I have never been a firm believer in the global warming theory.  Yes, I know, surprising coming from a science teacher.  I believe polar ice caps have melted, and are still, but they have been melting ever since the ice age has ended.  Something had to stimulate the growth of the ice caps to their largest size thousand of years ago.  I believe the increase in gases from the human race and radiation from the sun can collect in our atmosphere and cause the earth to increase in heat.  We do have a hole in the ozone layer, but I believe that it helps release gas when it becomes too dense.  I  have no problem with buying a vehicle that gets 50 miles per gallon, runs on electricity or hydrogen, mandating businesses to limit the amount of emissions released into the atmosphere, and force companies to make products that are renewable so our land can be used for playgrounds, not filler. 

I compare what is happening in the world to a glass of water and an ice cube. The ice cube is going to melting when the temperature is above freezing, faster as it gets smaller, when it is sitting in water, especially when the water or air gets warmer.  I have come to understand that our weather follows patterns.  I remember back in the 70′s (yes, young people, that would be the 1970′s), in mid-Michigan, the amount of snow was very heavy.  Once the decade ended and the 80′s began, some of our winters started later or was considered mild.  I remember playing football with my father on Christmas day (I think it was 1981), it was close to sixty degrees, unheard of in the north.  I began listening to the weather reports, and reading weather related articles and the farmers almanac.  I discovered that the Antarctic has the largest land mass, making up close to 90% of the ice cap on earth and if it did melt, it would increase the water levels by about 200 meters.  The only problem is that the average temperature at the Antarctic is -37 degrees, and it does not look like that is going to change any time soon, heck data shows that most of the continent never goes above freezing.  The North and South Poles are not comparable, the North Pole has thinner ice and no land, if any, for it to sit on, the South Pole’s ice is thicker and has land for its ice to sit on.  A lot of attention is being drawn to the North Pole because the ice (cup of water and ice) is melting faster.  I agree with many scientist that say that the world should not see much of a rise in water with the North Pole ice caps melting, with an exception of Greenland, they are already in the water (water displacement).   

The greatest disaster we face is not the rise in water, but the increase of fresh water (reduce the salinity) with the salt oceans.  The increase of fresh water could change the water currents so much that it reverses the climate to the point that it triggers another ice age.  Some scientist predict the end of the human race. 

What other questions do you have about this Science Inquiry Experience?

I would like to know how to show students the effects of an increased amount of fresh water to salt water (changing current/changing climate) and ice capped glaciers found on land compared to ice capped glaciers sitting on water (flooding).  My concern with the North Pole melting is centered on the density of the salt water and the affect it will have on the climate, not the flooding.

 My first science journal blog is allowing me reflect on my STEM strategies lesson plan that I created for my, “Nature of Science” class (SCIE-6660), at Walden University.

 I thought the planning process (Instructional Plan Template) was very thorough, including areas I know that I think about but do not list when creating lesson plans.  I have to admit that I do not use a lesson plan format when I plan my lessons, like I did when I was in college.   I only had two administrators that requested weekly copies of my lesson plans; one of them was during my first year of teaching.  I am a firm believer in creating lesson plans throughout the year, and I do not have a problem with having someone verify its effectiveness, someone who is specialized in the same field of study.

My lesson had students investigating traits for six human characteristics beginning with a warm-up question and then a discussion of human variation and heredity.  Students then explored six characteristics; eye color, tongue rolling, double-joined fingers, PTC tasting, and height and arm span.  Students worked in groups (lab partners) completing a chart.  We then shared data as a class, students creating a bar graph of one selected characteristic.   We followed up with additional questions that highlighted variations among humans and identifying patterns from the different characteristics.  

 I can see how the Instructional Plan Template can make me a better teacher.  I like how I can reflect back on what I did and what I would change to make it better.  It takes a lot of time thinking about how to answer each part, making sure each area is used to its fullest.  I can see this process becoming easier with use; I can see educators becoming so familiar with this process it would make them more aware of what resources to use for a variety of learners.  I thought the 5 E’s Strategy was very helpful!  I first heard of it a couple of years ago while I was attending professional development in my district.  Elkhart has a science facility that supports its schools, it is called, Ethos, and it stands for “Education Through Hands on Science.”  We get help with our book adoptions, materials, lesson planning, and professional development and it is totally funded through donations and grant money.  The 5 E’s Strategy is similar to other lesson plan formats that ask for the objectives, anticipatory set, activity, assessment, and reflection on the lesson after it is completed.  I like the how all the words begin with the letter “E” and how they describe each part of the lesson.  I could see using the 5 E’s as a template for creating a lesson plan in most educational settings that do not have a lot of time for preparation.  My school does not have teaming and we meet after school 3 days a week.  I have 6 classes (2 preps) and I teach from 7:30 until 3:00 pm.    

 The lesson I created is part of the standards and benchmarks for the state of Indiana.  I planned it for an upcoming lesson and feel that I have made it practical and logical for my students.  I have all of the materials for its lab and the topic is grade level specific, allowing students to use their prior knowledge to continue building their skills.  Is it silly to say that I feel better prepared using it after teaching for ten years?