Looking for a great summer read?

Try one of the great new sci-fi books recommended by NPR. The list has everything from apocalyptic futures to mysterious planets, and of course zombies.

For the full list, check out http://www.npr.org/2012/06/19/155113890/summers-best-sci-fi-planets-politics-apocalypse.

So, do you know any great summer science reads? Share your favorites in the comments below, or tell me about them in your journal.

Happy reading!
~Ms Cooke

Tsunami Debris Washing Ashore

I am sure that you all remember the massive tsunami that hit Japan in March of 2011. The tsunami was created when 9.0 magnitude Earthquake struck just off the east coast of Japan. The tsunami traveled more than 6 miles inland in some coastal areas. One of the biggest questions that arose afterwards was what had happened to all the debris, and when would it start showing up. Many estimated that the debris would not begin appearing on US shores until 2014. But, the debris has already begun showing up on the west coast of North America.

This clump of debris was seen floating near Hawaii.

 This large piece of a dock washed up near San Fransisco.

This ghost ship was seen floating off of the coast of Canada.

Other items that have been washing up include bikes, toys, insulation, pieces of homes, and unfortunately,  human remains. The influx of debris is also bringing a large amount of foreign organisms that are creating a problem for the local ecosystems. For more information, I have provided links to a few news articles.

http://news.discovery.com/earth/tsunami-debris-may-contain-boats-bikes-and-bones-120608.html
http://news.discovery.com/human/discovery-news-dnews-gotta-see-videos-120607.html
http://news.discovery.com/earth/tsunami-ghost-ship-haunts-canada-coast-120324.html
http://www.latimes.com/news/nation/nationnow/la-na-nn-huge-dock-tsunami-20120606,0,7550444.story

So, the next big question is what do we do with the debris that is washing ashore? Some of the debris is just rubble, but others are personal items. Also, there is the possibility that they will have high levels of radiation. So, as always, feel free to write your opinions in the comments below, or in your journal.

~Ms Cooke

Earth Science Week Contest

Hello Ladies and Gents!

I know it is a little early to be thinking about Earth Science Week (which occurs in mid-October every year), but the yearly contest has been announced! Every year earthsciweek.org offers a $500 prize for the winners. Now, you have plenty of time to make the perfect entry, as the due date is October 19th!

There are three different competitions. One for photography, one for visual entries, and one for a written composition. Each section has its own theme. For full rules and info, head to the site below.

http://www.earthsciweek.org/contests/2011index.html

Trust me, you can do it! Here are some examples of previous winners:

Good luck to you all!
~Ms Cooke

Earthquake in Melbourne Biggest in a Century!

As a perfect followup to my previous post, there has been a 5.3 earthquake in Australia!

It occurred a little before 9 pm, local time. So far, there are no serious injuries or damage reported. For more information check out one of the links below:

http://www.news.com.au/national/earthquake-rocks-victoria/story-e6frfkvr-1226401631728

http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/8486317/victoria-hit-by-5-2-magnitude-earthquake

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/usb000ajek.php#details

For a first hand look, check out these videos (apparently everyone in Australia plays the guitar):

 

 

So, what would you do if there were an earthquake? Write about a few ways you can be prepared for an earthquake in the comments, or in your journal!

G'day mates!
~Ms Cooke

Real-time Earthquake Map

interested in keeping up to date, even up to the minute, on earthquakes? Of so, be sure to check out this nifty feature over at the USGS site!

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/

What is this? Well, it is a real time map showing all of the earthquakes that have occurred in the past 7 days. You can check out time, date, location, and size! Notice any pattern for where the earthquakes are occurring? How much of a risk does New York have a experiencing a major earthquake any time soon? Why?

As always, feel free to comment in the comments below, or in your journal!


~ Ms Cooke

Layers of the Earth Review

It's that time of the year.... Regents Review. Today's topic is the Layers of the Earth! For a quick review, see if you can name a few facts about each layer in the comments, or in your journal!

 If you need a little extra review, try one of these totally rockin' clips:

 

 

Good Luck Studying!!

~ Ms Cooke

The difference between you and me...

 

Have you got what it takes?

Colombian Volcano Nevado del Ruiz

Have you heard? There is a new volcano with a funky name in town. The Colombian volcano Nevado del Ruiz is likely to erupt sometime in the next few weeks. It has already begun to spew toxic cases and ash into the air.

This isn't the first time this volcano has erupted. When it last erupted in 1985 it caused a giant mudslide that wiped out several villages and in the end was responsible for killing over 25,000 people.  To read up on the current eruption, check out this article:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-18481694

For more information on the previous eruption, watch this awesome student made video:

Can you define all the volcano vocabulary in the video? Why not try in the comments below, or in your journal!

Don't Forget to Study for Regents!

~Ms Cooke

W.E.D. Review

Today's review is on weathering, erosion, and deposition. In the three links below I have selected three images from the past year's Geology Picture of the Day. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to identify the type of weathering, erosion, and/or deposition that is shown within the picture. (Hint: it can be more than one thing!)

http://epod.usra.edu/blog/2012/03/glacial-erratic.html

http://epod.usra.edu/blog/2012/06/poetry-cave-and-karst-landscape.html

http://epod.usra.edu/blog/2012/05/hudson-river-palisade-rockslide.html

Put your answers in the comments below, or write them up in your journal! As always, review assignments are offered for extra credit points!

Good Luck,
Ms. Cooke