Problem of the Week

Chapter 1: The Nature of Science

Problem of the Week

That was then. This is now.

"Necessity is the mother of invention." This is an American saying that most teenagers probably have not heard. It suggests that inventions are sometimes created to fill specific needs. People generally create and invent because they see a need or have a desire to do something that can't be done because current technology. Sometimes, inventions are the by-product of scientific investigations or advances in technology. As scientists seek answers to the questions that interest them, someone else sees the potential in it, and uses their discovery in ways the originators never dreamed about. For example, did you know that CAT Scanners and MRI technology (Computer-Aided Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging), used in hospitals worldwide, came from technology developed to computer-enhance pictures of the moon for the Apollo program (http://www.sti.nasa.gov/tto/apollo.htm)

Problem:

How have travel, communication, computer technology, and other types of technology changed since you were in first grade? What is different? What is better? Have things changed that much? What changes have taken place over a longer period of time? How have advances in all kinds of technology made our lives different?

Then

Now

The time is 1950

The time is the present.

You need to set up a meeting between 3 geologists; one from Tokyo, Japan, the second from Cairo, Egypt, and the third from San Diego, California.

Your Task:
Plan this meeting using the latest technology, machines, tools, and devices that are available to you at the time.
You choose where they meet.

Your Limitations:
Time and Cost
Within these limitations you need to make the meeting take place in the most time efficient and cost effective manner.