Solar Energy and Fluid Circulation
Students will investigate how energy and matter transfer affect Earth systems. They will also investigate how global conditions are affected when natural and human-induced changes alter the transfer of energy and matter. Students will consider the implications of locations all around the world building green. They will be given a location on Earth to build a home and factor in features addressing wind patterns, precipitation, local geographic conditions, temperature, sunlight and severe weather threats.
Astronomy
Students will investigate the role of forces in the formation and operation of the universe and the role and interaction of revolution, rotation and gravity on the Sun-Earth-Moon system. The NASA Kepler Mission will present students with an RFP to choose the best planet for life among some fictional discoveries. They will present data to officials at NASA as to which they should fund a mission to further explore. Students are also requested to provide scale models of the new solar system.
Restless Earth
The student will explain changes in Earth’s surface using plate tectonics through investigations in Continental drift and sea floor spreading. The plates move slowly and because the plates are so large, the average person does not have the opportunity to observe and experience the dynamic geologic conditions at each type of boundary. Students will create an interactive brochure highlighting locations of interesting tectonic environments.
Earth Materials and Processes
The student will compare the origin and structure of igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. The student will explain how the transfer of energy drives the rock cycle. Students will be designing an Aquatic Center on the school grounds. Prior to construction an RFP for selecting the best possible construction site within the school property must be submitted. Information in the RFP will contain the geotechnical properties of the proposed site as to foresee any potential problems when constructing the aquatic center.
Earth History/Global Change
The student will investigate methods that geologists use to determine the history of Earth. The student will apply geologic principles used to date Earth’s geologic and biologic events. The student will compare events in Earth’s history that have been grouped according to similarities. The International News Association is interested in having reporters make predictions about what various locations on Earth will be like twenty-five to fifty years from now. They are requesting sample front pages of newspapers that describe what various aspects of life on Earth will be like between 2035 and 2060.