Japanese IQ Test

So you think you're smart? Today you're going to take a Japanese IQ Test. Click here, scroll down to the bottom of the page, read the rules, then play the game.

4th Quarter Blogs

Click here to view the 4th Quarter Blogs topic list. Please make sure that they are all completed and posted by this Friday, 12/18/09.

Practice Tests

Students in New York take the Regents Exam at the end of the semester. This is similar to an EOC/Final Exam in North Carolina. Click here to try out 8 practice quizzes from New York. **NOTE: The New York curriculum is different than the North Carolina curriculum. Some of the questions on these quizzes will not apply to our class.

Board Games Project

Today you will begin working on the Board Games Project. Here are the project guidelines.

Big Bang

The Big Bang Theory attempts to explain the formation of the universe. What do you think the universe looked like before the Big Bang? What made the universe "bang?"

CYO Crossword Puzzle

Today you will create your own Ch. 25 crossword puzzle. You will use the Armored Penguin website. We have done this before, but if you need help please let me know. Before you enter your words and clues, please make sure that you change "color of square" to "grey" and "Free Form (PDF only)" to "yes." Click here to get started.

As a reminder, please only use one word answers for your "words" on the puzzle. Your puzzle should contain 15 terms (answers) and 15 questions/clues.

Webquest and Blog Post #3

Webquest

Today you will complete the Ch. 25 Webquest. If you complete the Broncos Version, you may earn up to 100%. If you complete the Cavaliers version, you may earn up to 110%. Both webquests ask the same # of questions and require the same amount of work. I encourage you to check them both out before deciding which one to do.

Blog Post #3: Extrasolar Planets

Extrasolar planets are planets that are found outside of our Solar System. There are four ways that astronomers detect extrasolar planets. Click here, then click on the picture on the right side of the page ("4 Ways to Find a Planet") to answer questions 1-2.

1. What are the four ways astronomers can detect extrasolar planets?

2. Choose one of the four ways and explain it in detail.

3. In your answer to #2 you chose one way that astronomers detect extrasolar planets. Search the Internet to find how many extrasolar planets have been detected using this method.

SCOPE

Today you are going to contribute to real scientific research, classifying stars. You are going to look at the spectra generated by stars, and figure out their spectral type (what the star looks like and what it is made out of). Each star will be classified by 10 people (you may be one of them). The results of all 10 people will be averaged, and the star can be classified.

You will need to create an account, and classify 6 stars today. Click here to register.

Study of Light Webquest

Click here for the Study of Light Webquest.

Favorite Planet/Moon

Which planet or moon is your favorite? Why? Please include a picture.

Ch. 22 CYO Quiz

Click here for the CYO Quiz requirements.

Online Quiz and Webquest

Online Quiz

Today you are going to take an online quiz on QuizStar. You should complete this quiz independently--without the help of notes, the book, websites, friends, or other students. You will only be able to access this quiz in the first 30 minutes of class, so please do not waste any time getting started. Click here to get started.

Ch. 22 Webquest

This week we're going to do the webquest a little differently. You can choose one of two options. If you complete the Ch. 22 Webquest: Celtics Version, you can earn a score of up to 100%. If you complete the Ch. 22 Webquest: Pistons Version, you can earn a score of up to 110%. Both webquests have 20 questions, and require the same amount of writing. Check them both out before you decide which one you want to do. Please very clearly identify which one you are doing at the top of the page.

NASA@Home

Today you are going to visit the NASA@Home site. It will show you some of the cool, and some of the everyday stuff that was invented by NASA. Click here to get started. If the site does not load on your computer, you may need to instal Flash Player and/or share computers with a friend. If you cannot find a friend, ask the sub to assign one to you :)

Astronomy Choice Project

Today you will begin the Astronomy Choice Project (ACP). The project is due Tuesday December 1. While that may seem like a long time from now it is only a couple weeks away. This assignment will be done mostly out of class. If accessing the Internet will be a problem please let me know. Do not procrastinate!! :)

**Any form of plaigarism can result in a failing grade. Cite your sources and paraphrase. If you are unsure if you are plaigarizing, ask me in advance. It is better to be safe than sorry.

ACP Guidelines

This is an overview of the project.

ACP Rubric

This is the rubric I will use to grade your project.

Cool Astronomy Topics (Blog Post #1)

Over the next couple of weeks, you will be working on a research assignment called the Astronomy Choice Project (ACP). Details for the assignment will be given during class on Monday. For today's blog post, you will choose 5 topics that sound interesting, and write a paragraph for each. You are not committed to using any of today's choices for your research assignment. Here's the list of choices:

Black holes
Worm holes
String Theory (check Powers of 10 link, then ask Mr. Dunn for help)
Dark matter
Dark energy
Search for aliens (SETI)
Mars
The Moon
Pluto
Hubble Telescope
Titan (one of Saturn's moons)
Apollo missions
Saturn's rings
Big Bang Theory
Telescopes
Ultimate fate of the universe
International Space Station
Kuiper Belt
Milky Way Galaxy
Andromeda Galaxy
Asteroid Belt
Dwarf Planets
Red Giants
Binary Planet Systems
Binary Star Systems

**You can also choose another astronomy-related topic if it is approved by Mr. Dunn**

Solar System Webquest

Click here for the Solar System Webquest.

