Dr. Aiche and The Lost Children of The Clinch  - An Urban Legend

    The theme of this course will be to trace the history of technology through the ages - with emphasis on "primitive technology". During our journey, we will experience many of the phenomena our ancestors first discovered. The idea for the content and organization of the course is a combination of ideas from James Burke's book "The Axe-Maker's Gift" and the "Caveman to Chemist" web site.

   Working in tribes (groups), we will start with making stone tools, move to creating fire, construct catapults, towers and bridges, and finish with rockets. We will create clay pots and fire them. We will smelt ores to make metals. We'll construct a sun dial and a water wheel.

     Grades will be determined primarily through an authentic learning model; i.e. if it works, you get credit. We should end with about 18 projects or one per week. Your grade will be the percent of projects completed. Many of the projects include bonus opportunities, so it is possible to make up a grade from a project you (1) just weren't able to get the hang of, (2) missed due to absence, or (3) did not get credit for it for any other reason.
     In addition, there will be four tests during the semester. Each test will contain sections with quiz questions from each project covered that testing peroiod. If you make a 100% on any section, you get credit for that project if you haven't already completed the project.
    So . . . . you can make an "A" four ways:

1. Complete all the projects minimally
2. Do an outstanding job on some projects
3. Pass the project quizes

A combination of the first three

Assignments - 2001
Great Physics Demos at UVA

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