Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Flotsametrics and Pressure

Students started the day with a reading about flotsametrics - the science of floating garbage. Scientists like Curtis Ebbesmeyer study things like Nike sneakers and rubber ducks to see how surface currents work. Students plotted the coordinates of a cargo of rubber ducks that were lost overboard in the nineties and read about some other things that were washed overboard and then used to current studies. Students then listened to part of an NPR podcast of Science Friday where Curtis Ebbesmeyer was interviewed. More about this study can be read at this article.

Students took notes on currents, discussed dissolved oxygen and where it comes from, and then discussed what caused pressure and how it increases with depth. There was a brief discussion about how pressure can adversely affect human divers. Students then did an activity with water and plastic cups demonstrating that pressure increases with depth.
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Computer Lab Etiquette

You are in the computer lab to do work for this class. If you are not doing work, then we will have problems.

Do not pack up early. Work until the bell or until MsJ says.

SAVE OFTEN. And if you save to a key, also save it to your number. If you lose it, you will have to do it again.

If MsJ asks for your attention, stop what you are doing and listen to what she has to say.

You may watch videos about your organism through reliable websites.

You may listen to music through the computer if you have your own headphones. Rule1 MsJ cannot hear it. You get one warning. Rule2 Turn it on and listen – no million clicks and constant changing. Take both ear phones out when MsJ is talking.