August 18, 2000

Dear Parent,

Please carefully read the information in this packet that describes your child’s research project in Planet Earth. I believe this project represents a wonderful and valuable learning opportunity for your child. I realize it is a lot of information to read but I believe it is very important that you understand all aspects of the project so that your child will meet with the highest level of success. Planet Earth requires self-discipline and hard work. Please check on your child’s progress from time to time and feel free to contact me if you have any questions (school phone: 841-3084, E-mail: thf@tenet.edu).

The research project will require a substantial amount of out of class time. In particular, the bird projects will require between 8 to 10 visits to the field area , therefore, careful consideration should be given before students with busy extracurricular schedules choose such projects. The other projects can be completed with 4 to 6 visits to the field area if all goes well. A substantial amount of class time will be devoted to this project to offset the out of class time demands. This class time can be used by students to work on the project or to do work for other classes in order to free up after school time for project research. Students will be required to purchase a bound notebook for the project and it is recommended that they purchase a topographic map and an aerial photo of their study area for approximately two dollars each. Besides these materials, it is possible for students to choose projects that require only materials that are normally found around the home plus a few special pieces of equipment provided by the school. If your child asks you to buy any expensive equipment for the project, please be aware that this is due to the choice of topic and is not a course requirement.

In addition to classroom instruction, workshops with local experts will be arranged during the first six weeks of class. Some will be during school and others will be after school and on weekends. This project culminates in a poster session in which all students will present the results of their research. Research begun this year could result in major prizes or scholarships in the future. In addition, the project will count for fifty percent of their final examination grade. The final examination grade counts for twenty five percent of their course grade.

Please sign below so that I know that you have seen this letter and the following 6 pages. Please give particular attention to the discussion of project partners and to the project due date sheet. Thank you for your time and interest.

Sincerely,

Tim Fennell

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(please detach and return by your child)

I have read and understand the requirements of my child's Planet Earth Project.