New Website

This year I will be teaching AVID 3. Mrs. Mohr will teach Earth Science.

Fermi Paradox

Complete the Fermi Paradox assignment on a sheet of paper.

Blog Post #6

1. What was your favorite Geology topic this year? Why?
2. What was your favorite Meteorology topic this year? Why?
3. What was your favorite Astronomy topic this year? Why? (Include a picture for #1, #2, OR #3)
4. What grade do you think you earned on the Final Exam? What did you do to prepare? Is there anything that you wish you had done differently?

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.

Blog Post #5

Today you are going to make a 30-term Wordle. You should have already chosen your topic from the list below.

• Physical Geology (Units 1 and 2)
• Historical Geology (Units 3 and 4)
• Meteorology (Units 5 and 6)
• Astronomy (Unit 7)

Astronomy War and Blog Post #4

Today you and your partner will create 20 playing cards and play Astronomy War. Click here for the details.

Blog Post #4
1. What made the Big Bang "bang?" In other words, why didn't the universe just stay in a tiny little sphere the size of a golfball? More details = more points.
2. What do you think would happen if you went into a black hole? Scientists only know what happens until you get to the event horizon. Anything beyond that is really just an educated guess. More details = more points.
3. Tell me what you think about worm holes? When you pass through one, where do you go? WHEN do you go? More details = more points.

Webquest and Hubble's Law Lab

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.

Hubble's Law
You and a partner will work together to complete the Hubble's Law Lab.

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. For an explanation of what the lines mean, click here.

Study of Light Webquest

Today you will complete the Study of Light Webquest.

Blog Post #3: Extrasolar Planets

Extrasolar planets (sometimes called exoplanets) are planets that are found outside of our Solar System. There are four ways that astronomers can detect extrasolar planets. Use the following links to answer the questions in your blog.

Planet Quest (when you get to this site, click on "4 ways to find a planet" on the right side)
1. What are the four ways scientists can detect planets?
2. Which way makes the most sense to you? Explain it.

The Goldilocks Zone
3. Explain the concept of the "Goldilocks Zone."
4. If Gilese 581c does have life, what do you think it would look like? How would it act? Would it be intelligent?
5. Do you believe in aliens? Why or why not? Give me a solid paragraph.

Webquest and 2 Articles

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. Checkout both of them before you decide which one you want to do. Please very clearly identify which one you are doing at the top of the page.

2 Articles
Choose one article from Group A and one article from Group B, then answer the 5 questions about each article that you read on a piece of paper.

Group A
Aliens May Exist
20 Years of Hubble

Group B
Is Time Travel Possible?
Pluto's Dwarf Planet Family Could Get Bigger

Questions
1. What is the title of this article? Who wrote it?
2. Who published this article? When?
3. What are three things you learned?
4. What are two things you found interesting?
5. What is one question you still have?

Blog Post #2: Other Planet Atmospheres

For Blog Post #2, you will include a Google Docs Presentation (similar to a Microsoft PowerPoint), and answer some questions. I will show you how to create the presentation, and what needs to go into it during class.

Questions
1. What is the primary gas in the Jovian atmospheres?
2. What is the primary gas in Mars and Venus?
3. If you had to visit one planet, which would it be? Why? Give me a solid paragraph. (consider many factors such as location, temperature, atmosphere composition, and anything else you you feel is important)

NASA @ Home

As you know, I'm not at school today. Make sure that you're good for the sub! Complete the NASA @ Home assignment. If you need help, ask a classmate. Hand it in before you leave. Have a great weekend!

ACP

Here are the Astronomy Choice Project Guidelines.
Here is the Astronomy Choice Project Rubric.

Blog Post #1: Cool 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 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**

Webquest and Planet Atmospheres

• First do the Solar System Webquest
• Then begin the Planet Atmospheres Assignment

Blog Post #6

1. Which blog was your best this quarter? Why?
2. What topic did you enjoy learning about the most (from chapter 17-20)? Why? Include a picture.
3. What grade do you deserve for your 3rd Quarter Blogs? (Keep in mind some basic math. If you only did 3 out of 6 of them you cannot earn above a 50%.)

Environmental Essay

There are a lot of environmental issues. There are also a lot of myths and exaggerations. Today, you're going to choose any environmental issue, choose any side of the argument, and complete a graphic organizer. Tomorrow, you will use your graphic organizer to write an essay. Use the Persuasion Map to help organize your thoughts.

