Complexity. Wow. There’s an important concept that we’ve invented to describe our Universe. It’s based in observation and experience. We can feel that our world is complex and give myriad examples. And we often have a reaction to that complexity. Awe. Anxiety. Does simplifying make you feel more comfortable….or uncomfortable? Does digging deeper or looking wider make you feel more anxious or less? Does acknowledging the limitations of your grasp bother you or free you?Â
I actually feel both. I like to be in control, and I like to be reminded that I’m not in control. I often set out to “fix things” and then realize that they don’t need to be fixed, and so I let them be. “How does it work? Oh, never mind. It’s amazing.” I have seen a few David Copperfield shows, and I laugh at my reaction. I’m not content to be entertained; I want to figure out how he creates those illusions! And then I give up and admit I’m amazed. Visual aides of this complexity concept are always engaging to me because of that dynamic. Here are a few examples: my photo and a link. First, the photo…
Now, the link. This is a Science Project created by two 9th-graders, and it is absolutely outstanding! I may have posted it before, but I don’t hesitate to do it again. EnjoyThe Scale of the Universe 2!Â
Beautiful photo—such relaxing colors!
The Scale of the Universe is amazing…I am so proud of these young people, I can’t imagine how long it must have taken to put these together. I love the funny comments they sneak in to some of the explanations. I had not seen the 2nd one; thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the compliment. As for the project, isn’t that marvelous?! I love imagining them in the midst of it, just wondering if there’s more and then discovering the next “layer”. How exciting that must have been and propulsive to their dedication!
Now, the link. This is a Science Project created by two 9th-graders, and it is absolutely outstanding! I may have posted it before, but I don’t hesitate to do it again. Enjoy The Scale of the Universe 2! 
scillagrace 
I really like that photo.
janet
Thank you! It would make a nice holiday greeting card, I think.
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Beautiful photo—such relaxing colors!
The Scale of the Universe is amazing…I am so proud of these young people, I can’t imagine how long it must have taken to put these together. I love the funny comments they sneak in to some of the explanations. I had not seen the 2nd one; thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the compliment. As for the project, isn’t that marvelous?! I love imagining them in the midst of it, just wondering if there’s more and then discovering the next “layer”. How exciting that must have been and propulsive to their dedication!
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I feel both too Scilla… I am learning that less control can be very good indeed.. I have shared the project on my facebook page.. 🙂
I hope your facebook crowd likes it, and that you like ‘letting go’. 🙂
They loved it ! and the “letting go” is a work in progress..
…as it is for all of us! 🙂
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