Learning Objective: Today we will review the first 6 paragraphs from the reading and then we will continue learning if a star hotter than our sun can support life
Homework: On Thursday, you will have your final assessment of the year on the Astrobiology Magazine reading that we have been reviewing in class.
June 1
Learning Objective: Today we will review our assessments from yesterday to fill in any gaps in knowledge we still have. Afterwards, we will begin deconstructing a high-school level text in order to answer Essential Question #1.
Homework: You may file a Point Evaluation Sheet if you feel your answer on a question is justifiable.
May 31
Learning Objective: Today we will demonstrate our content mastery on how stars are classified according to the HR Diagram and their stellar evolution.
Homework: In the year 1006 AD, Holmgang was declared illegal in Iceland and the brightest supernova ever seen from Earth in recorded history was observed across the globe. Once you finish your assessment, please take the 10 minutes to read about 1006 AD supernova and if anybody is up for the challenge, pleasetell me what Holmgang is and how it relates to a supernova!
May 30
Learning Objective: Due to an unexpected trip to Centro, I will be postponing the assessment until tomorrow so you may take this day to complete your infographics or study. I will be back tomorrow for a regularly scheduled class.
May 29
Learning Objective: Today you will solidify your skills for reading the HR Diagram and understanding the evolution of stars based on their mass. Here is our agenda for the first half of the week.
Monday: Study or work on infographic
Tuesday: Assessment
Wednesday: Inforgraphic due and learn which class of Main Sequence stars are best for harboring life in the universe
Study Tips: You should be able to (1) read the HR Diagram (2) Know the content from the video, "Last Light Before Eternal Darkness" from May 25 and (3) Understand each stage of the stellar evolution for stars of different mass. I will be asking very specific questions. Here is a good resource...bad design, good info
May 26
Learning Objective: Today we will become content experts on a Main Sequence star and then create an infographic demonstrating its stellar evolution (life cycle)
My favorite main sequence star, Procyon. Between Mars and Sirius
Homework: Enjoy the weekend. Wear sunscreen.
May 25
Learning Objective: Today we will continue to explore the HR Diagram and then learn more about white dwarfs and their ability to harbor life in the Universe. First, lets check out what our sky would look like if we replaced our sun with other stars
Homework: If you want, feel free to investigate why the first video we watched called Vega the "2nd most important star" after our own sun in the Milky Way
May 24
Learning Objective: Review the Essential Questions and after a brief diagnostic we will begin looking at how stars are classified. This will be important in answering Essential Question #1, "What type of star is needed for life to evolve."
Homework: Feel free to watch this artist interpretation of a Supernova
Origin of Life: Essential Questions
1. What type of star is needed for life to evolve?
2. What types of elements are needed?
3. How did life evolve on planet Earth?
4. Is there extraterrestrial life?
Mission Log 5.12.07
Learning Objective: Today we will thoroughly review the Mission to Mars website of at least two other people using the Peer Review Protocol handed out.
Homework: Websites will be published and graded on Monday using the rubric shared in class today.
Mission Log 5.8.17 - 5.11.17
Learning Objective: This week we will be learn how to promote scientific concepts through a digital medium by making our Mission to Mars websites to be published.
Monday: Conduct independent research (continue Packing for Mars)
Tuesday: Work on Background Information page
Wednesday: Work on Major Challenges page
Thursday: Work on Research & Design page
Homework: Have rough draft of Google Site ready for peer review
Mission Log 5.5.17
Learning Objective: Today's focus will be on developing our scientific writing skills by effectively communicating what the Mission to Mars is and how our topic is critical for the success of the mission. I will be monitoring your progress.
Homework: Have the General Overview completed by Monday.
Mission Log 5.4.17
Learning Objective: Today we will collaborate with our peers to share interesting information we learned yesterday. Afterwards, we will research AV content to help us visualize our topic (I have included links for Sanitation and Zero G).
What makes tortillas better than other forms of carbohydrates?
Homework: By the beginning of class tomorrow, be prepared to show your annotations for 1 chapter and the AV content you researched today. Have fun!
Mission Log 5.3.17
Learning Objective: Today we will start becoming on experts on the topic we selected. We will accomplish this by reading and annotating Packing for Mars.
- Make sure to cite the pages of interesting information
- Annotate using your own words (paraphrasing)
- If you found something interesting, others will too!
- Don't know the word, look it up
- Can't understand the content, ask me.
