Mutualism

This is an image of poison ivy on a tree that I saw while I was in the car. This is a symbiosis relationship, a close relationship between two species that benefits at least one of the species. The type of symbiotic relationship that exists between the poison ivy and tree is called mutualism. Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship that benefits both species. In this case, the poison ivy is being benefited because the tree is giving it shelter. The tree is being benefited as well because the poison ivy is giving the tree protection. The poison ivy stops other creatures from harming the tree. If an organism tries to penetrate the tree, the poison ivy will infect the penetrating organism. The poison ivy is stable on the tree, as both of these things are being benefited. For these reasons, the relationship existing with the tree and poison ivy in this image is an example of mutualism.

Biotic Limiting Factor

This is an image of a biotic limiting factor. It is biotic because it is living, and the tree is a limiting factor because it prevents sunlight from reaching other plants near it, defeating all of its competition. It also spreads its roots underground, taking up the water. This causes the lack of water to supply other living things. Therefore, this tree is a biotic limiting factor.

Blizzard Project Link

Check out this cool website on blizzards at the following URL:
http://blizzardland.webs.com/

Lit. Poems

Nazi VS. Jew Diamante Poem

Nazis

Merciless, brutal

Murdering, tormenting, controlling,

Unsympathetic, spiteful, innocent, impoverished

Hiding, escaping, dying

Disconsolate, somber

Jews

The Book Thief

Liesel Meminger

Strong-hearted, sympathetic, affectionate

Who loves the sound of her papa's accordion

Who feels dismal about her brother's death

Who needs books

Who shares her love and happiness

Who fears losing people

Who'd like to see her mother again

Who dreams of a train and her brother dying

Who ends up being a book thief.

Camden Aquarium

Recently, our unit visited the Camden Aquarium, as a field trip. This trip was both educational and fun due to many reasons. We were able to see and do many different things. This trip was worth our time, as nobody was let down by the aquarium. There were also other schools there. That goes to show that is a good field trip to go on.

First of all, the trip was educational. We saw many different species and learned about them. At the aquarium, there were tons of creatures that I didn't know before I went there. Also, we learned different things for each animal such as their habitats, food, shelter, etc. Other interesting facts were also provided about these creatures. For example, stingrays and jelly fish usually don't sting when touch their top. There were many interesting facts about specific creatures. Even though we missed school, we still learned quite an efficient amount at the aquarium.

Secondly, this trip was extremely fun. We got to do many things that we wouldn't normally do on a regular daily basis. Because we came to the aquarium, we had interesting and fun experiences. One example of these fun and interesting experiences was the petting zone. In the petting zone, we got to touch jelly fish, sharks, stingrays, and other interesting sea creatures. That was fun because of the way each one felt, the texture of their skin, and their reactions. Some of the creatures were calm when they were touched, however, there were some creatures that weren't so calm when they were touched. For example, when a member in my group touched the shark it jumped, but when he touched the jelly fish it stayed calm and kept moving slowly.

In the end, our trip to the Camden Aquarium was a great one to have because it was both educational and fun. We learned many things and had a great time. I recommend visiting the Camden Aquarium if you haven't done so already.

Greenhouse Effect- U.S. and Europe are outsourcing gas

The Greenhouse effect is necessary and substantial for the earth. Without greenhouse gases, our earth would be a frozen wasteland. However, the use of these gases are starting to pollute the air, causing problems for the world.

Being more specific, the U.S and Europe are the main causes for this issue. As both of these countries have been developed, the outsource of these gases are too much for other developing countries. Because we have been developed, we have more technology releasing these gases such as burning fossil fuels, and the overuse of gas. This is a problem because the gases are being imported throughout the world, including developing countries. The imports and exports of this gas are preventing the developing countries from growing and reaching First World standards. Also due to the carbon dioxide growth, coming from the greenhouse gases, is causing the explosion of industry, which is slowing down technology.

In my opinion, we need to try our best and stop the pollution of this issue. For example, we need to reduce the use of gas. To do this, we need to run on cars. Instead of selling cars that run on fuel, we need to make battery powered cars. That way we don't pollute the air and use too much greenhouse gases. By doing this, other countries will be able to successfully develop to First World standards. Most of the outsource of greenhouse gases are coming from us, so we need to the best we can to fix this global issue. The outsource of these gases can be limited many ways. Another example would be instead of driving a car, ride a bike or walk. This is the best thing we can do to save our world.

The article I found this information from is called, U.S. and Europe 'Outsource' Greenhouse Gas Emissions. The URL to this article is:

http://www.livescience.com/environment/carbon-emissions-countries-outsourcing-100308.html

Is Air There Lab

This lab was extremely interesting. We were given a jar, a bag, and a rubber band. First we put the bag over the open part of the jar. Then, we tied a rubber band around the part of the bag that covered the opening of the jar. After that process was done, we pushed the bag inside the jar and felt a bit of resistance. However, when we pulled the bag out of the jar, there was so much resistance, and we were unable to pull out the whole bag. As parts of the bag were pulled out, other parts went in. The reason for this was because the air got trapped inside, making the air pressure high and unable to completely pull out.

Coming from this lab, a hypothesis I can make would be that a balloon would be affected by air pressure, as it travels up through the atmosphere. The big three reasons behind this are temperature, water vapor, and altitude, which all affect air pressure. As the temperature gets higher, air pressure gets lower. As the water vapor increases the air gets denser, or higher in air pressure. As the altitude increases, the air pressure gets decreases. The balloon would do many things as it traveled up through the atmosphere. The air pressure would decrease due to the altitude increasing. Depending on the weather as well, the temperature and water vapor would also lay drastic impacts on the air pressure. The balloon would travel up for a little while and then pop. This would be due to the change in air pressure.

