Your Name:
Date:
Class:

People have known that the Earth is round for several thousand years. Columbus didn’t prove anything. But how did they know? How can you prove that you are standing on something that is round like a ball when it looks like it is flat?

It is your job to figure this out. Use the Web to find ways to prove that the Earth is in fact a sphere and not a plate. Your assignment is to collect as many proofs as you can (I know of six sure-fire proofs).

• For a 3 find at least three proofs and describe each one in a paragraph or two. In addition, choose one method of proof and explain it in detail using diagrams and illustrations to help make your point.
• For a 4 find at least four proofs and describe each one in a paragraph or two. In addition, choose one method of proof and explain it in detail using diagrams and illustrations to help make your point.
• For a 5 find all six proofs that I know of—or better ones—and describe each one in a paragraph or two. In addition, choose one method of proof and explain it in detail using diagrams and illustrations to help make your point. Particularly well-written explanations and extra creativity on the detailed proof could also be considered grounds for awarding a 5 if you cannot think of all six of the proofs I have. (You must fulfill the requirements for a 4, first).

We will spend one hour in the computer lab to work on this assignment. Computer paper, rulers, a compass, scissors and colored pencils will be provided. Complete this assignment before our next class meeting when I will ask students to present their results to the class. The presentation will be graded separately from the written assignment.

My six proofs that the Earth is round will be published on my web page once we have completed this assignment.