Mystery Class Update: February 16, 2007

Today's Report Includes:

Journal Question: Sunrise after Sunset at MC #3?
Is it possible for sunrise to occur after sunset on the same day at the same place?

Take a look at the mysterious (but correct) sunrise/sunset times for Mystery Class #3. What in the world is going on there? Think it through, write your thoughts in a journal, and then come together to discuss in groups.

What are you able to learn about this location from its unique times? Do you think next week's data from this site will be unusual again?



This Week's
Sunrise/Sunset
Data

for Monday Feb 12
>>
Explore!
Is Something More than Day Length Changing?
As you notice day length changing on your graphs, stop and think about how the food chain is changing too. The Sun is at the base of the food chain.

Sunlight makes plants grow, animals eat these plants, and predators prey on these animals, and so on. The animal movements and the signs of spring that you track or observe will be related to daylight in one way or another.
Take a look!


In this video, Journey North's
founder and Director, Elizabeth Howard,
summarizes the Sun's central role in all living systems.

Watch the Connection! >>


Then come back and try this "enlightening" activity

Can you think of all the changes that happen when the seasons and the amount of sunlight change?

Using webbing activities, explore the central role of sunlight in all living systems -- plants, animals and more!

Seeing the Light >>

Get Ready! Prepare for Longitude Clues: What's Your Global Address?
Latitude and longitude are central concepts of Mystery Class. They make up a global grid address system, and they are a key tool in your hunt to find the secret locations.

Travel the globe using the slideshow/booklet and the grid-based game below, to help get you comfortable with the concepts of latitude and longitude.

Did you know that all ten mystery sites have global addresses that everyone can understand, no matter what language they speak, or how remote the location is?

Learn about this fascinating global address system:

See the slideshow and printable booklet >>


Try this grid-based game and devise clues with your classmates to develop your global location skills.

You'll soon see the value of using latitude and longitude.

Read on>>

Where in the World
Grid Game

Don't Miss!
Advice from Teachers below
 
Resources: This Week's Mystery Class Resources
  • Lesson: More about latitude and longitude:The "hula hoops" of the Global Grid>>
  • Advice from Teachers:
    • Longitude & Literature>>
    • Longitude Place Marker >>
    • Rappin' and Rhyming with Longitude >>
  • Reading Strategies: Reading With Experts: Navigating Difficult Passages >>
  • Mystery Class Deadlines >>

More Mystery Class Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The Next Mystery Classs Update Will Be Posted on February 23, 2007.