For educators
The Powers of Ten is an extremely valuable tool for teaching and understanding our world through the concept of scale. Although math is the most obvious field of study, it can be applied to every subject matter. In the same way that a knowledge of geography allows us to comprehend locations and their relative distance, a knowledge of scale gives us the perspective to see all things in terms of relative size. It gives us a sense of place in the universe and expands our thinking in non-linear ways.

Eames Demetrios, director of the Eames Office, created the Powers of Ten Interactive CDROM to explore the many ways our world is connected through scale. Over 3,000 pages of text, 1500 images and 250 video clips illustrate this interrelatedness. Each of the six strands (Space, Time, Tools, People, Eames, Patterns) hold the 44 powers of ten, from 10 ^-18 to 10 ⁺25. At each of these "stations" the particular level of scale is explored. The subjects include physics, medicine, cosmology, literature, photography, painting and so much more. The disc is user-friendly and allows for bookmarking journeys. For example, all the stations that deal with physics can be edited into a single presentation for a classroom and links to each subject are a button away.

We are always trying to expand the ways in which we can apply and learn from the powers of ten. On October 10, 2000 (10/10/00) we celebrated the first Powers of Ten Day and had participants from all over. In 2004 we hope you will join us as we view the human body through the prism of scale.

One major way in which we promote the education of scale is through our Powers of Ten Exhibitions. A large kid’s component of the show prompts educational outreach programs with local schools. In the past we have created Powers of Ten passports for kids to fill out as they explore an entire museum, now interpreted through the notion of scale.

Our Powers of Ten Activities offer fun ways to participate in the learning process. The films of Charles and Ray Eames are another way to learn about not just the powers of ten, but the notion of constraint and how working within a single idea can reflect a universe of thought.