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Seminars
EC.050/EC.090 (G) Recreate Experiments from History: Inform the Future from the Past
Elizabeth Cavicchi Edgerton Center
U (1-3-2) [P/D/F for EC.050, A-F grading for EC.090]
Jan. 9, 10, 11, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 27 and Feb. 3, 1-5pm in 4-402
Students develop perspective for thinking about the future by studying and recreating historically significant experiments. Builds awareness of the unexpected - even in familiar settings - through observing the sky and conducting lab activities with light, electricity, and motion. Working alone and in teams, students hone their skills in observation, exploration, and evaluation. They also read accounts by Galileo and other historical observers. Lab sessions complemented by museum and site visits. Students keep an observing notebook and write a reflective paper on their experience. Students taking graduate version complete additional assignments.
Curiosity moved Galileo to look around, explore what goes on in everyday things, go down dead ends, take risks, and discover new worlds. Develop your curiosity while exploring our everyday surroundings and his historical struggles. We will respond to themes of space in the observing, experimenting and understandings that wove through Galileo's multifaceted research. This seminar is for those who wonder about creativity in history, science, and learning. We will recreate Galileo's experimental and creative process for yourself while you reflect on the times and works of Galileo. Readings and museum visits will expose you to the thinking and apparatus of another era. We will use an historical observation or experiment as a jump-off for developing a personal, creative research project. You can also choose to participate in research that will improve science education. Our study will emphasize the creativity, personal exploration, observation skills, and doubt that led to Galileo's contributions. As you experiment, like Galileo, you will keep a journal of your experiments, observations, and reflections on your project. As a final exercise, you will write a brief reflective paper on your experiments and experiences as a learner.
For more information contact Elizabeth Cavicchi, ecavicch@mit.edu. |
