Hurricane Sandy

Are you guys keeping track of Hurricane Sandy?

in Massachusetts

projected path 

News Stories:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/hurricane-sandy-begins-its-assault-on-region/2012/10/29/ff2d3122-21f2-11e2-bdfa-eebc58545bc7_story.html

http://www.foxnews.com/weather/2012/10/29/millions-across-east-coast-brace-for-uperstorm-sandy/

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2012/10/dangers-of-hurricane-sandy-hitting-new-york-city/

http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/news/2012/10/29/hurricane-sandy-slams-northeast/

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57542015/hurricane-sandy-more-than-2-million-already-without-power/

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Hey kiddos!

What are your plans for Halloween? Any super creative costume ideas?

Jack couldn't decide between Superman and Batman - luckily we just had to add capes to PJ's (hey, superheroes are basically wearing pj's anyway, right?) VOILA!

** By the way, guys, I was just bidding in the Silent Auction, and I couldn't help but notice that there is only ONE BID for lunch with me. I am NOT feeling the love, guys! Just a little hurt... plus, its for such a good cause.... Just sayin'...

For the next month...

Hi kiddos!

I've gotten AWESOME thinking from you guys and I'm really pleased with your efforts. I've heard a bit more from some kiddos than others, and I would like for more folks to check in with the blog.
I will NOT, however, be giving any more assignments between now and my return from school. I will make more posts, though, for everyone who may be interested in checking in. Once I AM back at school full-time, expect weekly blog posts again.

Thanks for checking in, guys! Don't forget to respond to any questions I might have asked to "stretch" your thinking on particular posts - I am interested in how your thinking is growing!!

Keep working hard! I will be in touch!

Mrs. T.

Inherited Traits

Okay, folks, this is sort of a short-and-simple post but it requires thinking...

Please respond on the blog this week, rather than emailing. IMPORTANT: Be sure your answer is different from all earlier answers!

All you need to do is to tell me ONE inherited trait an animal has, and ONE trait that it could have that is NOT inherited (acquired trait). Use the same animal for each example.

You might want to use this for reference:

http://utahscience.oremjr.alpine.k12.ut.us/sciber01/7th/cells/html/inhvsacq.htm

**If you want to get ahead for next week, too, start thinking about the questions at the bottom of the article.**

Genetics: Breeding Border Collies

Hey kiddos!

Here's a fun little game that will help you with your understanding of genetics - you are all now officially dog breeders!

Play this game: PBS Kids Dog Breeding Game

...and then email me (at sylvan.taylor@gmail.com) with your thoughts on what traits each of these dogs' parents had. Be sure to include the fur color, fur length and ear types! You can always go back to the game and check your thinking before sending your answer.

Have fun!

1.

2.

Building on Last Week's Thinking...

Hi kiddos!

Last week, I got LOTS of really terrific answers from everyone who responded. I have a few more things for you to think about, related to the weather map. Most of you already got some "brain stretcher" questions to get you started for this week.

Use the map above and the wind map on the link to answer the following questions: 

1. Compare the two maps. On the wind map, there is a large white area touching Wisconsin (WI), Illinois (IL - the city of Chicago is noted on the wind map here) and Michigan (MI). What is that area?

2. There is also a large white area on the wind map that borders the areas labeled as Texas (TX), Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. What is that?

3. What about the the white areas along the coast of California, Oregon and Washington? The white areas along the coasts of Florida (FL) up through Maine (ME)? 

4. What do all those areas have in common - don't over-think it!

5. Do you think that water affects wind patterns? Why or why not?

6. Using the information in this link about the jet stream, sea breezes and land breezes, how do temperature differences affect wind? How does this relate to water?

7. Why do hurricanes form over water? 

Don't forget to write your answers in complete sentences and to send them to my email - sylvan.taylor@gmail.com - by next Monday. Also be sure to check out the update post, giving lots of information about our turtle buddies and one of our class members' recent accomplishments!! Also be sure to check out the class webpage and let your parents know that I am currently updating the calendar and other features of the class webpage. All due dates for your states project are now up. Soon I should have up field trips and other important dates, also!

Have a super week, everybody! 

In case you are interested, here are some more cool science stories related to weather and climate:

Science News for Kid: A Record Ice Melt

Science News for Kids: Seal Scientists

Journey North: Weather and Climate Conditions Continue to Affect Monarch Migration

News on Hurricane Nadine