A Brief History of Pi (π) - Exploratorium
WEBHere’s a brief history of finding π. The ancient Babylonians calculated the area of a circle by taking 3 times the square of its radius, which gave a value of pi = 3. One Babylonian tablet (ca. 1900–1680 BC) indicates a value of 3.125 for π, which is a closer approximation. The Rhind Papyrus (ca.1650 BC) gives us insight into the ...
Anatomy of an Egg - Exploratorium
WEBBumpy and grainy in texture, an eggshell is covered with as many as 17,000 tiny pores. Eggshell is made almost entirely of calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) crystals. It is a semipermeable membrane, which means that air and moisture can pass through its pores. The shell also has a thin outermost coating called the bloom or cuticle that helps keep …
Visit the Exploratorium at Pier 15
WEBThe Exploratorium is more than a museum—it’s a gateway to exploring science, art, and human perception with every visit. Let your curiosity roam through more than 700 interactive exhibits in six spacious indoor and outdoor galleries.
Origins: CERN: Ideas: The Big Bang - Exploratorium
WEBThe universe began, scientists believe, with every speck of its energy jammed into a very tiny point. This extremely dense point exploded with unimaginable force, creating matter and propelling it outward to make the billions of galaxies of our vast universe. Astrophysicists dubbed this titanic explosion the Big Bang.
Secret Language: Cryptography & Secret Codes | Exploratorium
WEBThe algorithm or method used to encipher the original message (known as the plaintext). The key used with the algorithm to allow the plaintext to be both enciphered and deciphered. The period or time during which the key is valid. By way of analogy, to get into your home you would put a key in a lock to open the door.
Your Weight on Other Worlds - Exploratorium
WEBScales measure the force of attraction between you and the Earth. This force of attraction between you and the Earth (or any other planet) is called your weight. If you are in a spaceship far between the stars and you put a scale underneath you, the scale would read zero. Your weight is zero. You are weightless.
What Causes a Solar Eclipse? | Exploratorium
WEBA solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting the moon's shadow on Earth. This only happens occasionally, because the moon doesn't orbit in the exact same plane as the Sun and Earth do. Two things need to occur at once for you to see a solar eclipse: the Sun, moon, and Earth need to be in a straight line, with ...
How to View a Solar Eclipse | Exploratorium
WEB2. Cut a one-inch hole in the center of one end of the box. Tape a piece of foil over the hole, then poke a small hole in the foil with a pin. 3. At the other end of the tube, cut a good-sized viewing hole in the side of the box. Put a piece of white paper at the end of the box, right inside the viewing hole.
Flower Dissection: Plant Biology Science Activity | Exploratorium ...
WEBDraw what you see, if it helps you. Carefully remove the petals from the flower (you can use scissors or gently pull the petals off). You will probably notice that the center of the flower contains long filaments (click to enlarge the photo below). Use the hand lens and/or dissecting microscope to examine the filaments.
Your Age on Other Worlds | Exploratorium
WEBTo Do and Notice. Fill in your birthdate below in the space indicated. (Note you must enter the year as a 4-digit number!) Click on the "Calculate" button. Notice that your age on other worlds will automatically fill in. Notice that Your age is different on the different worlds. Notice that your age in "days" varies wildly.