Methods 2: Week 9

 1.What did you do in lab today?

In the lab, there was a long, thin piece of paper that wrapped around at least one of the sides of classrooms. The paper represented the 4.6 billion years that the Earth has been around. Initially, we were tasked with placing when humans appeared, when dinosaurs ruled the earth, when animals appeared, when plants appeared, and when the moon was created. The moon was created first, then animals appeared, then plants, and finally humans. The big takeaway was that, in relation to Earth’s history, life on the planet is relatively young. All of these events (except the moon being created) occurred in the last quarter of Earth's timeline. Especially humans, which would barely be visible on the timeline at all. Then we explored a website where we could look at geological events in Earth's history, and pick some to add to the timeline. The added events confirmed the hypothesis that life was relatively new on Earth. At least in terms of what we generally think about when we think about life on Earth. I thought that it was interesting how the days have gotten longer as time goes on. I also thought that it was interesting that the boom of plants happens later than that of animals. 

        2.What was the big question?

How old is life on Earth in relation to the planet's creation? 

        3.What did you learn in Thursday’s discussion?

Took exam

2. Read the online textbook to an external site.

       1.What did you learn?

In the chapter, I gained a better understanding of Earth's timeline. In Lab, I thought more along those lines that all life on Earth was newer in relation to the creation of the planet. However, there was earlier life; it's just not the life that we typically think about in terms of lily plants, animals, and humans. Long ago, there were prokaryotic bacteria before the later life that we see today. I also thought that the Snowball Earth was very interesting, which is a period when the entire Earth was engulfed in ice. The chapter explained how the planet cycled through a cycle of ice formation, increased albedo, and cooling, resulting in a positive feedback loop that leads to a snowball Earth. These events show how resilient the Earth is in its ability to undergo drastic changes. As the resilience of life as bacteria continue to live in volcanoes. The chapter also discussed Pangea, when the Earth was all one continent. You can still see how the continents fit together like a puzzle, which led to continental drift or plate tectonic theories. 

       2.What was most helpful?

The concept of the Snowball Earth was the newest for me, and the explanation of the steps that occur to achieve this and how it's on a cycle helped me to better understand the phenomenon. I especially liked the actual cycle graphic, which made it very easy to follow, including the warming-up cycle. I also like the explanation of glationation, which helped me better understand how the process is even possible. I feel pretty confident with my understanding of Pangea, but I think that the visuals were a great addition for students to visually see how some continents look like they could fit together. This could be a fun activity for students to actually fit them together like a puzzle. 

       3.What do you need more information on?

I would be interested in learning more about Snowball Earth. I think it would be interesting to explore more of the history of these events and the cycle in relation to modern-day Earth. I also think it would be interesting to explore the diversification of life on Earth and how different organisms evolved into what we see today. 

3.What questions, concerns, and/or comments do you have?

No questions, comments, or concerns at this time.