MSSD
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Today's Message for 4th Period
SOAR-Hig   smiley  
Earth Systems Science
Model Secondary School for the Deaf 
  Mary Ellsworth, Science Teacher
atom Good Morning Students!       jumper  

4th
Quarter

Science Portfolios
~*~     "There is no elevator to success.  You have to take the stairs"  ~*~        
            past quot                   
GLOBE logo    GLOBE Measurements:
Frost Tube observations:  12/12, 1/18, 2/19
Budburst: Guide, wksheet, 2007 pix, 2008 data/pix,
clean your monitor: click
MSSD:    latitude 39.2833 N  
        longitude   76.600 W 

hi!
4th Q Work Update

University of Massachusetts Amherst
Faults in the Field Expedition to California 

May 6-12, 2008
Dr. Cooke's web page about the trip:  here.
 
Faults in the Field BLOG and Geo Quiz -  here
   Inside Gallaudet story  

rainbow line
Dear students......  It has been a good year!   I have enjoyed working with ALL of you.        \ |,,/
  Our days together are nearly done...
Working with you was often fun!
But now you're off into the great big world
Ready or not - you're about to be hurled!
The Earth is changing, people must take care
Not to do her more harm,... please do your share.
Remember the Earth and her exquisite beauty 
Understand her complexity  ...  it's every human's duty. 

   Goodbye and have a great graduation!  star
                   Your Earth system science teacher,       ... Mary E.      "Everything is connected in the Earth system."
arrowFriday, June 13, 2008 (Your Lucky Day!)
Earth System Science Final Exam
1. Take the exam
2. Heros activity. Mary will explain.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Final Topic: Review for Final Exam: The Lithosphere
1. Again, we will review together using Qwizdom,
2. Your exam for this class is tomorrow afternoon, 12:57 - 3:05 pm. Study the review questions from this week.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Final Topic: Review for Final Exam: Earth's Energy
1. Again, we will review together using Qwizdom,
2. The Final Portfolio reflection is due today.
 Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Final Topic: Review for Final Exam: Seasons, Atmosphere, Ozone
1. Again, we will review together using Qwizdom,
2. Work on the Final Portfolio reflection. Directions here. Due Weds, 6/ 11.
Homework: The Portfolio Reflection is due Weds, 6/ 11. (no class time tmw).
Monday, June 9, 2008
Final Topic: Review for Final Exam: Intro to ESS
1. We will review together using Qwizdom,
2. Work on the Final Portfolio reflection. Directions here.


Friday, June 6, 2008
Final Topic: Earth System Analysis
   Your Earth System Analysis report is due today. Finish it & link it to your online portfolio.   
      Sandbox exp report: I will only grade your report if you give me back the checklist feedback sheet.
      Done with all that? Work on the Final Portfolio reflection. Directions here. Due Weds, 6/ 11.
Have one heck of a good weekend! 

Thursday, June 5, 2008
Final Topic: Earth System Analysis
Earth System Analysis continuted: Work on your ESA report.
Follow these directions.
Need help with Part III Causal Chains? This report is due Friday (tmw)

Last ESS assignment: Final Portfolio reflection. Directions here. Due Weds, 6/ 11.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Final Topic: Earth System Analysis
Earth System Analysis continuted: Work on your ESA report.
Follow these directions.
Today, add Part III Causal Chains. Need help?

This report is due Friday. You will have class time each day this week to work on it.
One last assignment: Final Portfolio reflection. Directions here. Due Weds, 6/ 11.

Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Topic: Earth System Analysis
1. Earth System Analysis continuted: Work in your group
Identify Event
Sphere connections. The event for your group is listed here
Scenario
Event  Students
 Islands on the Edge
Tsunami Maria
Ken
John
Tristian
A Military Mystery 
Pumping water underground Corey
Ryan
Dom
Sharice
Faulting is Hot Stuff
Subduction Jake
Hema
Ashley
Mike
	2.  Discuss the 20 point question at the bottom of the page.  Individually, write an answer to the question. 

