Off & Running

We are now six weeks into our year together. So far we have been practicing the scientific method, exploring the topography of our area through geospatial technologies like Google Earth. We learned how to read a topographic map, we explored the history of T-burg and how the land has been used in the past, and how it could be used in the future. We made 3-D models of a landscape section of our area, showing the various elevation layers. We have been learning how to make maps of various data using a software program called ARCMAP. We've learned how to use a GPS unit, and did a geocaching excercise - locating and recording the sites of various 'treasures'. We have learned how to make waypoints and tracks on the GPS unit, download them and then add them to our maps. Finaly, we created maps of our hike at Cayuga Nature Center. Phew!

The next few weeks will see us strengthening and growing our metric measurement skills and then it's off to Astronomy. As we approach the end of our first 10 weeks together, revisit the goal that you wrote in your journal for the first 10 weeks of science. Are you meeting your goal? What could you be doing different to help you come closer to reaching that goal? Once you've identified that - then focus on it for the next 4 weeks. Keep up the great work!

Mr. Begeal

Last updated: January 11, 2007