Introduction |
- Register for Journey North (registration is free)
- Sunrise/Sunset Data Look-up
- Mystery Class Data Sheet (one per student)
- Mystery Class Graph (one per student)
- Colored pencils or markers: eleven different colors
- Mystery Class Photoperiod Map (optional)
- Weekly Mystery Class News Updates and Data & Clues Page
- Frequently asked questions
| Data Sheet | Photoperiod Graph | |
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| Download and
Print DOC or HTML |
Download and Print DOC or PDF Tape the two pages together to create a tall graph. |
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Teaching Suggestions
Work as a team. Divide your class into ten groups. Assign each group one of the ten sites. Your
hometown is the eleventh location. Provide one Data Sheet and one Graph to each group. Each week, calculate and graph photoperiod for each site.
Modifications
If you would like information about how to modify this project for students with varied needs, Contact Journey North when Mystery Class begins in late January.
Monday, January 28 through Monday, April 8, 2013
1. RECORD Local Sunrise/Sunset Times
Every
Monday, look up your local sunrise/sunset times in the newspaper or
on the web: Sunrise/Sunset Look-up. Record
the information on the Data Sheet. This sheet has columns for Universal Time (UT) which will be used later in the season when sunrise/sunset times for the secret sites are given in both local and Universal Time.
2.
CALCULATE and GRAPH Local Photoperiod
Calculate photoperiod by counting the number of hours and minutes the sun is up. Choose
a color for your local photoperiod and plot it
on the Mystery Class Graph. Remind students that all of the Mystery Class sites are recording their Monday sunrise/sunset times, too. Encourage students to make predictions before the Mystery Class sunrise/sunset data is revealed in Friday Updates.
3. REPORT Local Photoperiod to the Mystery Class Map (Optional)
New this year! Mystery Class participants are invited to report daylength to the Photoperiod Map on Mondays, January 28 - April 8, 2013. This map is a tool that will help students visualize photoperiod data around the globe. The ten mystery sites are at secret locations and will not be shown on this map.
Friday, February 1 through Friday, April 12, 2013.
1.
RECORD Sunrise/Sunset Data for Mystery Classes
Every
Friday, read News Updates to discover Monday sunrise/sunset data from each Mystery Class. Use separate data
sheets to record information for each Mystery Class.
2.
CALCULATE and GRAPH Photoperiod for Mystery Classes
Count the number of hours and minutes between
sunrise and sunset. Record photoperiod on the datasheet. On the graph, use
a different colored pencil or marker to plot the photoperiod for each
Mystery Class.
3.
ANALYZE Photoperiod Data
Weekly updates include journal questions to help students reflect on the data. You may also use the Mystery Class map to help students compare Mystery Class daylengths to photoperiods from known locations around the globe. Remember: the ten mystery sites are at secret locations and will not be shown on this map.
On March 15, Longitude Clues will be revealed. These clues help students calculate the approximate longitude of each Mystery Class.
From March 22nd - April 12th, Interdisciplinary Clues will be revealed. These clues are
about the geography and culture of each
Mystery Class site.
Meet the Mystery Classes: May 2013
In the month of May, the ten Mystery Classes
introduce themselves and invite you to correspond
with them online.
Register for Journey North: (Free)
If you are already registered for Journey North, you do not have to register again. Registration is required to receive News Updates, report daylength times, and submit the Mystery Class Answer Form. Register here.
Prepare for Instruction: Download and read two PDF packets.
Prepare Students: Monthly Updates build interest and background knowledge.
- Countdown to Mystery Class (September - December)
Other Links to Explore:
