Evolution of Science/Math Education Through Applications of Communication Technology
Important Note:
Artifact Label Format: [Name of Artifact][Date artifact was created][Date technology was invented]
Exhibit/Curatorial Statement is chronologically organized by the date the technology was invented rather than the date the artifact was created. The exhibit seeks to display how the evolution of communication technology inspired and allowed for scientific education to prosper. The artifacts of the exhibit are examples of how each communication technology was utilized in order to educate science and mathematics.
Artifact #1: [Observations of Venus Clay Tablet] [17th Century B.C.E] [Clay tablets invented around 3000 B.C.]
In the form of a cuneiform clay tablet, the "Observations of Venus" tablet documents the planetary motion of Venus in Ancient Mesopotamia. The tablet itself was made in the seventh century B.C.E.; it is a copy that details observations of the planet Venus “made in the reign of Ammisaduqa, king of Babylon, about 1000 years earlier” (Khan Academy, n.d.). The intentionality behind the artifact is to convey information towards the scientists and philosophers; it is also meant to store information for a long-term basis. The artifact also helped educate students on celestial body movement in Ancient Babylon. In terms of the materiality, the "Observations of Venus" tablet is created using mainly clay and water. The functionality of the tablet is to act as a canvas for cuneiform writing; writing was typically inscribed on the canvas using a reed stylus.
Artifact #2: [Ebers Papyrus Scrolls] [1550 B.C.E] [Papyrus scrolls invented around 2900 B.C.E]
In this artifact, the "Ebers Papyrus" scrolls detail medical procedures for patients during Ancient Egypt. More specifically, it documents solutions to ailments such as crocodile bits or toenail pains. Additionally, there are sections "on intestinal disease, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, gynecology, burns, fractures, contraception, hookworm, and dentistry" (Ebers papyrus, n.d.). Since the artifact analyzes the nature of ailments and provides specific formulas to solutions, the Eber Papyrus scrolls are technically considered medical science. The Eber Papyrus are intended to convey valuable medical information to patients but also educate the general Ancient Egyptian population on diseases and medical solutions. Like many other papyrus scrolls, the Ebers Papyrus scroll was created by using wet papyrus strips that were flattened onto a board and dried. The "Ebers Papyrus" scrolls function as an extendable writing canvas that can be unrolled; it allows writers to store information in a condensed format.
Artifact #3: [Codex Atlanticus] [1478] [Codices invented around 1st century A.D.]
The "Codex Atlanticus" is a codex that mainly documents the Leonardo Da Vinci's inventions, theories, and art. This specific artifact was created in 1478 by Leonardo Da Vinci. The inception of the artifact is theorized to be Italy, although the exact location of the codex's inception is still unknown. Leonardo Da Vinci created the codex to convey information about science and mathematics to not only his generation but future generations as well. Much of the information in the codex was later used as inspiration for art and technology, such as the famous flying machine (ornithopter). In terms of the materiality, the codex was created using layers of papyrus sheets that were bonded together through sewing. The covers of the codex were most likely created with wood. The Codex Atlanticus seeks to function as a database of information that can be easily navigated by flipping through the codex towards certain pages. The codex can open up through one long joint and is protected by hazardous environments by the cover. Today, the codex format can be seen in almost any book. In fact, the codex formatting inspired the current books that we use today. Without the codex, modern books would not exist.
Artifact #4: [Emerson High School Chalkboard] [1917] [Chalkboard invented around 1801]
The "Emerson High School Chalkboard" is an untouched chalkboard that was discovered behind a wall at Emerson High School on June 23, 2015. After doing some analysis into the chalkboards age, researchers have determined that the chalkboard originated from 1917. The chalkboard in the classroom was most likely used for a mathematics class as it displayed information relating to multiplication and addition. The intent of the "Emerson High School Chalkboard" was to help educate students on the basics of mathematics. Like many other chalkboards at the time, the "Emerson High School Chalkboard" was constructed using smooth wooden boards that were coated in a thick, porcelain-based paint. The functionality behind the artifact is to provide a canvas for students and educators to write on using chalk. The chalkboard allows for users to contain or erase a profound amount of information.
