Periodic Table....in song :)

Ameer shared this link with me and so I am forwarded it along.  Here you go!

VDA#9 Potential

VDA #9: POTENTIAL

due: Wednesday, May 15, 11:59pm

Read this article and write two paragraphs, one addressing each question:

1) Consider the potential of these 3-D machines, what object would you print that could help the world? Why?
2) From a selfish standpoint, what one item would you print for yourself?  Why?

REMEMBER: Use "VDA#9: Potential" as your subject line for your blog post.


As an added bonus, in honor of Mother's Day, here is an article about the world's oldest albatross becoming a mom again...  click here.

Lecture Resources (4/24/2013)

Human cladogram with traits: http://evolution.berkeley.edu/evosite/evo101/images/patterns_intro.gif

Skeletal progression: http://www.como.wa.edu.au/uploads/media/bipedal1.jpg

Skeletal comparison between chimp and Australopithicus: http://www.zo.utexas.edu/faculty/sjasper/images/f27.5.jpg

Ardi: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardi
(Note that it is not known whether this is a human ancestor, but s/he is a hominin)

Article from Scientific American about the finding of a skull that may be an early human: http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/2013/04/04/brain-shape-confirms-controversial-fossil-as-oldest-human-ancestor/

Early Modern Homo Sapiens: http://anthro.palomar.edu/homo2/mod_homo_4.htm

DNA Replication, Protein Synthesis, Personal Genomes and Pipelines, Oh my!

So far this week in class, we've covered two main topics: DNA replication and protein synthesis.

If you are interested in learning more about either process, you can visit youtube.com.  There are many videos that will walk you through each process.

I especially enjoyed this video.

During our discussion on DNA, I mentioned a service provided by 23andMe.  For $99 per individual, you can have your genetic information analyzed for ethnic origin and health information.  I did this for myself and my children and discovered some very interesting things about each of us.

Finally, I shared a news article pertaining to oil pipelines with the students today.  Their assignment is to read it and we will discuss the issue in depth tomorrow.  You may read the article by clicking here.  This issue is one that I am mentioning because a Canadian company is building a tar sand pipeline through Northwest Indiana and much of the Northeastern United States.  The consequences of these pipelines are loss of wetlands (and despite legislation requiring mitigation of wetlands lost to such projects, not all wetlands are created equal) and potential leaks or breaks which could have catastrophic results.  This project is happening locally (this morning I saw the company's vehicle parked on our property) and will very likely have a large impact on our immediate environment.

As always, if you have questions, do not hesitate to contact me. 

VDA#8 Critical Thinking Skills, CO2 Emissions & Extra Credit

Today somebody shared this article with me.  While Mr. Orcutt may be correct about cyclists emitting more CO2 than their counterparts driving inside of gasoline-fueled vehicles, his final assessment is less than accurate.

Your extra credit assignment is to write one well-formed paragraph, that reflects critical thinking, telling me whether or not Mr. Orcutt's proposal is based on logic and sound science.  This paragraph is due by Thursday, March 7th, 4:30pm CST.  It must be turned in to me, not posted on your blog.

While doing a very brief search on CO2 emissions from fuel combustion, I found this report put out by the International Energy Agency.  I do not expect you to read the whole thing, however, I would like to note the following excerpt from the very first paragraph on page 7

"Global CO2 emissions rose by 4.6% in 2010, after
having declined in 2009 due to the impact of the
financial crisis, in particular on Western economies."

VDA #8

assignment due: Friday, March 8th by 11:59pm CST

 Write one well-formed paragraph describing to me how the economy in developed countries has an impact on CO2 emissions.  Further, cite two government or educational sources that you referenced for your paragraph.  (The websites should end in .gov or .edu).  Post your paragraph and the references on time for a shot at full credit.

Surprise!!!

Interesting article about a meteor explosion over Russia.

VDA 7: The Wonder of Scat

VDA#7

Due: Friday, February 15; 11:59pm CST

Directions: Read the article entitled Delving into Dung and:

a)answer the following questions in complete sentences 

b)use your own words

c) be sure to use the article when answering the questions.  The answers are all found within the article, with exception to the last question!  For that question, you must use your own brain (or, do a quick google search).  

d) If there are two or more questions, highlight the question and the answer appropriately in your post. 

e) Don't forget to label  your VDA post as VDA7

Good luck!

1. What is the benefit of checking feces (poop, scat, dung, droppings) for hormones versus checking the blood of the animal?

2. What four things can you learn from an organism's droppings?

3. What hormone is produced when some animals are stressed or starving?

4. What did the researchers conclude contributed to the higher stress in orcas and how did the scientists come to that conclusion?

5.  Give two reasons why dung beetles climb atop the balls of dung.

6.  What is the relationship between the Kakapo and the Hades flowers?  In your answer, be sure to include how each species benefits the other.

7. Why is the Hades flower called "Hades" flower?