Citizen Science: YoS!

I know you have waited a few weeks for this, so here it is- February's topic for the 2009 Year of Science is....Evolution.  Now, the word "evolution" is pretty scary to many people and institutions.  Many people, for many reasons, choose not to use this word-they might use a word like adaptation or progression.

So, whatever one chooses to acknowledge it as, it is what it is...a small change, in an organism,  over time that eventually becomes part of the makeup of that organism.  There are many ways in which we can teach this topic; we can have an open engaged discussion about it, we can do activities, we can visit museum and places that might have exhibits about evolution or you can encourage the students to do a book report or project on their idea of evolution, but whatever you do...make sure it is age appropriate.  There is nothing worse than to be stuck in a "over your head" science topic, it makes the whole experience tough.

There is one scientist that goes hand in hand with the study of evolution, and that's Charles Darwin.  There are great resources out there, you just have to find the best one that fits your style of teaching or learning!  Next month's YoS topic is: Physics and Technology! 

Ask your questions about evolution to biologist PZ Myers over at Science Buzz. 

Citizen Science: Darwin Day!

The 12th of February is Charles Darwin's200th birthday! I am not going to give you a history lesson on Darwin, instead I am going to tell you about February 12, 2009. This year on the bicentennial of his birthday, a ship (a replication of The Beagle) will set sail on a journey to repeat Darwin's expedition. The scientists will also be conducting two on-going original research projects over the five year voyage; Metagenomics and DNA barcoding. There will also be several smaller research projects.

The ship will be furnished with new laboratory equipment, up to date technology, functional galleys, living quarters for all and much more. There are many ways to get involved with this project! You can track their status, make a suggestion for one of those research projects, make a donation, buy a supportive shirt or just spread the word!

This will help you if you want to get involved in a local Darwin Day Celebration!

Check it out, the Beagle has a blog!

Citizen Science: What to do with all those batteries?

So, how many items do we all have in our homes that are battery operated. I stopped counting at 25 (of course I think most of my daughter's toys consume batteries to make some noise ). Batteries are everywhere, and are of many different types. The other day while replacing a few I started wondering how to properly dispose of these things and came to a few realizations... Not all batteries are created equal!!

Most of the batteries that we purchase are alkaline batteries and unfortunately there aren't many recycling options for these. Fortunately legislation was passed to rid these disposable batteries of mercury and other harmful materials which previously was leaching out of landfills. The trouble is billions of the batteries are purchased by Americans every year and there are being used once and then discarded.

What can I do (or should I do) you may ask. Well think about using a rechargeable battery when possible. Yes, they do cost more money upfront but, you get many more uses out of them so the payback period is short. It would cost a ridiculous amount to operate my digital camera for instance if I kept putting disposable batteries in it. Additionally the main types of rechargeable batteries can be recycled at many easily accessible locations. So really it can be a win-win decision to buy rechargeable batteries for many of your devices.

We use A LOT of batteries in our DPS science kits too, Elecrticity and Magnetism uses 60 batteries per kit!  That adds up pretty fast when you are sending out 14-20 kits every rotation! 

As for how batteries work, here is a link to some great information. And, for those that are really curious and want to do some hands on experiments with making a battery or electrical energy source out of household items, the SERC has a Science in a Suitcase kit that will allow you to do just that!  

Citizen Science: Groundhog Day!

Happy Groundhog Day!  Today has me wondering...(thought cloud)... When did Groundhog Day come around and why the groundhog?  

We will start with the second part of my thought...why the groundhog?  Well - groundhogs, also known as woodchucks and marmots, are naturally shy animals.  So, the weather lore is that their so shy that IF they see their shadow it will frighten them and they will retreat to their burrow to hide.   

This is a picture of our woodchuck Wendy!  You can come visit her anytime in Carolina Wildlife! 

This is a great time to stop and talk about why the groundhog is 'hiding' in the first place! 

Groundhogs are among the large amount of mammals that hibernate during the winter months, and they are usually starting to come out of their hibernation around the week of February 2nd. So, if they see their shadow they will retreat to their burrow and continue their hibernation for another 6 weeks until spring.  There are plenty of parent/teacher crafts or other activities that can be done with children to help make the day fun! 

And to answer the first part of my question: When did Groundhog Day first come into play?  The earliest American reference came in 1841, when a store keeper recorded the day in his diary.  

"Last Tuesday, the 2nd, was Candlemas day, the day on which, according to the Germans, the Groundhog peeps out of his winter quarters and if he sees his shadow he pops back for another six weeks nap, but if the day be cloudy he remains out, as the weather is to be moderate."

And the tradition was born!  Does your family have any traditions + activities that you would like to share?  Leave them in the comment section for everyone to read!