Last week, we visited Riverside Cemetery off of Riverside Road in Macon. We searched the cemetery for gravestones marking those who had died during the year 1918, a year during which the Spanish flu was sweeping across Macon, killing many many people. As a class, we found over 120 gravestones from this date. Here is a link to the data which we yielded:
https://sn2prd0102.outlook.com/owa/WebReadyView.aspx?t=att&id=RgAAAAB3b6P4dJIHSYN4V2EIm7D7BwDa%2fw7teZQWTplroEiewTrQAAAAABIbAAAMsUr00PZOQrXqbCc3TBPbAAAAAGB%2bAAAJ&attid0=BAAAAAAA&attcnt=1&pspid=_1304379078739_600586666
Basically, the graphs show that the older one was, the smaller amount of time they had to survive after contracting the Spanish flu. Of course, we could not be sure that all of these people died from this epidemic.
Monday, May 2, 2011
I Heart Trees
Here is a picture of me and my friend Caitlin hugging a tree during our field trip to the Hitchti Experimental Forest. Okay that's all a lie. First of all, my friend's name is Lizzie and second of all we're not in the Hitchti Experimental Forest but next to a tree by a lake in Macon. Although our trip to the forest was a lot of fun and the forest itself was absolutely beautiful, I wasn't feeling very well (maybs a bit dehydrated) that day and was not able to get my picture taken. :[ BUT I figured, since I'm a veteran tree-hugger, any of my many many pictures!
As I said, Hitchiti was beautiful. Here is a link with a lot of information and details concerning the park: http://travelingluck.com/North+America/United+States/Georgia/_4200724_Hitchiti+Experimental+Forest.html#local_map
As I said, Hitchiti was beautiful. Here is a link with a lot of information and details concerning the park: http://travelingluck.com/North+America/United+States/Georgia/_4200724_Hitchiti+Experimental+Forest.html#local_map
BEAR day
On Bear Day, I was able to attend a seminar that focused on two different subjects that are very important to education. The first presentation was about bullying. The presenter’s study sought to find if there are specific groups or types of people that are particularly susceptible to bullying. She looked at many different areas including gender, extra-curricular involvement, race, physical characteristics and GPA. She then interviewed ten different Mercer students to see if they had been bullied or what they thought characterized those most vulnerable to being bullied. She found that those who are overweight and those who do well in school are most often bullied, while gender does not seem to be a causal factor, as both males and females seem to be bullied equally. The other presenter focused on the organization Autism Speaks and how interest groups such as this one affect democracy. She concluded that interest groups are extremely important, as they ensure that we keep our rights to led our voices and opinions be heard. They also serve as support groups for those within the groups who might need extra support.
Ocmulgee National Monument
We took a field trip to the Ocmulgee National Monument here in Macon, GA. The site was beautiful and it was so cool to see the history that the area has to offer. I even got to do flips on top of the mounds. Not many people can say that you know. The monument preserves records of human life in our area dating back to over 17,000 years ago. The mounds were constructed during the early Mississippian period by a culture named the Moundbuilders. They were first seen in the Macon around in about 1000 BC. The mounds which we visited were built between 900 and 950 AD. It was the largest village in the Southeast. The Lamar culture also began here around 1300 AD. The mounds were owned by the Creeks until the 19th century when they were given over to the state. After a great damage was done to the mounds as Macon was developing, Dr. R.A. Kelly studied the mounds and found great historical and archeological value. Because of this, the Ocmulgee National Park was founded in 1936. It is now open for visitors to come and go as they please.
Here are some pictures of the Park and the Mounds
And here is a picture of our class in front of the sign. K not really but that would have been a good idea.
Here are some pictures of the Park and the Mounds
And here is a picture of our class in front of the sign. K not really but that would have been a good idea.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Best Lab Ever
We searched far and wide and all around... and here's what we found.
Trees:
Cherry Blossom!
Pine Tree!
Christmas Tree!!
Crapemyrtle!
Willow Tree!
Soil Erosion (Uh Ohhh!):
(
Animals!!!:
BEAR!
Fox!
Dog!
Fly!
Squirrel!
Birdie!
Lamb!
Plants:
ROCKS!:
The one on the left kinda looks like a chicken nugget.... weird..
