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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
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