2 Articles: 9/26/08

Today you will read two Earth Science articles and answer some questions about each. The purpose of this activity is to see that Earth Science is constantly in the news. Some of these stories may seem surprising, while others seem like common sense. Here are your choices for articles:

A New Contender for Earth's Oldest Rock
Inflatable Lunar Habitat to be Tested in Antarctica
Shake it All About
Storm System Drenches North Carolina Coast

You will answer these 7 questions for each article that you read on a piece of notebook paper. Here are your questions:
1. What is the article name?
2. Who is the author?
3. Who is the publisher?
4. Which Earth Science does it fall under?
5. What are 3 things you learned from this article?
6. What are 2 things that you found interesting about this article?
7. What is 1 question that you still have about the topic after reading this article?

Volcanoes

Today you are going to take a look at some active or potentially active volcanoes. Click here to see a list. You will write a quick report on one of the volcanoes on the "watch" or "advisory" list. Include specifics such as location, elevation, images, and some more facts.

When you are done, you should make an academic comment on at least two other blogs.

Plate Tectonics

For today's assignment, you will find some of the answers in your textbook, and some online. I have provided a few useful links for you:

Divergent, Convergent, and Transform Boundaries
How do we know the plates are still moving?
Pangaea: All Lands
Mid-Atlantic Ridge


After you have finished the worksheet, you will choose one of the following articles below. Read the article, then write two higher-level thinking questions and two lower-level thinking questions. Answer all four questions. This can be done on the back of your Plate Tectonics worksheet.

Earthquake Zone Off Oregon Coast Surprisingly Active
Alaska Volcano Paints Texas Sky
Slimmer Indian Continent Drifted Ten Times Faster

Plate Tectonics Textbook

Today you will begin creating your own Plate Tectonics textbook. The book will be worth a total of 36 points (about the same as a quiz). You will have some time on Monday and most of the period on Tuesday to complete the assignment. Click here for the details.

Astrobiology

The 4 Earth Sciences are geology, oceanography, meteorology, and astronomy. When you combine astronomy and biology, you've got astrobiology. I found a pretty cool music video about astrobiology online. You will not be able to watch it during school, due to our content filters. However, if you get a chance, I recommend that you watch it at home. There is no assignment associated with this video. It is for your viewing pleasure. Enjoy!

Recent Disasters

There have been quite a few Earth Science disasters recently. You will pick two, read about them, and answer a few questions. Here are your article choices:

Earthquakes hit Japan and Indonesia
Strong Earthquake in Southern Iran Kills 4
Hurricane Ike Delays Cargo for Space Outpost
Sea Floods Texas Island; Get Out or Certain Death

1. Which two articles did you read?
2. What is the first article about?
3. What is the second article about?
4. Which disaster was more disasterous?
5. Compare and contrast the two disasters.

Recent Earthquakes

Here is a link showing all of the earthquakes that have happened in the last seven days. Check it out! Answer the following questions in your blog:

1. Where do most of the earthquakes tend to happen?
2. Why do you think that is?
3. What is this area called? (you will have to do some research)
4. Where is the earthquake closest to North Carolina?
5. Choose one earthquake that has happened in the last seven days. You will be researching that earthquake. Tell me all about it. Include at least one picture.

Weathering & Erosion Webquest

Today you will complete a webquest teaching you about weathering and erosion. By the end of the day, your task will be to convince Saul, Wendy, and Wade some environmental responsibility. Click here to begin.