Homework: Please read and annotate for another 20 minutes
Mission Log 5.2.17
Learning Objective: Today we will review our assessments from last week in order to fill in any knowledge gaps we may have. Afterwards, we will look at the rubric for our final Mission to Mars project. 8th grade will also have a special tab where they will demonstrate mastery of Ms. Jenn's note taking guidelines (see below)...
Learning Objective: Today we will assess of knowledge of evolution and genetics as it relates to our current unit. When/if you finish early please start on this task...
To qualify for a re-assessment on this topic, please make your own copy of the Martian Evolution slides for 7th grade and 8th grade and complete the last slide.
Homework: Making Connections (last slide) due tomorrow at the start of class.
Mission Log 4.26.17
Learning Objective: Today you will be given the opportunity to prepare for your assessment tomorrow on genetics and evolution. See the study references below
Martian Evolution hand-out (vocabulary is important)
Homework: Prepare for assessment tomorrow
Mission Log 4.25.17
Learning Objective: Today we will continue looking at genetics to determine how populations change and migrate over time. The point of us learning about our genetic past is to see how we might change as a species moving forward in time.
Homework: Study for your assessment on Thursday. You can use this study guide as a reference for the assessment. The first link is about symbiosis is mandatory, the second on recombination is option (you will eventually need to learn it).
Mission Log 4.24.17
Learning Objective: Today we will discuss our Martian Evolution assignment and then a breif investigation of the genetic consequences of trying to colonize Mars.
The Martian Chronicles is a science fictionshort story collection by Ray Bradbury that chronicles the colonization of Mars by humans fleeing from a troubled and eventually atomically devastated Earth, and the conflict between aboriginal Martians and the new colonists.
Homework: On Thursday, you will have an assessment on the material we cover in class regarding evolution and genetics.
Mission Log 4.19.17
Learning Objective: Today we will revisit or (Re)present Presentations on the SLS
Homework: Martian Evolution handout due tomorrow at beginning of class.
Mission Log 4.18.17
Learning Objective: Today we will assess our knowledge of how microgravity affects bone density and visual acuity in astronauts. Afterwards, you will read this article and complete the handout titled Martian Evolution.
Homework: Martian Evolution handout due Thursday (beginning of class).
Mission Log 4.17.17
MAP TEST
Mission Log 4.11.17 - 4.14.17
Learning Objective: Today we will share out our (Re)present projects while those students that are in the audience will take notes for an upcoming assessment.
Homework: Make sure that you are prepared to share and that your presentation is rehearsed! Our quiz on bone density and visual acuity in space will be Tuesday!
Mission Log 4.11.17
Learning Objective: Today you will have the opportunity to study for our upcoming quiz on Thursday or finalize your (Re)present assignment. Please work diligently!
Mission Log 4.10.17
Learning Objective: Investigate some of the physiological changes that take place in microgravity and continue to (re)present general information on the Mission to Mars. The (re)presentations will be due on Wednesday at the beginning of class.
Osteoclasts and Osteoblasts
The Optic Nerve
Homework: On Thursday, you will have a brief assessment on bone remodeling and vision in space. Use Video #1 and Video #2 as a study resource.
Mission Log 4.5.17 - 4.6.17
Learning Object: Today we will conduct the m&m Lab in order to understand population genetics (the study of genetic variation within populations). This will lead into our discussion about how populations of Martian colonizers might eventually become a different species, separate from their Earth bound relatives.
Homework: Have the lab questions completed by tomorrow
Mission Log 4.4.17
Learning Objective: Grade 7 will demonstrate their content mastery of Martian geology and geography. Grade 8 will begin their (Re)present challenge.
Homework: Try to bring m&m's for tomorrows lab
Mission Log 4.3.17
Learning Objective: Please take this period to reflect on the work you have done this quarter and then fill out the Student Led Conference Form that has been shared in your class Google Drive. Grade 7 has the option to study for their quiz tomorrow but regardless, the completed form is due next Monday!
Homework: Grade 7 quiz will be held tomorrow. Both grades 7 and 8, if you can please bring in 1 bag of regular chocolate m&m's by Wednesday for an activity (1 regular size bag per student).
Mission Log 3.27.17
Learning Objective: Each team will collaborate once more in order to complete the document "Omega 1 QCC" uploaded into Drive. These questions, comments, and concerns should be answered with as much detail as a single period allows for.
