* Newspaper & Magazine Articles -- Find an article in a current magazine or newspaper that deals with topics directly related to our studies in class and share the information with the class (2 pts.)
* Think of a project you can do related to what we're studying in class and see if Mr. Kibbe approves it for extra credit! (? pts.)
Anytime during this book:
* Any ideas listed to the left.
* Either alone or in a small group, research a life science topic, then make a 75 second Earth & Sky radio show to submit to their Young Producers Contest. Sample programs are available online. Due Dec. 1st (10 pts.).
* Create an environmentally friendly city using SimCity 3000 software, which is available for use in E-4. Then, write a one-page compositon explaining what makes your city "eco-friendly." Mr. Kibbe has a booklet available that discusses "smart development" (10 pts.).
* View an online video at Greenworks TV , then write a one-page summary and response (5 pts.).
Chapter 1:
* Complete the "Animal Overpopulation" writing activity on page 30 (5 pts.).
* With the help of an adult, make a Predator-Prey Column out of a 2-liter soda bottle (10 pts.).
* Create "A World in a Jar" as described on page 22 of textbook (10 pts.)
Chapter 2:
* Construct a Ecocolumn or a Tropical Forest Ecocolumn with the help of an adult (10 pts.).
* Do additional, pre-approved work on your Leaf Identification Poster and/or turn it in 1 week early.
(5-10 pts.).
Chapter 3:
* Research local Superfund sites (major pollution) at the EPA website and report your findings to the class (5 pts.).
Chapter 4:
* Construct one of the following projects with the help of an adult: Biocolumn Composting or Composting with a Wiggle (10 pts.)
* Start a compost pile at your home and write a one-page summary of how you started it and the progress it has made (5 pts).
Chapter 5:
* De-tox your home of harmful cleaners and replace them with non-toxic alternatives, with your parents' help and permission Write a one-page summary of what you did (10 pts.).
Chapter 6:
* Make and test a Solar Hot Dog Cooker or Solar Apple Baker with the help of an adult. Report your results to the class (10 pts.).
Anytime during this book:
* Any ideas listed above.
Chapter 1:
Chapter 2:
Chapter 3:
* Take on the role of a senator in Washington, DC who is posed with researching biotech (genetically modified) foods to determine if the FDA should require them to have special labelling. The biotech industry is throwing fistfulls of money at you to influence your decision, and a faction of angry consumers is staging a demonstration on the Capitol steps. Create a PowerPoint presentation that shows the problem, possible solutions, and the course of action that our country should take (should we label genetically modified foods?). Consider the following questions:
1. What is genetically engineered food?
2. How much of our food supply is genetically modified?
3. Why is food genetically modified?
4. Why doesn't the biotech industry want GM food to be labelled?
5. Why do some consumers want GM food to be labelled?
6. Should consumers be concerned?
7. Should consumers have a choice (be informed?)
Visit the following websites to gather information:
Biotech Basics, Biotechnology Industry Organization, and Achievements in Plant Biotechnology-- pro-biotech sites
Greenpeace GM Food, True Food Resources, and The Campaign to Label GE Foods-- anti-biotech sites
Share your presentation with the Senate for 10 pts.
* Borrow the video "Harvest of Fear" about genetic engineering in food, from Mr. Kibbe. View the video and write a one-page summary and response (5 pts.).
Chapter 4:
Anytime during this book:
* Any ideas listed in top-left box above.
* Improve your Animal Research Project (PowerPoint presentation) (? pts.).
* Present to the class a brief report of one of Pennsylvania's endangered species (5 pts.).
* Construct a bat house with the help of an adult. Click here for Plan 1, Plan 2, Plan 3, and Plan 4. Additional info. (10 pts.)
Chapter 1:
Chapter 2:
Chapter 3:
Chapter 4:
Chapter 5:
Anytime during this book:
* Any ideas listed in top box above.
Chapter 1:
Chapter 2:
Chapter 3:
Chapter 4:
Chapter 5: