STEM 6/7/8 GARDEN CHALLENGE SUMMER WORK

Summer time is here and school is finally out!  However, this is a very important time in the garden, pollination is occurring and the fruits of the plants will soon begin to appear on the plants.  It is important that everyone do their part in maintaining the gardens over the Summer months.  Schedules have been made by all grades and I along with your fellow students are counting on you to keep your commitment.

When you go to the gardens to work you must do the following:

• Sign in on the clip boards that are at the desk near the door leading out to the gardens.
• Complete required work 
• weeding
• watering
• harvesting
• cleaning the greenhouse
• feeding the worms
• other requested procedures
• Sign out (leave a note as to what you accomplished during your visit)

Below is the calendars for the summer months (STEM 7)

STEM 7/8 The Nature Connection Summer Assignments

School is finally out at the time to enjoy the summer sun, weather and outdoors is finally here.  As you go about your summer schedule of activities, it is important to take some time and enjoy the great outdoors and all it has to offer.  You can do this by completing your summer assignments for the months of June, July and August in you own  The Nature Connection outdoor workbook. For students new to the STEM Program, you are to acquire a copy of this book through your store of choice.  For all other students, you are to continue to use your copy and fill the required assignments.  All assignments will be turned in on August 29th, the first day of school.  Have fun, enjoy the summer and enjoy the great outdoors!

JUNE NATURE CONNECTION ASSIGNMENTS

• 8 "My Nature Notes" observations.  (use link to print out addition copies)

http://www.storey.com/files/download/natureconnection_worksheets/NatureConnect_pg91.pdf

• Picture of the Month (pg 171)
• The Summer Solstice (pg 172-173) Read for understanding.
• Exploring Nature (pg 174-175)
• Absorb the colors of June
• Bugs are a Big Deal (pg 178-179)  Read for understanding.  
• Feathering Their Nests (pg 182-183)  Read and try for yourself.

JULY NATURE CONNECTION ASSIGNMENTS

• 8 "My Nature Notes" observations.  (use link to print out addition copies)
• Go on a Nature Quest (pg 186)
• Picture of the Month (pg 187)
• Exploring Nature (pg 188-189)
• Track the Temperature
• Butterfly Gardens have become very popular (if you make one take pictures)
• Sit under a tree and read a great book.
• Drawing your landscape (pg 190-191)
• Life underneath (pg 200-201)

AUGUST NATURE CONNECTION ASSIGNMENTS

• "My Nature Notes" observations.  (use link to print out addition copies)
• Picture of the Month (pg 205)
• Exploring Nature (pg 208-209)
• Learn about a river or stream or brook that is near you
• Do some experiments with water (give it a try)
• Keep a vacation journal ( you can do this if you go somewhere earlier in the summer)

STEM/8 ITCH

You just finished the Book Itch , about a boy who considers himself an "element collector".  His curiosity int the world of chemistry leads him on an adventure that is full of surprises and SCIENCE!  Briefly summarize Itch's adventure and relate some of the chemistry that we have discussed in class while you were reading "ITCH".

STEM/8 Forensic Groundwater Contamination Mystery

A rancher from the Cadillac Ranch on the outskirts of Marion Township was planning to expand his herd of cattle.  To ensure an ample supply of water for his herd, he had to drill a new well.  Although the site he chose was not far from the river, he had no land rights adjacent to the river and was forced to drill the well.  Being a responsible rancher, he though it might be a good idea to have the water tested by the local university.  Routine tests at the local university turned up some irregularities so the samples were forwarded to a state facility for more testing.  The results from the laboratory were disturbing.  A potentially toxic compound was detected at a level of 25 ppb (parts per billion).  The normal background level of this compound is in the range of 0-10 ppb, and a level of 25 ppb suggests a potentially dangerous contamination source.  The Marion town council convened with a groundwater expert from the State Environmental Agency in attendance.  Once the expert made it clear that the well may have been dug on the fringes of a contaminated plume, and that levels within the plume nearer the source would likely be much higher, the council decided to act.  A large sum of money was allocated from the emergency fund and a well drilling company (your team) was contracted to determine the extent of the problem and, if possible, to trace the source of the contaminate.

As part of your analysis you must inform the rancher and the town council of the following:

• Summarize your methodology for selecting the drilling sites.
• Determine the source point of the contamination.
• Create an action plan to help prevent future groundwater contamination
• Steps needed to clean up the source point

STEM 6/The T-Rex Debate... Predator or Scavenger?

Jack Horner, the famous dinosaur paleontologist, developed a hypothesis that stated that the mighty T-Rex was not the agile predator that we all paint it out to be, but instead a scavenger like a vulture.  His hypothesis is based on scientific study and evidence that he and his team found in the field while digging up T-Rex skeletons at the Hell Creek dig site.  Based on the video and information presented, what is your conclusion about the nature of the T-Rex?  Was it a predator or a scavenger.  Explain and support your answer.

STEM/6 Toothpaste with a Twist

The following questions pertain to the toothpaste lab. You MUST write these down on a piece of paper and hand them in tomorrow! Remember, the slogan is also due.

1.) How did the homemade toothpaste compare to the commercial products?
2.) What mineral is added to toothpaste to fight cavities?
3.) How many commercial toothpastes (that you can find) have minerals in them?
4.) What is the relationship between the number of minerals in a toothpaste and the cost of that toothpaste?
5.) Which toothpaste did you find to be the most expensive?

STEM/7 History with the fruitful fruit fly

Our study of genetics and heredity has lead us to discover the importance of how genes and traits are passed on from one generation to the next.  Eukaroytic organisms use DNA as the blueprint to pass on these genes which are expressed as traits that we can identify by looking at the physical characteristics of that particular organism.  The use of the fruit fly has enabled scientists to study the passing of genes from one generation to the next through selective breeding.  the simplicity of this procedure has allowed us to do the same type of genetic experiments in the class with our own population of fruit flies.  This experience will allow us to see first hand the importance of genetic inheritance and the affects of mutation on the genome.  An article entitled "The Fly People Make History With The Fruitful Fruit Fly", addresses the use of the fruit fly and the importance of it in the scientific realm of genetics.  Based on the reading, comment on the following questions;

• What claims does the author make for using the fruit fly for genetic studies?
• Why do scientists use these "model organisms" to help understand human genetics?
• Describe the fruit fly's attractive characteristics that makes it suitable for genetic study?
• What is the "Homebox"?  What is its importance in the realm of genetics?
• How does your study of the transferring of genes through selective breeding help you better understand who you are as a human and as part of your family?