RJ Stangherlin

Keystone Technology Integrator and STAR Discovery Educator

This site is for Mrs. Stangherlin's classes at Salisbury High School.

Journey to the Center of the Earth: Science Lesson, Quiz, and Prize from China

Guest Blogger Heather Sullivan‘s post from the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory in the Heneng Province, China.  Heather has created a science lesson and quiz.  If you complete the 3 questions by posting a comment to her blog, you will be placed in a random drawing for a special prize from China.

As a science teacher I feel duty bound to post at least one science lesson for you guys, so here it goes

Yesterday we visited another amazing historically significant place on our journey- Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory in the Heneng Province- the oldest surviving observatory in China.

China has a history of astronomical observation and record keeping dating back more than 4000 years. Many cosmic objects and events have been observed, noted and interpreted by Chinese astronomers centuries before they first appeared in European records. In fact, China has a longer unbroken history of astronomical study than any civilization that has ever existed!

Ancient Chinese astronomy has proven very accurate over the years. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab even recently used ancient Chinese eclipse timings (accurate to about 25 minutes) to learn more about the Earth’ rotation.

Chinese astronomers are also credited with the earliest known map of the stars. Created sometime around 700 AD, it includes precisely drawn representations of over 1000 constellations.

One especially important astronomical tool in early Chinese astronomy was the gnomon- an object whose shadow is used to record the changing position of the sun. Many people feel that the gnomon we visited at Geochang is the most remarkable one ever constructed. It was created by the famous Chinese scientist, Guo Shou in 1279 AD to help determine the calendar dates associated with the four seasons and to help verify that Luoyang City (next to Geochang) was the center of China. He was assigned that duty by the Emperor who wanted Luoyang to become China’s capitol city- a request that many around him did not agree with, so he had to establish a VERY good reason to support his desire. Since the Chinese at that time regarded China as the only country in the world, if Luoyang could be determined the center of China it would also, by default, become the center of the Earth- a very holy bestowal.

At noon on a clear day the gnomon’s horizontal bar casts a shadow on a low stone wall that extends out from the center of the base of the gnomon tower. The wall was designed so carefully that it even has troughs carved throughout so well water could be added to check for levelness!

As the sun’s path through the sky changed over the year, the location of the bar’s shadow shifted along the wall. At the winter solstice, when the sun’s path across the sky is as low as it’s going to get all year, the shadow reaches out to its farthest point on the wall- vice versa for the summer solstice. When the shadow falls mid-way between these two points, the Autumnal and Vernal (Spring) Equinox can be determined. Guo Shou used the gnomon, along with other tools at the observatory, to mark the beginning and end of all four seasons AND to give the Emperor proof that Louyang was indeed the true epicenter of China.

That’s it- lesson over! Now for you test…

1. Can you find the gnomon bar in the picture above? Where is it?

2. What is your favorite season? Why?

3. Was Guo Shou’ assertation about the center of China correct? How do you know? Please explain.

Everyone who answers the above three questions in a reply to this post will be entered in a raffle for a special gift from China. I will announce the winner in one week. Good Luck!!! Your name will be entered in a random drawing for a special prize from China.

Discovery Student Adventures Travel
#dsac09
China
Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory
Heneng Province
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Following the Teacher Team #dsac09

Because I have the gift of time this summer, I chose to follow the Discovery Student Adventures Travel in China.  This post focuses on the teachers on the trip who are posting to the DSA China blog.  I realize that sifting through the many posts begs time when most of us are either in school or moving closer to re-entry, so I thought I would try to give you a thumbnail sketch of how some teachers are ending their summer vacation.  I have another post about the students forthcoming as well, but more on that later.

Brett Harvey:

• Ready for Adventure: The first of the teacher team to post, Brett followed the Australia and South Africa trips, and is excited about traveling with 4 great students to China.
• Selecting Students: a difficult process but Brett decided to have some fun informing the 4 finalists.

