Figure 1. A glass half filled with water. A straw placed in the glass appears to bend at the point where the straw enters the water. What you are observing is referred to as a point of refraction. The light slows down slightly as it goes from the air to the water and the result is that the straw appears to bend. Assignment- Conduct independent research and write a two paragraph essay on your understanding of refraction and how you think if differs from reflection.
Figure 2. Cows on a slope happily munching on grass. Is that really all you see? I think you see much more. Alert* New word for the word wall: Symbiosis. Assignment- Conduct independent research and prepare an outline for class discussion on the new term and how it applies to the scene depicted in figure 2. Incorporate the following words into your discussion: species; organism; relationship; manure; nutrients. After the class discussion, be prepared to create a simple illustration of the relationship between the cows and the grass. (The second portion of this assignment will be completed as a class project).
Figure 3. A lovely garden of green vegetables. What gives the plants their lovely green color? Assignment-Prepare a one paragraph essay explaining why the plants are green, New word to consider: Chlorphyll
Figure 4. Observe the picture in figure 4. The area has undergone a degree of soil erosion. Assignment: Conduct research and explain in a two paragraph essay the role that the trees and the tree roots play in keeping the soil intact.