Homework: If you are in AASSA, work on your presentation. I will be available to help if you are in need of it.
Mission Log 3.22.17-3.24.17
Learning Objective: Teams will have one class period each to present their Biosphere 3 and the audience will ask clarifying questions in a respectful manner.
Team Epsilon's blueprint for Biosphere 3
Homework: Make sure that your entireteam is prepared to present.
Mission Log 3.21.17
Learning Objective: It is your last day to conference with me about any remaining questions you have regarding your presentations. We will present tomorrow!
Homework: Make sure you are ready to present.
Mission Log 3.20.17
Learning Objective: Today we will peer review each others presentations using the protocol listed below. After we will read our feedback and make improvements
3. Review their Presentation Slides and add commentary if necessary
4. Review their Informational Slides and check the validity of their information, any points that you clarifying, or any questions you think Mr. Dan could follow up with.
How does Claude Monet relate to the work we are doing today?
Homework: Fill out the Google Doc "Martian Social Media Experiment"
Mission Log 3.16.17
Learning Objective: Following up on our electronic hiatus, we will learn about how Martian explorers will communicate with Earth and if internet is a possibility.
Homework: Continue making your final preparations for the Biosphere 3 presentation
Mission Log 3.16.17
Learning Objective: Today we will continue incorporating what we have learned about Martian ice and feedback loops to make Biosphere 3 more habitable.
Homework: Tonight at 8 pm, we are starting our 36 hour electronic hiatus to simulate conditions on Biosphere 3. Please adhere to the following rules...
1. At 8 pm, turn off all notifications for social media apps discussed in class
2. Use of electronics limited to family communication, alarms, and homework
3. At 8 am on Saturday, turn notifications back on and record how many were received on the Google Doc titled, "Social Media Record"
Mission Log 3.15.17
Learning Objective: Today we will look at the Martian cyrosphere to see how it can help us solve our issue of providing water for our bionauts in Biosphere 3
Homework: Continue your work on the Biosphere 3 project
Mission Log 3.14.17
Learning Objective: Today we will discuss the importance of feedback loops in regulating and stabilizing the environment and other complex systems. Click here to learn more about how feedback loops operate through this TED Ed video
Homework: Determine one example of how a feedback loop will operate in Biosphere 3.
Mission Log 3.13.17
Learning Objective: Continue your research from Friday. Tomorrow you will be given the large blueprints for your final biosphere designs. The rubric that you will be graded on is the pdf attached below
Learning Objective: Conduct research that will allow us to finalize our blueprint designs for our Biosphere 3. Check the Google Drive for the research guide sheet.
Learning Objective: We will investigate the Biosphere 2 experiment and see what lessons we can take away from their findings and apply it to our own project.
Homework: Finish the Biosphere 2 reflection handed out in class.
Mission Log 03.07.17-03.08.17
Learning Objective: Today we will work in groups to design a biosphere that can support human habitation using our prior knowledge of the earth'sspheres
Homework: To be announced...
Mission Log 03.06.17
Learning Objective: Today we will choose our 6 representative flags and then look at our peers AASSA conference presentations and give them feedback.
7th Grade Finalists
8th Grade Finalists
Homework: None
Mission Log 03.03.17
Learning Objective: Today we will provide feedback for the work some of our classmates are doing for the AASSA Conference and then we will review our own informational texts we wrote on sunburns using a protocol in the Google Drive.
Learning Objective: Today we will have the liberty to work on either our flag, flag description, and/or infographics. I will circulate to help on an individual basis
Homework: Flag description due at end of the school day tomorrow (2:30)
Mission Log 02.24.17
Learning Objective: Today will will try and finalize our infographics comparing Mars and Earth. This will be due on the Monday after the week of Carnival.
Homework: The Monday after Carnival your infographics and Martian flags are due. Also, make sure to wear sunscreen.
Mission Log 02.23.17
Learning Objective: Today we will assess our content mastery of how UV radiation affects human skin. The format will be an essay/letter written to a friend
Homework: Continue to work on your infographic
Mission Log 02.22.17
Learning Objective: Today we will display the information we have collected in the form of an infographic. These will be put on display for the AASSA Conference
Click here for the infographic website. Save your infographic in your Google Drive
Homework: Make sure you have full comprehension of the sunburn article
Mission Log 02.21.17
Learning Objective: We will continue our research on the comparative analysis and also address a student question on why humans have different skin colors
Homework: Please ask your parents if you will be present or absent on the week of Carnival and study the sunburn reading for an assessment on Thursday.
