Directions: Use the links to help you answer the questions. There is research and lots of thinking required. Enjoy the challenges! Digital worksheet - pdf print worksheet

1. October 10th gets me thinking of really big numbers.
Scientists use the powers of 10, also called Scientific Notation, to communicate these huge numbers.

Convert the American name to the power of ten (Scientific Notation). Some research is indicated.

a. ten

b. billion

c. octodecillion

d. googol

Write the age of the country in scientific notation.

Write the age of your state in scientific notation.

Seek and you shall find...

2. On October 28, 1886, she was dedicated.
Compare the length of your index finger to hers.

Her index finger is

Your index finger is

Your height is

In the USA, the standard residential door height is 6'-8".
Which item in the list above has the greatest length/height?

Fascinating facts: Liberty Enlightening the World (French: La liberté éclairant le monde), was presented to the United States by the people of France in 1886. Her creator, Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, meant her to symbolize freedom and to commemorate the alliance between France and the United States during the Revolutionary War. The statue depicts a woman escaping the chains of tyranny bearing the torch of "liberty". On the tablet she holds is written: JULY IV MDCCLXXVI (July 4, 1776 in Roman numerals). At the feet of the statue lie broken shackles of oppression and tyranny.

What is the significance of the number on her tablet?

3. Antonio Vivaldi composed a piece of classic music called The Four Seasons.
The concerto Autumn was about what event?

Listen to an excerpt of The Four Seasons. Have you ever heard the composition, Autumn?

Based on what you know about the piece of music, evaluate the images used in the video while Autumn was playing.

4. Before 2007, Daylight Saving Time ended the last Sunday in October. In 2007, the U. S. Congress changed it.
Now time "falls back" in the United States the first Sunday in November.
What is the purpose of changing the clocks?

Calculated challenge: What is the total amount of oil that is estimated to be saved by lengthening DST?

5. What causes the Northern Lights? View a video explaining them.

I hear October is a good time to see an Aurora. Why?

What are the chances you'll see one while standing in your backyard? (Hint: Consult the maps.)

6. Theodore Roosevelt was born October 27, 1858. He served in the U.S. Army during the Spanish American War.
His accomplishments were enormous. Identify three of his accomplishments that impact your life today.

Consider the impacts Roosevelt has had on your life. Which one(s) do you believe are positive?

7. Does Fern Coppedge's painting titled October reflect the month in your town? Explain.

8. Write the names of the counties that border your home county. Use an online map if you need help.

9. Based on the information at Windows to the Universe, predict - How many planets will have been
discovered by the time you graduate from high school?

Write a formula to solve this problem. (hint: Translating English to Algebra video)

10. Your class will be going on a field trip to the Grand Canyon National Park.
Write five important things to consider as you plan the trip.

Science Observation Skill Builders - try one

Pythagorean theorem - Watch the Pythagorean theorem Countdown videos listed in the index. - Complete this worksheet.
Jay wants to build a ladder to reach the top bunk of his new bunk bed. Offer him some advice about planning his project.

Try one of the free videos at Khan Academy.
Watch one that applies to what you are studying now in math or science. Evaluate - was it helpful to you?

"All inquires carry with them some element of risk.
There is no guarantee that the universe will conform to our predispositions." Carl Sagan

Pale Blue Dot essay video

Challenges:

October Civics & History Hunt | October Facts Hunt

Information Literacy - Types of info sources | Keyword searches | Boolean Searching

Small Pieces, Loosely Joined activity | Exploring Google Search Engine | Online Collaborations & Social Networking

Become a more powerful web researcher by checking out these special Google Services.

Challenged by Math or science? Try the free videos at Khan Academy. They start at the beginning. You can watch them many times.

2001 Cynthia J. O'Hora revised 9/2009, posted 10/2001
All trademarks, copyright and logos belong to their respective owners.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License

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Proof your responses. It is funny how speling errors and typeos sneak in to the bets work. Make Your Own Printed answer sheet