Plasticity Lab Conclusion

Yesterday, we did a lab which not only showed the property of plasticity, but also demonstrated in smaller form of how the mantle works. Firstly, while mixing the two ingredients, corn starch and water. The reason it was so difficult to stir is because the proportion of corn starch and water was unbalanced. Furthermore, the corn starch never really dissolved as the viscosity grew. When you pushed the mixture quickly, the indent was reasonably small, and went away at a rapid speed. However, when the mixture was pushed slowly; the indent was comparatively larger, and took much longer to erase. When rolled into a ball, the mixture tended to break apart easily, however it stayed solid when handled, however, when left alone on the palm of the hand, it melted into a liquid. Moreover, this relates in a smaller form of the properties of the mantle, that with heat and pressure, it stays solid.

Response to "October Sky"

Recently, the Omega unit viewed the movie "October Sky" featuring Jake Gyllenhaal. In this movie there were shared messages of science and also of good character. Several scenes depicted Homer Hickam completing intricate and complicated mathematic equations and processes in order to create his rocket. This is true for real life as well, because without math, scientific innovations would be quite impossible. In addition, Homer Hickam was able to prove his innocence of starting the fire at the mine solely due to mathematics. Furthermore, by using a parabola, he was able to prove that the rocket's full horizontal distance did not even reach the mine. Finally, without sciences such as physics and engineering Homer and his friends would never be able to complete such endeavors.

Secondly, throughout the movie Homer showed constant characteristics that brought him as far as he came. For example, by using perseverance, Homer was able to overcome the many obstacles he faced, including many non-supportive people such as his dad and his principal. Moreover, his perseverance proved that through anything, ones will can build barriers against the toughest things thought possible. In addition, all four friends showed cooperation. Without it, they would never be able to come to collaborative decisions. Above all, however, "October Sky" shows that an independent and determined mind will take you farther than anyone else's expectations.

Response to Phenylketonuria

Phenylketonuria is a extremely saddening disease, which effects mostly new borns. PKU is caused because of an excess amount of protein in the body. If not treated immediately, it could eventually result in brain damage. Initial symptoms include, eczema, seizures, musty odor, delayed development, behavioral problems, etc. Despite all this, PKU can be treated, for example, a low protein diet should be fed 7-10 days after the birth of the baby, additionally, "Kuvan", a medicine may be prescribed. This disease is most common amongst Asians and Whites. Personally, reading this saddened me not only for the victim, but also the family, because most commonly it affects infants, therefore, the baby you never even got to know, could die. In addition, it makes you wonder, that does a little infant really deserve such a short life, just because their alleles happen to carry a wrong mutation? However, despite my depressed attitude, it gave me hope, that there is still treatment, if the baby is regimented on a proper low-protein diet. Above all, though, I am most respectful towards the families and the victims who deal with this very unfortunate disease, and I revere that they understand first hand, that life is precious and short.

http://www.glowriter54.blogspot.com/

Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X Syndrome, is a genetic disease, which is more common amongst males than females. This genetic disorder is the most common form of inherited mental impairment, which strikes 1 in 32000 Americans yearly. Many with Fragile X Syndrome, are often mistaken for people with autism, due to similar physical traits, and also behavioral similarities. Because this disorder is genetically passed, the problems that cause it start in the cell itself. For example, the average human has a mutation call FMRP (fragile x mental retardation protein) in some of their cells, however, those with Fragile X Syndrome, the FMRP mutation is absent, and instead have the FMR1 (fragile x mental retardation 1), gene in the DNA which makes up the x chromosone. This mutation causes the methylate the regulatory region of the FMR1, which turns it off; this triggers Fragile X Syndrome. Some of the symptons include- short attention span, poor eye contact, simian crease, hyper extensible MP joints, hand flapping, long faces, prominent ears, etc. In addition, a woman, even one who is only a carrier, can experience complications during pregnancy. Though there is no cure for Fragile X Syndrome at this time, treatment is available for many of the uncomfortable symptoms of it. Unfortunately, research has proven that Fragile X Syndrome patients' life spans are approximately 12 years shorter. Overall, researching this specific disease made me feel sadness for those who experience this terrible disease on a normal basis.