3rd Quarter Blogs

Click here for the 3rd Quarter Blogs. They are all due on this Friday :)

QuizStar

Today you are going to create an account with QuizStar. Quizstar is an online program that allows teachers to create quizzes, tests, and exams; and students to take them. You can be given instant results and feedback. When you create your account, you will need a username and password. Please be aware that as your teacher, QuizStar will give me access to this information.

• Click here to get started, then click on "sign up." Once you have signed up and signed in, search for your class. If you are in 1st Period, search for Honors Earth Science P1. If you are in 2nd Period, search for Honors Earth Science P2. If you are in 4th Period, search for Honors Earth Science P4. Once you have found your class, request to join.
• Once you have joined the class, take the online quiz.

3rd Quarter Study Guide

Click here for the 3rd Quarter Study Guide.

Monsoons

Please follow the links and answer the questions in your blog.

Monsoons
1. What is a monsoon?
2. What 2 major factors cause monsoons?
3. Give 2 reasons why monsoons could be considered a good thing.

Monsoon Information Index (click on the PDF versions once you get to this site)
4. Give 2 negatives of monsoons.

240 Die in India
5. Why did so many people die here? What exactly happened? Please be complete :)

6. After everything that you have read about monsoons, what do you think? Are they good or bad? Why?

Global Warming Persuasion Map

Today you will create a Global Warming Persuasion Map online. You will create a topic related to global warming (pollution, recycling, renewable resources, oil, global warming in general, etc.) and take a stance. Then you will defend your argument. You'll see what it looks like when you get there :) We will print these at the end of the period today. Click here to get started.

Chapter 19 Webquest

Today you will complete the Chapter 19 Webquest.

Global Warming

Answer the following questions in your blog:

1. What is global warming?
2. Do you believe in global warming? Briefly explain.
3. Give three pieces of evidence to support your position on number 2.
4. Despite your response to #2, there are smart people out there that believe the complete opposite of what you believe. Give three pieces of evidence for someone with the opposing viewpoint.

Cloud Types Brochure

Today you will work with a partner to create an informational brochure about cloud types. While two of you are working on this assignment together, you only need one brochure per group. This assignment is due at the end of the period Wednesday, October 28. Click here for the project requirements.

Condensation

In your blog, write about 5 examples of condensation and condensation nuclei. Please include at least 1 picture.

Hurricanes

Choose a major hurricane and answer the following questions in your blog.

1. Which hurricane did you choose?

2. What category was it on the Saffir-Simpson scale?

3. Tell its story.

4. How many lives were lost? How much damage did it cause ($)?

5. Include at least one picture.

Hurricanes and Tornadoes

Answer the following questions in complete sentences on a sheet of paper.

Hurricanes

1. Look at the hurricane to the right. Make a quick sketch on your paper. Label the eye, eye wall, and storm surge. Please refer to p. 575-577 for help.
2. Define eye, eye wall, and storm surge. Please refer to p. 575-577 for help.

Tornadoes

Click here for #3 - 5 (if your page does not load correctly, share with someone else:))

3. Click on "Cause your own tornado." Then click on "Check conditions." Does the warm air mass need to be wet or dry?

4. Manipulate the various factors. Create your tornado. After you watch the simulation, describe its intensity (on the Fujita Intensity Scale).

5. Click on "try again." Write down the four factors that you need to make a tornado in this simulation.

Concept 4 Quiz

Click here for the Concept 4 Quiz. Email your 100% score to jdunn84@gmail.com. You may re-take this quiz as many times as necessary. Please only send me your score when you earn 100%.

Ch. 20 Webquest

Click here for the Weather Patterns and Severe Storms Webquest.

When you are finished, you will take an online quiz about the location of the 50 states. I have found that this year's 9th graders, as a whole, are lacking in this skill. You will take the quiz on three different levels, and show me your score sheet after you successfully earn a 100% on each level. Click here, then find towards the bottom-middle of the screen, click on "States 1."

Air Masses

Concept 1 Quiz
Click here to take the Chapter 20 Concept 1 Quiz. The textbook calls it Chapter 20, online they call it Chapter 19...follow the link and you will be fine :) When you are finished, please email your 100% score to jdunn84@gmail.com. You may take the quiz as often as is necessary.

Blog Post #3
Today you learned about the four main types of air masses. Answer the following questions in your blog:

1. What are the 4 main types of air masses? What does each letter stand for?
2. Which kind of air mass is most likely to bring hurricanes? Why?
3. Which kind of air mass(es) is most likely to bring a drought? Why?
4. Which kind of air mass(es) bring lake-effect snowstorms? (check p. 561)
5. Today we learned about the 4 main types of air masses. In reality, there are many more than four. List and explain 2 other air masses.

Click here to learn about each air mass that affects North America.

