Using this lesson worksheet, computers and a simple programming interface, students step through and build a simple program to sequentially calculate all of the variables in the Hardy Weinberg equations. By building the program in sequence it is hoped that students will learn the sequence to solve a Hardy Weinberg problem and appreciate the value and power of computer number crunching capabilities as well as sequential programming considerations.

By building a program to determine the valence of ANY element on the first three rows of the Periodic table, students learn the steps to solve the problem while learning how to program logic and think about processing data in sequence. NOTE: The worksheet includes the option of letting students create a bug that they have to fix.

The lessons posted on this site were designed to engage students with real-world data relevant to content taught in middle school and high school science courses, and to foster an understanding of ways in which they might gather organize, analyze and interpret the data in order to draw scientifically valid inferences, interpretations and conclusions. Most of the labs use computer-based technology of spreadsheet programs or the Python programming interface. The Python lessons guide students in computational thinking to create simple programs to manipulate data. The lessons also provide students (and teachers) with instructions and guidance in the use of these technologies. Teacher and Student worksheets, as well as any supporting files, are linked to from links at the top of each lesson webpage as well as from the downloads page ("downloads" link on the scrolling menu to the left).

Students create a spreadsheet (or use the one provided) to gather planet data and put in categories. They massage spreadsheet to tease out relationship between distance from sun and revolution speed. They use data to predict speed and/or distance for Ceres, the new dwarf planet between Mars and Jupiter.

"Pre" extension - The first extension creates programming to ask the user for values that are needed to figure out the frequency of individuals showing the recessive trait. This is THE one number needed to calculate all the other frequencies. The frequency of individuals showing the recessive trait is the only one that can be observed in a population BUT it is not always given in the word problem.
"Post" extension - The second will take the frequencies and apply them to an actual population number to generate actual numbers of individuals of the 3 genotypes and numbers of each allele … in that population.

Students massage (by sorts) spreadsheet data to tease out the relationships between latitude, angle of the sun, surface area of light beam and temperature. Also introduces possible confounding variable of elevation and the need to control for elevation.
• Uses data in a spreadsheet (provided) and flashlight beam lab or Sketchup file to see light surface area increase or decrease with angle change.

In NASA CONNECT Ancient Observatories: Timeless Knowledge, students will learn how cultures from ancient times to the present have used the Sun and other objects in the sky to mark the passage of time. They will see how archaeoastronomers use ancient observatories to predict seasons and special events. Using simple tools of geometry and the angle bisector method, students will measure the movement of the Sun and find solar noon for their location. Grades 6-8.

In NASA CONNECT Better Health From Space to Earth, students will learn about the importance of good nutrition and exercise. They will investigate what we can learn in space about our bodies here on Earth. Students will see how researchers and scientists apply the mathematics concepts of measurement and estimation to study the loss of calcium in bones and the loss of muscle mass while astronauts are living and working in space. Grades 6-8.

In NASA CONNECT Breaking Barriers, students learn about supersonic aircraft while investigating the nature of science. They look at how NASA researchers continue to modify their work as we build powerful machines that push hypersonic records to mach 10 and beyond. NASA scientists and engineers use algebraic equations to help them build models that will fly faster, longer and higher. Grades 6-8.

In NASA CONNECT The Wright Math, students will learn about the evolution of flight. They will learn how the Wright Brothers became the first human beings to successfully design, construct, and fly an airplane. Students will learn the method the Wright Brothers used in designing their airplane. They will also be introduced to NASA's Morphing Project, a radically new approach to designing aircraft of the future. They will observe NASA researchers using problem-solving techniques to design wings that will change their shape during flight. Grades 6-8.

In NASA CONNECT Dancing in the Night Sky, students will learn about the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. They will learn the many legends and myths that have revolved around the aurora throughout the history of mankind. Students will also discover how NASA scientists and engineers use satellite technology to measure and analyze aurora data. They will see how Norwegian scientists apply the concepts of data analysis and measurement to study the Northern Lights by using ground-based instruments and sounding rockets. Grades 6-8.

In NASA CONNECT Having a Solar Blast, NASA engineers and researchers use data analysis and measurement to predict solar storms, anticipate how they will affect the Earth, and improve our understanding of the Sun-Earth system. Grades 6-8.

In NASA CONNECT Dressed for Space, students learn about the suits astronauts wear in space and why sizing is critical for working in space. They learn how the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo space suits were developed. Building on past space suit technologies, NASA engineers and researchers use functions and statistics to create the next generation of space suits for the International Space Station and beyond.

In NASA CONNECT Glow with the Flow, NASA aerospace engineers use scale models to see how air flows and why materials glow under wind tunnel conditions. Students learn about the force of drag and discover how the blended wing body will affect travelers of the future. Grades 5-8.

In NASA CONNECT Future Flight Equation, NASA engineers and researchers use geometry and algebra to design, develop, and test tomorrow's aircraft. Students build a portable glider catapult to test wing span design. The amazing Hyper-X aircraft is featured. Grades 6-8.

In NASA CONNECT Geometry of Exploration: Eyes Over Mars, students examine how the principles of geometry and linear and angular measurements are used to survey and map the Earth and other planets. A surveyor explains how locations like football or soccer fields and describes the tools and techniques used. Students also learn how NASA researchers use geometric shapes to navigate spacecraft to Mars and how satellites, like the Mars Global Surveyor, and the principles of geometry, are used to determine the elevation of land formations on Mars. Grades 4-8.

In NASA CONNECT, Good Stress: Building Better Muscles and Bones, students will learn about the importance of building and maintaining better muscles and bones. They will learn that all stresses in life are not "bad." In fact, the body needs good stresses, like exercise, to be healthy. Students will see how scientists and researchers collect and analyze physiological data to understand how muscle and bones are constantly changing, especially in a microgravity environment. Grades 6-8.

In NASA CONNECT: Landscape Archaeology: Hidden Treasures, students will learn how researchers and scientists use data collected through remote sensing to study hidden features on the Earth's surface and to discover the environmental and archaeological effects left by ancient cultures. Students will see how archaeologists use the math concepts of coordinate geometry and powerful geographic information system (GIS) software to solve current world problems by investigating clues from the past. Grades 6-8.

In NASA CONNECT International Space Station: Up to Us learn how ground research + space research = true science as international researchers anticipate working together onboard the International Space Station.