Science Fair Check-in and Questions (cause I know you have some, :p)

What going on? How's it going? Tell us about your progress with Science Fair. What have you done and what do you need help with, specifically. This blog is a FYI, so I'll be responding to those who post questions, thanks!

Harvard Medical School Contest!!!

So, we have been working on your excellent projects for the Reflections and Action contest @ Harvard Medical School for about 3 weeks! How's it going? What topic your group will be entering? How will you present it? Let us know so we can help!

What is an Ecosystem?

What is an Ecosystem?

An ecosystem consists of a dynamic set of living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) all interacting among themselves and with the environment in which they live (soil, climate, water, and light).

An ecosystem does not have exact boundaries—it can be as small as a pond or a dead tree, or as large as the Earth itself.

Explore the Web sites below to discover more about the many and varied ecosystems on Earth.

• The Missouri Botanical Gardens has a great Web site with lots of information and great pictures!

• The Planet is an extensive (and fun) site that goes into ecosystems and many other things. Be sure to check it out.

• This ThinkQuest site offers lots of information about the biomes on Earth.

After reviewing the Web pages, complete the following activity in your notebook.

• Identify an ecosystem with which you are familiar (small is good!).
• List as many biotic (living) components as you can that live in, or affect, your ecosystem.
• List as many abiotic (non-living) components as you can that affect this ecosystem.
• Remove one item from each list. Write a paragraph about how these changes will affect this ecosystem.
• Collect pictures for you favorite ecosystem and save them to a folder on your laptop.
  

Important issues in environment, health, and energy

Global warming, all different types of cancer, gas prices going up with supplies going down. This is the world we live in and we need to find solutions to the major issues in the environment, health, and energy.

So...Using the powerful search engine (your brain!) post at least three major issues for each of the main topic being discussed in Science News today: the environment, health, and energy. Be sure to explain why this is a major issue in each of the main topics listed above.

Example would be: Global warming is a major issue in the environment because it's causing plants we eat to die.

Happy Holidays :)

(...I'll be doing alot of this during the break, ha!)

After enjoying your holidays, curl up with some hot cocoa (me some DDs, lol) and watch an science-related show like Mythbusters, Future Weapons, Deadliest Warriors, or even CSI. Then write a one paragraph response, and include a picture if you can! Or research a favorite topic and write a brief summary of your research like how it can rain and it's sunny outside? It's up to you!

...AND REMEMBER, don't copy and paste info, use your own words!

Love ya'll
Mr.B

Layers of the Earth

From today activity with JFYSci, post one thing you learned about the layers of the Earth, and how scientists determine the amount of layers the Earth has. One paragraph with an example!

So what we need to know?

Now, you have your problem statement , it’s time to get background information on your problem statement. Here are some examples of areas of research with example problem statements.

• What is the best way to grow plants in my house?
o Area to research: Plants/how they grow what do they need to grow.

• How can I have a more “awake” morning?
o Area to research: Sleep in humans, the reasons why we sleep

• How can I effectively get rid of odors in my house?
o Area to research: Odors and their causes

Write what areas of research will you/partner will be exploring?