Mathematics and Society - OS X Lion Server

One of two movies, Powers of Tenor Cosmic Zoom, or the book, Cosmic Viewby Kees Boeke, can be used to emphasizethe immense size of the solar system andthe universe. If the book is used, theconcept can be made more relevant byhaving students construct on paper asquare 1.5 metres on a side. In onecorner draw a series of squares 15 em,1.5 em and .15 em on a side. The ratioof these sides will show four successivepowers of ten. The measurement of 15 emis being used because it corresponds tomeasures used in the book.Outside, have students mark a square15 metres on a side and place the papersquare in one corner. If the schoolground is large enough, mark a square150 metres on a side.Use the legend of the map to make ascale drawing that represents a square1500 metres on a side. Position thedrawing on the map so the school is inone corner. By relating the series of squares to the pictures in the book Cosmic Viewnumbered -2 through 4, students might get a "sense of scale." The square .15 em on aside will be similar to the picture numbered -2, and the city map square will be similarto the picture numbered 4.The films are available from:POWERS OF TEN (8 min. color)1968 Producer: Charles EamesThe University of Southern CaliforniaDivision of CinemaFilm Distribution SectionUniversity ParkLos Angeles, CA 90007Rental $10.00COSMIC ZOOM (8 min. color)1970 Producer: National Film Board of CanadaContemporary/McGraw Hill FilmsWestern Regional Ofc.1714 Stockton StreetSan Francisco, CA 94133Rental $12.50105