3.  Create a new web page for Earth System Analysis.  Follow these directions.

4. Lab Report Revisions:Are due TODAY. Give me back the checklist.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Topic: Earth System Analysis
1.
Earth System Analysis: Groups of 3 students work together.
Read the scenario and discuss it - make sure you understand it.

Scenario
 Students
 Islands on the Edge
Maria
Ken
John
Tristian
A Military Mystery 
Corey
Ryan
Dom
Sharice
Faulting is Hot Stuff
Jake
Hema
Ashley
Mike
Complete the Sphere Interactions chart. Identify connections between the spheres.
Find as many connections you can.  (Hold t
he 20 point question for now).
                                    
2. Lab Report Revisions: Follow my feedback to revise your online report.
Include the feedback from Dr. Cooke.
  Your final reports are due on Tuesday. Give me back the checklist on Tuesday.
Friday, May 30,. 2008
Topic: Introduction to Systems Analysis
1. Lab Report Revisions: Follow my feedback to revise your online report.
Include the feedback from Dr. Cooke.
  Final reports are due on Tuesday. Give me back the checklist on Tuesday.

2. System Analysis: Meet at the tables - how to do system analysis.
See an example here (scroll down to the tan boxes).
Homework:  Your final sandbox lab report is due Tuesday. (no class time for that on Monday)
  Have a fabulous weekend! 
Thursday, May 29, 2008.
Topic: Introduction to Systems Analysis
1. Most of you did a great job in the VC with Dr. Cooke yesterday.
2. Lab Report Revisions: I will give you feedback on your lab. Revise your online report.
Include the feedback from Dr. Cooke.
Final reports are due on Monday. Give me back the checklist on Monday.

3. System Analysis: Add your comments to this VoiceThread. (text or video)
Homework: Your final sandbox lab report is due Monday.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Topic: Research on the Lithosphere
1. Videoconference with a geoscientist: Dr. Michele Cooke, University of Massachusetts.
Each group - prepare to summarize your experiment and discuss your results (photos).

2. If you missed last Friday, go back and read the important links in my message.

Remember those who
have died for our country.

 Memorial Day 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008

Topic: Research on the Lithosphere - Sandbox experiments
1. Take a look at these links to satelite images, before and after the Chengdu earthquake (China):
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/shownh.php3?img_id=14845
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/shownh.php3?img_id=14847
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/shownh.php3?img_id=14848  


2. Prepare for a Videoconference with Dr. Michele Cooke on Weds after break:
Summarize your experiement. Be ready to show your results (photos)

  3. Finish your lab report. Include all parts of a lab report.
Your lab report is due today. I will grade them on the weekend.

4. Inside Gallaudet - daily announcements: MSSD Students explore California earthquake country

HAVE A DELIGHTFUL WEEKEND! 




                  
Thursday, May 22, 2008

Topic: Research on the Lithosphere - Sandbox experiments
1. Postponed to Wednesday: Videoconference with Dr. Michele Cooke
Make a plan for the vc: summarize your experiement. Show your results.
2.
Your notebook should be done now.
  3. Work on your lab report. Include:   Introduction, problem, hypothesis, procedure, results, conclusions
Your lab report is due BEFORE BREAK. I will grade them on the weekend. You will have class time Friday to finish it.

 
Homework: Make sure your sandbox experiment lab report is done before break.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008                         Sandbox experiment schedule 

Topic: Research on the Lithosphere - Sandbox experiments
1. Check the work update. Be sure you have completed all assignments
2. Make drawings and write summaries in your notebook.
The photos here.
3.  Write an online report about your experiment
Include: Introduction, problem, hypothesis, procedure, results, conclusions

4. China earthquake. Please meet at the tables.  
Tuesday, May 20, 2008                   Sandbox experiment schedule 

Topic: Research on the Lithosphere - Sandbox experiments
1. Corey, Ken, Jake, Sharice run your experiment today.

