I have wanted to participate in Journey North's Mystery Class Project for several years and have decided to do it this year. This year's mystery starts on Monday when you'll record your own sunrise & sunset time and determine your local photoperiod. Then, starting on Friday, you'll receive clues to your 10 mystery sites.
I like this project because it not only uses science, but also math, geography, and research skills. Possibly more! I haven't decided if we'll try to determine all 10 mystery sites or keep it smaller since it's our first year. Also, this project is geared to a classroom setting where each group of 2-3 students are only trying to find one of the mystery classes.
To prepare, we will be doing a few projects early in the week. I'll try to get them done on Tuesday (if it isn't too cloudy) so I can post about them.
We will also be learning more about what causes the seasons using this Sunbeams and Sundials site. And, I've just requested a few books from the libary.
Has anyone ever done this class before and can offer some tips? Or have you blogged about what you've done in past years? If so, please let me know. I'm a little unsure of what I'm doing, but ready to jump in this time. (Update: I just found where Melissa at Here in the Bonny Glen posted about these mystery classes last January. She wrote a wonderful post!)
Anyone want to join us on this mystery???
Saturday, January 31, 2009
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4 comments:
We did this project a few years ago (with the Bonny Glen gang) and it was sooooo fun and we learned so much. I think you guys will really enjoy it.
This looks like a lot of fun! And wnat a wonderful blog you have--lots of great stuff!
We did this last year and we learned a ton about the world.... BUT.... it was so monotonous each week when we'd have to do the math for each mystery location. GB didn't mind the extra stuff but he really groaned on the math parts.
Good luck with it. I think we ended up finding nine out of ten of the mystery sites. I really loved the last few weeks of it. That's when it got really interesting.
We did JN last year w/ Lissa.
I was the info mom.
I took down all of the sunrise/sunset times and made
an excel worksheet that did all the
calculations.
If you want the excel sheet I would be happy to share.
laurie
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