Module+2.+Measurement

Module 2: Measurement
// Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure Science. ~ Edwin Powel Hubble  //  __**Research Methods: Using Space and Time **__ **Now you're ready to start researching something. How do you know what to study? Where would you start to figure that out? This module is designed to help you answer those questions. We are going to start by answering the following question:** 
 * || [[image:rob_gonsalves_24.jpg width="341" height="403" caption="Robert Gonsalves"]] ||
 * Robert Gonsalves ||
 * **What materials are available to investigate a problem?**
 * **How can you use those materials to prompt a response or a change that might tell you something interesting about that phenomena?**
 * In this module, you will explore common tools for making measurements and identifying patterns. Then you will take a look at how other scientists have investigated various phenomena and evaluate the technique or techniques they used to explore the behavior of the phenomenon being studied. Your job will be to understand the work the scientist(s) describe(s) in a journal article and be prepared to describe and explain the methods used to your classmates through your journals and in online discussions.**


 * __Preparation__ (Readings, video viewings etc. )  **
 * [|1) READ: this history of Earth Co-ordinate System Developments]

[|2)BACKGROUND: GPS Systems and Measurements]

[|3) JOURNAL DISCUSSION: Important Research Questions Today]**

 **__Assignments__:  ** 1) ** **<span style="font-size: 110%; color: rgb(28, 30, 212); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Determining the Polar Circumference of the Earth **
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<span style="font-size: 110%; color: rgb(28, 30, 212); font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
 * 2) Climate Change Data from NASA** ||

__**Module 2 Objectives**__:

Learners will use standard measurement techniques to identify locations on the surface of the Earth. Learners will develop an understanding of how co-ordinate systems can be used to help to define research problems
 * Students will learn how to use GPS receivers
 * Students will develop a detailed understanding of global co-ordinate systems and demonstrate that understanding by solving the problem of determining the polar circumference of the Earth.
 * Learners will begin the process of analyzing and comparing error and uncertainty in the measurements
 * Learners will, together, set parameters to make data collected by classmates useful to all members of the class
 * Learners will use Internet-hosted software to share measurment results

Learners will use the NASA online databases to identify climate change research data that relies on the use of a surface co-ordinate system or similar mapping techniques and create a journal description of the research described in that paper to share with fellow students.