• Beijing, China: moments of joy watching students during Tai-chi.
• Common Language: dragon boat races, badminton, table tennis, frisbee, and basketball--the international language.
• Photos: image upload issues resolved; you can find teachers’ and students’ photos by clicking on the Photos tab in the main blog menu or go to: http://picasaweb.google.com/photos.DSA.
• Kung Fu Fighting: a video posted by the Discovery Student Adventures Travel team.
• Posted by Discovery Student Adventures at 2:45 PM
• Kung Fu Children: Brett asks if these children are happy and if the beauty of this land and its people will remain a mystery.  (insightful must read)

• An Adventure of a Lifetime: the photo says it all.
• Discovery’s Top Chefs: Chinese market photo, shopping before private lessons with Beijing’s master chef.
• Landing in the Bird’s Nest: 2 Olympic venues, the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube, amazing architectural structures.  Rita says these two structures must be seen to be appreciated; the beauty of the structures awe the viewer.
• Discovery Student Adventurers by Day, Bloggers by Night: I must admit that this photo and post by Rita really brought home to me how busy a student’s (and teacher’s) day really is.  At the end of a 10K hike, these students return, exhausted, and post photos, posts, and tweets to their blogs.  Sometimes they upload videos, but you just have to admire and respect these students for sharing their experiences with us and the world.  Xiu xiu.
• Rocks, Scissors, Paper: from hiking the Great Wall to Chengde to learn about the art of paper cutting.
• Everybody Was Kung Fu Fighting!: (can’t get the song out of my head) a unique experience and an incredible workout.  Private tutoring with the Kung Fu masters at The Small Dragon School of Martial Arts, where students from ages 5-25 study kung fu for 6 hours a day, and then have school (sounds like a 12-hour day to me).
• The Price Is Right: shopping in Luoyang-Dengfeng, where hand gestures in bargaining prove we share much in common in both cultures.
  

• I Dream of China: interesting reflections of Heather’s panic dream.
• Putting Brush to Paper: calligraphy lessons in the house of the teacher.
• “Tour" Is Not a Four-Letter Word in China: a paradigm shift and a question about host cultures’ approach to tourists.
  

• I’m Going to China: discusses the surprise of being randomly selected and what he had to do in 2 weeks to be good to go.
• Blackberry and Blogging: met the China crew and BB arrived, making the trip official.
• Ping Pong and More: Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, but ping pong was highlight of the day.
• Ping Pong Champion: an image worth unsaid words.
• Mongolian Hot Pots: Chinese fondue?--immerse your food in the hot pot,cook to your liking, and dip in delicious sauces; Adam’s favorite part of the day.  Two great photos in this post.
• 798: childhood reflections and connections to the Beijing meaning of 798, not your typical museum.
• The Great Wall: a surreal 10K hike that put fear of heights behind him; an experience to hold forever.
• Dinner: Chinese pop star, conga lines, and dancing bridged the gap between cultures.  Three great videos, posted by the Discovery Student Adventures team follow Adam’s post.  You want to watch these videos.
• 
  
  Posted by Discovery Student Adventures at 5:09 PM 4 comments

• Friday, August 7, 2009

  Posted by Discovery Student Adventures at 5:16 PM 7 comments
  Labels: Discovery Student Adventures Travel

• Forbidden City & Olympic Park

  Posted by Discovery Student Adventures at 5:03 PM 1 comments
  Labels: Discovery Student Adventures Travel
• Meeting the “Top Monk” and Shao Lin Temple Martial Arts Students: one of two heavily commented upon posts, Adam discusses how impressive these students really are.

The Price is Right

Guest blogger Rita Mortensen‘s repost from her Discovery Student Adventures China blog.  Mortensen is posting from Luoyang-Dengfeng.

We have had such a wonderful experience and have seen so many breath taking and historical sights over the past ten days, however I will have to admit that interacting with the local merchants has been a really fun and interesting experience for me and the students. We are currently staying at this cute little local inn located in Luoyang-Dengfeng which consists of refurbished farm houses near the Shaolin Temple. Each day we walk by a few local merchants on our way to our day’s activities, and we have an opportunity to purchase some local goods. Although we do not speak the same language, we have no problem communicating about the price of the goods. Hand gestures, facial expressions and body movements all play a major roll as we both agree on the “right price”. It is these simple acts that make me realize and appreciate the fact that we might come from two different continents and speak different languages, but apart from that, we really share many similarities at heart!

