Hi folks! I hope that all of you have a wonderful Christmas and new year. I pray that the end of your 2010 is everything that your dreamed of and more.
For many of you, I hope our shared celebration of Christ's birth, right up to the Epiphany season, is time spent in joy with your family, in peace with yourself and others, with hope for your future, and with love for everyone and everything that is around you!
Astronomy -- 1st period did not get to take the outer planets quiz prior to our departure before break. Just know that you will take it the SECOND class period that you are back from break. That will be Wednesday, January 5th. We will begin talking about the sun when you return in January. So, if you get a chance, check out this cool website on space weather and the links that it contains. You will never look at the sun in the same way again!
Geology -- We took notes on glaciers before you left, and that is exactly where we will pick up when you return. While I didn't get a chance to post the notes on the blog here yet, they will be posted, at the lastest, the day that we return. Regardless, work on your book homework and be ready to slide right back in on January 3rd!
BRCC folks -- We will have a visit from a JMU professor to help us better understand water testing. The date is still up in the air, but after that, we will schedule a time to collect samples. Otherwise, enjoy your break!
Freuliche Weinachten!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
ET Becoming more Likely!
Check out this article on ET! Several lines of evidence are suggesting the the liklihood of life beyond Earth is becoming greater all the time. Predictions on life beyond Earth are based upon probabilities and various assumptions that may or may not be universal, but they are definitely worth taking seriously.
Mineral rights -- what a convoluted topic. Check out this article to learn more about the complex legal arrangements that the owners and buyers of mineral rights have to has out. Someone could drill under your land without your permission!
Today and tomorrow we are taking trips to the Broadway water treatment plant and the Broadway-Timberville Wastewater Plant. You'll see the entire process that creates drinking water from the river to where that water is expelled in a toilet, treated, and released back to the rivr. Awesome stuff!
Mineral rights -- what a convoluted topic. Check out this article to learn more about the complex legal arrangements that the owners and buyers of mineral rights have to has out. Someone could drill under your land without your permission!
Today and tomorrow we are taking trips to the Broadway water treatment plant and the Broadway-Timberville Wastewater Plant. You'll see the entire process that creates drinking water from the river to where that water is expelled in a toilet, treated, and released back to the rivr. Awesome stuff!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Copper Mines and Electromagnetic Pulses
When you think of Afghanistan, what comes to mind? Is bearded men brandishing weaponry? Is it a great society based upon exploited mineral wealth? Or, is it a place with a flourishing tradition of Buddhism?
Well, in its history, it has been or is all of these things. This article on a copper mine that the Chinese are planning to build in a few years does a great job of shedding some light on the lavish and impressive history of this war-torn region. Helmand province, one of the most bitterly contested between NATO and the Taliban in modern memory, was once home to an impressive, and wealthy, presumably Buddhist civilization. It was all based on the mining of copper. This brown metal brought fabulous riches to this area, at least until all the trees were used up and smelting could no longer occur. Today, the Chinese are planning on extracting it and, once again, the Afghan people will benefit economically. The sad part, though, is the cultural loss that is inevitable with this type of a mine. The plan is to build an opencast mine. I've included a picture of the Mirna Mine in Siberia (Diamond mine) for reference...in case you don't know what one of these looks like:
All I can say is "ecological and archaeological disaster". None of these ancient sites will exist any longer. How sad.
On a lighter note (not really), could our civilization survive an electromagnetic pulse? Well, this article explores that question. They can occur naturally (the sun) or be created by man (military weaponry, terrorist A-bomb) and essentially fry electronics. A large enough pulse could sideline power for millions of people at a time over a huge region. Check this article out!
Geology -- We are taking our quiz on chapter 9 today and will start talking about Mass Wasting (Chapter 8).
Astronomy -- Mercury was hot, but Venus is hotter! Venus today, Mars on Thursday!
Geology BRCC -- Come early tomorrow, we leave at 7:30. We're going to Bergton to gauge streams! Friday, we'll analyze our data.
