I am going to track this artefact (object) through time, from the Big Bang 13.7 billion years ago to what the future has in store for them.

I knew that barbells are mainly made of iron, but to think that those iron atoms were created ~5+billions of years ago from a dying star which exploded is kind of cool. It's almost as if I am holding a piece of history in my hands! :)

The bar now flexes when I pick it up, all I need know is a hamster/small mammal to train.....

-7ft Barbell (myRogue Ohio Bar in Black Zinc J )

Explore how this artefact came to be and its impact on our world.

-Strongman, traditional feats of strength date back 200+ years. Could and most likely is

further, not found the evidence yet for this. What did the barbell evolve from?

Attempt to link it to the discipline of History and two other disciplines (such as geology, cosmology, chemistry,biology, economics, agriculture, sociology, etc.)

-Chemistry: Elements à Iron, Carbonmainly. What other elements can they contain?

-Biology: Used to transport oxygen in red blood cells, haemoglobin. In all animals or just humans?

-Geology: Found in rock haematite. Is this rock magnetic like iron?

-Sociology: Iron role in war, weapons but also industry and revolution? Is there a famous battle that can confirm this?

-Economics: value of iron, effect of globalisation?

Explore the history of this artefact before human habitation on the Earth

-Earth’s core, iron formed during a Super Nova (exploding star) When did this star explode & why?

Explore issues of change over time of this object; in what ways has it changed or remained the same?

Abundant in Earth, but unless it is recycled, will run out (not for years though!) How many years? What else is it used for?

NB: D’oh, should have recorded some of my sources of information, next time!

So you may be thinking how is the picture of the bear weightlifting useful below?

....Well lifting barbells dates back at least centuries were it was used as a measure of strength and power. This is what animals do when they fight for mating rights, territory and food. So the concept of the barbell actually goes back before humans even invented it!

For Threshold 5, I am taking the following approach, it isn't right or wrong!

I identified an initial physical product (DNA molecule model made out of barbells) and am exploring ways in which I could show/incorporate my knowledge and understanding through its design. 

The analogy I commonly use in class, I am NOT merely incorporating my previous learning of 'X,Y and Z' and then making a model of it (see video link below). Instead, I will need to selectively learn what I deem necessary in order to create my model. You do NOT have to start with your model first though! Instead, you could explore ideas that interest you regarding the threshold and object, but it must be driven by big questions (How, why, etc.) or by provoking you to ask questions.

-Is there a way I could make it a bit clearer that my object is a barbell e.g. a sign or heading

-Consider the necessity of having a barbell

-Would a clip of you using your barbell be more powerful to convey your passion?

-The element cards could be utilised more by having samples of the actual metals.

-How could I better show my understanding of when and where the elements form?

I especially like the last question as it will allow me to show complexity.