A Letter from Dr. Robert Ballard

Our Sponsor: JASON XIV "From Shore to Sea"

A Letter from Dr. Robert Ballard

Have you ever wondered why life exists on Earth and if there is life on other planets in the solar system? I have. Each year students like you join my research team to discover the answers to these very big questions.

We began our exploration 14 years ago to examine whether Earth is the only planet in the solar system to support life. Our first task was to take an inventory of the Earth systems needed to support life on our planet. We have examined the lithosphere (crust), the atmosphere (gasses that surround our planet), the hydrosphere (water), the crysophere (frozen water) and the biosphere (life), by traveling to unique and fascinating locations on the planet to study them.

Through our JASON expeditions we've traveled:

* To the crushing depths of the Sea of Cortez (using the JASON remote-operated vehicle and submersible Alvin). We observed giant clams, tubeworms, and bacterial mats that feed of chemicals spewed forth by hydrothermal vents. We asked, "If these deep water vent communities can live in such hostile conditions, might life forms also exist elsewhere in the solar system?"

* To the Hawaiian Islands to witness new volcanic land forming beneath our feet. We looked to space, using NASA's infrared telescope to ask, "Are there active volcanoes in space?" The answer was a resounding "yes." Jupiter's moon Io has several very hot active volcanoes, and we saw them erupt from right here on Earth.

* To Earth's Polar Regions to explore how creatures survive in these frozen worlds. Knowing that water is a key ingredient in the formation of life, we asked, " Is there frozen water on other planets in space?" NASA's missions to Mars and Europa indicate that water exists, or may have existed on other planets in our solar system.

* To the rainforests of Belize, Peru and Washington. We asked. "Did rainforests always exist on our planet where they do now?" Uncovering a 63 million year old fossil rainforest in Colorado certainly proved that our planet's climate has changed dramatically over time.

We discovered that there is much more to life on Earth (and perhaps elsewhere) than we think!

Now it's your turn to help us collect data and ask questions about the systems that sustain life on Earth. Your challenge is to examine where on the planet life is most concentrated and what people are doing to ensure that these areas will continue to support life. So, let's join the expedition team and travel to the Channel Islands region of California. There, you will find giant kelp forests, northern elephant seals, unique geologic conditions, and an outstanding group of researchers who are working hard to better understand and conserve precious natural and cultural resources.

The first thing I'll ask you to do is begin a research journal. As we explore the theme of monitoring change, try to answer these
questions in your journal:

1. What makes the Channel Islands region unique?
2. How has this region changed over time?
3. How do you measure these changes?
4. How do you distinguish natural change from change caused by humans?
5. Why is it important to have national parks and national marine sanctuaries?

Have a great year of exploration!

Dr. Robert Ballard

Click here to learn more: http://www.homeschool.com/JASON/XIV

 

Meet Homeschool.com's Jr. Media Team
On Location with JASON XIV

In January 2003, three of Homeschool.com's Jr. Media Team members will travel to The Channel Islands in Southern California to interview the JASON XIV scientific team. Throughout the year your child will have the opportunity to exchange ideas with our team as they use the JASON XIV At-Home program. Read the books the team is reading, do the experiments are they doing, and join them at Team JASON Online!

Click here to learn more:
http://www.homeschool.com/JASON/MediaTeam

 

Join The JASON At-Home Adventure Today!

In 1986, Dr. Robert Ballard peered into the murky darkness at the hull of the R.M.S Titanic and asked himself, "Why only me?" Three years later, his dream of sharing the wonder of exploration and discovery became reality when thousands of children were first able to join him on real research projects and take part in substantive exchanges with researchers.

Each year, Dr. Ballard and his world-renowned JASON team mount a major scientific expedition in one or more of the Earth's most fascinating places. In 2002-2003, JASON XIV Shore to Sea will bring homeschoolers virtually to the unique Channel Islands region of California.

Now homeschoolers can become scientists by actively engaging in hands-on research by following the example of real researchers! Complete fascinating experiments at home using the award-winning JASON Project curriculum and interactive program.

Join the JASON XIV Research Team as they look at:

- History of maritime culture in California's Channel Island region
- Culture of Native Chumash
- Marine and terrestrial ecosystems of the Channel Islands
- Tools and methods of scientific research
- Geology and geologic history
- Watershed studies
- Inter-relationships of ecosystems
- Management and monitoring of natural resources

Available exclusively through Homeschool.com, the complete year-long JASON XIV At-Home program is available for $75.00 per family.

Click here to learn more: http://www.homeschool.com/JASON/XIV