Science Probe I Technology Activities

Chapter 20

Internet

1. Dogs and cats appear to walk "barefoot" on snow or ice without any apparent problem. This has been attributed to a very good heat exchange system in their footpads. Conduct an Internet search into this subject to find out why their footpads do not freeze under these conditions. Contacting schools of veterinary sciences or a veterinarian might be useful. Prepare a presentation for your classmates that has multimedia graphics with diagrams of how the heat exchange system works and show experimental evidence you found in your search proving the system works in this manner.

2. In the colder climates, people often say that it warms up when it starts to snow. Conduct an Internet search to find out whether this is true or false and why. Use research data and meteorological information to substantiate your claim. It might also be helpful to correspond through e-mail or talk in a web discussion site with a meteorologist or a physicist. Prepare a presentation to inform your classmates of your findings. Below is a web site to get you started:

National Snow and Ice Data Center
http://www-nsidc.colorado.edu/NSIDC/EDUCATION/SNOW/snow_FAQ.html

Application Software

Activity 20C – Use a temperature probe connected to a computer or calculator to measure the temperature of the water in the beaker in this activity. Set the application software to measure the temperature every 30 second. Insert the probe in the liquid before heating the beaker, and allow it to sit for a few minutes so it can adjust to the temperature of the liquid in the beaker. Perform the activity using the different liquids as directed, allowing the probe application software to record the data. Use the graphing feature of the probe application software to plot a graph of Temperature on the vertical axis and Time on the horizontal axis. Print the data table and graph, and secure them in your SCIENCE PROBE Logbook where you will answer the discussion questions for this activity.