Launch Video

Well, I did watch the launch, and held up the flip camera and shot a video. Here is the 3 minute version. You can't feel the shaking, but you do hear the crowd response. The launch was scrubbed the first morning due to the cloud cover. I stayed for the launch the next morning, at 4:14 Monday morning. This was the last night launching of a shuttle, so I was honored to be invited, and glad that I stayed.

From Antarctica to Space

This past week has been very busy. Monday was test day. On Tuesday, we were able to have another web conference with Dr. Stephen Pekar in Antarctica. He explained in more detail how he examines forams (tiny protists) to tell how hot or cold Antarctica was in the past. Other classes worked on Exhibition research.
Right now, I am in Cape Canaveral, waiting for the shuttle Endeavor to launch. It is launching at 4:30 am Sunday morning. I was able to get seating in the Banana Creek section, where the astronaut's families get to sit. I am quite excited! Pictures will be forthcoming, although NASA personnel has advised us not to take pictures, to just enjoy the launch. The already have enough professionals around taking pictures.

January Comes to a Close

This week we had a phone conference arranged with a Weather Channel meterologist through Power to Learn. Unfortunately, there was a timing mix-up and it had to be post-poned for a few weeks. That is the difficulty with technology, it can be undependable at times. You always need a back-up plan. We did review hurricane safety rules - hopefully the hurricanes will stay away from Stamford, but if one heads our way we will be prepared!

Antarctica and Long Island Sound

Our web conference went well today - it was fun listening to Dr. Steven Pekar describe the forams he studies and what it is like living on a ship. Hopefully we will do it again with other classes. This Thursday, Soundwaters educators will be coming to the class to discuss the Long Island Sound watershed and how to test the waters of the Sound. I believe it is important to keep in touch with science agencies to see how the research will help us lead better lives. Tuesday's conference was sponsored by NASA (via US Satellite Laboratory) and IODP (Integrated Ocean Drilling Project), and Thursday's work will be through Soundwaters and NOAA funding. What can you tell me about some of the work that these agencies do?

This Week in Science

This week will be quite busy. On Tuesday, we will be participating in a webquest with the JOIDES Resolution, an ocean drilling ship currently in Wilkes Land, Antarctica. The scientists will be looking for information on glacial geological history by collecting and investigating sediments from cores. Here is a video on what is currently happening on the ship. Watch the video and send me questions about the expedition - or make a prediction on when they will get their first core.