1. 6 th Grade Field Trip Biosphere 2 March 2 nd, 3 rd and 4 th 2016

2. Biosphere 2 Facts  Space Biospheres Ventures bought the property in 1984 and began construction of the current facility in 1986 to research and develop self-sustaining space-colonization technology.  Two missions, between 1991 and 1994, sealed Biospherians inside the glass enclosure to measure survivability. Behind this highly public exercise was useful research that helped further ecological understanding.  Columbia University managed it from 1996-2003 and reconfigured the structure for a different mode of scientific research, including a study on the effects of carbon dioxide on plants. Columbia also built classrooms and housing for college students of earth systems science.  The University of Arizona assumed ownership of Biosphere 2 in July 2011. A generous gift from the Philecology Foundation helps fund Biosphere 2 operations and some research projects. Other grants and awards, primarily from the National Science Foundation, also support research activities.

3. Where is the Biosphere 2?  Biosphere 2 is located north of Tucson, Arizona at the base of the stunning Santa Catalina Mountains. This one-of-a-kind facility sits on a ridge at a cool elevation of nearly 4000 feet and is surrounded by a magnificent natural desert preserve.

4. What will the students be doing at the B2?  Students will be participating in up to 8 different modules all aimed at increasing the students’ awareness and understanding of the Earth and its various systems.  Students will learn about the impact of the water cycle on Earth’s systems and the impact of human actions on the Earth’s resources.  Lastly students will be participate in daily reflections and journaling to help them make connections to their classroom education.

5. Parents we need your help!!  Tax Credit money $200 single, $400 joint.  Chaperones  Boo Grams and other fund raising events.  Fall festival 6 th grade booth  Group of parents to help with snacks and distribution of snacks before departure  Extended family members can donate through tax credit

6. Chaperone costs and requirements: Submit your name for the lottery by 10/23/15 Provide fingerprint clearance card that is valid through April 2016 or attend the fingerprint clinic scheduled for 10/28/15 between 8:30 and 9:30 a.m. Attend Chaperone meeting 2/17/16 @ 6:00 p.m. in B5 Travel with students in the bus to and from the B2. Be willing to lead ice breaker activities with students prior to departure to the B2. The three day stay requires a good amount of walking, climbing stairs and monitoring students in the day group as well as during casita time. All these activities will require a good amount of stamina. Living “off grid” spotty internet coverage is the norm so, working “from B2” may not be an option. Chaperones will have to pay for their trip which is $200, this will be in addition to the $75 that you will pay for your student. Tax credit does not apply towards the chaperone fee.

7. B2 Updates  Updates to the field trips will be added to the 6 th Grade page  All forms and FAQ’s will be posted on the Biosphere 2 page  Please make sure that you signed up for Remind  Please email the sixth grade teachers for questions and clarifications