Greenhouse Effect

View the Greenhouse Effect animation and answer the following questions in your blog:

1. What is "IR" raditation?

2. What are the 3 main greenhouse gases?

3. In your opinion, is the greenhouse effect a good thing or a bad thing?

Isotherm map

Today you will create your own isotherm map. Make sure that your map has all of the components:

• Draw the isotherms on the map
• A key showing which color represents which temperature
• Label Fayetteville
• Answer the following questions on the bottom of your map:

1. Where is the warmest spot on this map?

2. Where is the coldest spot on this map?

3. What is the temperature in Fayetteville?

Click here to get your data for your isotherm map.

Atmosphere Webquest

Click here to begin the Intro to the Atmosphere Webquest.

3rd Quarter, Blog Post #1

Today you will view a few websites dealing with recycling. Check out the links below and answer the questions that follow.

• City of Fayetteville Recycles


• Recycling: The Big Picture


• Why Recycle Glass and other Products (scroll to the bottom of the page)


• Cumberland County Recycling Centers

Questions

1. Most people agree that recycling is a good thing. Why, specificly should we recycle glass?

2. Which is better: recycling or reusing things?

3. How can Fayetteville residents recycle?

4. Where is the closest recycling drop-off center to your home (or our school)?

5. List 9 things plastic can be made into once it has been recycled.

6. List 5 things metals can be turned into once it has been melted down.

7. What can you do to promote recycling?

Poster

When you are done, you will work in groups of 2-4 to create a recycling poster. You will ultimately be in charge of your poster, but it should include some minimum criteria:

• 5 facts about recycling


• At least 1 graph (pie graph, bar graph, OR line graph, etc)


• Tell people what and/or how they can recycle

2 Articles

Please pick 2 articles and answer the questions on a sheet of paper.

Articles

• Tsunami: "Her Whole Village Was Under Water"
• One Planet, Two Parents
• Volcanoes Defrosted Ice Age

Questions
1. What is the title of this article? Who is the author?
2. Who is the publisher? (CNN, NY Times, ESPN, etc.)
3. What are three things you learned?
4. What are two things you found interesting?
5. What is one question you still have?

2nd Quarter Blogs

Click here for the 2nd Quarter Blogs Checklist. Blogs #6 and #7 will be posted at this link when they are assigned.

Ocean Quizzes and 2nd Quarter Study Guide

Today you will take 3 online quizzes. Our quiz tomorrow will cover Sections 14.1, 14.2, and 16.1. You will email your results from the 14.1 Quiz to jdunn84@gmail.com. Please take this quiz as many times as you need to earn 100% (you can retake it again and again and, for some of you, again). **You may notice that the chapter # from the book and chapter # from the online quizzes will be slightly off...don't worry about it. Just follow the links that I've provided below.

• Click here then click on "Concept 1 Quiz" (email your results to me)
• Click here then click on "Concept 2 Quiz"
• Click here then click on "Concept 1 Quiz"

Click here for the 2nd Quarter Study Guide!

Oceans Project

Today you will begin the Oceans Project. Click here to get started.

Blog Post #5

For tomorrow's quiz, the extra credit question is more challenging than usual. I thought I've cut you a little bit of a break and give you the question a day in advance. The question will be "List all of the geologic periods in order from oldest to current." (Cambrian to Quaternary)

For today's blog post, please answer these two questions in your blog:
1. List all of the geologic periods in order from oldest to current. (Cambrian to Quaternary)
2. Since the extra credit question is so hard, come up with a mneumonic to help you remember it.

Geologic Time Webquest AND Blog Post #4

Geologic Time Webquest
Complete the Geologic Time Webquest on a piece of notebook paper. Click here to get started.

Blog Post #4
Answer the following questions in your blog.

1. How can scientists tell the age of a tree by looking at the rings? Explain what that means.
2. How/why would this be useful?
3. Is this an example of relative or absolute dating?
4. Provide a picture or a tree ring sample.

CYO Crossword Puzzle

Today you will create your own crossword puzzle online. Please follow the directions below:

• Click here to get started. **UPDATE** It appears that the school has blocked the link to the website that I normally use...Use this website instead if the first one doesn't work.
• Begin by entering an appropriate Crossword Puzzle Title.
• For "Author's Name" write Created by [your first name, your last name]
• Change the "Color of Square" to "grey"
• Change "Free Form (PDF only)" to "yes"
• Enter at least 15 words with a corresponding clue.
• All of your 15 words can only be one-word answers. For example, your answer cannot be "Cenozoic Era" because the phrase "Cenozoic Era" is two words.

Please use this list of terms and topics.

Blog Post #3

First, view the animation explaining how an unconformity can form.

Then, view the sample rock formation. Put letters A, B, C, D, and E in order from oldest to youngest. Explain the unconformities. Click on the image to the right to make it larger.

Facebook

I just created a Facebook page for our class. This will be another way for me to remind students about upcoming events (tutoring, quizzes, major deadlines, etc.). You can ask questions or just say hey to your classmates and me. Feel free to add Honors Earthscience as a Facebook friend.

Destruction!

Which do you think is potentially more dangerous: earthquakes or volcanoes? Why? Find an example of a specific earthquake or volcano and tell its story. Please include a picture.

