Scavenger+Hunt

Have you been wondering how your math and science classes will help you in your professional life? This exercise will show you a few of the things you can do with a math or science degree. The questions below contain links for you to explore. Follow the links to find out more about a variety of math and science careers and, of course, the answer to the question. There is no time limit for this assignment. Good luck and have fun!

1. It can be hard to see what use trigonometry or calculus will be as you're grinding through homework problems instead of downing bosses, but math's utility might surprise you. Check out this interview with Monte Krol, the Lead Tools Programmer for World of Warcraft. What two fields of mathematics does Monte call "really important"?
 * media type="youtube" key="rwUdDFcsInI" height="292" width="363" align="right"Mathematics**

2. Mathematics can also lead to more unusual careers. Take professional poker player Chris Ferguson, for example. What field of mathematics does he apply to the game of poker?

3. Houdini was one of the greatest magicians and used calculus to perform his tricks. He had one trick, The Great Escape, where he chained himself to a concrete block and attached the block at the bottom of a giant tank filling up with water. What was the one thing that was allowed to be altered by the use of calculus?

4. So what does one study in learning about calculus? (Hint.) A) Numbers and functions and their properties. B) How to rule the world. C) Nonsense math that we don't need. D) Useful notations.
 * Calculus**

5. What is calculus? (Hint.)

6. There are three subject skills which draw heavily upon the skills needed in Algebra and Algebra II which will help you identify two things about yourself that can be used to assist you to prepare for Calculus. List them. (Hint.)

7. Biology is a fascinating subject to teach, but with all the technology advancement in our society we need to use our resources to make our students thrive. 21st Century Learning With Exploring Life web page is a site to help teachers with technology by giving them insightful information by new methods technology and teacher communication. With the site at hand what is “//Biology : Exploring Life”//?
 * Biology**

8. The Biology Corner web page is great tool for teachers. What kinds of resources are available for teacher to use with this site?

9. Students learn best if they are actively engaged and if their activities are closely linked to understanding important biological concepts. List some examples of how you could use hands on activities with your biology students? (Hint: for help use this link)

10. Astronomers, it turns out, can do anything from work at NASA to being president of the James Randi Educational Foundation, all while writing blogs and books. When WIRED magazine asked Phil Plait, the Bad Astronomer, what was the coolest thing he's seen through a telescope, he couldn't name just one. What are the three coolest things he's seen?
 * media type="custom" key="5332865" width="256" height="256" align="left"Astronomy**

11. While most astronomers are employed by universities or colleges, about a third work either for the federal government or for a federally-supported national observatory or lab. What national observatory operates the Hubble Space Telescope? (Hint: you'll need to explore a couple links to find the answer!)

12. Here's a fun website students and teachers can use to learn more about space. In the Myths vs. Reality page, are black holes visible? Please explain why or why not.

13. Marine biology is described as s tudying, observing, protecting, or managing marine organisms, be they plant or animal. If you are interested in marine biology, what does this website suggest you do? **
 * [[image:fishinball.jpg align="right"]]Marine Biology

14. Aquaculture is perhaps the fastest growing segment of marine biology. How is Mote Marine developing and using Aquaculture technology to improve the oceans?

15. The world faces an ever growing problem with coral bleaching. Coral bleaching is believed to be a result of pesticide run-off with in turn damages and even kills coral. How does the Reef Ball project try to replenish the death of coral?

16. The Thailand Giant Catfish is a 10 feet, 650 pound fish that is found in murky brown waters of the Mekong River. It is almost extinct; there are only a few hundred of these fish left in the world. What is the main cause of this fish's critical endangerment?