Trees:
Soil Erosion (Uh Ohhh!):
(
Animals!!!:
Plants:
ROCKS!:
Monday, April 4, 2011
Burgess Shale
Burgess Shale is home to one of the greatest fossil fields man has ever known. It is located in the Canadian Rockies in British Colombia. It was discovered in 1909 by Charles Walcott. It is the greatest record we have of Cambrian animal fossils. It is believed that these animals thrived after the Cambrian explosion over 500 million years ago. Since it's discovery over 60,000 fossils of both hard and soft bodied animals have been found here. Here are some of those odd animals:
Anomalocaris:
Wiwaxia:
Hallucigenia:
Opabinia:
Waptia:
Marella:
Also, check out this sweet vid of all the animals!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1DPzY6o6hQ&feature=related
Anomalocaris:
Wiwaxia:
Hallucigenia:
Opabinia:
Waptia:
Marella:
Also, check out this sweet vid of all the animals!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1DPzY6o6hQ&feature=related
Monday, March 28, 2011
Rogue waves?
Since Dr. Rood kept mentioning "rogue waves" and I had no idea what rogue waves were, I figured I would riddle myself that! Here's what I found:
A rogue wave is a single unpredictable, massive wave. The massiveness is simply measured by comparing it to other waves of the time and area and it being significantly bigger. They are sometimes called "walls of water." They are different from tsunami waves because tsunami waves are somewhat predictable while rogue waves are not. Scientists are completely sure as to why rogue waves occur, but they have many good theories. One is that they are formed when waves hit ocean currents head on, causing a massive "pile up." Another is wave reinforcement, meaning 2 waves combine forming a larger wave. Though rogue waves have been documented in sailor's journals throughout history, they are still somewhat a mysterious, ominous occurrence.
Here is a picture of a rogue wave demolishing a ship off the coast of Panama:
And here is a video of a 60 foot rogue wave hitting a boat in the Bering Sea
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_8hOai9hGQ
A rogue wave is a single unpredictable, massive wave. The massiveness is simply measured by comparing it to other waves of the time and area and it being significantly bigger. They are sometimes called "walls of water." They are different from tsunami waves because tsunami waves are somewhat predictable while rogue waves are not. Scientists are completely sure as to why rogue waves occur, but they have many good theories. One is that they are formed when waves hit ocean currents head on, causing a massive "pile up." Another is wave reinforcement, meaning 2 waves combine forming a larger wave. Though rogue waves have been documented in sailor's journals throughout history, they are still somewhat a mysterious, ominous occurrence.
Here is a picture of a rogue wave demolishing a ship off the coast of Panama:
And here is a video of a 60 foot rogue wave hitting a boat in the Bering Sea
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_8hOai9hGQ
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Soil, Soil Everywhere
Here is a link to a great website telling of the 12 Soil Orders:
A soil type that is very common to Georgia is Ultisols. According to this website, ultisols are "strongly leached, acid forest soils with relatively low native fertility." They are found primarily in humid regions. It is often a red clay soil. Here is an example:
Here is a soil map of the state:
One way we can determine soil type is by simply looking at the color of the soil. Through the color, we can also determine the the types and amounts of organic materials and minerals within the soil, as well as the climate which the soil came from and the amount of moisture present. The soil color types are brown, orange, red, purple, and yellow. The Munsell Soil Color Chart is an extremely helpful tool when trying to find the exact color, hue, and chroma of the soil. Here is a link to a PDF of the color chart:
http://www.sbg.ac.at/ipk/avstudio/pierofun/protocol/soilchart.pdf
Another way to determine soil type is through a soil texture dichotomous key. By following the steps on the key and seeing how the soil they are dealing with measures up, one can experimentally determine soil type. Here is a link to one of these helpful keys:
http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:amKjJQnLoG8J:www.landhelp.info/documents/DichotomusKey6.pdf?PHPSESSID%3Df78117b04cbe1d39e82c3dc3cf85cf1e+soil+texture+dichotomous+key&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESiKQ8oq1mMxmijND3KH1gcY94przOYiRCjwOUhTFmYq3fK48cpUqg1XqmR2FtpP6KR5LDxnLdOttlcDbEvRzM5XdrnOEMu5q-NDQ1cMhyCPCruNWNj9cEHaQg_YpKPoiiuoOyy-&sig=AHIEtbR-i-t68mch1H4WsYrqz53eDWqxVA&pli=1
Finally, here is a picture of a soil texture diagram. By looking at the amounts of sand, clay and silt within a sample of soil, one can use this diagram to determine the soil type.
