Gravitational Lensing

        So far, I have had an amazing Thanksgiving break (without the college applications, of course), but that did not stop me from learning more about the mysteries of our universe. In this amazing VSauce video, I learn about gravitational lensing, which is a phenomenon that occurs around massive objects. When astronomers refer to lensing, they are talking about an effect called gravitational lensing. Normal lenses such as the ones in a magnifying glass or a pair of spectacles work by bending light rays that pass through them in a process known as refraction, in order to focus the light somewhere (such as in your eye).

        Gravitational lensing works in an analogous way and is an effect of Einstein's theory of general relativity – simply put, mass bends light. The gravitational field of a massive object will extend far into space, and cause light rays passing close to that object (and thus through its gravitational field) to be bent and refocused somewhere else. The more massive the object, the stronger its gravitational field and hence the greater the bending of light rays - just like using denser materials to make optical lenses results in a greater amount of refraction. An illustration:

Blog 11: EQ

Content

1.)   Review this.  Confirm by stating "I reviewed the rule of three for writing an EQ."

- I reviewed the rule of three for writing an EQ.

2.)  Review the following EQs and

• ·     Tell us if each meets the rule of three.
•       Tell why they do or don't.

 a.  What is the most important factor in healthy weight loss?

-  This meets the rule of three since it asks for the most important factor. This phrasing is really good because it requires the student to be very comprehensive, which the 1st rule asks for (depth of research). It also takes a stance by being on the healthy weight loss side.

 b.  What is most important to securing a conviction in a criminal investigation?

-  This EQ meets the rule of three since it is very specific in wording, as well as requiring comprehensive knowledge of the subject. Also, it is not a yes/no question.  
c.  What is most important in creating a hairstyle that best satisfies a customer?

- This EQ does not meet the rule of three. This is because it is not specific with the term "satisfies". Satisfaction can be very different for every person, so this would have to be narrowed down.

 d.  How can an anesthesiologist best treat chronic pain?

- This meets the rule of three because not only is it specific with chronic pain, but also because there are many answers. This allows for breadth and depth of research. Also, although the answers could include facts, it argues the point of treating the patient.

3.)  Based on your review of the rule of 3 and your experience with assessing four EQs, please write another draft EQ for your senior project.  The senior team will be meeting with students shortly for EQ revision and approval; you are expected to bring your research notebook to that meeting with your EQ draft written inside in pencil.

- What is the best solution for detecting gravitational waves?

Lesson 1 Reflection

1. Positive Statement
What are you most proud of in your Lesson 1 Presentation and why?
- I am most proud of the fact that everyone understood my presentation and that I explained it to them in simple terms. Usually people would get turned off by the mention of astrophysics, but I feel that I was able to engage and interest the audience.

2. Questions to Consider
       a.     What assessment would you give yourself on your Lesson 1 Presentation (self-assessment)?

       AE       P          AP       CR       NC

       b.     Explain why you deserve that grade using evidence from the Lesson 1 component contract.
- The contract had never stated a maximum time specifically, so although I had my contract in front of me during the presentation, I overlooked the time. I went 10 minutes 40 seconds according to the timer. I feel that technically I should have an AP since I missed one part of the rubric, but I believe that my presentation was really good in terms of content. I thought that I deserved an AE on my presentation but an AP on the time criteria. Because of this, I believe a P should balance both sides.

3. What worked for you in your Lesson 1?
- During my Lesson 1, I was so engrossed in my topic and I got feedback that everyone understand my points even though it is an esoteric topic. I covered all the points I had to speak about as well as make it funny and interesting for the audience. One student jokingly said that I should try to become the new physics teacher!

4.  (What didn't work) If you had a time machine, what would you have done differently to improve your Lesson 1?

- If I had a time machine, I would time myself more accurately since I went over the time limit. This is because it did not say 10 minute maximum specifically on the rubric, so I overlooked that part. I also would try to close my presentation much faster.