Archive+-+Grade+8

ARCHIVE - GRADE 8

Measurement Webquest WEBQUEST RESOURCES 1. [|**__Taking America's Measure__**] ([])

2. [|**Metric Usage in Other Countries**] ([])

3. [|**__Metric Prefixes__**]** ( **[|**http://www.essex1.com/people/speer/large.html**]** ) ** 4. [|**Just for Fun**] ([])

5. [|**Metric History**] ([]) or ([])

6. [|**World Wide Metric**] ([])

7. ** [|Metric Definitions] ** ([])

8. ** [|Figure This Challenge #34] ** ([])

9**.** **[|__Figure This Challenge #6__] [|7] ** ([])

**INVASIVE SPECIES TERM PAPER - Draft due by March 30th. Final paper due April 13th. **
In biology, a species is defined as native (or **indigenous**) to a given region or ecosystem if its presence in that region is the result of only natural processes, with no human intervention. Every natural organism (as opposed to a domesticated organism) has its own natural range of distribution in which it is regarded as native. Outside this native range, a species may be introduced by human activity; it is then referred to as an //**introduced species**// within the regions where it was introduced. Some introduced species are damaging to the ecosystem they are introduced into, others have no negative effect. If the introduced species is damaging, it is then referred to as an //**invasive species**//.
 * Introduction:**

This is a **list of invasive species in** North America. A species is regarded as invasive if it has become capable of establishing a breeding population in the new location without further intervention by humans, and becomes a //pest// in the new location, directly threatening agriculture or the local biodiversity.

You will select **1 invasive species** and provide a report on the species. What is it? Where did it come from? Was it damaging or beneficial in its native location? What damage if occuring in its new location because of its presence? What attempts have been made to control it? What has succeeded or failed? What do you thing the future will bring regarding this invasive species? And any other pertinent information.

**Every term paper regardless of the subject has the following sections:** **1. Introduction** or purpose of the paper. This opening part **//acquaints the reader with the// //problem//** and **//states your//** //**thesis**//. //(// //This is a sentence that states what you want your paper to show, what you want to convince your readers about after having read your paper.////This is the foundation of the entire work and informs the reader exactly what you wish to achieve with the paper, what you wish to prove or disprove.)//


 * 2. Body**: It is usually divided into various headings and sub-headings connected with different aspects of the topic. For example:
 * Heading 1: **History of the problem**. What is the natural home of this species? How did it arrive to North America? (You may include past attempts at solutions.)
 * Heading 2: **Extent of the problem**. Who is affected? How big of an area is affected?
 * Heading 3: **Effects of the problem**. What is happening? What impact has it had on the environment? Who is being hurt, disrupted, etc.? Any effect on the economy?
 * Heading 4: **Possible future solutions**. What is being suggested?

**3. Conclusion**: Sums up the points made in the term paper and gives a strong answer to the thesis.

B**e sure to use citations for the information you copy from the Internet.** Y**ou must include a Citations Page ** at the end of the paper listing the sources you used. Click here to access the file regarding how to write citations and how to included them within your text.

Resource Links:
 * [|National Invasive Species Information Center]


 * [|The Nature Conservancy]


 * Scientific American


 * Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health


 * [|Science News]

Regarding //**Adaption**//, click the following link to connect with the simulation we were using in class:

[]


 * Due ** Monday, March 18th **Wednesday, March 20th:** 5 paragraph essay concerning the exploration of Mars.


 * Mars: A 20-year history **


 * D ** escribe our excursions to Mars along the lines of past, present and future. What equipment have we sent there and what have we learned (or hope to learn) from these excursions?

Based on what you have learned, describe what you think Mars looked like over a million years ago. [Illustrations are acceptable]

Write a 5 paragraph paper including: //**Introduction**//, //**Body**// and //**Conclusion**//


 * Resources: **

[]

[]

media type="custom" key="24325304"

Continuing with our study of the Moon, we are looking at the phases of the Moon and their connection to facts and myths.


 * Astrology and the Lunar Cycle: Is there a Connection? **

Aside from the scientific explanation, the term "moon cycle" is often heard in astrological circles. According to astrology, the moon's cycle can affect the way we feel about things. In particular, when the moon is full or new, both males and females can experience dramatic changes in their mood and behavior.


 * Research the Moon’s effects on things like: fishing, hunting, the market, human behavior, etc. **

What is the significance, if any, of the Harvest moon or the Blue moon?

Write a 1-page report using the 5-paragraph essay approach: Introduction, body, and conclusion.

Links:


 * [|Live Science]
 * [|Moon Connection]
 * [|Full Moon & Behavior]
 * [|Astrography]
 * [|About Astrology]
 * [|Astrology Room]
 * [|More Astrology Info]
 * [|Birth Moon Phase]
 * [|Fishing & Hunting calendar]
 * [|Moon Mythology]
 * [|Moon Phases & Surgical Success]
 * [|Moon Mythology-2]

FYI: [|Click here for the link to the PBS site] that has the video regarding the demotion of Pluto from planet to dwarf planet.