Earth simulator
http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/sci_update.cfm?DocID=239
A lesson plan for grade 6 Science
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In this Science Update, students learn about the Earth Simulator, the most powerful supercomputer on the planet. Built by the Japanese government in 2002, this computer has forty thousand times the computing power of the typical desktop. Occupying a room about 70 yards by 55 yards deep, this computer looks like 300 big boxes connected by wires and cables. The Earth Simulator creates complex models of earthquakes, ocean currents, winds, and weather in unprecedented detail. Dr. Kevin Hamilton, a professor of meteorology, says these models help scientists understand how the planet works now, and may shed light on the future. Science NetLinks provides a link to the audio file, a written transcript, and questions to engage students in discussion about the computer, potential applications for actual use, and other systems that could benefit from research on this topic. This activity also contains links to the Earth Simulator Center’s English website and the Goddard Institute for Space Science, which contains more information and related lesson plans.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Science (2005)
Grade 6
- Goal 1: The learner will design and conduct investigations to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry.
- Objective 1.01: Identify and create questions and hypotheses that can be answered through scientific investigations.
- Objective 1.05: Analyze evidence to:
- Explain observations.
- Make inferences and predictions.
- Develop the relationship between evidence and explanation.
- Objective 1.08: Use oral and written language to:
- Communicate findings.
- Defend conclusions of scientific investigations.
- Objective 1.09: Use technologies and information systems to:
- Research.
- Gather and analyze data
- Visualize data.
- Disseminate findings to others.
- Objective 1.10: Analyze and evaluate information from a scientifically literate viewpoint by reading, hearing, and/or viewing:
- Scientific text.
- Articles.
- Events in the popular press.
- Goal 2: The learner will demonstrate an understanding of technological design.
- Objective 2.02: Use information systems to:
- Identify scientific needs, human needs, or problems that are subject to technological solution.
- Locate resources to obtain and test ideas.
- Objective 2.03: Evaluate technological designs for:
- Application of scientific principles.
- Risks and benefits.
- Constraints of design.
- Consistent testing protocols.
- Objective 2.02: Use information systems to:
- Goal 3: The learner will build an understanding of the geological cycles, forces, processes, and agents which shape the lithosphere.
- Objective 3.01: Evaluate the forces that shape the lithosphere including:
- Crustal plate movement.
- Folding and faulting.
- Deposition.
- Volcanic Activity.
- Earthquakes.
- Objective 3.07: Assess the use of technology and information systems in monitoring lithospheric phenomenon.
- Objective 3.01: Evaluate the forces that shape the lithosphere including:
