Purpose:
A primary outcome for the labs overall is to help us explore how science is communicated with the written word. While technology has changed our world (and will continue to do so) the written word is still the most used method used to transmit ideas and information. In this lab activity we will take a moment to explore expectations about writing that you do in future labs and other technical communications.
Procedure:
Procedure seems like a bit of an oversell for what we are going to do here. In broad strokes I am going to present you with something to observe that has some physics embedded in it. Then we will collaboratively work on creating several paragraphs describing various aspects of the observed "data".
COVID Land: Where discussions are indicated for this lab we will use other tools to facilitate those discussions. Breakout rooms in zoom or email exchanges are typical tools that might be used to accomplish similar outcomes.
- We will begin by considering an image from the Hubble space telescope. We will have a discussion about what different observers see/notice in the image. The point is to both consider what you notice and how that is the same or differs from others in the class.
- Then we will individually write, and possibly discuss, a descriptive paragraph which accurately and effectively identifies the important features of the image. In your description you may not use dates, names, or web information but rather describe the features of the image as if you were reporting your observations of a hitherto unknown object or creature. This should be clear enough that someone looking through a selection of similar images would be able to tell which one you were looking at. Consider how your thesis statement or topic sentence communicates what this paragraph is about. What details will you include to meet the communication task required? At a minimum your paragraph should make it clear that these two images below are NOT what is being described without referencing them explicitly.
- The criteria for a good paragraph in this class is the same as in any of your writing classes. A link to a typical set of criteria is given at the bottom of this page. Remember that in your writing you are telling a story not merely answering questions. No need to get carried away but your paragraph should stand on its own. If I hand this paragraph to a student in one of my other classes they should be easily able to identify which image you are describing.
- We will then repeat this process with a paragraph, or two, describing the essential features of the physics/science effect being illustrated. One of the challenges in science is learning to notice features of what you are observing even if you don't have a plausible explanation. It is tempting for all of us to see what we think we should see instead of what is really there. This is also differnt than asking you to explain why you think this feature or behavior is present. We're working on noticing not explaining. There are several features to be observed that we will talk about in class. If you are doing this independently you may need to email me to get clues if you want them😊
- In class we will explore some possible ways that we might graphically analyze this image to enhance our understanding and get additional insight. The features you have identified the previous step do seem to be connected. What might we do to enrich our understanding of the image? This will involve marking on the image to see if there are any patterns that might add insight. We will discuss how you will include this graphical information in your lab report.
- Finally, we will consider the image below. There are some features of this image that are, perhaps, similar to those of our original image and some features are new or missing. How does this image seem to connect with the first image and our potential understanding of it's feaures.
- All of the above make up your lab report. Given the way the world is this document (.doc or .pdf) needs to be digital and submitted to the appropriate folder on Bb.
LAB DELIVERABLES: (Turn in on Bb)
I) Your paragraph describing the important features of the first image (Image #1) we considered. This description should allow the reader to identify the correct image out of a set of similar images (Image #2, Image #3) without relying on URL's, titles, or other attached identifiers.
II) Your paragraph describing the physics/science effect that appears to be taking place in the image. Describe the potentially surprising and consistent element in the image and your idea about what seems to be happening. Describe clearly what specific evidence in the image leads you to this explanation.
III) In class we explored some possible ways that we might graphically analyze this image to enhance our understanding and get additional insight. Embed your image with any annotations we made to it in your report along with an explanation of what they mean.
IV) The last image (Image #4) is similar one but has an important difference with the other three.What is missing from this image that drew our attention in each of the other three.
