Pandoran Desert Design Challenge

My NATSCA2 class is tasked to create a Pandoran desert ecosystem. Each group is to do a round robin among its members to create the desired product. For example member 1 starts off by generating a file. This is then followed by member 2, who edits file 1 and saves it as file 2. This goes on until the last member completes his/her version. The group may start again with member 1 editing the last member's file. They can do this until the deadline on Mar 1, 245 pm. Folders have been created on the dropbox location of the class.

Since the design challenge is to develop an ecosystem. This will require the groups to create producers, consumer levels as well as non-biological components. They will also be judged by how they develop their concepts from the original Pandoran design themes (i.e. bio-links, etc.)

Pandoran Ecosystem

My students have submitted their rendering of Pandoran marine life. Interesting concepts. One drawing was a Pandoran Dory with the matching hose for hook-ups. Another was a Pandoran seahorse. I'd like to take this further. I'd like to see a Pandoran Marine ecosystem. It has to include communities of producers, consumers (primary, secondary, tertiary). These components have to be properly labeled (i.e. I need to know what the role of the organism is in the ecosystem). This homework will be due on Feb 8, before 245pm, in my dropbox folder. Some students have installed dropbox but their work is not visible to me because they have not joined my shared folder.

AVATAR Bonus Exercise

I'd like my students to draw their concepts of marine life in Pandora. (Scanned drawings to be submitted in Dropbox). They have to consider the existing themes shown in the movie. This will be equivalent to 1 exercise. I am just curious as to what Pandoran marine life would be. Would the Navi be able to bond with them as well?

AVATAR

Watched Avatar in 3D last night. This is the 2nd time I've watched this , the first time was not in 3D. Interesting to see how the details came alive in this viewing experience. Just wondering what the thought process was in creating the creatures. I'd like to say more but perhaps I'll wait until my students turn in their homework due on 01 Feb 2010. The task is for them to view avatar and answer the following questions by means of 60-100 word essays:

1.) Briefly state the philosophy of RDA ( Resource Development Authority, Earth) and critique its strengths and weaknesses.

2.) Briefly state the philosophy of the Navi and critique its strengths and weaknesses.

3.) Are the two worldviews reconcilable? Discuss any possible ways of reconciling the 2 worldviews.

4.) Critique the Wildlife and Foliage of Pandora? What do you think are the inspirations for creating these creatures, in our world.

5.) Discuss your own ideas for creatures that should be there. Any ideas on Pandoran, aquatic life?

My NATSCA2 students are expected to submit this at the above mentioned date, before 245pm at the dropbox location sent previously.