#10 Discussion Prompt – Isaac Newton

You have spent the last few days researching and writing about Isaac Newton and his accomplishments.  In your opinion, what is Newton’s  most important accomplishment (your claim)? Include evidence and reasoning to support your claim.

#9 Discussion Prompt – Renewable Resources

You have been reading and thinking about renewable resources with lesson 4-2-12.  In your opinion, what are the three most important renewable resources for the United States, and what makes them important?

#8 Discussion Prompt – Space Exploration

We spent the last two days watching videos about exploring the Moon and Mars.  Scientists learn many things from these types of exploration and technology makes advances that often benefit us, like the creation of jump/flash/thumb drives from the Mars rovers.  However, this type of science is extremely expensive. 

So – in your opinion – 1) Should the US government continue funding NASA type exploration (include your reasons)?; AND  if you answered yes to part one, 2) Should the US send people to either the Moon and/or Mars (include your reasons)?

# 7 Discussion Prompt – 8th

For lesson 3-1-3, we watched an episode of the Magic School Bus cartoon, where students played baseball on a frictionless field.  Last year we watched a few MSB episodes when we studied the human body, and we watched an episode about sound this year. 

Here is a list of all the students in this series: Arnold , Ralphie, Carlos, Tim, Dorothy Ann (also called DA), Keisha, Wanda, Janet (rarely speaks) and Phoebe (often says they didn’t do… at her old school).

For this prompt explain: 1) Which of these students is the best comparison of you as a science student, and what about that character do you see in yourself? AND 2) Which is your favorite character, and why are they your favorite.

#6 Most important Scientist for Electricity / Magnetism

We have been studying nine (9) scientists who were important for our understanding of electricity and /or magnetism.  You have completed a journal entry in which you ranked them from most important to least important.  In this entry, pick one of these nine scientists and explain why you think he is the most important of the nine.  Include what this scientist did in the field of electricity and magnetism that makes him so important.

#5 Science and politics

You have been thinking about how politics controlled what Galileo was permitted to study and publish.  We also discussed the recent examples of global warming and stem cell research not supported by the Bush administration, and that global warming research is supported by the Obama administration and the rules governing stem cell research are currently under review by our goverment.

Do you think it is appropriate for our government to influence what people are studying in science?  Are there any topics that the government should be supporting?  Any topics the government should not interfer with?   Any topics the government should prevent scientists from working on?  What are your thoughts?

Discussion # 4 – Sea Camp Experience

Now that you have been to Sea Camp, reflect back on what you have learned and accomplished.  For this prompt, please explain the most important thing you learned about marine biology / oceanography and/or about yourself, including an explanation as to why you feel this is important for you to know.

Discussion #3 – Advice!!!!

What advice do you have for 7th graders regarding the human body project?

Prompt #2 – 8th : Simulations

Many of you played with the pendulum simulator while working on the pendulum challenge.  For this discussion, explain the pros and cons of using a simulation to solve real science problems.  (Note: Some simulations are computer programs like we used for the pendulum challenge, but a simulation does not have to be computerized program).

Use of the Scientific Method

Why do scientists (and many other professionals) use the scientific method when doing research? 

Mrs. Du Houx’s current 8th grade students are encouraged to respond to this post within the next 5 days. 

Reminder: How frequently  (at least once per month) and the quality of your post discussions, will be used as part of your partcipation grade in this class.