Thursday, May 28, 2009

Conclusion for Plasticity Lab

The mixture of cornstarch and water that we created in class is similar to the Earth’s mantle because they both share the common trait of plasticity. Plasticity generally means ability to be shaped or formed. In our experiment, we mixed corn starch with just the right amount of water. If we put too much water, then we would end up with a mixture that is too much like water. When the mixture was just right, meaning when it was hard to stir it and the spoon started bending; it was mostly like and amorphous solid. It looked as if it was water, but in reality, it was just a solid that transformed into a liquid. We then took it out of the beaker and rolled it up into a ball. When we stopped exerting pressure, it melted and became liquid. This is just like the mantle because if it stopped receiving pressure from both sides such as the core and the crust, then the mantle would melt just like the goo we made.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

October Sky

Recently, I have finished watching the movie known as "October Sky". This movie is about a young man who hopes to build a rocket after the launch of Sputnik in the late 1950's. In this movie, there are many aspects of science and math, such as the rocket. Building a rocket is complex because the math used to create it is calculus. The angle of placement of the rocket must be perpendicular to the ground so that the angle of elevation is 90 degrees, causing the rocket to go straight up. Also, the angle of trajectory must be precise so that the rocket does not fall anywhere hazardous when launching the rocket. Next, these young adults were all in a school in hope of entering the Intel Science fair and winning it. This science fair is a place where all of the most renowned high schools students go to show off their amazing inventions. Most people who win get full scholarships to the school of their choice. Over the years, the people who have win the science fair have gone on to make a name for themselves, to become successful, and to have an effect on the future. In my opinion, it is unbelievable that boys from a coal mining town were able to overcome all odds and win the science fair.

Not only did this movie relate to math and science it also related to character education traits. Cooperation, assertion, respect, and self-control are all used well in this movie. It showed self-control because Homer's father never even cared about his hobbies, all he wanted was that he would be a coal miner. Homer never acted out towards his father except in one scene where he yelled at him. In addition, all the boys showed great cooperation and respect for each other because it is hard to build a rocket with your friends, especially when one of the people who built the rocket with them was shunned by all of the other people in the school. They may have gotten into some fights, but they pulled it off. Lastly, this movie showed assertion because above all of the doubters out in the world, and especially to their city, they asserted themselves and believed that they could do it. When they finally looked up and saw that their rocket was out of sight, they knew that they have succeeded. This miraculous story touched my heart and let me know that anything is possible.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Widget

Response to Canavan Disease

Recently, I have discovered about the terrifying disease called Canavan Disease. This disease called Canavan disease is a disease where the child is not able to live past the ge of ten. I can not picture having an abnormally large, poorly controlled head.Also,. According to the publisher, it is known to make you mentally retarded This makes me feel very sad for the people who have come down with this improbable, but highly dangerous disease. It is a disapointment for all of the people who have come down with this horrible disease, which does not permit anybody to who has this to live a long fruitful life. Even though they are not able to live the life they wanted, they have much sympathy from me.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Klinefelter syndrome

Imagine that you are unable to reproduce because of a extra sex chromosome that you were born with. Klinefelter syndrome is disease where you are infertile and unable to reproduce. This disease is named after Dr. Henry Klinefelter, who first found an extra male X chromosome, and was discovered in 1942. Some symptoms of this disease having some degree of increased breast tissue, also known as gynecomastia, which is present in one third of all infected. Also, it inflicts a decrease of testicular hormones, also known as hypognadism, endocrine function, and small testicles. Greater symptoms include germ cell tumors, breast cancer, and osteoporosis. The last symptoms include pulmonary diseases, varicose veins, diabetes, and arthritis. Thus, the genetic variation is irreversible. Testosterone treatment is an option for some people who want to look more manly. People who experience a growth in breast tissue have depression.This disease does not affect females, it is only present in males. Lastly, 40% of the people with the syndrome die every year. In my opinion, it is a dark day in every families household when they find out that their child has come down with such a tremendously horrible disease.

Works Cited-

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/945649-overview
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klinefelter's_syndrome