Well, in its history, it has been or is all of these things. This article on a copper mine that the Chinese are planning to build in a few years does a great job of shedding some light on the lavish and impressive history of this war-torn region. Helmand province, one of the most bitterly contested between NATO and the Taliban in modern memory, was once home to an impressive, and wealthy, presumably Buddhist civilization. It was all based on the mining of copper. This brown metal brought fabulous riches to this area, at least until all the trees were used up and smelting could no longer occur. Today, the Chinese are planning on extracting it and, once again, the Afghan people will benefit economically. The sad part, though, is the cultural loss that is inevitable with this type of a mine. The plan is to build an opencast mine. I've included a picture of the Mirna Mine in Siberia (Diamond mine) for reference...in case you don't know what one of these looks like:
All I can say is "ecological and archaeological disaster". None of these ancient sites will exist any longer. How sad.
On a lighter note (not really), could our civilization survive an electromagnetic pulse? Well, this article explores that question. They can occur naturally (the sun) or be created by man (military weaponry, terrorist A-bomb) and essentially fry electronics. A large enough pulse could sideline power for millions of people at a time over a huge region. Check this article out!
Geology -- We are taking our quiz on chapter 9 today and will start talking about Mass Wasting (Chapter 8).
Astronomy -- Mercury was hot, but Venus is hotter! Venus today, Mars on Thursday!
Geology BRCC -- Come early tomorrow, we leave at 7:30. We're going to Bergton to gauge streams! Friday, we'll analyze our data.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Marcellus Shale Conference
This article on a conference that recently took place about the Marcellus Shale is interesting in that industry leaders are at least paying lip service to the notion that being environmentally responsible in the production of gas from shale is good business. Naturally, with business, actions speak louder than words! They also seem to recognize the ignorance of those whose lands lie atop these deposits with regard to the processes involved in drilling and fracking wells. Of course, the more education that people have, the more cautious they become in signing lease agreements. And rightly so! The industry's environmental record with respect to fracking is not exemplary, as we've seen evidenced in many places. Before it happens in Virginia, we need to be sure that as many people get educated on the process, risks, and yes, potential benefits, as possible.
In geology, we're wrapping up our chapter 9 materials. Tuesday next week, the 16th, we'll take the chapter 9 quiz.
Astronomy students may find this article on the dwarf planet Eris to be interesting. It seems that it is smaller than originally thought, just slightly more diminutive than Pluto. However, it is more massive. So, it must be more dense than Pluto. Why? This is the big puzzle now. The outer solar system is becoming more and more interesting!
But, before we get there...
Today, we talked about the formation of the solar system. Your lab is due next class. We will be in the computer lab next time, exploring Mercury and the Messenger mission in more detail. Venus is up next!
Oh, and by the way, if you are awake at 5:30-6:00 am, be sure to check out Venus AND Saturn in the pre-dawn sky.
In geology, we're wrapping up our chapter 9 materials. Tuesday next week, the 16th, we'll take the chapter 9 quiz.
Astronomy students may find this article on the dwarf planet Eris to be interesting. It seems that it is smaller than originally thought, just slightly more diminutive than Pluto. However, it is more massive. So, it must be more dense than Pluto. Why? This is the big puzzle now. The outer solar system is becoming more and more interesting!
But, before we get there...
Today, we talked about the formation of the solar system. Your lab is due next class. We will be in the computer lab next time, exploring Mercury and the Messenger mission in more detail. Venus is up next!
Oh, and by the way, if you are awake at 5:30-6:00 am, be sure to check out Venus AND Saturn in the pre-dawn sky.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Closest Images Ever Taken of a Comet!
