In this segment of the course the group members work together to produce each module. The students will deal with topics in the natural sciences, the formation of the star system, the geology of the planet, and weather.  The last part of this segment chronicles the emergence of simple life forms.

During this time the world builders should read the material provided on the web site.  They should also expand their computer skills and share computer expertise with each other.   Contact Dr Viau at Mission Control  for help with questions and computer problems.

Student work will show understanding of

     how stars and planetary systems form
     what tectonic plates are and do
     basic land forming processes such as erosion, volcanism, and glaciation
     contour maps
     how land forms and elevation affect rainfall and so later influence life form
               distribution.
     the basic needs of living organisms
     a simple model of cell structure
   
Computer Skills: 

  By the end of this segment, each person should be able to 

     create pages and link them together 
    draw and capture graphics and insert them into the pages as appropriate.
     use email with attachments to share files
     search the web for information
     open pdf files
     download, install and use Universe,  AlfaPad, and Fractal Terrains

In this segment the students work individually to produce aquatic algae and animals, and then to combine them in ecological communities.  Each person will create a module for the development of water algae, a module for the development of water animals, and a module showing life form relationships in one aquatic ecological system.  Students will meet to design and create an organizing page for each topic which will link the modules of each assignment together using a simple menu with links.

Student work will show understanding of

    the relationship of structure to function in life forms
    the process of adaptation to environmental conditions by life forms
    the process of natural selection
    the process of evolution
    the supporting and limiting features of a water environment

Computer Skills: 

  By the end of this segment, each person should be able to 

     locate, download, and install programs from the internet
     independently use simple programs such as 
                  Morpheus, 
                  ExtractNow, and
                  Gif Construction Set
     take screenshots and save them as graphics
    zip and unzip files

In this segment the students work individually to produce  plants and animals that can live on land, and then to combine them in ecological communities.  Students will show that these organisms have evolved from their aquatic life forms.   Each person will make a module showing the development of land plants, the development of land animals, and one land-based ecological system.

Student work will show understanding of

    the challenges posed by living on land
    the conditions that describe several basic biomes
    limiting factors that affect biological diversity
    biological niches
    life styles and structures of basic biological groups
        plants: annuals, perennials, monocotyledons, dicotyledons
        animals: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, insects

Computer Skills: 

  By the end of this segment, each person should be able to 

     produce PowerPoint presentations or web pages with graphics, animation,
          and sound
     use additional programs, such as Virtual Flower 
     work easily and confidently with the computer
     amaze friends, family, students and Dr Viau with his/her beautiful world!