A soil type that is very common to Georgia is Ultisols. According to this website, ultisols are "strongly leached, acid forest soils with relatively low native fertility." They are found primarily in humid regions. It is often a red clay soil. Here is an example:
Here is a soil map of the state:
One way we can determine soil type is by simply looking at the color of the soil. Through the color, we can also determine the the types and amounts of organic materials and minerals within the soil, as well as the climate which the soil came from and the amount of moisture present. The soil color types are brown, orange, red, purple, and yellow. The Munsell Soil Color Chart is an extremely helpful tool when trying to find the exact color, hue, and chroma of the soil. Here is a link to a PDF of the color chart:
http://www.sbg.ac.at/ipk/avstudio/pierofun/protocol/soilchart.pdf
Another way to determine soil type is through a soil texture dichotomous key. By following the steps on the key and seeing how the soil they are dealing with measures up, one can experimentally determine soil type. Here is a link to one of these helpful keys:
http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:amKjJQnLoG8J:www.landhelp.info/documents/DichotomusKey6.pdf?PHPSESSID%3Df78117b04cbe1d39e82c3dc3cf85cf1e+soil+texture+dichotomous+key&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESiKQ8oq1mMxmijND3KH1gcY94przOYiRCjwOUhTFmYq3fK48cpUqg1XqmR2FtpP6KR5LDxnLdOttlcDbEvRzM5XdrnOEMu5q-NDQ1cMhyCPCruNWNj9cEHaQg_YpKPoiiuoOyy-&sig=AHIEtbR-i-t68mch1H4WsYrqz53eDWqxVA&pli=1
Finally, here is a picture of a soil texture diagram. By looking at the amounts of sand, clay and silt within a sample of soil, one can use this diagram to determine the soil type.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
I Said Brrrrrrrr, It's Cold in Here
As we've learned in class, and extremophile is an organism that lives and thrives under extreme conditions. In fact, for some of these organisms, and extreme environment is crucial to their existence. These environments include highly acidic ones (acidophiles), highly basic ones (alkaliphiles), ones high in sugar content (osmophiles), extremely hot ones (thermophiles) and extremely cold ones (psychrophiles)
This is a picture of a psychrophile, the ice worm. Ice worms were first discovered in 1887 on Muir Glacier in Alaska. They are blind and less than an inch long. Here, they feed off of the red algae one the glaciers. They bury themselves about 5 feel beneath the ice. They live in colonies of up to 20 million. These worms have since also been found on the floor of the Gulf of Mexico in 1997. The worms were found 1,800 feet under the sea by Charles Fisher. Here, they bury into mounds of methane which seeps up through the ocean floor. Scientists think that the worms eat chemosynthetic bacteria from the methane. The temperatures are at about 32 degrees Fahrenheit. At 5 degrees Fahrenheit they cannot thrive.
Here is an ice worm close up:
And here is a colony of the creatures:
Here is a link to a video that shows a habitat where the ice worms might live, as well as some live footage of the worms.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuYyjGqFdlw
This is a picture of a psychrophile, the ice worm. Ice worms were first discovered in 1887 on Muir Glacier in Alaska. They are blind and less than an inch long. Here, they feed off of the red algae one the glaciers. They bury themselves about 5 feel beneath the ice. They live in colonies of up to 20 million. These worms have since also been found on the floor of the Gulf of Mexico in 1997. The worms were found 1,800 feet under the sea by Charles Fisher. Here, they bury into mounds of methane which seeps up through the ocean floor. Scientists think that the worms eat chemosynthetic bacteria from the methane. The temperatures are at about 32 degrees Fahrenheit. At 5 degrees Fahrenheit they cannot thrive.
Here is an ice worm close up:
And here is a colony of the creatures:
Here is a link to a video that shows a habitat where the ice worms might live, as well as some live footage of the worms.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuYyjGqFdlw
Rocks, rocks, rocks, rocks, rocks, rocks, rocks, rocks, rocks, rocks, rocks, rocks, rocks, rocks, rocks, rocks, EVERYBODY!
Rocks are classified into 3 different groups. Those groups are:
1. Igneous.
These rocks form from volcanic magma. The lava cools and solidifies, and these rocks begin to form. The lava can either come from an erupting volcano, or can remain underground.
