Mystery Class
 
Mystery Class Update: February 23, 2007

Today's Report Includes:

This Week's
Sunrise/Sunset Data
for Monday Feb 19 >>
Journal Question: The "Plot" Thickens
After four weeks of plotting data, what do the lines of your graph allow you to conclude about the secret locations?

Which location is the farthest north? The farthest south? The closest to the equator? Can you list all ten locations from north to south? Where does your hometown fit in that list?

Write your thoughts in a journal, and then come together to discuss in groups.
GSI: Global Search Investigation--More Tools for Your Search

Greetings Global Investigators,

On March 9, we'll reveal the long-awaited Longitude Clues,
an important tool in your investigation. These clues will be amazing! Why?
Because they will show you how to estimate the approximate longitude of the
Mystery Classes, getting you even closer to discovering where they are hiding.

To help you be ready for these special clues, we've prepared more tools, techniques and procedures below used by experienced "GSIs" to assist in this global mystery:
1) GMT timekeeping

Last week we laid the groundwork for Longitude Clues, introducing you to using latitude and longitude for identifying locations.

This week, preparations continue by introducing you to a different kind of time data called GMT (for Greenwich Mean Time) or UT time.

What is GMT timekeeping? >>
2) Do you really know what causes the Sun to rise and set on earth?


To use the Longitude Clues, you also need to understand what actually brings sunrise and sunset on earth.

Learn More >>


Try This! Eggstraordinary Equinox Experiment

The Longitude Clues will relate to the vernal equinox, March 21, a day many consider the start of spring! The amounts of day and night are roughly equal on that day -- approximately 12 hours each.

On the equinoxes, some also say a special kind of force occurs that makes a raw egg balance on its own end! Do you think this is true? Can there be some force that makes raw eggs balance on the equinoxes but not on other days? Is there a scientific way for you to test this? Make your predictions and put on your lab coat-- the experiment is about to begin!

Conduct this Eggceptional experiment
before, during and after the equinox!

Are There Special Powers on the Equinox? >>
Resources: This Week's Mystery Class Resources

Teacher's Guide: for February 23, 2007 spotlights:

  • Did You Know? The calculations students perform for the Longitude Clues came from a million dollar science reward challenge that changed the world. Read more >>

Other Resources:

  • Reading Strategies: Reading With Experts: Navigating Difficult Passages >>
  • Mystery Class Deadlines: Mark your Calendars >>
More Mystery Class Lessons and Teaching Ideas!

The Next Mystery Classs Update Will Be Posted on March 2, 2007.


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