Plate Tectonics Textbook

Today you will work with a partner to begin the Plate Tectonics Textbook. Your textbook will include four chapters. You will do this project using construction paper and printer paper. You may use the computer for research purposes only--not for the actual production of your textbook. The entire textbook is due Thursday, September 17.

Roles
Illustrator
You will be responsible for doing the illustrations for each chapter, and writing Chapter One. Illustrations do not need to be professional-grade, but should be as detailed as possible. Use color!

Editor
You will be responsible for writing Chapter 2, 3, and 4. You will also edit every chapter. Check for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and completeness.

Chapter Requirements
Click here for the 4 Chapter Requirements.

Here are some online resources that will help you with your research:

• Pangaea: All Lands
• Understanding Plate Motions
• Cracking the Ice Age
• Mid-Atlantic Ridge
• Other scientists that contributed (check the 2nd paragraph)
• Mountain Maker, Earth Shaker (everyone should view this)
• Alfred Wegener (skip the 1st paragraph...it's just a long quote)
• Other theories (check the 3rd paragraph)

The Center of the Earth

Read this article. There are a lot of ads on the page, just scroll down :)

After reading the article, answer the following questions in your blog:

1. How deep is the deepest mine in the world?

2. How deep would you have to dig to reach the mantle?

3. Let's pretend that you and your friends tried to dig a hole in your backyard to find a shortcut to China. The thing is, you guys had special suits that could withstand extreme temperatures, so you would not die. If you were somehow able to reach the mantle, what would it look like? What kinds of things would you see? How about the outer core? Inner core? What would it look like as you approached the surface (the crust) on the other side?

Earthquake Articles

Read one of the following articles and answer the questions on a sheet of notebook paper. If you want extra credit, do more than one article.

Articles:

• What Causes a Tsunami?
• Rwanda: Earthquake-hit Schools to be Rebuilt
• Research Links Seismic Slip and Tremor

Questions:
1. Who is the author of your article? (It might be unlisted...do your best to look though)
2. Who is the publisher? (CNN, USATODAY, geology.com, etc.)
3. What are three things that you learned?
4. What are two things that you found interesting?
5. What is one question you still have?

Earthquakes Webquest

Today you will complete the Earthquakes Webquest on a piece of notebook paper. Click here to get started.

1st Quarter Test Study Guide

Click here for the 1st Quarter Test Study Guide.

**Reminder** The 1st Quarter Test is on Wednesday, 09/09/09!!

Ch. 3 and 5 Webquest

Click here to begin the Chapter 3 and 5 Webquest. When viewing the movie below, please make sure that you wear headphones!

After you have finished the Webquest, make sure that you take the online practice quizzes. These quizzes were developed by our textbook publisher. I will use some of the same questions on Friday's quiz.

To take the Chapter 3 quizzes, click here, then click on Concept 1 Quiz, Concept 2 Quiz, etc. To take the Chapter 5 quizzes, click here. Friday's quiz will cover sections 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 5.1, and 5.3.

1st Quarter Blogs

All 1st Quarter blogs are due Friday, September 4. Each blog should be answered in a well thought-out paragraph. Please ensure that you have used proper spelling (yes, blogger has a spell-check option), grammar, capitalization, and punctuation in each of your blog posts.

Most blog posts require a picture. All 1st Quarter blogs combined will account for 80 points (almost 2 quiz grades). All of the blog posts that were assigned are mandatory. Click here for a list of blog topics.

2 Assignments

Today you will be working on 2 assignments. Please make sure that you go in order.



The Power Grid
You and your partner will work together to complete the packet. There is only one packet per group. Click here to get started.




Fuel Efficiency in Cars
Click here for the Fuel Efficiency Assignment guidelines.

Wind Power

This week we are going to learn about different kinds of renewable and non-renewable resources. Click here to begin the Wind Power assignment. Answer the questions on a piece of paper.

Minerals and their Uses

Choose five minerals, and name their common use. Only choose minerals that you actually use. Also post a picture of one. For example, gold is used in jewelry.

Here are some links that may be helpful:

• Mineral Uses
• Common Minerals and their Uses
• Uses of Minerals

Calling all Earth Science Bloggers!

If you are currently enrolled in Honors Earth Science, please leave a comment on the bottom of this blog post. Please make sure that you have first signed into blogger. Then leave your comment in this format:

Chauncey Billups
3rd Period

"Earth as a System" PowerPoint

Today you will begin our first project: the "Earth as a System" PowerPoint. You and your partner will begin on Wednesday and finish on Thursday. Here are the project guidelines.

Map Projections

Answer the following question in your blog:

Which map projection is your favorite? Why? Include a picture.

Welcome to Earth Science!

Welcome to Earth Science! For your first blog post, please respond to the following prompt:

There are four main sciences in Earth Science: Geology, Oceanography, Meteorology, and Astronomy. Which one sounds the most interesting to you? Why? Include at least one picture.

Last Day of School

Welcome to the last day of school! If you're viewing this blog on Friday, May 22, that means that your class has finished the movie. You will be visiting a couple websites today.

