Session Date
Lesson Topic
Ammonites/ fossil cephalopods
Lesson Outline
The ammonites went extinct ~65 million years ago when an asteroid slammed into Mexico (Yucatan) and killed ~70% of all species on the planet. However they are fairly common in the fossil record including from Madagascar so we examined an actual fossil I collected in the field.
We then colored some simple ammonite page with colored pencils and my watercolor markers (Jane liked them!). We experimented with shading and mixing colors by layering different art media (e.g., marker on top of pencil). Thanks to watercolor pens, we were able to discuss brush strokes and other methods useful for all art projects.
Relating this back to current core =science curriculum, we discussed tectonic plates, that initially sparked disinterest but turned to a great conversation in the explanation of Madagascar: the island nation was once attached along with India to Africa, separated about 160 Million Years Ago (MYA) from Africa along with India, then Madagascar stayed in its current location as India broke off ~88 MYA, moving north and slamming into the Eurasian plate about 50 MYA. This currently active geological motion continues to make the Himalayan mountains increase in altitude by about 1 cm/year. Because of the relation of the geological plates, Madagascar animals (e.g., frogs) are more similar to those in India than they are similar to animals in Africa. Jane was completely engaged in this discussion where initially she did not seem interested in tectonic plate movements.
We then colored some simple ammonite page with colored pencils and my watercolor markers (Jane liked them!). We experimented with shading and mixing colors by layering different art media (e.g., marker on top of pencil). Thanks to watercolor pens, we were able to discuss brush strokes and other methods useful for all art projects.
Relating this back to current core =science curriculum, we discussed tectonic plates, that initially sparked disinterest but turned to a great conversation in the explanation of Madagascar: the island nation was once attached along with India to Africa, separated about 160 Million Years Ago (MYA) from Africa along with India, then Madagascar stayed in its current location as India broke off ~88 MYA, moving north and slamming into the Eurasian plate about 50 MYA. This currently active geological motion continues to make the Himalayan mountains increase in altitude by about 1 cm/year. Because of the relation of the geological plates, Madagascar animals (e.g., frogs) are more similar to those in India than they are similar to animals in Africa. Jane was completely engaged in this discussion where initially she did not seem interested in tectonic plate movements.
Session Minutes
60
Minutes Student Attended
75
Lesson Comments
She was really starting to get keen to learn more about science. We had many lessons planned for the future and my disappearance may come as a shock to Jayne.
Please note that after this session, I spent another unpaid hour talking with Andrea and Nicole during which time it was made clear that I would be paid $150 for my scheduled time this Friday but due to 'scheduling' reasons, I was fired from this job that I understood would last at least until June with the promise of remote work from Madagascar. I am genuinely surprised that some sort of scheduling was not discussed prior to a direct firing, especially after I wrote to Nicole about another job offer and she encouraged me to take on a second day of teaching at the Batt School instead.
Please note that after this session, I spent another unpaid hour talking with Andrea and Nicole during which time it was made clear that I would be paid $150 for my scheduled time this Friday but due to 'scheduling' reasons, I was fired from this job that I understood would last at least until June with the promise of remote work from Madagascar. I am genuinely surprised that some sort of scheduling was not discussed prior to a direct firing, especially after I wrote to Nicole about another job offer and she encouraged me to take on a second day of teaching at the Batt School instead.
Session Hours
1.00
Hours Attended
1.25
Entry Status
Review Status
Student Name(s)
Subject
School