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

New Investigation Shows that Soviets May Have Gotten Hydrogen Bomb Idea From the U.S.

Who: Soviet atomic spies, the authors Thomas C. Reed and Danny B. Stillman, the physicist Andrei Sakharov, and nuclear historian Robert S. Norris.

What: A recent investigation shows that the Soviets, who were given credit for the hydrogen bomb, may have stolen the idea for it from Americans. The new book, The Nuclear Express: A Political Express and its Proliferation, by Thomas C. Reed and Danny B. Stillman, adds to a growing number of riddles about the invention of the Soviet-H-Bomb, so many years ago. A new theory shows that instead of thinking of the idea for themselves, the Soviets may have sent atomic spies to America, to steal America's scientist's ideas for the hydrogen bomb.

Where: The Soviets, sent atomic spies to the Los Alamos weapons lab in New Mexico.

When: The atomic spies were sent to America in 1955, around the same time they published their idea for the Soviet-H-bomb.

Why: There are several reasons that Soviets may have wanted to steal the idea for the hydrogen bomb from the Americans. Firstly, the original atomic bomb was limited in size and could not pose as much lethal danger or damage as much area as the acclaimed hydrogen bomb would be able to do. In addition, at the time, in 1955, America was the world's monopoly, and the Soviet nations deeply wanted to be back on top, in terms of world power.

* The difference between a hydrogen or a regular uranium bomb is that a hydrogen bomb uses fusion instead of fission to generate the main explosion. The hydrogen bomb is an estimated thousand times more powerful than the average uranium bomb.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/30/science/30bomb.html?_r=1&ref=science
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,76888,00.html

The Importance of Symbiosis

Though you may never have even heard of the word symbiosis, it plays a huge part in the world you live in. The definition of symbiosis is a close and often long term relationship between two different biological species. To be even more descriptive, there are three different types of symbiosis; commensalism, mutualism, and parasitism. Commensalism is the type of symbiosis in which one of the organisms benefits from the relationship, and the other one is not affected. An example of commensalism is clownfish and anemone because the clownfish benefits from the anemone's poisonous tentacles whereas most fish avoid it, because the anemone gives the clownfish a protective layer of mucus that makes them immune to stings. The second type of symbiosis is mutualism, in which both organisms benefit from the close relationship. An example of mutualism is algae and fungus in order to make the organism lichen. This is symbiosis because neither the algae nor the fungus could live without each other, for example, the fungus cannot survive without a photosynthetic organism such as algae, to produce it's food from sunlight. Furthermore, the algae cannot survive without the fungus, because the fungus is the organism that finds the two-part organism a place to live on, most commonly a tree or a log. Afterwards, the algae uses the nutrients supplied by the tree or log to create food. As you can see, neither organism can live without each other. Lastly, the third type of symbiosis is parasitism, in which one organism benefits, however, the other is harmed. For example, a intestinal parasite is a parasitic relationship because the parasite lives on the human gastro-intestinal tract because it serves as an ideal breeding environment. However, to the human gastro-intestinal tract it causes a severe infection, which could lead to more severe diseases. Overall, however, symbiosis is vitally important to millions of our world's most fascinating creature's survival.

A Moving Skyline Could Be In The Making For Manhattan

Who: The architect, Dr. David Fisher.

What: Dr. David Fisher's plan is to create a skyscraper that can move in every direction, and all around 360 degrees. His dream is to have it made right in the center of it all, in the bustling city of Manhattan. Many people would have thought that the complex tower would have trouble creating electricity, however, the tower will supply it's own energy which will come from the horizontal wind turbines, which come from between each of it's 80 floors, and from solar photovoltaic cells from the roof of each story. As each individual floor moves, an estimated 20 percent of each roof is open to the sunlight at any time of the day.

Where: Dr. David Fisher's initial plan is to have his intricate towers in Manhattan. This plan may seem extremely ambitious, due to the current economic crisis, however, he has made similar towers for Dubai, which should occur within the next few weeks. In addition, to planning towers for Manhattan, Dr, Fisher has made plans to make these towers in Moscow.

When: Dr. Fisher's first plan for these towers was to be in Dubai, therefore, Dubai's towers will be arriving withing the next few weeks. Unfortunately, though, the towers for Manhattan and Moscow will at least take another couple of years.

Why: Dr. Fisher originally thought that it would be a spectacular idea to have a tower that could twist into different shapes night and day along the skyline of a city. Basically, his own interest by the thought lead him to the creation of the towers.

My Opinion: I believe the moving towers are a very inventive and creative idea that would add a great touch to any amazing city, such as Manhattan. I don't know about everyone else, but I would certainly love to look up into the sky and see something as magnifecent as Dr. Fisher's towers.

Source: http://tierneylab.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/29/a-moving-skyscraper-for-ny/

A Warm Cup of Coffee Could Make Your Day Sweeter!

Who: Researchers such as Lawrence Williams of the University of Colorado at Boulder, and John Bargh, the researcher and psychologist from Yale University. For their study, the researchers randomly chose 41 undergraduate students, 27 of whom were female.

What: Scientists from across the country came up with a theory that those who held a warm beverage viewed a stranger with having more warmer personality traits, and were more generous in dealing with others, as opposed to having a cold beverage, such as an iced coffee. Therefore, they held a study in which the 41 students were being tested on. The students were either given a hot cup of coffee or an iced coffee, while giving their names and other basic information. They were then each given a packet of questions regarding another individual in the room. They were asked to rate that person's overall personality such as being generous/ungenerous, happy/unhappy, good-natured/irritable, sociable/anti-social, and caring/selfish. As a result, the subjects that had held the warm beverage rated people as being "warmer". However, on the questions that were unrelated to warmth, the researchers found no difference in the answers between the warm beverage holders and cold beverage holders. In additon, to the beverage study, the researchers also conducted a similar study in which the 41 students either held a hot pack, or an ice pack. They were then offered a gift certificate to give to a friend, or they could recieve a gift for themselves. The majority of those who held the hot pack asked for the gift certificate for their friend, and those who held the ice pack asked for the gift for themselves.