Here are some examples:
This is granite. Granite is made mostly of quartz, hornblende, and feldspar. Depending on what it is made of, granite can be pink or gray or a combination of the two. It forms through the crystallization of magma under the earth's crust. It is the most common igneous rock found on the earth's surface.
This is diorite. Diorite is usually made up of white feldspar & hornblende. It is very hard and is usually dark gray or black as well as white or a combination of these colors.
2. Metamorphic.
These rocks are sedimentary or igneous rocks that have undergone some sort of change, whether that change be due to heat or pressure or some other force. They are formed under the earth's crust.
Here are some examples:
This is coal. Coal is made from organic carbon, meaning it is made from the remains of plants. It is usually a black or brown/black color. It is the most abundant fossil fuel in the US. It takes millions of years to form, as the energy from the dead plants put off heat and pressure from being underwater cause the rock to form.
This is gneiss. Gneiss is is essentially smashed diorite. Diorite being made of grey hornblende and white feldspar, causes the lines and layers of the 2 different colors. Other minerals can mix in as well.
3. Sedimentary.
These rocks are usually a build up of small pieces of other broken rocks, dirt, pebbles, or other material. They are formed on the earth's surface.
Here are some examples:
This is limestone. Limestone is mostly made from calcite, but with many other minerals and sands mixed in as well. It is formed from shells and other debris. Limestone is almost always found near water, and is especially prevalent in reefs. It is also a reliable building material.
This is coquina. Coquina is made of millions of clam-like seashells and other shells and fossils. It was originally formed along the eastern coastline of Florida.
1. Igneous.
These rocks form from volcanic magma. The lava cools and solidifies, and these rocks begin to form. The lava can either come from an erupting volcano, or can remain underground.
Here are some examples:
2. Metamorphic.
These rocks are sedimentary or igneous rocks that have undergone some sort of change, whether that change be due to heat or pressure or some other force. They are formed under the earth's crust.
Here are some examples:
This is gneiss. Gneiss is is essentially smashed diorite. Diorite being made of grey hornblende and white feldspar, causes the lines and layers of the 2 different colors. Other minerals can mix in as well.
3. Sedimentary.
These rocks are usually a build up of small pieces of other broken rocks, dirt, pebbles, or other material. They are formed on the earth's surface.
Here are some examples:
Sunday, February 20, 2011
The Adventures of Said Tomato
On Tuesday, February 15, 2011 I found out that I am expecting my first child... who also happens to be a tomato plant. I know it's kind of sudden but I just want everyone to know that I am VERY excited and will definitely be keeping it.
To get this little guy(or girl) growing, I took him/her out of his/her little envelope and placed him/her in a little white Dixie cup under about 1/4 inch of soil.
I watered him/her on Thursday 2/17, Saturday 2/19, and Sunday 2/20. He/she has spent the past couple of days on my window sill with his/her surrogate brother/sister (who will one day be the lovely child of Jessica). The friends have received sunlight everyday,and yesterday I even opened the window a little bit to give them some fresh air (cause it was so very pretty outside yesterday!)
As you can see, I've decided not to find out the sex of the tomato. I just think it will be so much more exciting to find out when he/she is finally sprouted. I also am waiting to name him/her until I see his/her little sprout. I want to make sure they look like they can play the part of their name before I give it to him, you know? Also, I will not be revealing any potential names to anyone until the tomato sprouts... I hate politics.
Today, 2/20, I think I may see what could be the beginning of a SPROUT!!! :] :] I will update more tomorrow on whether or not this is indeed what I am seeing!!!
Said Tomato:
My surrogate friend (right) and I (left) (notice my potential little sprout thing!):
UPDATE 2/21: WE HAVE A LITTLE SPROUT!!!!!! Name still to come.. I want to get a good look at HIM and pray about it a little bit before making a final decision.
HERE HE IS!!!:]
UPDATE 2/29: After much thought, prayer, and consultation with family, I have come to realize that there is only one name fitting for my precious tomato: Matthew McConaughey. You know, I really don't know where I came up with it but it just popped in my head one day and sounded like a really attractive name and decided to go with it. Not much change in the looks of the little guy, except that he has gotten a little taller. I continue to water him every other day with a few sprinkles of water, and he is still setting in his usual spot on my window sill where he receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day. Tomorrow, a family friend (Baby Josh) will be coming over for a play date. I can tell he's as stoked as I am for my little guy's very first play date. I'll be sure to update yall on how that goes!
