Mr.+McHugh

OK. Basically the idea here is for you to create a model of our solar system **TO SCALE.** The most important thing is that the relative sizes of the Sun, planets, etc. and distances between them are accurate. The cool thing is that I'm giving you almost complete creative freedom on this one. i.e. you can use any appropriate resources you like, and the models people create may be vastly different. You may create a virtual (online) model or paper, or....well can you think of other types? Now, if you don't have any idea where to start, let me provide you with a couple critical resources and ideas I came up with myself. Then you can decide if you want to use one of those, or come up with something on your own.
 * **ASSIGNMENT 4: Solar System Scale Model**
 * "[|Build a Solar System Calculator]" This is great, because you type in one measurement (for example, the diameter you want your model Sun to be) and the calculator does the rest for you.
 * McHugh Starter Idea #1 Google Earth: You could decide how big you want your model Sun to be. Find a way to place your model Sun onto a Google Earth map. (Somewhere close to home would probably be a good idea since it is a place we are all familiar with). From there you would insert models for the **other 7 planets, pluto, our moon, Alpha Centauri** (the closest star to our Sun) and our **Galactic Center** (the center of the Milky Way) **AT THEIR CORRECT SIZES AND DISTANCES FROM THE SUN!**
 * McHugh Starter Idea #2 Paper Model: Here you physically cut out circles of paper **(TO SCALE OF COURSE)** and place them on a long paper at the correct distances from your Sun. **(Here we have a good starter model to follow; the banner hanging over the whiteboard on the left side of our classroom. The only problem with the paper model here is how to include Alpha Centauri and the galactic center)**
 * Your grade for this will be comprised of:**
 * Model includes Sun, 8 planets, pluto, our moon, A. Centauri = 13 points**
 * Relative sizes (diameter) of objects is correct = 13 points**
 * Relative distances between objects is correct** **= 13 points**
 * Total = 40 points (Approximately half of a test)**

Directions: The current estimated age of the known universe is approximately 13.73 billion years old. The current estimated age of our solar system is approximately 4.5 billion years old. Your job is to use your notes and the Internet to EXPLAIN how our solar system and the planets formed and to describe the remnants that were left over from those formations. **Include a definition or link to these 16 terms**: __nebula__, __terrestrial planet, gas giant__, planetesimal, planet, satellite (moon), __[|asteroid]__, __asteroid belt__, __meteor__, meteoroid, __meteorite__, __comet__, nucleus, coma__, Kuiper belt, Oort cloud__. The EXPLANATION should be sequential (follows the correct series of steps in the actual formation of the solar system). You may work in groups of no more than 2 people to complete this assignment and you will be given at least 2 class periods. When done, make sure to copy the complete summary to the second partner's wiki page so I may grant credit. **NOTE: This can be written in paragraph format or as a series of sequential steps, but either way your notes are a good guide to follow since they are in correct chronological order already.** Also, I would recommend using a table(s) for good organization of terms, images, etc. (SEE TABLE BELOW)
 * **ASSIGNMENT 3: Solar System Formation and Leftovers**


 * Your grade for this will be comprised of:**
 * define or describe 16 terms = 16 points**
 * content is well organized (table(s) are a good idea) = 4 points**
 * quality / completeness of overall explanation = 10 points**
 * 5 good supporting images = 10**
 * Total = 40 points (Approximately half of a test)**
 * Nebula- Interstellar cloud of gas and dust || [[image:http://ncse.com/files/images/607px-Eagle_nebula_pillars.jpg width="250" height="247"]] || The formation of a star, planets, etc. (a solar system) is thought to begin when gravity begins to pull together material from a nebula. ||

Directions: Many of the minerals we learned about during chapter 4 are the chief "rock-forming minerals." Next, we are going to investigate the 3 major rock types: igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic. Your job during this assignment is to **search** the Internet for a common rock that is composed of __**2 or more of the minerals listed in bold below**__ and to **describe** how that rock forms from those minerals (1 good paragraph in your own words). You must include a **picture of the minerals** themselves, a **picture of the rock**, and a **picture illustrating the process by which the rock forms** (Include captions describing your images). The chief rock forming minerals are: **Calcite, Feldspar, Quartz, Augite, Garnet, Hornblende, Kaolin, Biotite Mica and Muscovite Mica.** Many many rocks are formed from these minerals so begin with some simple Internet research on "common rocks" formed from the most common minerals on our list. You can have one partner, but again make sure the completed assignment appears on both of your wikis.
 * **ASSIGNMENT 2: Rock Forming Minerals**

__**20 points total**__
 * Grading for assignment 4 is based on the following:**
 * 5 points for the paragraph description of how the rock mkesaa**
 * 5 points for the picture showing how the rock forms**
 * 5** **points for the pictures of the minerals involved**
 * 5 points for the** **picture of the rock you're describing**

Directions: Work with a partner to explain one example of an **interaction between 2** of the [|earth systems] we discussed in class. (Lithosphere, Hydrosphere, Atmosphere, Biosphere). The systems are described in your notes for unit 1. Your job is to **type one paragraph** explaining ** how they interact ** and to ** include at least 1 supporting image **. Don't forget to make sure that the completed assignment is copied onto both of your wikis for grading purposes along with the title: **ASSIGNMENT 1: Earth Systems Interactions**.
 * **ASSIGNMENT 1: Earth Systems Interactions**


 * example: examples[|Weathering]** is the breaking down of Earth's [|rocks], [|soils] and [|minerals] through direct contact with the planet's [|atmosphere] which contains water vapor (a part of Earth's hydrosphere). Through this process Earth's lithosphere is worn away slowly over time and sediments are laid down in new areas. These sediments will eventually form new rocks of Earth's crust. **Magma cooling:** Sometimes lava (magma that is pushed above Earth's surface comes into contact with ocean water (a part of the hydrosphere). This cool water rapidly cools the lava; turning it into the newest crustal rocks. (basalt in many cases)