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Weekend


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July 27, 2001

Strange But True!

  • A weekly column of incidental information, off-the-wall observations and other random facts about the world.
    • By BILL SONES and RICH SONES, Ph.D.

    Q. Science teacher asked the class how a barometer could be used to determine the height of a tall building. One student came up with five creative ways — though not the “right” way based on measuring air pressure difference from ground level to roof. Can you guess what she suggested?

    A. This Barometer Fable illustrates how iconoclastic thinking can challenge standard textbook solutions. After some debate, the student got full credit.


     
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