The Oceans and Climates Unit is taught during the 4th quarter. Various topics are covered. The Greenhouse Effect, Global Warming and Climate Change will be discussed. Air and ocean currents will be explored. This is a dynamic earth science unit. Below I've compiled a list of possible projects or activities. Remember, before you are able to work on any of these projects, you must complete a pre-test.
You will be working on these projects for 12 class days. I would like you to complete two projects (one focused on global warming (options 1, 2, or 3) and one of the other projects (options 4-7). You will start working on your projects on Tuesday, March 31st and they will be due on Thursday, April 16th. Have fun:)
Project Option 1 - Global Warming: What Do You Think?
It seems that everyone (scientists included) has their own opinion on Global Warming. Here's a chance for you to develop your opinion. First, you'll have to do some research and determine exactly what Global Warming is. There's an overwhelming amount of information out there, so this will include a lot of reading and hopefully some conversations with teachers, family and friends. Once you've completed your research and developed your personal opinion, put together a presentation (website, powerpoint, brochure, paper, etc.) explaining how you feel. Include your reasoning. How did you come to the conclusion you did? Don't forget to include sources (works cited section).
Project Option 2 - Global Warming: What's the Next Move?
Do some research about what can be done to counteract or improve the complications of Global Warming. After sorting through the many ideas that you will come across, choose 2 that you could become involved in. Put together a plan detailing what you could do to help counteract or improve the complications of Global Warming. Design a brochure or website to promote your plan to change. You never know, you might even be able to put this into action!
Project Option 3 - The Greenhouse Effect: Isn't that the same things as Global Warming?
When most of us hear the term "Greenhouse Effect", we automatically think about Global Warming and Climate Change. But, the Greenhouse Effect is actually something entirely different. In fact, life on Earth would no longer exist if it weren't for the Greenhouse Effect. In order to better explain the importance of the Greenhouse Effect, spend some time researching the effect. Once you've figured out what it is and how it helps sustain life on Earth, design a presentation (brochure, powerpoint, poster, etc.) that outlines what you've found. This would be a great addition to any science classroom!
Project Option 4 - Ocean Currents
What types of ocean currents exist? Can they be categorized? What causes ocean currents? Do some research into ocean currents in general. Narrow your topic and spend some time looking up the details. Put together a brochure explaining what you've learned.
Project Option 5 - Strange Air Currents
What's a chinook? Are there other types of extraordinary air masses/currents that cause interresting changes? Research these air masses/currents. Put together a 2-day lesson plan that would teach your classmates about these air masses/currents. Put together a powerpoint presentation or a couple of handouts, etc. to assist with your lesson. Think about how you would want to learn!
Project Option 6 - The Water Cycle & Evaporative Cooling
What are the parts of the water cylcle? What does each have to do with heat exchange? Research to find the connection between the water cycle and heat exchange. Now narrow your focus to evaporation. Is heat needed to evaporate? Delve into the topic of evaporative cooling. What is it? What are some examples? When do most people experience it's effects? Can the idea of evaporative cooling be used to cool a room (in a house)? Put together a powerpoint/brochure/website/paper to describes the relationship between the water cycle and heat. Focus on evaporation and how it causes cooling.
Project Option 7 - Storms
Research a type of storm that interrests you. Put together a presenation all about that type of storm. Include what causes the storm, where it normally occurs, if more of these storms have been happening lately (expand on that), what can be done to protect people, etc. from this storm, etc. Have fun with this one! |