In science class, we did a lab which demonstrated plasticity. Plasticity is the ability to retain a shape attained by pressure deformation. The mixture we created in the lab was a solid, with characteristics of a liquid, because it flowed like a liquid, yet it was in the form of a solid. At first, it was white, but after we added the food coloring, it turned green. It was sticky, rubbery, and looked like silly putty. When handled, at first it was hard, but then it started to drip off your hand like a liquid would. If you kept it on there long enough, it would dry up again. If you pushed your finger in fast, the mixture stayed about the same. But if you pushed your finger in slow, it sank fast. This mixture was similar to the Earth's mantle because the mantle needed heat and pressure to become a sphere, just like the mixture did. This lab was so much fun! It was awesome to play with the "silly putty." I wish I could do it again!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
October Sky Response
Last week, our unit watched "October Sky," a movie based on a true story. It took place in October of 1957 in Coalwood, West Virginia. It is focused on a boy named Homer, whose dad works in the coal mines. His father wants him to work there too someday, but is shocked to learn that his son suddenly finds an interest in rockets after seeing Sputnik in the night sky.
The first rocket was sent into space by Germany in 1942. It was a V2 missile. The first satellite was launched in 1957. It was called Sputnik. Two kinds of rockets are liquid fuel rockets, and solid fuel rockets. To learn more about rockets go to http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/cosmic_kids/AskKids/v2rocket.shtml and http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_are_the_different_types_of_rockets
In some states, coal mining is one of the most important industries. But it can also be very dangerous. At first, coal miners brought down canaries to see if there were any poisonous gases, because small birds are more sensitive to the air then we are. If the canary died, the miner would get out of there as soon as possible in order to save his life. Another danger is that sometimes a tunnel could collapse, or even worse, rocks can fall on you and you could get injured or die.
The characters in this movie showed many character traits. Homer and his three friends cooperated very well together, and they eventually found a rocket that worked and could be entered in the school science fair. I believe Homer's dad did not show respect towards his son's new interest in rockets because he was a drunk, and a very stubborn man. He really wanted Homer to follow in his footsteps, but I think Homer made the right decision because working in a coal mine all your life doesn't give you a sense of accomplishment. Homer was assertive with his dad because he knew he was making the right choice by sticking with something he loved. And look where he ended up, in NASA! Meanwhile, I think his dad wasted his whole life in a coal mine where he almost died.
I personally really liked this movie because it was touching and interesting. I felt kind of sad when Homer gave up his rocket dream and started working at the mine when he thought he started the forest fire. I was so happy when Homer learned that he didn't start the fire and then won the national science fair because I knew that he deserved it. I'm glad we watched this movie because I learned so much!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Response to Cystic Fibrosis
This blog was about cystic fibrosis. I learned many things from it, like most of the symptoms are in the lungs, pancreas, and liver. The skin can taste salty, and you can get pneumonia and bronchitis very easily. A genetic mutation stops the production of a protein in cells of the lungs, liver, and pancreas. I hope that scientists find a cure very soon, because this disease can affect your life span.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Genetic Disorders- Fragile X Syndrome
Fragile X Syndrome was first discovered in the late 1970's. It is a genetic disease that causes mental retardation, autistic-like behavior, and ADHD. Some more minor symptoms are depression, very slurred or broken speech, and no attempt to verbal communication. Unfortunately, there is no cure, but there are various drugs that are used to help, such as antidepressants, sleeping medication, and anxiety medications. The good news for people with Fragile X Syndrome is that their life span is usually unaffected by it. In the world, this disease occurs in about 1 in 4,000 males and 1 in 8,000 females. Males are more vulnerable. The cause of it is cells that are mutated by the Fragile X Syndrome mental retardation gene, which contains the Fragile X Syndrome mental retardation protein. The mGluR Theory of Fragile X might lead to further treatments. FRAXA-funded scientists are currently studying animals, and trials of new compounds are being planned. A clinical trial of one drug is underway. I feel really bad for people with this disorder. I hope they find a cure very soon. For more information go to
http://www.ikm.jmu.edu/Buttsjl/ISAT493/Fragile%20X%20Syndrome/fragilexsymptoms.html
http://www.ikm.jmu.edu/Buttsjl/ISAT493/Fragile%20X%20Syndrome/fragilextreatment.html
http://www.fraxa.org/research_summaryFindings.aspx
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Mammoth Skeleton Found
An almost complete skeleton of a Columbian mammoth was discovered on February 20th in Los Angeles while workers were digging for an underground parking garage near La Brea Tar Pits. Researchers from the Page Museum nearby named it "Zed." Zed died in its 40's about 4o,ooo years ago. It supposedly became stuck in a tar pit along a river bed and died of exhaustion or starvation. His skeleton remained intact because soon after he died he was washed away by a flood, and then covered by enough sediment to keep predators from eating the carcass. This discovery is going to double the size of the museum's collection. "He's really big compared to the mammoths we've recovered from La Brea before," said laboratory supervisor Shelley Cox.
I think that uncovering such a complete skeleton sounds awesome! I would love to see it! For more information visit http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090220/sc_nm/us_mammoth;_ylt=AqbBDTQ3aix7eLvYiXfEbV8PLBIF
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Gaza Reconstruction
This article is about the reconstruction of Gaza, which will likely top $900 million. Hillary Clinton will also be leaving soon to go there. Organizations such as the United Nations are trying to help. Reconciliation talks are going to start in Egypt on Wednesday between Hamas and Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas' Fatah movement. Abbas said, " This (new unity) government must have the acceptance and recognition of all parties."
I think it's good that people are reaching out to help Gaza. I'm excitied that Hillary Clinton will be traveling to the Middle East soon. Hopefully she can make things change. For more information go to http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090224/ap_on_re_mi_ea/israel_us;_ylt=Alqs5lnMPfH5hjeMxiCxH5VvaA8F
Monday, February 23, 2009
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