Mission Log 02.20.17
Learning Objective: Today we will compare Martian Systems with Earth Systems. There is a Google Doc titled Comparative Analysis of Planetary Systems that gives you the information that you will need to complete this research process. The end product will be an infographic demonstrating the similarities and differences.
Homework: Any test make-ups will be help Tuesday after school.
Mission Log 02.17.17
Learning Objective: Today we will assess our comprehsion of the manetosphere and the crysosphere. After that we will look at the biology behind a sunburn using A Timeline of Dermatological Destruction
Pyrimidine Dimer
Anatomy of Skin
Homework: Enjoy your weekend and wear sunscreen!!!
Mission Log 02.16.17
Learning Objective: We will conclude our tour of the earth's systems by investigating the importance of the magnetosphere.
Homework: Tomorrow we will have an assessment on the cryonics reading and the basic principles of the magnetosphere.
Mission Log 02.15.17
Learning Objective: As a precursor to our lesson tomorrow on the magnetosphere, today we will review the structure of DNA and the function of cell organelles.
Homework: Make sure that by Friday you have read the middle school level article from yesterday's class.
7th Grade: Tomorrow you will have a brief assessment on the major organelles of plant and animal cells in addition to the structure of DNA and how base pairing works. This is not punitive but rather an essential step to learning about why the magnetosphere is fundamentally important to our existence.
Mission Log 02.14.17
Learning Objective: Today we will conclude our discussion on the cryosphere and use the remaining time to do two of the following three options...
1. Continue finalizing your flags using research about Mars to inform design
2. Read this article introducing cryonics (written at a middle school level)
3. Read this article on why cryonics currently does not work (college level)
Homework: None
Mission Log 02.13.17
Learning Objective: How is the cryosphere being affected by the biosphere and what does this look like from the vantage point of those being directly affected?
Learning Objective: Demonstrate content mastery of the 4 major earth systems so we may progress on our Mission to Mars. If you finish early, please work on flag.
Homework: Enjoy your weekend and wear sunscreen
Mission Log 02.09.17
Learning Objective: Today you will work independently or in small groups in order to review what we have learned since the first day of this quarter. I recommend...
1. Reviewing the Atmosphere Design Lab
2. Understanding the concepts from Activity #1, Mission Log 02.02.17
Homework: Prepare as needed for assessment tomorrow
Mission Log 02.08.17
Learning Objective: We will continue our investigation of the atmosphere. Please note that today we will be using the Atmosphere Density Lab posted yesterday
The diagram to the right shows the effect of CO2 on the human body
Homework: Assessment on Friday covering the atmosphere design lab and any reading posted on the website or via handout.
Mission Log 02.07.17
Learning Objective: Today we will learn about the significance of the atmosphere
Homework: Please take a few minutes to research the effects of CO2 poisoning
Mission Log 02.06.17
Learning Objective: Today we will break out into our groups and assess how our ESS (environmental science scenarios) affects the major spheres of the earth. We will follow the agenda posted below. I will circulate to help and keep the time...
Today's Time Schedule
Minutes 0 - 30: Background Research
Minutes 30 - 45: Description
Tomorrow: Random group share out
* I have made this into a Google Doc with the title ESS Event (02.06.17)
The entire hydrosphere collected
Homework: Make sure your group is prepared to share out tomorrow. Also, I will be checking Google Drive folders to make sure you have put all work from Semester 1 into a folder labeled Semester 1. At this time, you should have your Martian Flag (first name) and ESS Event (02.06.17) present and visible
Mission Log 02.03.17
Learning Objective: Today we will look at natural and man made events and see how the 4 major spheres interact in these events to reinforce yesterday's work.
Learning Objective: Today we will learn about the four major Earth systems and how they interact with one another to produce the dynamic planet that we inhabit
Homework: Watch Earth Systems Part I and Part II (~10 min total)
Mission Log 02.01.17
Learning Objective: Review the essential questions for our upcoming unit, create new folders in our Google Drive, and then design a new official flag for Mars using Google Drawing. Please save your flag with the label, Martian Flag (first name)
The current (unofficial) flag is shown to the left. The meaning of the flag can be found at this website
Homework: Your flags will be due March 2nd and we will each share our design and then as a class we will vote on the flag that we will use and submit to NASA