2.
John, Ashley, Mike, Tristian - do your experiment today.

3.
Dom, Ryan, Hema, Maria: * Check the work update.
* Make drawings and write summaries in your notebook
* Write your sandbox experiment lab report.
Monday, May 19, 2008                   Sandbox experiment schedule 

Topic: Research on the Lithosphere - Sandbox experiments
1. Corey, Ken, Jake, Sharice do your experiment today.
2. Other work:
* Write a paragraph about Dr. Cooke's earthquake movie.
* Age of the Earth essay
* View "More Research At UMass:
Dr. Cooke's extension experiments in her clay box. More here.
* Set up a new web page for your Sandbox experiment report: Intro, question, hyp, procedure, etc
If your experiment is done, FIRST - summarize in your notebook, then write the lab report.
Lab photos here.
 Good luck on Field Day!    
Friday, May 16, 2008 
Topic: Research on the Lithosphere - Sandbox experiments
1. Here is the schedule for sandbox experiments. Dom, Ryan, Hema, Maria are on for today.
2. Other work:
* Write a paragraph about Dr. Cooke's earthquake movie.
* Age of the Earth essay
* View "More Research At UMass:
Dr. Cooke's extension experiments in her clay box. More here.
* Set up a new web page for your Sandbox experiment report: Intro, question, hyp, procedure, etc.

Have a splendiferous evening at the PROM!    
Thursday, May 15, 2008 
Topic: The Earth System Fragile environments

1. Please share your Biogem report with the class today.(Maria, Dom, John)

Topic: Experiments in the Lithosphere
2. You have developed some very interesting experiments for the sandbox!
Here is the schedule: experiment schedule.
We will start on Friday. Plan carefully what you will do so you can finish in one period.

3.
Look at this ppt about research at the University of Massachusetts (Dr. Cooke and graduate students).

4. This movie shows Dr. Cooke's computer model of earth movements after an earthquake on the San Andreas fault.
The movie is in real time
(exageration vertically) - which means it shows the actual time for an earthquake.
Write a paragraph describing what you see in the movie. Include 2 questions you have about it.

Wednesday, May 14, 2008 

Topic: Experiments in the Lithosphere
1. Work on your proposal for a sandbox experiment (group)
2. If you're done with the proposal, work on the Age of the Earth essay (HW).
Tuesday, May 13, 2008 
Topic:
The Earth System Fragile environments

1. Please share your Biogem report with the class today.

Topic: Experiments in the Lithosphere
2. Next assignment: A sandbox experiment - design your own.
* Choose partners and work together to create a sandbox experiment.
* Directions for your experiment. Your plan must be approved by Mary.
  Homework: Write a short essay - Age of the Earth.  Write a 1/2-pg essay discussing what you learned about the age of the
 Earth. Comment on what you learned about it. Ask three questions that you have about the
information.
Monday, May 12, 2008               
Topic:  The Lithosphere - The Geologic Timeline
1. Please give me your notebooks with last week's work.
2. Many of you do not have a Biogems report linked to your portfolio. Do that today.
3. Tomorrow be prepared to share about your Biogems report with the class.
4. Essay - Age of the Earth. Write a 1-pg essay discussing what you learned about the age of the
 Earth. Comment on what you learned about it. Ask three questions that you have about the
information.  
Monday - Friday, May 5-9, 2008 
Topics:
The Lithosphere - Faults in California. Fragile environments

Hi students! How are you doing with the work? There is a new Geo Quiz up for you today.
Don't forget to add two comments to the blog this week! I hope you can see all the
pictures on Flicker. ......M. Ellsworth

Each day this week...
1. Write in your notebooks from the blog.
2. Create a Biogems report.

Friday, May 2, 2008               
Topic:  The Lithosphere - The Geologic Timeline
1. Finish the questions about the age of the Earth. Due today.
2. Make sure I have your notebook.
Have a splendid weekend! 
Thursday, May 1, 2008                        Happy May Day!!    

Topic:  The Lithosphere - Plate Tectonics and Faults - Write a lab reportcontinental drift


1. Fault review. Pls meet at the tables. 
2. Explanation of
sub work for next week.
3. Continue learning about the age of the Earth. Answer these questions.
4. Give me your notebooks so I can grade them please.

