more interesting version of the business of baseball.
Many of these players have been playing since little league and they have honed their skills from much practice. This in itself is a great strategy for any young person who wants to be good at something. It takes practice and a lot of misses to hit a home run. Today though it was all about winning… and the Nationals took care of that.
Thursday: Fort Martin Power Plant
Our local power plant in Texas uses natural gas. Visiting a coal power plant is very interesting. I have always been skeptical that coal should be used for energy. As a teacher Argonaut I get to see first hand what kind of equipment is used for this type of energy production. From taking the coal out of the ground, to bringing it to the plant on barges, to the new scrubbers that are being built to make this form of energy cleaner… I am amazed at all of the things that go into making coal into energy. Our hosts answered our questions and gave us insight into how this energy form works for – and with – the environment. Coal is cheaper and abundant. Some of the real issues from coal mines to strip mining are still being worked out, but it was an eye opening experience to get to see this first hand.
Q&A with Argonaut Cindy:
What are some of the differences between "seeing" the sites in DC and Houston, where you're from
Walking, walking, walking, we walked everywhere. Being from Texas, we drive everywhere because things are so far apart. This is different. Hailing a taxi: I have never ridden in a taxi before. We had to get taxis so that we could go across town to meet Congressman Mollohan on the Capitol steps. I'd also never hailed a taxi either. What an experience!
What was it like experiencing Boot Camp with the Student Argonauts?
Boot camp has been the most intense, inspiring, passion-filled week that we have ever experienced. From the very beginning, the Student Argonauts have been a team, bonding very quickly and working together to achieve their goal of learning by questioning, inquiring, and experiencing. The Argonauts have been exposed to so many new experiences that the week has gone very fast. No matter if the Argonauts were paddling through class II - III river rapids on the Cheat River, asking Congressman Mollohan important energy questions, riding roller coasters, or fielding questions from fellow students or scientists, they were an ENERGY STAR rated team.
Our travels in Washington DC, Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Virginia have been great experiences. We have walked, talked, shared and learned together in a dynamic way. All of the Student Argonauts have worked hard to make this week really meaningful.