Blog Post #5

Create a 30-term Wordle using the 30 most important terms from Chapters 17, 18, 19, and 20. Post your Wordle in your blog. If a word is important enough to appear in your Wordle, it is probably important enough to be on tomorrow's Atmosphere Test :)

Make the most important words larger, just like the sample from an English class. Let me know if you need help with this.

Weather Forecast Project

Today you will begin working on the Weather Forecast Project. It is due at the end of class on Tuesday, April 13.

Ch. 19 Quiz and Blog Post #4

First, take the Ch. 19 Quiz.

Blog Post #4

1. Check out Fayetteville's pollen forecast. Which is affecting us the most right now: tree, grass, or weed pollen? Specifically, which trees, grasses, or weeds?
2. "You're Surrounded by Pollen," so read this article. What is needed for a "perfect storm" of pollen?
3. Choose a microscopic image of pollen. Which one looks the best to you? Why? Where is this pollen commonly found? Write a paragraph in your own words explaining this specific type of pollen. Include a cool-looking picture. You may need to use other websites to help you.

3 Practice Quizzes

Take 3 of the 6 "Concept Quizzes" to review for tomorrow (found on the left side of the page).

Ch. 19 Webquest

Today you will begin working on the Ch. 19 Webquest. It is due at the end of class tomorrow.

Blog Post #3

Use the following links to help answer the questions in your blog:

• States of Matter
• Temperature Scales
• Chem4Kids

1. What are the five states of matter?
2. What is needed to change a gas into a plasma?
3. What is the temperature at "absolute zero?" (in Farenheit, Celsius, and Kelvin)
4. What is the temperature in space? (in Kelvin)
5. What do you think plasma would like look/smell/feel/taste? How about Bose-Einstein Condensates? Do some research on other sites, but ultimately come up with your own unique answer :)

CYO Chapter 18 Quiz

Today you are going to create your own Chapter 18 Quiz. You will take your quiz in class on Thursday, and my quiz in class on Friday. Both quizzes count!

Cloud Types Brochure

Today you will begin working on the Cloud Types Brochure. It is due Thursday at the end of class.

Blog Post #2

Click on the links and answer the questions in your blog.

New Century International Elementary School
1. List three technologies that the school plans to utilize.
2. Explain each one. (you may need to check out other websites for research)

Earth Day Core Issues
3. Earth Day is coming up. Click on one of the Core Issues. Which one did you choose?
4. What is the big problem associated with this issue?
5. What can you do to fix this problem? Give me a solid paragraph.

Blog Post #1

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 1 Quiz

Click here. On the left side of the page, click on the Concept 1 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

Complete the Ch. 20 Webquest on a sheet of paper.

50 States

As we begin working with weather maps, it will be imperative that you know the locations of all 50 states. Go to Sheppard Software US Geography Maps, look at the center column, and take the States 1 Quiz. Once you have earned a 100%, call me over. When you finish Level 1, keep going on to Levels 2, 3, and so on.

Wordle Words and Blog Post #7

Wordle Words

• Go to my blog. Find the name right below yours on the right side of the page. (For example, in 2nd Period, Michael will find that Ocie's name is right below his.)
• Go to that person's blog. Look at their Wordle from yesterday. Find the five most important terms in their Worlde. Choose wisely! Write a challenging (but fair) question for each of the five terms that you chose. I will pick the best of the best for tomorrow's review game. Write your questions on a sheet of paper and turn it in before you leave today.

Blog Post #7
Answer the following questions in your blog.

1. What was your best blog this quarter? What made it so good?
2. What grade do you deserve for your blogs this quarter? Why? (Remember to do some basic math here. If you have only attempted 5 out of 7 blogs, the absolute highest grade you could earn is 71%)
3. What was your favorite topic in 2nd Quarter? Why? (Ch. 8,9,10,12,14, 16) Give me a solid paragraph explaining your answer. Include a picture.

Blog Post #6

For today's blog, you're going to visit Wordle. You're going to basically make a collage of words, similar to the one that you see on the left. Follow these directions:

1. Once you get to the Wordle site, view some examples created by others (they have four samples on their main page)
2. Click on "Create Your Own."
3. Enter at least 30 words. These are just terms, not complete sentences. After you enter a term, press enter, type another word, then press enter again, etc.
4. Click on "go."
5. Once they have generated your word cloud, play with the layout. Experiment with different color schemes, fonts, orientations (horizontal vs. vertical, etc) and other options. Make it look nice! This is going on your blog!
6. Click on "Save to Public Gallery." Save it. Just enter some basic information here.
7. Copy the code from the bottom of the page. Open your blog, create a new blog post, click on "Edit HTML," and paste the code into the box. Don't forget a title :)

Intro to the Atmosphere Webquest

Today you are going to work on the Intro to the Atmosphere Webquest.

