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Science and Inquiry

So how does inquiry affect our lesson plans? I really like the template that we are using, but I use it much more as a unit organizer and break it out by days and not by date. This allows for unpredictable changes in schedules. It also allows you to modify your plans and instruction based on student needs.

By detailing the activities and learning experiences, you know exactly what materials you need and can prepare ahead of time. It can be time consuming in the beginning, but it alleviates the work and sets your goals from the beginning of the unit.

I believe this lesson plan is effective in science, but I doubt I would use it in other areas.

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WOW! This week has been very busy in learning and investigating the cause of the polar ice caps melting. There are many different reports and opinions on why this process is occuring. Some scientists say that it is solely the cause of the greenhouse effect,which we have caused. Other scientists disagree and say that it is a natural cycle of change and that it can be proven by studying permafrost. So where does that leave us?

Well, I believe that we do have an impact and that the greenhouse effect has had an impact on the polar ice caps melting. I also disagree that this is the sole cause of the melting process. The earth has been around for billions of years and we have had ice ages, hotter periods of time, cooler times, and it continues to cycle. The human impact on this cycle is that we do increase the temperatures with the increase in carbon dioxide levels. We are not, however, the only cause of increased temperatures. Solar flares and massive eruptionson the planet are also causing increased temperatures according to scientists.

So with this being said, I believe the polar ice caps will sadly continue to melt, but that there will also come a time of cooling and the ice will reform. Unfortunately, it could cause the demise of several species of wildlife and coastal living areas before the cooling comes.

It Stinks of Chemistry: This weeks post is about the ice caps melting a...

It Stinks of Chemistry:

 This weeks post is about the ice caps melting a...:  This weeks post is about the ice caps melting and so this cartoon is quite fitting! We were to complete an inquiry experience where ice c...

Interesting thoughts. I had not necessarily thought of it like that. While you are talking about the ice in the North Pole melting and displacement alrady occuring, I think that what they are talking about would be the glacial sheets of ice that are part of the landmasses and not the icebergs themselves. So I would have to agree with you about the icebergs, but disagree with glacial melting (which is part of the polar ice caps.)

Thereasa's Science Education Blog: Week three blog "Icebergs"First I would like to ...

Thereasa,

I think that is an interesting way to present the inquiry to students about acid rain. It is also an excellent way to help the students understand how we can impact the environment based on our behaviors. Sadly, acid rain is caused by pollution and the things that we do.

By understanding the direct impact of acid rain on the polar ice caps, they can surmise how to prevent it.

My question: If the ocean is made of salt water, how would the salt water solution truly demonstrate acid rain? Could you use a vinegar and water sollution to truly demonstrate an acid effect?

Theresa Sicheri
Thereasa's Science Education Blog: Week three blog "Icebergs"

First I would like to ...: Week three blog "Icebergs" First I would like to say thanks for all the comments it is nice to see that we share similar ideas.  So for ...

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Scientists believe that the polar ice caps control the amount of CO₂ emitted and its impact on the environment. The “Greenhouse effect” has been an ongoing problem as the ice caps continually shrink each year. The shrinkage has a major impact on wildlife, sea life, human life, and the ozone. Animals, such as polar bears, are losing their hunting grounds and open ranges at an overwhelming rate. As the polar ice caps melt, the level of the oceans increases. Scientists believe “that if Greenland’s ice caps melt, the level would  rise 23 feet and cause coastal areas in Florida and most of Bangladesh to become flooded” (Kluger, 2006, p. 3). As ocean temperatures increase, so does the rate of hurricanes and the level of their destruction.

How does this impact all of life on the planet? Well, the ice caps work as a reflective barrier from UV heat as it enters the Earth’s atmosphere. As the ice caps decrease, this reflective surface is removed and the ocean waters absorb the heat. The absorption of heat by the ocean changes the ocean currents and benefits provided by the currents. The increase in the number of years with an El Niño weather pattern is causing droughts, which can also lead to an increase in wildfires.

So how does all of this pan out? Well according to some scientists, we are the cause of the greenhouse effect and the melting of the polar ice caps; but in reality there are many scientists that disagree with the greenhouse effect. Professor Ian Clark believes that the increase in CO₂ levels is cause by and increase in solar activity such as a massive eruption (Wheldon, 2007, p. 1). Scientists have studied ice core samples from Antarctica, and they prove that the process of warming and cooling has been occurring for centuries. Professor Paul Reiter challenged the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change after his name was added to the list of scientists that agreed with its findings, and he challenged the report with a lawsuit until his name was removed because he disagreed.

So how accurate can these findings really be? Well, I do agree with scientists that we are not helping the situation. I also disagree that we are alone responsible for the greenhouse effect. I think that we need to find a way to reduce our carbon dioxide emissions and our carbon footprint. The Earth is an ever changing planet and she cycles from cooler periods to hotter periods, and it is my belief that the Earth will again change her cycle and cool. We may not see it, but in the future I believe that this will occur.

Kluger, J. (2006, March 26). Earth at the Tipping Point: Global Warming Heats Up. Time, 1-8.

Wheldon, J. (2007, March 5). Greenhouse effect is a myth, say scientists. Daily Mail, p. 1.

Blogger: Nature of Science - Blogger

Blogger: Nature of Science - Blogger

What a week this has been trying to get this blog up and running. Whew! Now to remember how I did this again for next week.

Where to start! It has been an interesting week learning about the 5 E's and trying to put them into place within the template. It is not that I don't already use them, it is just that I integrate and not define them on my plans. I have also enjoyed reading about each of the different scientists that you have brought to light and are not readily thought of or recognized. It is through all of us that they receive recognition and value in the eyes of our students.