The Elements Unearthed

This page is where all of my conference presentation files can be downloaded and used (except for videos), instead of having to search through the various posts to find them. Any Powerpoints, PDFs, Keynotes, Google Slide shows, MS Word files, and other presentation documents will be posted here as well as in the regular posts. I’ll include a brief description of each file.

Utah Geologic History:

Utah_Geology

A PDF file for my Utah Geology class showing the major events in the geologic history of Utah, including the formation of the Colorado Plateau and the Great Basin.

Telling the Stories of  Chemistry in Your Community:

Telling_the_Stories_of_Chemistry

PDF version of my Keynote presentation for the National Science Teachers Association conference in San Francisco, March 10, 2011. This talks about two programs I have created, the first being the Walden Elementary Science Demonstration Program at Walden School, the second being the Elements Unearthed project, including rationale, processes, student outcomes, and suggestions.

Mars Curriculum Materials:

Most recent Mars Lessons Overview PDF: Mars_Lessons_Oct.-2011

Lessons Overview (PDF) – Original version: Mars_Lessons_David_Black

A Keynote presentation converted to PDF that provides an overview of the Explore Mars curriculum support materials and lesson plans. These lessons are appropriate for classes in Earth science, geology, astronomy, and computer applications/multimedia for grades 9-12.

Mars Site Selection Acitivity (PDF):  Mars_Site_Selection

Teams of students use maps of Mars and GoogleEarth to locate appropriate landing sites for Mars rovers, then write up and defend a proposal.

Finding Mars on Earth: Comparing Mars Geology with Earth Analogs (PDF):  Mars_on_Earth (Teacher) Mars_on_Earth_(Student)

Using Google Earth to compare sites on Mars with Earth analogs, to see if similar processes of erosion, transportation, and deposition are occurring on both planets.

From Model to Mars: Converting Altitude Data into 3D Models:  Mars_to_Model

Using a “mystery box” terrain, student teams will use lollipop stick measuring devices to calculate the height of the terrain in a grid pattern, then built a color-coded topographical map, a physical model, and a 3D virtual model using freeware software.

My Computer History:   PDF:  My_Computer_History (Dave_Black)   Powerpoint: My_Computer_History (Dave_Black)

This is a Powerpoint/PDF file I’ve created for my Computer Technology class that covers my own experiences using computers over 25 years.

Astrobiology Webquest and Questions:  Astrobio_Webquest

This is an MS Word document for my astronomy class with links to websites that answer questions on astrobiology, exoplanets, SETI, and interstellar travel.

Quantum Numbers Powerpoint: Quantum_Numbers

This powerpoint describes the four quantum numbers and gives some analogies from the normal world and shows how quantum numbers relate to the shape of the Periodic Table of Elements.

Quantum Numbers PDF: Quantum_Numbers

This PDF is the same as above, a description of the four quantum numbers, what they mean, and how they relate to the Periodic Table and properties of the elements.

History of Alchemy Powerpoint: Alchemy_History

This powerpoint describes the history and development of chemistry from Zosimos of Panopolis and the Arabic alchemists through the Middle Ages to the beginnings of modern chemistry. It shows the major alchemists, examples of their writings, photos from rare editions of their works, and descriptions of the symbols and processes they used.

History of Alchemy PDF: Alchemy_History

This is a PDF version of the powerpoint listed above, which examples of the important Arabic and European alchemists from 300 A.D. to 1600 A.D.

Greek Matter Theories Powerpoint: Greek_Matter_Theories

This powerpoint discusses the history and concepts of the major Greek philosophers from Thales of Miletus through Parmenides, Empedocles, Democritus, Plato, Aristotle, and Epicurus, among others. It looks at the major questions that the Greeks considered, the search for the ideal forms, the fundamental substances, and how we know the truth – through logic or our senses. It also traces these philosophies into the Middle Ages with St. Thomas Aquinas and the canonization of Aristotelian thought, as well as the various roles Democritus played in philosophy and history.