Elementary Science 2

 1. During lab, we looked at the difference between climate and weather. We looked at climate change's impact on precipitation, allergies, and agriculture. 2. In lecture, I learned about the public's perception on climate change versus the scientists' perception on climate change. It is alarming how divided the public is about the issue while 99% of scientists believe in climate change. 3. Textbook Reading I learned about a rain shadow. Air mass rises, cools, and condenses. The precipitation cannot pass over the other side of the mountain, making a rain shadow. The diagrams were the most helpful. No new information needed as of now. No questions as of now.

 1. In lab this week we talked about climate change in Iowa, specifically precipitation. Each table group examined a specific city in Iowa and measured the change in precipitation over the course of a hundred years I believe. I found that precipitation has increased in the state of Iowa. 2. No lecture this week. 3. Textbook reading I learned that the biggest impact climate change has on Iowa is its impact on temperatures and agriculture. There is a lot more flooding of crops. The diagrams were very helpful. No more information needed. No questions at this time.

 1. What are the different types of sand? During lab, we looked at different types of sand using a microscope. We examined different types of sand and looked at their structure, size, and color. We used these characteristics to categorize the samples into sand created from water, glaciers, and wind. We looked at how glacial erosion affects land. There was a giant glacier that made Iowa's land flat. Large glaciers receded in Minnesota, causing the 10,000 lakes. 2. During lecture, we learned about the Archimedes Principle which explored rocks and their density. We looked at a geode and how their specific gravity is 2.7. A more hollow geode might be less than 2.7. 3.  Textbook reading: I learned about how the different types of sand. Sand created through wind erosion is pitted and frosted because it slams against rocks. Sand created through water is much more polished because the water continually passes over the rock. I really liked the TED Talk about the Archimedes Principle. I...

 1. What is the rock cycle? In lab, we investigated the rock cycle using starbursts. We melted them, cooled them, and pressed them together to represent igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks. 2. During lecture, we talked more in depth about plate tectonics and hot spots. Hot spots were really interesting to me because they affect how active volcanoes change over time. It also shows how we can differentiate older and younger volcanoes. 3. After reading the textbook, I learned about how the outer core of the Earth creates a magnetic field which is why compasses always point north. The magnetic field also protects Earth from extreme weather and radiation in space. 4. The most helpful part of the chapter were the pictures and diagrams. Khan academy is always a great resource as well. 5. I need more information on the magnetic field of Earth. 6. How does the magnetic field protect us from extreme weather and radiation? What is that process like?

 1. What are the significant events in the history of Earth? In lab, we learned about the geological time scale of Earth. We had to list 5 events on a timeline. These events were humans appearing, dinosaurs ruling the Earth, first land plants, first land animals, moon being created. We explored how the moon went through many phases. It was really hot at one point and then it was all ice and snow. The ice and snow melted from the formation of plate tectonics that created volcanos I think. 2. No lecture. 3. Weekly textbook reading I learned that Earth was in Snowball Earth at least three times in its history. The diagrams showing the albedo effect was helpful. I need more information on Earth's initial formation and why it was so hot. Why was Earth so hot in its formation? Like the initial formation?

 1. What are the origins of the universe? Life cycles of stars? Galaxies? Origin of the Earth? Black holes? Exploration of space: past, present, and future. In lab we learned about how the universe was created through the big bang. We got information on the life cycles of stars and how our sun is an average sized star that will turn into a red giant and engulf the four inner planets.  2. In lecture, we learned about how the big bang was when a subatomic particle inflated to a huge size in a fraction of a second. It slowly expanded to create the universe. Earth was created from dust and debris most likely from a star that exploded. I found it interesting how there are over 2 trillion galaxies, so the odds of us being the only life in the universe is low.