Click here for the Isotherm Map Assignment.

2 Articles, Blog Post #5

2 Articles
Read 1 article from Group A and 1 article from Group B, then answer the questions that follow on a piece of paper.

Group A

• Chinese Earthquake: Giant Pandas Rescued (after you read the article, look at the additional pics...ask Mr. Dunn for help)
• Chile Earthquake May Have Shortened Earth's Day, Shifted Axis

Group B

• It's Official: Asteroid Wiped Out the Dinosaurs
• Methane Bubbles in Arctic Seas Stir Warming Fears

Questions
1. What is the name of the article? Who is the author?
2. Who is the publisher? When was it published?
3. What are three things you learned?
4. What are two things you found interesting?
5. What is one question you still have?


Blog Post #5
Answer the following questions in your blog:
1. Pick one of the articles you read. List the Name of the article and publisher.
2. What was the author's thesis? (insert the quote)
3. Do you agree with their thesis? Why or why not?

CYO Review Assignments

Since our midterm is on Friday, you are going to create two review assignments today. Tomorrow in class, you are going to complete someone else's review assignments. I chose the chapters that I chose because students did poorly on those quizzes. Hopefully by completing these assignments thoughtfully you will be successful on Friday's test :) Click here to begin.

Power Grid and NC Earth Science

Today you will work on the Power Grid Simulation with a partner and the NC Earth Science assignment individually.

Blog Post #4: Black History and Science

As you know, February is Black History month. In honor of Black History month, we are going to take some time to learn about some scientific advances made by influential people in black history. Follow the links and answer the questions in your blog.

1. Choose a scientific discipline (biochemistry, biology, chemistry, etc.) and a scientist from that list. List the scientist and discipline that you chose. What was their contribution?

2. Inventions ?List 3 cool things invented by African-Americans and the respective inventor.

3. Checkout the 101 Fast Facts. List your favorite from the "Inventions and Discoveries" tab. Who did you choose? What did they invent/discover? Why is this significant? Also checkout the "Records Breaking," "Little Known," and "Firsts" when you are done.

Oceans Project and Articles

Today you will begin working on the Oceans Project.

Read 1 article from Group A and 1 article from Group B, then answer the questions that follow on a piece of paper.

Group A

• Exxon Said to Pay $4 Billion for Oil Field
• Lasers From Space Show Thinning of Greenland and Antarctic Ice Sheets

Group B

• The Road to an Alternative Energy Future (pay special attention to the "Algal Biofuels" section)
• Dolphins Health Sheds Light Shed Light on Human and Ocean Health

Article Questions:
1. What is the title of the article? Who is the author?
2. Who is the publisher? (Science Daily, New York Times, ESPN, etc.)
3. What are 3 things you learned?
4. What are 2 things you found interesting?
5. What is 1 question you still have?

Quiz

Click here for today's quiz.

Poll: How was today's quiz?

Blog Post #3

Check out this timeline of plate motion. The first map that you see is present day. Scroll down to Rodinia (750 million years ago). Each map as you go up is later on the timeline (see the numbers on the right side of the screen). Answer the following questions in your blog:

1. How were Rodinia and Pangaea similar and different from each other?
2. When did the tectonic plates appear to move the fastest? (biggest difference between two consecutive maps)
3. Look at Pangaea (250 million years ago). If the continents looked like Pangaea today, what would the world be like? Think about governments, sports teams and leagues, and other aspects of life.
4. Look at Pangaea. If you could pick any place in Pangaea to start a modern civilization, where would you pick? Why? (there is a key on the bottom of the page that explains what the little letters in the maps stand for. For example, "ar" means Arabia.)

Webquest and PT Textbook

Complete the Plate Tectonics Webquest on a sheet of paper.

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 Friday, February 19.

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)

Geologic Time Quiz

Click here for the Geologic Time Quiz!

CYO Crossword and Blog Post #2

CYO Crossword Puzzle

Today you are going to create your own crossword puzzle. You will use the same program that I use every week. Follow the directions below:

• Click here to get started.


• Begin by entering an appropriate title.


• For "Author's Name" write "Created by [insert name here]"


• Change the "color of square" to "grey"


• Change "Free Form (PDF only)" to "yes"


• Enter at least 15 terms with appropriate definitions or "clues"


• All of your terms can only be 1-word answers. For example, your answer cannot be "Cenozoic Era" because that is a 2-word answer. You may need to make a fill in the blank question such as "We live in the _____ Era."


