extra credit due Monday, April 28

Here are two extra credit assignments. You can do either assignment, or both assignments. Your work in due by Monday, April 28. That is a 7th grade testing day, so if your class doesn't meet that day, just bring the assignment by between classes. Or, of course, you can turn it in earlier. 

Each question is worth 10 points. So, each assignment is worth up to 50 points. Write your answers on a paper and turn them in before the end of Monday.

Assignment 1
Read the article, "Stalking Plants by Scent." Then, answer these questions:

1. When the dodder first sprouts, how long can it survive without finding food?
2. How did scientists test the idea that the dodder can smell?
3. Why doesn't the dodder grow toward wheat plants?
4. How can this research help farmers?
5. What is the adaptation that makes dodders unique compared to other species of plants?

Assignment 2
Read the article, "Animal Buddies," at this link. Then, write down the answers to the following questions, and bring your work to class.

1. How did the animals become friends?
2. How did the scientists test whether the animals were truly friends?
3. What was different about the friendship formed by these animals and animal friendships scientists knew about before this research?
4. Why is friendship important for the baboons?
5. If you could ask the researchers one question about their research, what would you ask?

Extra Credit due April 15

You've heard the story of Ernest Shackleton's expedition to the Antarctica. Now, you have the chance to earn extra credit. Choose one of the following two topics and write a 5-paragraph essay related to the topic. Your essay can be worth up to 50 points, depending on how well it is written. Your essay is due on Tuesday, April 15. Here are your topics:

Topic 1:
Many people consider Ernest Shackleton a hero. Do you think he deserves that title?

Topic 2: 
Ernest Shackleton's crew was stuck in the Antarctica for almost two years. What do you think were the most important factors in their survival?