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Posted by Ms. Mortenson at 8:27 PM

“Tour” Is Not A Four-Letter Word in China

Guest blogger Heather Sullivan, reposted from her Discovery Student Adventures China blog.  Image from Heather’s China Pics.

Heather poses an interesting question, and after reading her post, please share your thoughts.

(Sorry, Heather, for not posting this one sooner--very thought-provoking, as usual).

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Just a quick post about something that’s been on my mind this entire trip...

I live at the Jersey Shore where we have a special name for our Summer tourists: Bennys. And let me tell you, it’s by no means a term of endearment. The origin of this slang term is debatable, but regardless of its roots, no one debates its derogatory meaning. Ask anyone who lives at “The Shore”: “What do think about Bennys?” And you’ll most likely hear the following: “Bennys Go Home!” We even have t-shirts, bumber stickers, etc. stating it proudly.

New York City is less than forty-five minutes north of The Shore and you can spot a tourist there in a New York minute. Once spotted, you can see them being scowled at by taxi drivers (actually, by all drivers) and nudged out of the way on sidewalks by busy business people scurrying to work.

Now for China. General consensus of everyone on our trip is that our Asian hosts actually seem GLAD to see us! There literally has not been one single place we’ve visited that someone didn’t ask to take a picture of us or with us. The students think this is the coolest thing- they feel like rock stars (us grown ups don’t mind so much either!)

What do you think is the reason for the different attitudes towards tourists in America and China? Is my characterization of the NY/NJ attitude just limited to the North East or to big cities?

PLEASE share your thoughts!

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Posted by Ms. Sullivan at 1:26 PM 5 comments

Kung Fu Children

Guest Blogger Brett Harvey, reposted from his Discovery Student Adventures China blog post.  Harvey’s post calls into question several provocative questions, not the least of which is the parents’ dilemma: how do they do it?  Are these children happy, and will the beauty of the land and the people still remain a mystery?  Enjoy Harvey’s post from Little Dragon Kung Fu School in Shaolin, China.  Images from Harvey’s photos #dsac09.  Comments to Harvey’s post are appreciated and welcomed.

Today as we revisited the Little Dragon Kung Fu School in Shaolin, the strange reality of these schools hit me and I was left with a stirring question: how do these families do it?

Most of the students at Little Dragon enroll when they were 4-5 yrs. old but some look barely old enough to be out of diapers. The average student receives their entire compulsory education at Little Dragon. That means they will be 17yrs old when they leave. The school environment is not exactly kid-friendly; stale dorms, harsh instructors, and the sanitary level of the cafeteria can only be described as sketchy. They sleep in rooms with 4-20 other students on beds that make concrete feel comfortable. The only color on the white plaster walls is that of old stains. Their days consists of rigorous training and classroom instruction. Yet they somehow still find ways to enjoy being children (see photo below).

From Harvey’s photos #dsac09

Kindergarterners enjoy a break with DSA students.

Holidays come about once every 5 months when the students are allowed to return home for a week or so. Parents can come and visit anytime but most live so far away they make the trek a few times a year. Those who can afford to give up their home roots move to Shaolin so they can visit once a week or more.

From Harvey’s photos #dsac09

No longer kindergartners, but on the same concrete and wearing the same suits, older students practice morning drills.

As an upcoming parent (my first baby will be due 3 weeks after I return from China) I couldn’t help but wonder about the estrangement from parents that must occur here. Don’t these kids miss their parents? How can parents accept such a limited relationship with their own children? How can they drop them off at 4 and get them back at 17? At first, I want to dismiss it as irresponsible or unloving parenting, but doing so would fail to understand the cultural, social and economic demands that drive families to this decision.