Sources : www.fragilex.org

www.lib.bioinfo.pl

www.fraxa.org

Moon and Venus to Meet on Friday Night (Science)

This Friday night, February 27, there will be one of the most sparkling spectacles of the winter. After sunset, a small crescent moon will appear right next to Venus. It will be especially visible, to those living in the West Hemisphere. The dominant scene will last for about three hours, and if you're lucky, you'll see it the day after, just before sunset. For years, planet Venus has appeared just as a faint crescent, in scientist's telescopes. However, as it approaches Earth, the view of the largest nine planets, has become clearer and clearer. Astronomer's call it the "greatest illuminated extent" of this planet. To make this spectacle even more dynamic, Venus and the moon will seem particularly three dimensional. Unfortunately, this phenomenon will be the last of its kind till the spring of 2010.

'Forgotten' Fillipino World War II Veterans Will Finally Be Paid (Social Studies)

Sixty long years have passed, since America broke its promise to the faithful Fillipino soldiers who fought for on our country's side in World War II. The government will finally be sending checks to those soldiers, that is, the very few that are still alive. During the war, America promised that who every joined the war, would gain full veteran benefits, more than 250, 000 joined, however, in 1946, during the recession, President Truman was forced to sign the recession act, which would take that benefit away. Over half a century later, only 15, 000 troops are still living, less than a fraction of the original amount, according to the American Coallition for Fillipino Veterans. The newly released stimulus bill, by President Obama, has $198 million, specifically for paying back the Fillipino veterans. Citizens of the United States will receive $15 thousand, and non-citizens will receive $9, 000.

"I'm very thankful," said Patrick Ganio, 88, the coallition's president. "We Fillipino's are grateful people."

Tens of thousands of Fillipino soldiers, including Ganio, fought in the bloody battle of Bataan. Many were taken and beaten by Japanese troops, and then suffered from diseases such as malaria. However, despite all this, at the end, they went back to serving for the US military.

"The record of the Phillipine soldiers for bravery and loyalty is second to none," Truman wrote to leaders of the House and Senate in 1946. Their assignment today was as bloody and difficult as any in which our American soldiers engaged. Under desperate circumstances they acquitted themselves nobly."

Many historians say that the main reason the Fillipino soldiers were not paid, was evidently the financial struggle that our country was going through. To pay for the Fillipinos as well, would be a huge burden financially. However, the National Alliance for Fillipino Veterans Equity, states differently, they believe that at the time discriminating people of their color was a law, and this was just another act due to that. For decades, Fillipinos have had protests outside the White House and abroad, petitioning their rights and benefits. Though the remaining veterans are eternally grateful for the government finally fulfilling their duty, they boldy emphasize the fact that this does not erase the act of discrimination and unjustness, that has been affecting them for the past sixty years.

Link: http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/02/23/forgotten.veterans/index.html

My Roller Coaster Website

The Elephant

Class Response- Rollercoasters

This past week, we have been given the challenge to create our own roller coasters or skate parks out of provided items. These items include paper towel rolls, tape, water bottles, and other recyclables. In addition, part of the challenge, also happens to be the time restraint, we have only three class periods to complete this. Above all, however, the main focus of this project is not to complete a flimsy, weak roller coaster; on the other hand, we must make a roller coaster that includes at least one hill, and one other element, such as a loop or bend. In order to make this, we must think about Isaac Newton's three laws of motion. For example, in order to receive the force to move our marble through the entire roller coaster, we must keep in mind the mass of the marble, to receive the proper acceleration. This displays Newton's second law, F= MA, or force equals mass times acceleration. In addition, in the roller coaster, we consider Newton's first law of motion, that without any force or change in velocity, the mass will not move. This relates to the project because if we don't a certain speed ,which can be acquired by a hill or loop, the marble will come to a stop. Lastly, Newton's third law of motion is being used, for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. For instance, in our project, if the marble hits a wall, exerting a force onto the wall, the wall will exert the exact same force onto the marble, causing it to move backwards. As you can see, making a roller coaster is no small project, and requires much thinking about the laws of motion.