• Map Games (Try level two and level three first)
• Map Game (if the link above doesn't work)
• Free Rice (for every correct answer, food will be donated to less fortunate people throughout the world. Feel free to change the subject of the questions at the top of the page.)

NY Regents

Today you are going to do a practice exam online.  While it is a useful resource, it is from a school in New York.  The North Carolina Standard Course of Study focuses on some things that are similar, and some things that are different.

Take quizzes 1-8.  Click here to begin the New York Regents Prep (online quizzes).  The quizzes are labeled "interactive questions," and are found on the left side of the screen.

"How it Works" Docs Assignment

Today you will begin the "How it Works" Docs Assignment.  Parts of the assignment will be added throughout the week.  The whole thing will be due at the end of class on Friday.  Click here to get started.

Recycling

Today you will view a few websites dealing with recycling. Check out the following links. When you are done, completely answer questions 1-6 in your blog.

• City of Fayetteville Recycles
• Cumberland County Recycling Centers
• Recycling: The Big Picture
• Why Recycle? (scroll to the bottom of the page)

1. How can Fayetteville residents recycle? How about other Cumberland County residents (outside of Fayetteville, i.e. Hope Mills and Spring Lake).

2. Where is the closest recycling drop-off center to your house? (or our school)

3. Give 2 reasons why it makes sense to recycle.

4. Most people agree that recycling is a good thing. List 9 things that recycled plastic can be made into.

5. What is the benefit of recycling glass?

6. List 5 things that recycled metal can be turned into once it has been melted down.

R-Time Quizzes

Today you are going to take 2 quizzes for R-Time. Don't worry, you won't fail R-Time if you fail the quizzes.

• What American Accent Do You Have?
• Citizenship Quiz

The Accent Quiz soooo got me right! Answer the questions honestly!

Best/Worst MPG

Using Yahoo! Autos, answer the three questions in your blog:

1. Which five 2009-model cars get the best overall MPG?
2. Which five 2009-model cars get the worst overall MPG?
3. If your parent asked you for advice in picking out a new car, which car would you recommend? What criteria did you use? (you don't have to tell me what you think I want to hear)

Power Grid Simulation

Today you are going to learn about the power grid: what it is and how it works. You will work with a partner to answer some questions on the provided Power Grid Simulation worksheet. Here's the link.

Fuel Efficiency Project

Today you and your partner will begin working on the Fuel Efficiency Project.  It is due at the end of class on Wednesday.  Click here for the project guidelines.

Beyond Our Solar System Webquest

Today you will complete the Beyond Our Solar System Webquest on a sheet of notebook paper.  Some of you will complete the Cavaliers version, while others of you will have the option of completing either the Cavaliers or Broncos version.  You can earn up to 110% for the Cavaliers version.

• Cavaliers version
• Broncos version

Earth Day!

Happy Earth Day, Earth (and all inhabitants)! Today your Earth Day project and annotated bibliography are due. Your presentation should be posted in blog (embedded), and your annotated bibliography should be printed off and dropped off in the appropriate tray. After you post (embed) your presentation, please indicate, in your blog, which slides you completed.

Earth Day 3-2-1
For your Earth Day! 3-2-1 blog post, you will choose someone else's presentation, and answer the 3-2-1 questions. Make sure you identify whose presentation you viewed. Please make sure that the presentation you choose for this assignment is of a different topic than your own.

3-2-1 Questions:
What are three things you learned?
What are two things you found interesting?
What is one question you still have?

Blogs Check #3

Our third quarter of the second semester ends this Wednesday. All blogs and class assignments are due no later than Wednesday. Please ensure that you have completed the following blog posts. As always, you will be graded based on completeness, correctness, and mechanics (spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.).

• Worst Weather Events (March 19)
• Earth Hour (March 26)
• Air Pressure (March 30)
• Air Pressure Maps (April 2)
• FIVE Astronomy Topics (April 7)
• Astronomy 2 Articles (April 10)
• 4 Essential Questions--See me if you need this blog post (April 16)

Chapter 22 Webquest

Today you will complete the Chapter 22 Webquest.  This time, however, there is a twist.  I have created two different versions of the same webquest.  Some of you will be required to complete the Pistons Version (with the possibility of earning extra credit), and some of you will have the option of choosing your webquest.

You will complete the webquest on a piece of notebook paper.  Please indicate your version on your paper.  Choose your version below:

• Pistons Version
• Celtics Version

Earth Day Collaborative Project

Today you will begin working on the Earth Day Collaborative Project.  Click here for the guidelines.

Astronomy Choice Project

Today you will begin the Astronomy Choice Project.  The project is due on Friday, May 1st.  While that date may seem far from now, it's only a couple weeks away.  This assignment will be done mostly out of class.  If accessing the Internet might be a problem, please see Mr. Dunn.  Do not procrastinate!! :)

Astronomy Choice Project Guidelines

This is an overview of the project.

Astronomy Choice Project Rubric

This is the rubric that I will use to grade your assignment.

Astronomy 2 Articles

Today you will read 2 Astronomy-related articles, and answer a few questions about both of them in your blog.

