Is Earth Entering a New Epoch?
[The following assignment may be found posted to Edmodo student groups.]
At of the start of class today, please read and carefully consider the following news article:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/anthropocene-humanity-has-changed-the-earth-so-much-that-it-has-entered-a-new-epoch-scientists-a6802066.html
(If you have any trouble following the link, the same article is posted as a .PDF file below.)
The article argues that Earth is currently entering a brand new epoch they're calling the "Anthropocene." (The prefix "anthro-" means "human." For instance, "anthropology" is the study of human civilizations and culture.)
1) Why do you think they suggest that name for the geologic epoch?
2) Describe the top 5 ways, in your opinion, that human beings have affected or changed the Earth. Be specific, and refer to direct evidence from the article.
3) According to the article, what are "technofossils?"
4) The title of the official scientific paper (not the new article about it) is "The Anthropocene is functionally and stratigraphically distinct from the Holocene." What does it mean for something to be "stratigraphically distinct?" (You might have to remind yourself what "stratigraphy" means. Search Google, or check out this short video aimed at upper-elementary students: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJkp_HWkVjM )
5) Consider what sorts of things will deteriorate or decompose over time, and what sorts of things will likely remain intact for thousands of years, preserved in the "strata" from the 21st century. What sorts of ideas or misconceptions might people thousands of years in the future have about our present-day (2016), based on the evidence we leave behind?
When you finish, submit your answers (via Edmodo, e-mail, or Google Share), and then make sure your assignment from yesterday is complete.
Secondly, make sure that you are finished with all WhiteboxLearning Background Research. Any activities or quizzes that remain are HOMEWORK due by Thursday morning.
Third, get to work on your Mars Robot Challenges. If you are working on Learning Missions, I want you to STOP and move on to Challenge Mission 1. You have all the skills you need to do at least half of the Challenge Missions based only on the straight line and turn commands. Mr. Franklin or a classmate can help you with the rest.
At of the start of class today, please read and carefully consider the following news article:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/anthropocene-humanity-has-changed-the-earth-so-much-that-it-has-entered-a-new-epoch-scientists-a6802066.html
(If you have any trouble following the link, the same article is posted as a .PDF file below.)
The article argues that Earth is currently entering a brand new epoch they're calling the "Anthropocene." (The prefix "anthro-" means "human." For instance, "anthropology" is the study of human civilizations and culture.)
1) Why do you think they suggest that name for the geologic epoch?
2) Describe the top 5 ways, in your opinion, that human beings have affected or changed the Earth. Be specific, and refer to direct evidence from the article.
3) According to the article, what are "technofossils?"
4) The title of the official scientific paper (not the new article about it) is "The Anthropocene is functionally and stratigraphically distinct from the Holocene." What does it mean for something to be "stratigraphically distinct?" (You might have to remind yourself what "stratigraphy" means. Search Google, or check out this short video aimed at upper-elementary students: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJkp_HWkVjM )
5) Consider what sorts of things will deteriorate or decompose over time, and what sorts of things will likely remain intact for thousands of years, preserved in the "strata" from the 21st century. What sorts of ideas or misconceptions might people thousands of years in the future have about our present-day (2016), based on the evidence we leave behind?
When you finish, submit your answers (via Edmodo, e-mail, or Google Share), and then make sure your assignment from yesterday is complete.
Secondly, make sure that you are finished with all WhiteboxLearning Background Research. Any activities or quizzes that remain are HOMEWORK due by Thursday morning.
Third, get to work on your Mars Robot Challenges. If you are working on Learning Missions, I want you to STOP and move on to Challenge Mission 1. You have all the skills you need to do at least half of the Challenge Missions based only on the straight line and turn commands. Mr. Franklin or a classmate can help you with the rest.