Tuesday, April 29, 2008                                                                           MARY IS ABSENT TODAY    

New Topic:  How old are the rocks?  The Geologic Timeline


1.
  Read about the age of the Earth. Answer these questions.

 

Monday, April 28, 2008                    

The Lithosphere - Plate Tectonics and Faults - Write a lab report

  1.  Finish your sandbox lab report.   Follow this checklist. 
Include (pictures) (Drawings)
Remember the kinds of faults:

For compression, reverse faults develop. These can happen at convergent boundaries.

also here. and here. And North Andes Mountains. (also called THRUST FAULTS)
       For extension, normal faults develop. These can happen at divergent boundaries.
          Also here,  and here. And Ethiopia rift valley.

   2. On Saturday four students will go to California to study faults.
You can follow their trip on Google Earth:
   
Download this file and save it on your desktop. 
   Open Google Earth. Open the file.
  
  Click on the pushpins to read about each day! Zoom in and out to
                                                                   see what the four students will see.

Friday, April 25, 2008                    

The Lithosphere - Plate Tectonics and Faults - Write a lab report

  1.  Read about faults here. (2 pages)
Video about tsunami - a fault moves under water.
2. Continue to work on your lab report. Use this guide.
(pictures)
(Drawings)
3. You can link your vocabulary to your report.

You will have part of class time on Monday to finish your report. Follow this checklist.
The report is due Tuesday, 4/29.

Have a delightful weekend!

Thursday, April 24, 2008                    

for your good work yesterday when Mr. Snyder was here. I was proud of you all !

The Lithosphere - Plate Tectonics and Faults - Write a lab report

 1.  Look here  at a picture of Dr. Cooke working with her students.  Her sandbox is 
designed for research.
2.
Continue to work on your lab reports - add extension.
(pictures)
(Drawings)



Homework:  Read two pages and write the definitions for fault vocabulary.
Plate tectonics
Faults

Wednesday, April 23, 2008                    

The Lithosphere - Plate Tectonics and Faults - Write a lab report

 
1. Request for after school meeting, today, about 45 min. Volunteers please?
2. We will run an extension experiment today. Get your notebooks and let's go!

Homework: Write a summary for each observation page in your notebook.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008                                       
The Lithosphere - Plate Tectonics and Faults - Write a lab report

 1. Start a new web page for a lab report for TWO experiments.  
The first experiment if for compression.
Write an Introduction.. what is plate tectonics? Why are we doing this experiment?
Write your question and hypothesis, write the procedure (pictures)
Write your summary of results (what happened).
Write a conclusions.
Ask a new question.
2. Set up your notebook for experiment #2 tmw: extension.

Monday, April 21, 2008                                       
The Lithosphere - Plate Tectonics - Fault experiments


1. We will finish our sandbox conpression experiment today.

Homework: Take your notebooks with you.  Write a summary of your observations for the contraction experiment.
 Include a discussion of the sources of errors.
Include a generalization: compare the results with the Earth's crust.

Friday, April 18, 2008                                        Maria & John, go observe the Magnolia buds
The Lithosphere - Plate Tectonics

 1. I will give you a science notebook to use for our experiments.
2. We will start a sandbox experiment today.
Question: What kind of faults are caused by compression?

Have a great weekend!

Thursday, April 17, 2008                                        Mike & Hema, go observe the Magnolia buds
The Lithosphere - Plate Tectonics

 1.  Any questions about the Rock Cycle?   
2.
Put the puzzle together.
3. Write the meaning to these voc
abulary words:
         extention, compression, normal fault, reverse fault, thrust fault, strike, dip.
4. Click here to see a 'movie' showing how the Earth's crust has changes.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008                                        Mike & Hema, go observe the Magnolia buds
The Lithosphere - The  Rock Cycle


1. Please meet at the tables. We will learn about the Rock Cycle. Also here. And here.
2. Create a poster showing the Rock Cycle. Work with a partner.
Voc words: erosion weathering deposition


Tuesday, April 15, 2008                                        Jake and Sharice, go observe the Magnolia buds
The Lithosphere - Test

Take a Lithosphere test today... using Quizdom.

Monday, April 14, 2008                                                 
The Lithosphere 

 Study for the test tomorrow. 


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