Air pressure causes many things to occur. The air pressure is affected by elevation, temperature, and water vapor, as shown in the lab.

Popcorn Lab

First, we took a paper bag filled with many kernels. We put it in the microwave and pressed popcorn. After about a few seconds, we heard popping. It was the kernels turning into popcorn. The reason why the kernels popped was because heat will be transferred to the kernels, causing them to expand and pop. Kernels are filled with water, so when the heat is transferred to the kernel, the water turns into steam, which causes the kernel to pop. In the microwave, radiation was the kind of heat that was transferred to the kernels. Radiation is the transfer of heat energy through an empty space. Radiation was the kind of heat that caused the kernels to pop into popcorn in the microwave.

After we popped the bag of kernels in the microwave, we put kernels in a popcorn popper. What happened was the popcorn popper moved around the kernels, and then they started popping. The heat that was transferred to the kernels in this popcorn popper was convection. Convection is a transfer of heat energy from a fluid. The water inside the kernels turned into a gas, which is why the kernel popped.

In the end, the reason why the kernels popped in the microwave was because of radiation, and the reason the kernels popped in the popcorn popper was because of convection. Both radiation and convection are methods of heating.

Frog Dissection

In science class, we dissected a frog, which was quite interesting. There were many organs the we saw, as it looked as if we were looking in the human body. A matter of fact, the frog had many organs similar, and some even the same as our organs. All the organs were different colors, which made each easy to identify. We could see all the parts that we learned in class, which was extremely cool.

In addition to all the cool organs, the frog dissection was very interesting and fun. Opening the frog was the most fun part. First we had to cut the frog in a few places, then cut out the peritoneum of the frog, which was a layer covering all of the organs. Also, my group's frog was a female that was going to lay soon. The oviducts were thick, and there were a huge amount of eggs in the frog. That was really interesting because there were so many eggs.

To add on, the frog dissection was extremely educational. We learned about the frog's organs and how they function. This is very important to know because many of the parts of the frog are similar to humans, which will help in high school for biology. The frog taught us many unknown things and it was extremely educational.

Overall, the frog dissection was amazing due to the cool organs, the fun of looking at the frog, and the thing we learned. Frog dissection was one of the best science labs that I have ever done in my whole life!

Child Soldiers in Africa

The child soldier in Africa problem has become a global issue due to its abusive use of child soldiers. Many problems are occurring, and they are causing surrounding countries and continents involved. Here are some statistics on this child soldier issue. First of all, there are over 500, 000 child soldiers in the world, and 250, 000 of those child soldiers exist in Africa. Secondly, more than three percent of child soldiers in Africa are dying everyday. This issue is slowly going to take away all of Africa's children, leaving a questionable future for Africa's society. In just one country in Africa, Burma, there are as many as 70, 000 child soldiers! Lastly, there are more child soldiers in Africa being injured than any other continent. Based on these statistics, Africa will slowly fall apart, unless this child soldier issue is stopped.

To learn more about child soldiers visit:

http://uk.oneworld.net/guides/childlabour/child-soldiers?gclid=CLfcrbP_x58CFegL5QodU2FaOA

Lexus LS 600 hl Hybrid

Lexus went to new levels with the LS 600 hl Hybrid. There are more features on this car than any other lexus ever made. Not only that, but this car is great for the environment as it is a hybrid. Also, the LS 600 hl Hybrid has many safety features as it has five star crash rating. Overall, the Lexus LS 600 hl Hybrid has many great features.

The interior and exterior are big factors on why the LS 600 hl Hybrid is a great car. In the interior, the car is styled for luxury. In the front, the steering wheel has a wooden trim around it to ensure grip on the wheel. On the dashboard you can see a new feature called ECO mode. ECO mode provides an indicator on the dashboard that helps provide the kind of gas to get that is best to both the economy and the environment. Also, the car controls your energy consumption and makes it the best it can get for the world's resources. The front seats also are heated for your comfort. A navigation system is also included right above the radio. In the rear portion of the car, Lexus has crossed many levels to provide the most luxury it can. The rear seats can recline as much as you want it to until it is right behind the passenger seat. Also, the rear seats provide a Japanese shiatsu massage with a remote control. In addition, the third seat comes down as it can be used as an armrest for your luxury. On top of that, the third seat also contains a cooler and a table that slides out to both of the rear seats. The exterior of this car is great as well as the car has been painted twice to ensure the paint stays on longer. This car looks amazing as it comes in many colors as well.

Now here comes the best part. The LS 600 hl Hybrid is just amazing for the environment. It saves a ton of gas as it is battery powered as well as fuel powered. This car can almost go up to 40 miles per gallon! That is just amazing fuel efficiency, and it is much better for the environment. Also, as mentioned earlier the all new ECO mode guides you on what you should do fuel-wise that will cause less pollution. The ECO mode also controls the energy you use and makes it the best for the environment.

In my opinion, the Lexus LS 600 hl Hybrid is a great car. It has many luxury features to enhance your ride, as well as safety features to make sure you don't get hurt as badly as many other cars, but even on top of that, this car is just amazing for the environment. The Lexus LS 600 hl Hybrid is an incredible car!

To learn more about the Lexus LS 600 hl Hybrid, go to:

http://www.lexus.com/models/LSh/