Economy Takes Toll on South Brunswick Food Pantry

As the months go on, and America experiences its hardest economic struggle in decades, the South Brunswick Food Pantry is affected as shelves are becoming emptier everyday. In addition, the number of unemployed residents is increasing in the township, therefore, more and more people are finding the need to turn to the food pantry. Records show that the number of families using the family increased from 25 to 40, over the course of one year. As a result, the amount of money being payed has increased significantly from $23, 000 in 2007, to astonishing $73, 000 last year. However, due to many kind souls in South Brunswick, the food pantry has been lucky to receive a donation everyday. The most needed items include canned meats such as chili, tuna fish, canned chicken, and beef stew. In addition, Parmalat boxed milk, diapers, coffee, and monetary donations, are also appreciated. For those who wish to donate the South Brunswick Food Pantry is located in the Municipal Building, 540 Ridge Road, Monmouth Junction. Food is accepted 8:30 AM to 4:30 AM on weekdays.


Link: http://www.centraljersey.com/articles/2009/02/04/south_brunswick_post/news/doc4980d43f719eb599088632.txt

Scientists Reveal More Evidence of Western Warming in Antarctica

Who: Kenneth Chang, Robert Bindschadler, along with many other scientists.

What: For the past year now, scientists across the world have stated in researches that Antarctica is finally cooling down, after fifty years of suffering from global warming. However, scientists Kenneth Chang, Robert Bindschadler, and others, believe that Antartica continues to warm. This theory is the result of researching the temperatures of the past half a century in the most southern region of the world. The section that the scientists believe is warming the most and the fastest, is the section that stretches towards South America. The overall research, will enormously help in the process of finally solving the climate crisis in Antarctica.

Where: The research took place mainly in the continent of Antarctica.

When:The research has been taking place for quite a few years now, and is an on going process.

Why: The scientists believe that in order to solve the entire global warming crisis, we must start with the place that suffers from it the very most, which happens to be Antarctica. In addition, this research will eventually play a huge part in getting our world one step closer when all creatures can live happily and peacefully without their environment being abolished.

My Opinion: I think the research that the scientists are conducting, will be extremely beneficial to the overall well being of our earth. In addition, knowing this new piece of information, will let us be aware of the crisis and help us solve it, instead of thinking wistfully that the warming has stopped.

Link: http://dotearth.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/21/antarctica-new-evidence-of-western-warming/

Barack Obama Along With America Make History At Inauguration

A mindblowing, 1.5 million people gathered at the National Mall in Washington D.C., on Tuesday afternoon to witness something that would forever leave an impact on the United States of America and the world. Though not everyone was able to be there in Washington D.C., billions of people surrounding the globe, were glued to the television, watching in awe as the first African American was to be sworn in as the president of America.
"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real," Obama stated in his inaugural address. "They are serious, and there are many. They will not be met easily or in a short amount of time. But know this America; they will be met."
Although the president's optimism may have wavered a bit during the speech, that certainly didn't stop the uproar of celebration from the beavy of fans. In confident tones that uplifted the audience and beyond, he assured America that with hardwork and unity we can overcome our serious economic and international challenges.
For eight extraordinarily long years, the people of America have been dissapointed and angered by the same raging war, the failing economic policies, and health care that more than half of the country couldn't afford. However for once, they were inspired by this one man, the son of a Kenyan immigrant and a white woman from Kansas, ended in success, the once inconceivable journey. Beyond the still present racism in America, it electrifried people that for once America could come over the belief that only a white man could reach the highest peak in American politics.
"It's obviously historic because President Obama is the first African-American president, but it's more than that.," former president Bill Clinton stated. "This is a time when we're clearly making a new beginning. It's a country of repeated second-changes and new beginnings."


!st Article: http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/20/obama.inauguration/index.html
2nd Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/21/us/politics/21inaug.html