Sonar can Cause Temporary Deafness In Dolphins

This article taken from the New York Times explains the reason as to why dolphins may become temporarily deaf. It focuses on experiments done using sonar pings and different levels. The conclusion of the experiments proved that dolphins suffered hearing loss for at least 40 minutes after being exposed to the high levels of sonar pings. Although the experiment was proven, it was only consistent in those dolphins who ranged within 45 yards of the sonar source for several minutes.

This story taken from the National Geographic News in October 2008 includes the confirmation that certain mammals are able to fertilize their own eggs without the help of a mate. A shark in the Virginia Aquarium has proved that this was possible. Although the shark is not a survivor; before her death a DNA test was administered to find answers to questions that many had. The exam proved that the embryo only showed maternal genetic material. Scientists are trying to figure out the reason for self fertilization. Reproductive abnormalities are possible in a surviving embryo. Others might show signs of weak immune systems. Scientists do not know the actual cause of the mothers death but haven't ruled out her abnormal pregnancy.

Electric Energy Web Quest

What is a web quest?A web quest is a learning based activity used by educators. All of the information gathered by the students is taken from the World Wide Web. I came across a web quest titled "Electric Energy."I chose this site because this is the topic in which my group is working on for our lesson plans. Although there are many forms of energy, Electric Energy is very popular as well as important in our everyday lives. This web quest is proving just that. The task of this web quest is to research Electrical Energy use in the 1740's and compare it with the use of electrical energy in the 1990's using the Internet.Specific information was given to be researched such as;
You will find out what happened when Ben Franklin flew a kite in a thunderstorm.
You will discover what homes were like in the 1740s. What kinds of energy did they have?
You will create dioramas of a home in the 1740s and a home in the 1990s.
You will use magazines to find pictures of things that need electricity to operate.The process is for the web quest is very specific and laid out in and organized fashion. It is to be done with a partner and can be chosen from a list of various character's. The assessment includes the children now taking the role of the teacher and sharing the information gathered. The focal point being on the differences of the 1740's and 1990's. Immediately following is the link for the web quest titled"Electric Energy."

http://www.nashua-plainfield.k12.ia.us/projects/karen/

Solar System Web Quest

Although I tried to stick with my topic of energy, I couldnt resist this topic of the Solar System for more reasons than one. The object is for the student to become an astronaut and search the nine planets in our solar system. The task includes;
collecting data from each planet.
choosing a favorite planet.
sending a cyber postcard to an earthling.
However, before the last step of sending a cyber postcard to an earthling is completed. Students must not forget to report into Mission Control (the teacher). The information collected should consist of the following;
The order the planet is from the sun.
Does the planet have any moons?
If yes, how many moons does it have?
The children must be sure to remember to take turns with their partner in order to have equal access and contribution to the assignment. immediately following is the link for the "Solar System WebQuest"
http://home.mchsi.com/~dlwantuch/

Saturn's Largest Moon Bulges in the Middle

This article from the New York Times consists of information about the largest moon of Saturn. Scientists have discovered new information about Saturn’s largest moon, Titan. Although it was already known that the moon has sand dunes, lakes of liquid methane and a possibility of icy volcanoes, it is said that the shape of Titan is somewhat similar to that of earth. It is bulged at the middle and somewhat squashed near what would be the north and south poles. The rotation is similar to that of earth as is the similarity in shape. The same side of the moon is always faced toward Saturn. Scientists believe that the planets gravitational pull is the reason for the deformation of Saturn’s largest moon.http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/07/science/space/07obtitan.html?_r=1

The giant orange moon Titan – larger than the planet Mercury – can be seen at upper right of this Hubble image of Saturn.

DNA Test Outperforms Pap Smear

This New York Times article discusses an eight year funded program that decreases the risk of cervical cancer amongst women. It also touches on matters of gynecology as well as outcomes of cervical cancer in third world countries due to the socioeconomic status of particular communities. Pap smears are annual exams administered to women by gynecologists to check for any signs of cervical cancer. It is believed that a DNA screen will be more efficient and administered less in finding these pre cancerous symptoms. However, the DNA screenings will also consist of a cervical scraping, but it is mixed with re-agents and read by a machine.To find out more about this topic, just follow the link below.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/07/health/07virus.html?ref=science

Boxes to Save Penguins?

Penguins are finding it hard to survive in the warm climate of Africa. These African penguins are victims of predators.The kelp gulls are the most popular predator. These gulls work as a team to distract the penguins while the gulls steal and crack open the eggs taken. Their numbers have also decreased due to overfishing and polluted waters. Nesting boxes have been placed to encourage the penguins to reproduce as well as protect the penguins and its eggs. To find out more about these penguins, you may click on the link and watch the video.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2009/04/090402-southafrica-penguins-video-ap.html

For Those Interested in Global Warming

http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/news/science/topics/globalwarming/index.html

This is just an attempt for me to get myself a bit familiar with the blogging process.

Enjoy!

Current Group for Assignment

WOW!!! I made it!  lol

It wasn't as easy as it seemed in class but, mission accomplished.

The purpose for this blog is to post the current members in the group required for our class assignment. The current members in the group are: Vivian Andrews, Andy Frederick and myself, Victoria Haynes.