Here are the articles (pick any 2):

• Scientists Pinpoint the 'Edge of Space'
• Saturn's Moon Titan May Have Subsurface Ocean of Hydrocarbons
• Cool Stars Have Different Mix of Life-Forming Chemicals
• Finding Twin Earth is Harder Than Thought

Here are the questions (answer all of these for both articles):
1. Which article did you read?
2. When was it published?
3. What are 3 things you learned?
4. What are 2 things you found interesting?
5. What is 1 question you still have?

Solar System Webquest

Today you will complete the Solar System Webquest on a piece of notebook paper.  Click here to get started.

Astronomy Topics

Over the next couple of weeks, you will be working on a research assignment called the Astronomy Choice Project (ACP). Details for the assignment will be given during class on Thursday. For today's blog assignment, you will choose 5 topics that sound interesting, and write a paragraph for each. You are not committed to using any of today's choices for your research assignment. Here's the list of choices:

• Black holes
• Worm holes
• String Theory (check Powers of 10 link, then ask Mr. Dunn for help)
• Dark matter
• Dark energy
• Search for aliens (SETI)
• Mars
• The Moon
• Pluto
• Hubble Telescope
• Titan (one of Saturn's moons)
• Apollo missions
• Saturn's rings
• Big Bang Theory
• Telescopes
• Ultimate fate of the universe
• International Space Station
• Kuiper Belt
• Milky Way Galaxy
• Andromeda Galaxy
• Asteroid Belt
• Dwarf Planets
• Red Giants

NASA @ Home

Today you will complete the NASA @ Home assignment.  Click here to get started.  You will probably need to download Flash Player and allow the ActiveX Controls (since the school computers reset each time another student logs onto the computer).

When you are done, you will diagram the Solar System on the back of your NASA @ Home paper.  Make sure that you label the following parts.

• Asteroid Belt
• Earth
• Jupiter
• Kuiper Belt
• Mars
• Mercury
• Moon
• Neptune
• Oort Cloud (comets)
• Pluto
• Saturn
• Sun
• Uranus
• Venus

You will need a few Solar System diagrams online to complete your composite with all of the 14 required components (listed above).  Here are a couple maps that will get you started:

• Diagram of the Solar System
• National Geographic: Our Solar System

Air Pressure Maps

This week we learned about air pressure and wind speeds. Answer the following questions in your blog:

1. Which area of the country currently has the fastest wind speeds? (city, state) How fast is it?

2. Which area of the state currently has the fastest wind speeds? How fast is it?

3. Which area of the country currently has the highest air pressure? (city, state) How high is it?

4. Which area of the state currently has the highest air pressure? How high is it?

5. Why does lower pressure usually bring bad weather?

CYO Ch. 19 Crossword Puzzle

Today you will create your own Chapter 19 crossword puzzle.  Your puzzle should have at least 18 terms.  Each term should be a one word answer.  It is a relatively straightforward process, but you will need to change a few of the settings.

• Enter the "crossword puzzle title" and "author's name."  The "description of puzzle" is optional.
• Change the "color of square" to "grey."
• Change the "Free form (PDF only)" to "yes."
• Enter your 18 (or more) terms and clues.  You can use any vocabulary terms or main points from Chapter 19.
• Once you are done entering your words and clues, click on "make puzzle" on the bottom of the page.
• Click on "Printable PDF."
• Print your crossword puzzle.

After you have printed the crossword puzzle, take the online quizzes.

Air Pressure

Today you learned about air pressure. Answer the following questions in your blog:

1. What is air pressure?
2. Where is the closest high pressure system to Fayetteville? (city, state)
3. What is the weather (temperature, precipitation, cloud cover) like there?
4. Where is the closest low pressure system to Fayetteville? (city, state)
5. What is the weather (temperature, precipitation, cloud cover) like there?


The following links will be helpful:

• Air Pressure Map
• Google Maps (to find the names of locations for #2 and #4)
• Weather.com (type in the city, state to find weather conditions)

Earth Hour

This Saturday, March 28 at 8:30 PM is Earth Hour. Go to the official website and learn what it is all about, then answer the questions below in your blog:

1. What do the organizers of Earth Hour want everyone to do at 8:30 PM?

2. What is the point?

3. When was the first Earth Hour?

4. The website talks about the big upcomming election: Planet Earth vs. Global Warming. How would one vote for Planet Earth? How would one vote for Global Warming?

5. What are five things that you could do during Earth Hour to celebrate the event?

• Earth Hour (explore the website. Start by checking out the 'about,' 'take action,' and 'supporters' tabs.)
• Vote Earth campaign website
• National Geographic article about Earth Hour

Personal Mission Statement (R-Time)

Today for R-Time you will write a personal mission statement. Read p. 81-82 in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens (if you haven't already). I've included some samples from major companies:

• Burger King (from one Memphis-area restaurant)
• Apple (1984)
• Dell
• Home Depot

After you have had a chance to read some examples from above, write your own mission statement as a comment to this blog post.

Cloud Types Informational Brochure

Today you will work with a partner to create a Cloud Types Informational Brochure. While two of you are working on the assignment together, you only need one brochure per group. This assignment is due at the end of the period on Wednesday, March 25. Click here for the project requirements.