The Deep Impact spacecraft took some fantastic pictures of Comet Hartley 2 this morning. Check them out!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Rare Earths and a $100 Billion Dollar spacecraft
Geology students should check out this article on China's monopoly on rare earth elements and how this may or may not affect America's national security. These elements, like Neodymium and Samarium have unique properties that allow them to be used in batteries and other hardware. The trouble is, while they are not really "rare", they are hard to find in economical quantities. They are expensive, as a result, for western nations to mine. China has managed to mine them quite cheaply and thus controls 97% of the world's supply. Your cell phone needs them. Your computer needs them. Your car needs them...but they ALL come from China.
BRCC students should remember their sediment samples and the GPS units by tomorrow. Friday, we'll analyze the dry samples. On the 15th and 17th, we have two field trips coming up. Expect to come early. We'll need extra time!
Geology students -- We're in the computer lab tomorrow and will be travelling to Timberville Park on Monday. Dress warmly! I'll give you permission slips tomorrow.
Upload your Virtual River Worksheet
Astronomy students should ask themselves whether the $100 billion dollar international space station was worth it. This station has always been controversial, even among scientists. Read the article and put some thought into it.
We will be wrapping up the History of Astronomy and taking the quiz on that chapter next time (6th period -- Friday, 1st period -- Monday. Be ready! Our next topic is the solar system.
Best Wishes...
BRCC students should remember their sediment samples and the GPS units by tomorrow. Friday, we'll analyze the dry samples. On the 15th and 17th, we have two field trips coming up. Expect to come early. We'll need extra time!
Geology students -- We're in the computer lab tomorrow and will be travelling to Timberville Park on Monday. Dress warmly! I'll give you permission slips tomorrow.
Upload your Virtual River Worksheet
Astronomy students should ask themselves whether the $100 billion dollar international space station was worth it. This station has always been controversial, even among scientists. Read the article and put some thought into it.
We will be wrapping up the History of Astronomy and taking the quiz on that chapter next time (6th period -- Friday, 1st period -- Monday. Be ready! Our next topic is the solar system.
Best Wishes...
Monday, November 1, 2010
Your Day At School -- ERHS 2010
Below are links to the documents that participants in my inservices at YDAS will need:
Google Earth: More Than Just a Neat Way to View Your House!
Google Earth Resources
Using Google Earth
Visualizing the Earth: Using Satellite Imagery to Explore the Globe
Visualizing the Earth Activity
Google Earth: More Than Just a Neat Way to View Your House!
Google Earth Resources
Using Google Earth
Visualizing the Earth: Using Satellite Imagery to Explore the Globe
Visualizing the Earth Activity
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Competition for Everest and Oceans on Mars
Geology folks should check out this very interesting article that discusses the question of whether Everest really is the tallest mountain on earth. As it turns out, it just depends upon where you measure the mountain!
Geology -- We will be in the computer labs today using Google Earth to explore various characteristics of rivers. Next week, we'll be in the lab again exploring river discharge.
BRCC -- Collect those sediment samples and data points! On Tuesday, we'll sieve them and analyze their composition. We'll then plot them in a GIS and see how they compare to a geologic map of the county.
Astronomy folks ought to check out this article on how oceans on mars may have formed. It turns out that the water may have come from the ground...
We will finish the nine weeks with "Voyage to the Planets" a neat BBC production that explores what a manned mission to many locations in the solar system might entail. Next week, we'll finish the Kepler lab and then take the quiz over chapter 4. Finally, we'll be moving on to the solar system!
Have a great long weekend!
Geology -- We will be in the computer labs today using Google Earth to explore various characteristics of rivers. Next week, we'll be in the lab again exploring river discharge.
BRCC -- Collect those sediment samples and data points! On Tuesday, we'll sieve them and analyze their composition. We'll then plot them in a GIS and see how they compare to a geologic map of the county.
Astronomy folks ought to check out this article on how oceans on mars may have formed. It turns out that the water may have come from the ground...
We will finish the nine weeks with "Voyage to the Planets" a neat BBC production that explores what a manned mission to many locations in the solar system might entail. Next week, we'll finish the Kepler lab and then take the quiz over chapter 4. Finally, we'll be moving on to the solar system!
