Students are asked to explain which methods for dating ancient artifacts would be the most effective and why.

• A human mummy found high in an Andean mountain cave.
• A fossil shell found in a quarry in eastern Iowa.
• A moon rock brought back by astronauts.
• Wooden support timbers from a Native American cliff dwelling.
• Very old rocks found in NE Canada.

*Evidence, Models and Explanation

You are member of a team asked to plan the next human exploratory trip beyond the inner planets. Students are asked to respond to the following questions based on this scenario: How will you plan for the "expected" in such a journey and what would be "unexpected" problems as part of the exploratory journey? How will you plan for all types of situations?

Students are asked to describe the current scientific explanation for the origin of the solar system.

*Evidence, Models and Explanation

NASA has a goal of sending "pioneers" to build a base for humans on the moon as a take-off point for future planetary exploration. Students are asked to design a lunar base for future inhabitants based on their knowledge of the moon's properties and basic human needs for survival in such an environment.

*Systems, Order and Organization

*Unifying Concept (NSES) represented in this activity. Unifying concepts cross curricular areas and provide students with productive and insightful ways of thinking about and integrating basic ideas that explain the natural and designed world.