Create Your Own Webquest

Today you will create your own Chapter 18 Webquest. You will need to have 20 questions total, with at least 6 coming from each section. Your webquest will be setup in the familiar format: website address, followed by questions. You will use Google Docs to create the webquest.

Suggested websites (you may use these and others):

• State Changes
• Clouds
• Cloud Types
• Condensation Nuclei
• How Clouds Work

Worst Weather Events

This week we learned about 3 different types of storms. Beyond those, there are many others. Answer the following questions in your blog:

1. Which weather events kill the most Americans?
2. Which weather events kill the most people (in the world)?
3. Are your answers to those two questions different? Why or why not?
4. Read this article. Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not?
5. For your response to #1, find three weather events. Describe what happened (how severe was the storm, did anyone get hurt or die, how much property damage, include pictures, etc.).

Weather Patterns and Severe Storms Webquest

Today you will complete the Weather Patterns and Severe Storms Webquest. Click here to get started. When you finish, you may complete the textbook's online quizzes.

Blog Check #2

All 2nd Quarter blogs are due this Thursday, March 19. This date also marks the end of the 2nd Quarter. While I am normally lenient on late work, and only deduct a few points, all assignments are due this Thursday. Any 2nd Quarter blogs that are posted after this date will not be graded. As long as your blogs are all posted by March 19, they are not late.

Remember to answer all parts of the blog posts. You are expected to use proper spelling and grammar. While you are allowed to use text message symbols in your Cornell notes, please remember that your blogs are published materials, and should reflect that idea. The following blogs are required:

• Earthquake Articles (2/6/09)
• Destruction! (2/13/09)
• Dating Methods (2/17/09)
• Air Masses (3/16/09)
• Worst Weather Events (3/19/09)

Air Masses

Today you learned about the four main types of air masses. Answer the following questions in your blog:

1. What are the four main types of air masses? What does each letter stand for?
2. Which kind of air mass(es) do you think brings hurricanes?
3. Which kind of air mass(es) do you think brings drought?
4. Which kind of air mass(es) brings lake-effect snowstorms?
5. Today we learned about the four main types of air masses. In reality, there any many more than four. What are two others? Explain them.

Click here to learn about each air mass that affects North America. There is a good Question and Answer section at the bottom of the page.

Intro to the Atmosphere Webquest

Today you will complete the Intro to the Atmosphere Webquest on a piece of notebook paper.  Click here to get started.

When you finish the webquest, complete the Chapter 17 online quizzes.

Geologic Time Webquest

Today you will complete the Geologic Time Webquest on a piece of notebook paper.  Click here to get started.

When you are done, complete the online quizzes for Geologic Time and Earth's History: A Brief Summary.

Dating Methods

Answer the following questions in your blog:

1. What is relative dating? (hint: not when two cousins go on a date)
2. When would a geologist use radiometric dating?
3. When would a geologist use radiocarbon dating?
4. Explain how you can use tree rings to date and study the recent past? (see p. 351)
5. What is half-life?
6. Explain how today's lab showed half-life.

Destruction!

Over the past couple of weeks we have learned about both volcanoes and earthquakes. Answer the following questions in your blog.

1. What are potentially more dangerous to people: volcanoes or earthquakes? Why?
2. Give three examples of major destruction from volcanoes or earthquakes. (Include the location of the volcano/earthquake, the date that it happened, what exactly happened, and a picture of each)

Plate Tectonics and Volcanoes Webquest

Today you will complete the Plate Tectonics and Volcanoes Webquest.  It will help you prepare for Friday's quiz.  Click here to get started.

When you get done, take the online Plate Tectonics and Volcanoes quizzes.

Plate Tectonics Textbook

Today you will work with a partner to complete the Plate Tectonics Textbook. Your textbook will include four chapters You will do this project using construction paper and printer paper. You may use the computer for research purposes only--not for the actual production of your textbook.


Roles
Illustrator
You will be responsible for doing the illustrations for each chapter. Illustrations do not need to be professional-grade, but should be as detailed as possible. Use color! You will also write two of the four chapters for your textbook. Check with your partner to make sure that all four chapters get done.

Editor
You will be responsible for doing the editing for each chapter. Check for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and completeness. You will also write two of the four chapters for your textbook. Check with your partner to make sure that all four chapters get done.

Chapter Requirements
Click here for the 4 Chapter Requirements.

Here are some online resources that might help you with your research:

• Pangaea: All Lands
• Understanding Plate Motions
• Cracking the Ice Age
• Mid-Atlantic Ridge
• Other scientists that contributed
• Mountain Maker, Earth Shaker (everyone should see this one)
• Alfred Wegener
• Other theories (3rd paragraph)

Earthquake Articles

Read two of the following articles, then answer the questions in your blog (for each article).

Articles:

• Expansive Soil and Clay; Hidden Force Behind Basement Problems
• Research Links Seismic Slip and Tremor, with Implications for Subduction Zone
• What Causes Tsunamis?
• Earthquake-hit Schools in Rwanda to be Rebuilt

Questions:
1. Who is the author of your article?
2. Who is the publisher? (CNN, geology.com, USA Today, etc.)
3. What are three things that you learned?
4. What are two things that you found interesting?
5. What is one question that you still have?

Online Quizzes

Today you will complete the Earthquakes online quizzes. The quizzes were developed by our textbook publisher. In our book, Earthquakes are found in Chapter 8. Online they are listed under Chapter 7, because they came from a previous version of the textbook. Don't worry about it. Click here to begin.

When it's time for a study break tonight, feel free to check out the online coloring and online wordsearch puzzles.

Earthquakes Webquest

Today you will complete the Earthquakes Webquest on a piece of notebook paper.  Click here to get started.

R-Time Black History Maps

Today for R-Time you will be looking at the 12 maps for Black History Month. Write a blog comment explaining one of them.

Blog Check #1

Your first 6 blogs are due this Thursday, February 5th. This date also marks the end of the 1st Quarter. While I am normally lenient on late work, and only deduct a few points, all assignments are due this Thursday. Any 1st Quarter blogs that are posted after this date will not be graded. As long as your blogs are all posted by February 5th, they are not late.

Remember to answer all parts of the blog posts. You are expected to use proper spelling and grammar. While you are allowed to use text message symbols in your Cornell notes, please remember that your blogs are published materials, and should reflect that idea. The following blogs are required:

• Januay 6
• January 8
• January 13
• January 28
• January 29
• February 2

February 2nd Blog post:

What grade do you deserve for you 1st Quarter Blogs? Why? Give specific examples of things that you have done to merit that grade.

Mass Movements

For today's blog post, you will answer a few questions about mass movements.

1. Define mass movement.
2. What are the different types of mass movements?
3. Which mass movement has the greatest potential to cause the most damage?  Why?
4. Include at least one picture of damage caused by your mass movement.

Chapter 5 CYO Quiz

Today you will create your own quiz.  On Monday, we will:

• Play a review game
• Take Mr. Dunn's Chapter 5 Quiz
• Take your CYO Chapter 5 Quiz

Please keep your CYO Quiz until Monday.  You will hand it in then.  Click here for the CYO Quiz requirements.

R Time Black History Month Milestones

February is Black History Month. Today we will begin by viewing a timeline showcasing some Black History Milestones. If there are any events on the timeline that you are unsure about, click on them to learn more.

Once you have viewed the timeline, compile a list of the five events that you think are the most significant. To be clear, these events can be positive or negative. It is entirely up to you to choose the events.

To get credit for this assignment, leave your list as a comment to this blog post. Click here to get started.

Mass Movements Articles

Read two of the following articles, then answer the questions for each article in your blog.

Articles:
5-year-old Trapped After Saving Friend
Massive Rockslide Closes State Road
Clen Coe Avalanche Survivor's Pledge
Evacuations Begin Near Guatemala Volcano
Rockfall leaves neighbors Wary of Project
We Could Hear a Roaring Sound


Questions:
1. Who is the author of your article?
2. Who is the publisher? (CNN, geology.com, USA Today, etc.)
3. Which type of mass movement is described in your article?
4. Who was affected by this movement?
5. How did the mass movement affect them?
6. Include one photo of your mass movement type (for example, ANY picture of a rockfall, landslide, mudflow, etc.)
7. What are three things that you learned?
8. What are two things that you found interesting?
9. What is one question that you still have?

Rocks and Minerals Webquest

Today you will complete the Rocks and Minerals Webquest.  Completing this webquest will help you study for Tuesday's quiz.  The quiz will cover sections 2.1, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4.  Click here to view the webquest.

Igneous Rocks

Today you learned about igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. Did you know that you can actually make igneous rocks at home (with your parents' help, of course)? This movie clip gives a very brief introduction to igneous rocks, then shows you how to make your own at home. Enjoy!

Dr. Loopy Discusses Igneous Rocks

GM Corn Debate

Today you will look at the Genetically Modified (GM) Corn Debate. This is a real-life example of Earth Science and Economics. Go to the website, follow along, and play the simulation. When you have attained a successful scenario at the end, call me over to look at your screen. Click here to get started.

Renewable Resources Brochure

Today you will work with a partner to create a brochure about a renewable resource. The assignmentis due at the end of the period Friday, and can be completed entirely in class if you use your time wisely. Here are the project requirements.

Earth Science Sciences

Answer the following questions in your blog.

1. What are the four main sciences in Earth Science?
2. Which one is your favorite? Why?
3. Include at least 1 picture.

Ch. 1 Create Your Own Quiz

Today you will create your own quiz for Chapter 1. You will use your new-found knowledge of higher-level questions to help create a challenging quiz. Here are the directions.

Favorite Map Projection?

Today you learned about the four major map projections. Which one is your favorite? Why? Include at least 1 picture.

First blog post

Welcome to Honors Earth Science! A major part of your grade each quarter will come from your blog posts. Please answer the following question in your blog:

What grade do you expect in this class? How will you achieve that grade?

When you are all done, check out some sample blogs from last semester:

• Jermel
• Aaron
• Keresa
• Gianna
• Violet