• DO NOT USE THE ENTER KEY!! IT MAY ERASE ALL OF YOUR DATA, AND YOU WILL HAVE TO START OVER AGAIN!


• Your 15 terms should come from this list.

Blog Post #2

In yesterday's webquest I gave you a preview of our next extra credit question. Since it is such a hard question, questions #1 and 2 for today's blog have been designed to help you remember.



Answer the following questions in your blog:

1. List all of the geologic periods in order from oldest to present (Cambrian to Quaternary).

2. Come up with a mneumonic to help you remember the order. (example: My Very Eager Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas)

3. First watch this animation. Then put the rock layers in order from the image on the right.

Geologic Time Webquest

Click here for the Geologic Time Webquest.

Rocks Poll and Blog Post #1

Rocks Poll
If you are not able to vote on the poll using a cell phone, click here.

Blog Post #1
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?

Blog Post #6

Answer the following questions in your blog:

1. What grade do you deserve for your 1st Quarter Blogs?
2. Why do you deserve this grade?
3. Which blog was your best? Why?

Quizstar and E-Quakes Webquest

Take the the 1st Quarter Test.

Complete the Earthquakes Webquest.

Blog Post #5: Rocks Rock!

Answer the following questions in your blog:

1. List one sedimentary rock, and explain how you use it everyday.
2. List one igneous rock, and explain how you use it everyday.
3. List one metamorphic rock, and explain how you use it everyday.
4. Find a picture of the coolest looking rock that you can find. What is its name? Include a picture.

Here are some websites that may help:

• Types of Rocks
• Uses of Rocks and Minerals
• Rock and Mineral Uses
• The Importance of Rocks and Minerals
• Sedimentary Rocks

Ch. 3&5 Webquest

Click here to begin!

QuizStar and Renewable Energy Brochure

QuizStar
Today you are going to create an account with QuizStar. QuizStar is an online program that allows teachers to create quizzes, and students to take them. You can get instant results and/or feedback (when I choose to allow it). When you create your account you will need a username and password. Please be aware that as your teacher, QuizStar will allow me to access 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 2nd period, search for Honors Earth Science P2. If you are in 3rd period, search for Honors Earth Science P3. 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.

Renewable Energy Brochure
Today you will begin working on the Renewable Energy brochure with a partner. It is due Thursday. Click here to begin.

2 Assignments

Visualizing the Grid
Visualizing the Grid
Answer the questions below on a piece of paper.

1. What are the three major sectors of the US electrical grid?
Click on "Sources of Power," then hover the cursor over each state.
2. What are the top 3 power sources in North Carolina?
Click on "Solar Power."
3. Look on the left side of the screen. What does "solar power capacity" mean?
4. Which two states have the greatest potential for solar power?
5. Click on "Sources of Power" again. From which three sources are the two states (from #4) deriving their power?
Click on "Wind Power."
6. Where are most of the proposed wind power lines going to be built? Does it make sense to build them there? Why or why not?
7. Based on the solar and wind date that you have at your disposal, which one is a better option for North Carolina. Why?

Power Grid Simulation
You and your partner will work on the Power Grid assignment together. Click here to get started.

Recycling Webquest

Click here to begin the Recycling Webquest.

Blog Post #4 and Wind Power Assignment

Blog Post #4
Today you are going to research the price and fuel efficiency of any new 2010 model cars. Once you have gathered your data, you will make a spreadsheet and recommendation. Click here for the specific requirements.

Wind Power Interactive
Complete this assignment on a sheet of notebook paper. Click here to get started.

Create Your Own Quiz

We will take our Chapter 2 Quiz next Tuesday. Part of it will be made by Mr. Dunn (35 points) and part of it will be made by you (15 points). It will be worth 50 points total. Today you will create your own quiz and print it out. Click here for the assignment requirements.

Blog Post #3

From the websites below, choose 5 minerals that you have used before. Also post a picture of one. For example, you could list gold if you wear any gold jewelry.

Here are some links that might be helpful:

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

Blog Post #2

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

Latitude and Longitude Practice

Follow the links below and answer the questions on a sheet of paper.

Using Latitude and Longitude
Answer questions 1-5 from the first page.

Latitude and Longitude Interactive
Follow the directions on the page and answer questions 1-3.

When you finish, you're going to play a quick latitude and longitude game. It was designed for middle schoolers, but it's still good practice. Click here to play.

Blog Post #1

Today you learned a little about the 4 sciences that make up Earth Science. Answer the following question in your blog:

"Which of the four sciences in Earth Science seems the most interesting to you? Why? Include at least one picture."