SEP Session 1, Day 7 (5-8)

Each day, we will feature several courses. Throughout the session, we will feature as many courses as possible.

Today in "Life is a Balancing Act," students began the class with a brief video about wolf reintroduction in Yellowstone ("How Wolves Change Rivers"). The video discussed how the reintroduction of wolves fundamentally changed the ecosystem of Yellowstone. Following the video, students discussed the importance of the wolves for balance in the ecosystem.

Following the video, students worked on a task they have been attempting to solve since the beginning of the class. Their goal is to work together to balance a cup and ball in the air for three seconds. Check out how successful the students were!

Students then resumed work on their tiny tetrahedron project. For this project, students created tetrahedrons and then found the center of balance for each to balance their tetrahedrons. Students then used adhesive to secure their projects.

Today in "Solar Circuits - Solar Homes," students went on a field trip to Ruffner Hall for a tour of the solar panels. Students had the opportunity to go on the roof and check out the solar panels while learning more about solar panels. Students asked a ton of great questions. The tour guide remarked that this group of students knew more than some of the groups of college students that tour, wow!

Learn more about the solar panel project at UVA: https://renewableenergy.fm.virginia.edu/

Today in "Math, Statistics, and Game Theory: Experiments are scientific techniques to test a hypothesis. They typically include at least one treatment and a control. Discussion of null and alternative hypotheses catalyzed a conversation that led to the value of different effects. While students were improving their understanding of experiments and their various components, they were also introduced to the algorithm of average treatment effect (ATE). The formula for ATE was introduced, examples of it use were provided, sample calculations were conducted, and an experiment simulation occurred. 

Today in "On the brink...Innovations in Warfare in WWII," students began class by analyzing two Pearl Harbor propaganda posters. Students completed and discussed a "See/Wonder/Do" of these posters. They talked about the target audiences and intentions of these posters, in addition to what they see, what their own reactions are, and what the posters communicate. Then, American and Japanese relations during the war was the topic of most of class. 

Today in "Do As Romans Do," SEP 7-8 Historians learned about Gladiator Contests and the different types of weapons and armor used during them. Later today students will work on creating their suits of armor modeled after the armor Roman gladiators used. Students also had the opportunity to go outside and play a Roman version of ships and sailors.

Best,

Nicole, Olivia, and Abby