The New Language of Science

Imagine turning numbers into pictorial representations. That is exactly what super computers do. By creating visual representations of mathematical equations, these computers are able to create everything from complex molecular models to entertaining animations. This episode of The New Explorers highlights the advances in computer imagery, advances in the field, and what the future holds. The New Language of Science would be useful for classes on Science and Technology. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

OBJECTIVES

Students will learn the complex process by which computers provide visual representations of mathematical calculations. They will explore the present uses of these functions as well as the possibilities for future applications.

NATIONAL SCIENCE EDUCATION STANDARDS

The New Language of Science fulfills the following National Science Education Standards: Unifying concepts and processes in science; science as inquiry; science in personal and social perspective; science and technology.

• Animate
• Approximate
• Daunting
• Enigma
• Fraught
• Hypothesis
• Intuitive
• Stringent
• Virtuoso
• Visionary

1. Computers are an enormous part of our world and lives. How do computers help us? How do they define our world? How would life be different without computers?

2. What is visualization? What are the basic principles of this method?

3. Super computers are capable of intricate and complex visualizations. What are super computers? How do they differ from regular computers? How can a computer be a super computer today and a regular computer tomorrow?

4. What is the mission of the computer scientists at the University of Illinois?

5. What are some of the current applications for the process of visualization?

6. Mexico City suffers from extremely poor air quality due to the heavy smog that blankets the region. What is smog? Why is there so much smog in Mexico City?

7. How are computer scientists using the process of visualization to help the problem of Mexico City's poor air quality?

8. Discuss the role of super computers and visualization in pharmaceutical research and drug development.

9. How are super computers used to study earthquakes?

1. Research computer history on the Internet and use your data to develop a timeline illustrating the evolution of computer technology.

2. Computers aren't the only thinkers that use the process of visualization. Human brains use the same process. How do you use the process of visualization? Can you make a model or illustration of the process?