Standard 4
Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living environment and recognize the historical development idea in science.

Standard 5
Students will apply technological knowledge and skills to design, construct, use and evaluate products and systems to satisfy human and environmental needs.

Standard 6
Students will understand the relationships and common themes that connect mathematics, science and technology and apply the themes to these and other areas of learning.

Standard 7
Students will apply the knowledge and thinking skills of mathematics, science, and technology to address real-life problems and make informed decisions.

Time Required:
Preparation of materials - 8 hours
Implementation - 2 hours
Preparation for conference - 1 hour
implementation of Conference - 1 hour
Post Conference Planning - 2 hours
Implementation - 2 hours
Assessment - 2 hours
Revisiting the plan based on assessment - 2 hours

Logistical Planning:
The teacher and class will prepare the room and create the connection.  The two days prior to the scheduled videoconference, the teacher will develop a seating chart that will place an appropriate mix of students in each of the four quadrants.  The mix will include proficiency with subject matter, behavior limitations, and visual impairments.  One student, new to English will be placed close to the monitor so he can hear clearly.  Another student who has helped him in the past, will sit near him to help him along.  The table will be rearranged in a semi-circular pattern and the camera will be preset.  Manipulates from the Science Center will be distributed and students will be prepared to use them.

Techniques and Tools
The outcome will be a debate on the viability of colonization of Mars and the measure will be the contribution to this forum and the position papers.  Each student will write a one page position paper supported by three factors discussed in the videoconference.  at the end of the debate, they will be instructed to write another position paragraph with three new points that either reinforced their position or persuaded them to a new place in their thinking about colonization and space travel.