UPDATE: I have finally retrieved my little guy from the babysitter (DR. ROOD--WOOO) after spring break. Don't get me wrong, I had a FABULOUS time in Scotland, but I sure did miss this little booger. Said babysitter did a wonderful job tending to his needs, and I swear he must have grown 3 sizes while I was gone! I can't believe it. He is just growing up sooo fast
UPDATE 3/28: Phew, we had a little scare yesterday. I looked over at the little man the other day and he really seemed to be withering. He was looking rough. BUT, I quickly got him some water and turned his little self around a little bit of that he could get sun on his other side and he is doing MUCH better today!!! :]
UPDATE 4/4: AHHHHH, after such the long week of rain and darkness the little guy is looking really, really ROUGH!! He is all withered and droopy and stuff. I'm taking him to the doctor I don't care what anyone else says.
UPDATE 4/5: The sun is back and we are looking a little healthier!! Keep praying!
UPDATE: I've been trying to keep this from everyone for some time now but... after I was in Daytona for a week... for cheerleading nationals... in April.. the guy looked REALLY rough. And.... he never recovered. :( That's right. He's a goner. I'm a horrible mother. RIP little Matthew McConaughey.
In his honor and because I love you all so much, I leave you all with this:
His name sake. You're welcome.
To get this little guy(or girl) growing, I took him/her out of his/her little envelope and placed him/her in a little white Dixie cup under about 1/4 inch of soil.
I watered him/her on Thursday 2/17, Saturday 2/19, and Sunday 2/20. He/she has spent the past couple of days on my window sill with his/her surrogate brother/sister (who will one day be the lovely child of Jessica). The friends have received sunlight everyday,and yesterday I even opened the window a little bit to give them some fresh air (cause it was so very pretty outside yesterday!)
As you can see, I've decided not to find out the sex of the tomato. I just think it will be so much more exciting to find out when he/she is finally sprouted. I also am waiting to name him/her until I see his/her little sprout. I want to make sure they look like they can play the part of their name before I give it to him, you know? Also, I will not be revealing any potential names to anyone until the tomato sprouts... I hate politics.
Today, 2/20, I think I may see what could be the beginning of a SPROUT!!! :] :] I will update more tomorrow on whether or not this is indeed what I am seeing!!!
Said Tomato:
My surrogate friend (right) and I (left) (notice my potential little sprout thing!):
UPDATE 2/21: WE HAVE A LITTLE SPROUT!!!!!! Name still to come.. I want to get a good look at HIM and pray about it a little bit before making a final decision.
HERE HE IS!!!:]
UPDATE 2/29: After much thought, prayer, and consultation with family, I have come to realize that there is only one name fitting for my precious tomato: Matthew McConaughey. You know, I really don't know where I came up with it but it just popped in my head one day and sounded like a really attractive name and decided to go with it. Not much change in the looks of the little guy, except that he has gotten a little taller. I continue to water him every other day with a few sprinkles of water, and he is still setting in his usual spot on my window sill where he receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day. Tomorrow, a family friend (Baby Josh) will be coming over for a play date. I can tell he's as stoked as I am for my little guy's very first play date. I'll be sure to update yall on how that goes!
UPDATE: I have finally retrieved my little guy from the babysitter (DR. ROOD--WOOO) after spring break. Don't get me wrong, I had a FABULOUS time in Scotland, but I sure did miss this little booger. Said babysitter did a wonderful job tending to his needs, and I swear he must have grown 3 sizes while I was gone! I can't believe it. He is just growing up sooo fast
UPDATE 3/28: Phew, we had a little scare yesterday. I looked over at the little man the other day and he really seemed to be withering. He was looking rough. BUT, I quickly got him some water and turned his little self around a little bit of that he could get sun on his other side and he is doing MUCH better today!!! :]
UPDATE 4/4: AHHHHH, after such the long week of rain and darkness the little guy is looking really, really ROUGH!! He is all withered and droopy and stuff. I'm taking him to the doctor I don't care what anyone else says.
UPDATE 4/5: The sun is back and we are looking a little healthier!! Keep praying!
UPDATE: I've been trying to keep this from everyone for some time now but... after I was in Daytona for a week... for cheerleading nationals... in April.. the guy looked REALLY rough. And.... he never recovered. :( That's right. He's a goner. I'm a horrible mother. RIP little Matthew McConaughey.
In his honor and because I love you all so much, I leave you all with this:
His name sake. You're welcome.
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