Where: The study took place in an elevator en route to another floor of the building.

When: There is no specific date in the article, however I would have to say that the study took place in late September to early October.

Why: The study was conducted because many scientists agreed with the same theory-that a warm beverage in the morning, gives a person a more positive outlook on the day. Therefore, they decided the only way to be sure if their theory was true or not was to test it in an experiment.

My Opinion: Though I do not drink coffee or any other hot beverage in the morning, I would have to agree with the researchers that a warm beverage does give a person a more generous attitude. I agree because not only is their sufficient evidence to support the theory, I have witnessed it with my own mother. For example, when my mother has a hot cup of coffee, she tends to be less cranky and kinder to my sister and I. However, the days that she has a cold glass of milk, she tends to be more negative and more upset.

Source: http://www.livescience.com/culture/081023-warm-hands.html#comments

Flying Cars Are No Longer Just Science Fiction

Who: Dr. Paul Moller, the president and Chief Executive Officer of Moller International

What: Dr. Paul Moller, who recieved a masters degree in Engineering and a PhD in Aerodynamics, has had the vision since he was 15, to create the first flight vehicle for the general public. That dream eventually turned into the Skycar. Moller International currently has two in-the-making models, the M400 Skycar and the M200x Neuera, or more formerly the Jetson. Both vehicles are able of vertical liftoff, landing, hovering, and cruising. Most importantly, however, in order for all these ammenities to work, the engine and the stability system must be properly working. In addition, like most cars, it can reach speeds of 75 mph to about 100 mph.

Where: Dr. Paul Moller's company, Moller International, is located in Davis, California.

When: The envisionment of having a flying car has been in Dr. Paul Moller for several years now, since he was 15 years old.

Why: Dr. Paul Moller decided that there should be flying cars because they eliminating high spending on gas, and more importantly you save the time you always used to waste in traffic.

My Opinion: I believe the idea of flying cars is fantastic because not only does it have a much lower environmental effect, it is also much less accident prone than the traditional car. In addition, I along with the rest of the world, would love to get where they want, and faster; opposed to wasting hours on end in bumper to bumper traffic.

Source: http://www.livescience.com/technology/081010-sb-flying-car.html

Math Is...

Back in September, I thought math was the simple computation of numbers and variables to find an answer. That bit, of course has not changed; we still have endless equations and expressions, and we still have to find an answer. However, math has become more than simply just finding a value of a variable, an interest rate- more than just an answer. It's become a way of life, a way to find solutions to daily problems without having to always refer back to a calculator, or an elder. These daily problems, we realized this year incorporate many of the math skills we have learned and reviewed this past year. Math is also shaping our modern world in every aspect thought possible-aviation, space travel, technology, medical science, etc. For sure, this year's math curriculum has definitely been one of the most productive years, teaching me skills I will use for years to come, and skills that will affect not only my life, but of our future generation.

Class Response Blog: Kite Flying

On a nice breezy summer day, a common sight is children running around playing kites. Though there are few simple steps to succesfully flying a kite, the science behing the flying is anything but simple. In our science class activity, we experienced hands on the real science that leads to the actual flying of a kite. The real key to flying a kite properly is air pressure. For instance, if the air is going at a rapid pace, there is less air pressure, and more pressure below the kite. Therefore, the kite moves upward. Another key factor in flying a kite, is wind. The wind we receive to fly kites are local winds such as land breezes and sea breezes.

Class Response Blog: The Artic Tale

Of the many millions of years that humans have been residents on our grand Earth, the polar bear has remained one of the most mesmerizing creatures to our eyes. However, until recent studies in the 19th century, humans have had menial knowledge of the rigorous struggles that polar bears go through ever year just to survive. Along with polar bears, another creature that goes through the same treacherous battles yearly, is the walrus. These struggles were demonstrated in the documentary narrated by Queen Latifah, which we viewed in class. This documentary followed Seela and Nanu along with their cubs through a year of life battling winters and peaceful summers.

*Extra Credit*-5/18/08

Of America's numerous talented poets, from 19th century poets to contemporary poets, Robert Frost among heavy competition, will always remain one of the greatest poets the world has ever seen. One of his many poems, "Fire and Ice", I believe is very weather related. Weather is used in this poem because Mr. Frost is summarizing the way many scientists have been for many years, arguing constantly on the way our world will be destructed. Basically, the poet is trying to say that high technology or rocket scientists, will never be the cause of our earth to finally subside, but actually, the most simple element of our earth, that has stayed with us from the beginning- weather- will actually be the cause of our earth's destruction. Though this poem was written in 1920, the issue that fumbled scientists 87 years ago, perplexes our contemporary scientists even more. The types of weather that this poem discussed were perhaps a wildfire or an ice storm.

Although, along with everyone else in the world, I don' t know the way our earth will fall, I still believe that this poem did not further enhance my knowledge in weather because I did however know of the controversy of fire and ice. Without the mentioning of weather in this poem, I believe this poem's meaning could entirely change to a different subject. For instance, the fire and the ice could resemble two cliques in a school fighting over popularity. However, what makes me know that this poem is about weather, is the first line that notes the author's curiosity of our world's destruction.

Fire and Ice by Robert Frost:

Some say the world will end in fire,Some say in ice.From what I've tasted of desireI hold with those who favour fire.But if it had to perish twice,I think I know enough of hateTo say that for destruction ice is also greatAnd would suffice.