Density of Earth - Using Some Field Data
This activity was selected for the On the Cutting Edge Reviewed Teaching Collection
This activity has received positive reviews in a peer review process involving five review categories. The five categories included in the process are
- Scientific Accuracy
- Alignment of Learning Goals, Activities, and Assessments
- Pedagogic Effectiveness
- Robustness (usability and dependability of all components)
- Completeness of the ActivitySheet web page
For more information about the peer review process itself, please see http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/review.html.
This page first made public: Sep 5, 2006
- Conduct a series of experiments to determine the acceleration due to gravity
- Conduct a series of GPS measurements to determine the radius of the Earth
- Using a spreadsheet, average the data and determine the average density of the Earth
Context for Use
Teaching Notes and Tips
These modules were developed as essentially self-paced, take-home lab assignments. Students are supposed to work through the modules, slide by slide, building their own worksheets as they go along, taking note of instructions and prompts, hints, and queries.
Students must have access to computers equipped with a spreadsheet program such as Excel.
This module is one of several developed by Dr. Vacher. The module presentation can be found at http://www.evergreen.edu/washcenter/modules/moduleList.asp
The Powerpoint file is considered to be the student version. There is also an instructor's version that has active spreadsheets in it. There are instructions for requesting this version on the website.
References and Resources
Contact the Author
Controlled Vocabulary Terms
Resource Type: Activities:Lab Activity
Special Interest: Quantitative, GPS
Grade Level: College Lower (13-14), College Upper (15-16)
Quantitative Skills: Geometry and Trigonometry, Algebra, Problem Solving, Units and Unit Conversions
Ready for Use: Ready to Use
Topics: Solid Earth