Viking Sunstones - History of STEM practicals - Refraction and Birefringence

Unlock Nautical Mysteries: Practical 4 - Viking Sunstone and Polynesian Wayfinding

Embark on a voyage into the maritime sagas with Practical 4 in the History in STEM series. This captivating experiment unravels the secrets of the Viking Sunstone, a theoretical tool in navigation, and explores the intriguing methods of Ancient Polynesian Wayfinders. Join us as we delve into the realms of Icelandic Spar, sun compass theories, and reflective landscapes.

Viking Sunstone: Guiding Light in Norse Exploration

Peer into the annals of Viking exploration as we unveil the mystical Viking Sunstone. Using Calcite Crystal, also known as Icelandic Spar, witness the marvel of birefringence—a process where light is refracted at two distinct angles. Discover how, with precision and effort, Vikings are theorised to have navigated by locating the sun, even on overcast days, ensuring their journeys continued with remarkable accuracy.

Sun Compass and Latitude Mysteries: Charting Viking Navigation

Immerse yourself in the theories surrounding the "sun compass" or "sunboard," believed to be crucial to Viking navigation. Gain insights into maintaining latitude during their expeditions, unraveling the mysteries that guided these intrepid seafarers across uncharted waters.

Polynesian Wayfinding: Reflecting on Ancient Techniques

Journey further to the Pacific as we explore the reflective artistry of Polynesian Wayfinders. Test various materials to uncover the methods theorized to be used by these skilled navigators. Delve into the subtle differences in light reflection on sand versus water—a technique some think to be integral to the Polynesian navigation toolkit.

Why Choose the History in STEM Practical Series?

Experience the power of cross-curricula material meticulously designed for STEM subjects. Unveil natural phenomena through hands-on exploration while peering into the remarkable journey of its evolution. Several practicals in the series challenge students to channel their inner "Sherlock Holmes," analyzing diverse methods and deducing the most plausible and effective approaches. From the marvels of Ancient Greece to the enigmatic Vikings, China's wisdom to the Golden age of the Muslim empire, and extending to the vibrant tapestry of India and beyod, this series commemorates monumental STEM milestones from around the world

If Practical 4 resonated with you, consider venturing into the trove of other thought-provoking practicals or explore the curated bundles for an even more enriching experience.

Unearth the Series:

- Grab the History of STEM Bundle for the biggest saving

Embrace Individual Practical Adventures:

- 1 Similar Triangles - History of STEM practicals - A Ship Too Far?

- 2 Water Alarm Clock - History of STEM practicals - Pressure and Displacement

- 3 Viking Sunstones - History of STEM practicals - Refraction and Birefringence

- 4 Pythagoras' Cup - History of STEM practicals - Siphon

- 5 Archimedes' Eureka - History of STEM practicals - Density

- 6 Measuring the World - History of STEM Practicals - Circumference of Circles

- 7 Chemical Reactions - History of STEM practicals - Invisible Ink Practical

- 8 Statistics and Cryptography - History of STEM practicals - Crack the Code

- 9 Force and Tensile Strength - History of STEM practicals - Paper Part 1

- 10 Check the Weather - Barometer - Pressure and Climate - Distance Learning

- 11 Paper (Part 2) - History of STEM practicals - Make it your own - Sustainability

- 12 A History of Biomagnification (Mercury and DDT) - History of STEM practicals - Card Game

- 13 mmmm Pi - Calculate Pi with 4 different methods - History of STEM practicals

- 14 A year already? - History of STEM practicals - Trig, Angles + Astronomy

- 15 Ocean Acidification - History of STEM practicals - Acid Base Reactions

- 16 The Big Fall - History of STEM practicals - Speed, Gravity and Free-fall Analysis

- 17 A Room With A View Part 1 - Camera Obscura

- 18 A Room With A View Part 2 - Pinhole Camera and Photosensitve Paper

- 19 It's Catchy - History of STEM Practicals - Spread of Disease.

- 20 Pykrete - History of STEM Practicals - Forces

- 21 Free Fall Part 2 - History of STEM practicals - The Slow Roll

- 22 Oh Mummy - History of STEM practicals - A look at mummification

- 23 Solar System Model Practical - History of STEM practicals - Round the World

- 24 Weather and Statistics Practical - History of STEM practicals - Red Sunset

- 25 Build a Microscope - History of STEM practicals - History of Microscopes

- 26 Build a Telescope - History of STEM practicals - History of Astronomy and Telescopes

- 27 Metal Heat Treatment - History of STEM practicals - History of Metals

- 28 Testing Gases (Acid-Base) - History of STEM practicals - Great Balls of Fire

- 29 History of Algorithms - History of STEM practicals - How Old Is That Computer?

- 30 History of Navigation - History of STEM practicals - Find Your Compass

- 31 Back from the Dead - Conditions for Germination

- 32 Theseus' Ship - A Teacher Demo on Genetic Modification

- 33 Foucault Pendulum - History of STEM practicals - You Spin Me Round

-34 Da Vinci Bridge - History of STEM practicals - Bridge Without Bounds (Friction, Forces)

- 35 Conversion Between Units of Measurement - History of STEM practicals (conversion between ancient units and modern metric system)

Expand Your STEM Expedition:

Embark on a captivating journey with additional games and activities that transform learning into an exhilarating odyssey:

- The Biology Bandit - A Biology Escape Room Revision Activity

- Human Impact - A Biological Card Game - Ecology, Climate Change + Sustainability

- A History of Biomagnification (Mercury and DDT) - History of STEM practicals - Card Game

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