Artifact #5: [Professor Leonard's Whiteboard Lectures] [2011] [Whiteboard invented around 1850s]
As an educator of mathematics and computer science at Merced College, Professor Leonard uses a whiteboard to teach students about pre-calculus, calculus one, calculus two, calculus three, and differential equations through his YouTube channel or in-person classes. Famous for his clarity and eye-opening lessons on YouTube, Professor Leonard's first known YouTube whiteboard lecture was created on August 17th, 2011. This exhibit seeks to focus on the whiteboard aspect rather than the YouTube aspect. Through the usage of whiteboard communication technology, Professor Leonard is able to convey information about mathematics and computer science in a organized and clear format. The intentionality behind the professor's whiteboards are to educate and assist students in understanding math concepts. In terms of the materiality, the whiteboard was most likely created by "firing a ceramic onto a steel sheet base in a kiln, whilst the enamel surface is made up from nickel, cobalt and glass, which is 'fired' to 1700" degrees Fahrenheit (red17, 2020). The whiteboard, like the chalkboard, functions as a writing canvas for students and educators to use. However, the whiteboard allows for cleaner erasing and minimal pollutants unlike the chalkboard.
Artifact #6: ["Science on the Radio" podcasts] [2019] [First radio invented around 1890]
The "Science on the Radio" artifact was created on March 8th, 2019; however, the first radio itself was created around 1890 by Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi. Created by Dr. Marvin Druger at Syracuse University, the "Science on the Radio" podcast utilizes radio technology to teach the audience about general science in real-time. For instance, one podcast talks about crucial technology that allowed NASA to land on the Moon during the Apollo missions. Dr. Marvin Druger intended for the podcast to enlighten the audience on how modern-day science arose from past scientific experiments. Although the podcast was made in the 20th century, technically anyone with a radio can receive the podcast transmissions. In fact, Marconi's radio, which was built using intricate copper wires and circuits designed to receive electromagnetic waves. This is most likely how the radio for the podcast was built as well. The functionality behind any radio is to receive and decode radio waves; as a result, radio waves can be converted into sound or text. This is how somebody would listen to the "Science on the Radio" podcast as well; they would use a radio to tune into the podcast.
Artifact #7: ["Science Channel" on the Television] [1996] [First television invented in 1927]
The artifact, "Science Channel", was created on October 1996 by Discovery Networks. The channel itself has run daily on multiple television providers since then; it broadcasts information relating to general science. More specifically, Science channel will dive into the engineering, chemistry, physics, and biology of phenomenon that exist across the Earth and universe. The artifact was created in order to educate viewers on a wide variety of scientific topics in order to help generate a new perspective on life and nature itself. The television that is used to watch the Science Channel is created using a mini particle accelerator that shoots atoms in a pattern that allows the viewer to see moving images. The television also has many functions, including the ability to increase/decrease volume, tune into different channels, and turn on or off.
Artifact #8: ["Khan Academy" on the Computer] [2007] [First commercial computer invented in 1951]
With the inception of the computer, programmers are able to build applications that can teach science and math concepts. In 2007, Sal Khan sought to bring education for free throughout all parts of the world; as a result, the web application "Khan Academy" was created. The computer that was used to build the artifact, as well as interact with it, is created using a computer-processor unit, random access memory sticks, power supply unit, motherboards, and a screen to capture information. The functionality of the computer allows the user to interact with the computer using a keyboard and mouse; these interactions help navigate through programs like Khan Academy.
Artifact #9: [IXL App on the Smart Tablet] [March 20, 2020] [First smart tablet invented in 1987]
The "IXL Educational App" artifact is an education-centered application that was created on March 20th, 2020 with the goal of teaching mathematics to students from kindergarten to 12th grade high school. The app utilizes a smart tablet to help educate students. The app itself is programmed using languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and Python. It also utilizes web-app frameworks such as Bootstrap and Flask; these frameworks provide a pipeline for better data connection. A SQL database was most likely used to store information relating to passwords, usernames, and student progress. The smart tablet technology that the artifact utilizes is typically constructed with an aluminum chassis along with several microchips, speakers, cameras, and sensors to aid the user in their educational experience. The function of the app takes full advantage of the iPad to create an excellent learning experience through the usage of audio, interactive games, and videos.
Artifact #10: [Oculus Quest Two VR] [October 13, 2020] [First commercial VR invented in mid 1990s]
The "Oculus Quest Two" is the latest in cutting-edge scientific-educational technology. The "Quest Two" was built on October 13, 2020 at Facebook Technologies in Irvine, Canada. Utilized by many different organizations and student bodies, the headset provides an immersive educational experience. Through the headset, students can enter a virtual environment where they interact with laboratory equipment using their own hands! "Quest Two" also features other science education apps; one app allows for students to explore the International Space Station. In fact, NASA uses virtual reality to train their astronauts as well. The intent behind virtual reality in general is to provide an immersive entertainment and educational experience without having to worry about physical repercussions. For example, virtual reality is great for students who are disabled or prone to allergic reactions in the lab. Like many other headsets, the "Quest Two" is mainly built using a plastic chassis, several light sensors, microchips, batteries, and concave glass lenses. The functionality of the headset allows students to use controllers to navigate through virtual terrain, talk with other students, and interact with other users.
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