What would happen if the polar ice caps melt?
Low lying areas such as the Florida Keys or Venice would be flooded and there would be property damage as well as migration of people and animals to higher ground. Another concern if the polar ice caps melt would be the threat to polar animals that depend on the environment to survive. Some species might become extinct or possibly some could adapt to a warmer climate.
Some Other Questions
1. What would happen to Greenland, a continent mostly covered in ice?
2. What can people do to prevent flooding in such places as Venice where there are many cultural treasures?
3. How far will the water level rise if all the polar ice caps melted?
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Week Two Reflection
The 8th grade concept that I used for my lesson template was Newton's three laws of motion. My anticipatory set was having the kids watch a Brain Pop on Isaac Newton and fill out a graphic organizer about Newton's life. Then students take a Brain Pop Quiz as a class. Then we went to ScienceSpot.com and took interactive notes on Newton's three laws. It includes moving examples that the kids enjoy. Check out the car that runs into the brick wall, that is their favorite.
Then I take out a tennis racket and a tennis ball. At this point, engagement is pretty high. Anytime I bring something from home that would not ordinarily be in a classroom, the kids get super excited wondering what I am going to do. Then I demonstrate Newton's three laws using motion, the tennis racket, and the tennis ball. I actually hit the ball towards students, they actually like this!
Students get into groups of 4 and they get to pick a piece of sports equipment from me. Each group gets a number from a hat that decides which order the groups get to pick. As a group they have to come up with movements from their sport that fit Newton's 1st, 2nd, and 3rd law. Then each group presents and the class gives them feedback in terms of did the movement they described fit the law they matched it up to.
Lastly and if there is time, I give each group a bag filled with miscellaneous objects. This time they have to use 4 of the objects together to demonstrate one of the laws. The group gets up, explains, and demonstrates the movement. When all groups have went, we vote on which group we liked the best.
I just did this lesson with my students a couple weeks ago. I debated on should I do a lesson I've already done this year or should I do one on the new unit we just started, Space and the Solar System. I have not seen the Five E's before this class. I like the template because it is specifically for teaching science successfully. It reminds you of all the components that you need to include to create an inquiry based lesson. We have a lesson plan template that we are required to follow at my school. It is not a good fit for science.
I was a little confused by the unifying themes in terms of where Newton's laws of motion fit in, but after I read them I put them where they made sense to me. This lesson template took me a lot longer than I thought it would.
Then I take out a tennis racket and a tennis ball. At this point, engagement is pretty high. Anytime I bring something from home that would not ordinarily be in a classroom, the kids get super excited wondering what I am going to do. Then I demonstrate Newton's three laws using motion, the tennis racket, and the tennis ball. I actually hit the ball towards students, they actually like this!
Students get into groups of 4 and they get to pick a piece of sports equipment from me. Each group gets a number from a hat that decides which order the groups get to pick. As a group they have to come up with movements from their sport that fit Newton's 1st, 2nd, and 3rd law. Then each group presents and the class gives them feedback in terms of did the movement they described fit the law they matched it up to.
Lastly and if there is time, I give each group a bag filled with miscellaneous objects. This time they have to use 4 of the objects together to demonstrate one of the laws. The group gets up, explains, and demonstrates the movement. When all groups have went, we vote on which group we liked the best.
I just did this lesson with my students a couple weeks ago. I debated on should I do a lesson I've already done this year or should I do one on the new unit we just started, Space and the Solar System. I have not seen the Five E's before this class. I like the template because it is specifically for teaching science successfully. It reminds you of all the components that you need to include to create an inquiry based lesson. We have a lesson plan template that we are required to follow at my school. It is not a good fit for science.
I was a little confused by the unifying themes in terms of where Newton's laws of motion fit in, but after I read them I put them where they made sense to me. This lesson template took me a lot longer than I thought it would.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
3-10-11
I am excited to have started this blog. This is new for me. My sister in law is getting her PHD from Columbia University and I know that she has to blog as part of some of her classes.
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