I can understand the objective. For most students, attending a school like Little Dragon provides a secure future. Jobs in military, police, and security. What parent doesn’t worry about their child’s future. Will they get a good education? Will they be successful in pursuing a career, a family, security for their parents? For many Chinese families, kung fu school answers those concerns. But is the promise of a valued career weigh equally against the sacrifice of an innocent childhood filled with discovery and play for play’s sake? Does that follow the yin and yang balance they believe in?

As we walked through armies of red shirts and black pants, getting equal doses of strange looks and smiles, I started to look into the faces and body language to answer a driving question; are these children happy?

Certainly the visit of foreigners into the academic classroom was met with smiles and cheers (as much as the teacher allowed). The 5-6yr old group seemed just like any other; whispering, pointing and generally having fun with their Western visitors. As soon as we left however, the true disciplined nature of the school revealed itself. The teacher gave a command and the students began writing in notebooks as if an electric shock made all their hands start writing at once.

Back in our own ‘class’ the cultural divide was obvious as our American students danced and laughed during our physical workout. The Chinese instructors seemed less patient; their faces and short verbal commands said it clearly: “Don’t wast time.” Even here however, signs of happiness peeked through as the students constant attention towards our serious-toned, chief instructor eventually got him to crack a smile. The U.S. students responded, and pretty soon he was faking small disciplinary actions just to scare a few girls, at which he would turn around and break out a small laugh. The students have become so fond of his now frequent grins that they dubbed him “Smiley”. Today they even shouted “Wo eye nee” in their best Chinese - translation: I love you. Their question “Do you love me, too?” only garnered an embarrased laugh.

From Harvey’s photos #dsac09

“Smiley" - or the guy who works up our sweat (and a little fear) everyday.

In a very short time, I feel I’ve seen so much of the immensity, the history and the beauty of this land and people. Yet the culture that creates it all may still remain a mystery for me for a long time.

Posted by Harv at 10:11 PM 1 comments

Labels: kung_fu parenting school shaolin

You will definitely enjoy this video, just posted.

Kung Fu Fighting

Posted by Discovery Student Adventures at 2:45 PM 2 comments

Meeting the “Top Monk” and Shao Lin Temple Martial Arts Students

Guest Blogger Adam Controy from Shao Lin Temple, China

So we traveled from Beijing to Luoyang in an overnight train and the experience far surpassed my expectations. Why? Because I actually got a better night’s sleep in a passenger car that slept 4 then I did in my hotel room. There is something to be said for the rhythmic sound of a train traveling along its track. The next morning we visited the Longman Grottos and saw a collection of Buddhist cave sculptures, including one that was over 17 meters tall. It is the world’s largest Buddha. Next we traveled to the Shaolin Temple and listened to a lecture given by the “Top Monk” on Kung Fu. He taught us a great life lesson about how we should keep our hearts pure and resist greedy, anger, and envy. After the Shaolin Temple we took a bus over to the Shao Lin Temple Marshall Arts School where we had an opportunity to watch an impressive demonstration by students. The students performed some intense form routines and spared with each other. I was in awe at the number of students training at the school. We literally had to serpentine through the children on our way back to the bus. There were hundreds, if not a couple thousand, scattered throughout the campus. It was nice to see all the children. They were comfortable in their environment and very curious about visitors. It was great to watch the students walk in formation and chant out, “one two three four.” Occasionally we would get a wave or the peace sign and that put a smile on everybody’s face.
Today we went back to the Shao Lin Temple Martial Arts School and learned Kung Fu from trainers. Our bodies were twisted and contorted in ways many of us are not accustomed to. We learned a series of moves and forms while practicing our technique. The session was intense and quite the workout! These children take Kung Fu very seriously. After our lesson we visited a classroom. It was great to see children learning. They sang a song for us and we sang a few for them. The looks on their faces were priceless. Interacting with the students made me think about my own classroom. I am so excited for the school year and cannot wait to meet my new students. Today was an amazing cultural learning experience and one that I will certainly share with my 5th graders.
Tomorrow we will go back to the Shaolin Temple and have another opportunity to practice Kung Fu with students in the temple. This truly is an adventure of a lifetime!
Posted by Adam Controy at 2:20 PM 0 comments

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