Have a great long weekend!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Discovery's final, new planets, an amazing field trip, and hot rocks under West Virginia!
Geology folks of all stripes should check out this very interesting article on the potential for geothermal energy production in West Virginia. It seems that some good has come of all those gas wells that have been drilled :). They now know that West Virgina has more baseline electrical generation capacity via geothermal energy than it does in its coal reserves! And, since geothermal doesn't run out...well, all the better!
Geology folks -- We started chapter 9 today and took the chapter 18/19 quiz. Thursday, we will be in the computer lab using Google Earth to explore the different shapes of rivers as well as various aspects of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Let's hope that the computers are in a good mood!
BRCC geology folks -- What a trip on Monday, eh? I hadn't been to the Virginia DMME office before, but I came back inspired. I hope that you did also, at least a little bit. I've already spoken with Mr. Good about the possibility of putting together a BHS rock garden! The geologists there were great and extremely helpful. We didn't come back with as many water well records for Bergton as we had hoped, but we did come back with some direction on that as well as information on how to download relevant natural gas well logs of various types, geophysical and otherwise. So, we have some information to work with. Additionally, we found out that their office is in the process of beginning work on a surificial geologic map of the Broadway Quad. Serendipitous? I think so! We may be able to contribute. One idea is to map one (or more?) or your family farms. What a great opportunity.
Our test over chapters 6, 7, 13, and 1 is tomorrow. Be ready. After the test, we'll talk about some of these ideas that are crystallizing. I'm open to adjusting our curriculum as needed to accomodate interesting projects rather than spending our time lecturing and so forth.
Astronomy -- One sad piece of news, the final flight for the Shuttle Discovery is now set for November 1st. I grew up with the space shuttles. I was a little guy in elementary school when the news came of the Challenger disaster in 1986. Despite some tragic setbacks, it's been an amazing program. I hate to see it go. In particular, the thought of having to rely on Russion capsules to ferry our astronauts for the time being kind of stinks. I just hope that our politicians can get their act together to allow NASA the time and continuity of program that is necessary to develop and fly its replacement!
On a lighter note, since our next topic is our solar system (in about a week), it's timely to note the discovery of two Jupiter sized planets that were found, in all places, in a binary star system! It's been thought that the gravitational effects of a binary system preclude, or at least make quite difficult, the formation of planets. Neat, huh?
Homecoming and computers messed us up! We will get back on track, though. Tomorrow, 6th period will share their research on ancient observatories. After break, we'll have the quiz on chapter 4 and then begin diving into the solar system. Don't forget your observation for the month of October is due November 3rd!
See you in class...
Geology folks -- We started chapter 9 today and took the chapter 18/19 quiz. Thursday, we will be in the computer lab using Google Earth to explore the different shapes of rivers as well as various aspects of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Let's hope that the computers are in a good mood!
BRCC geology folks -- What a trip on Monday, eh? I hadn't been to the Virginia DMME office before, but I came back inspired. I hope that you did also, at least a little bit. I've already spoken with Mr. Good about the possibility of putting together a BHS rock garden! The geologists there were great and extremely helpful. We didn't come back with as many water well records for Bergton as we had hoped, but we did come back with some direction on that as well as information on how to download relevant natural gas well logs of various types, geophysical and otherwise. So, we have some information to work with. Additionally, we found out that their office is in the process of beginning work on a surificial geologic map of the Broadway Quad. Serendipitous? I think so! We may be able to contribute. One idea is to map one (or more?) or your family farms. What a great opportunity.
Our test over chapters 6, 7, 13, and 1 is tomorrow. Be ready. After the test, we'll talk about some of these ideas that are crystallizing. I'm open to adjusting our curriculum as needed to accomodate interesting projects rather than spending our time lecturing and so forth.
Astronomy -- One sad piece of news, the final flight for the Shuttle Discovery is now set for November 1st. I grew up with the space shuttles. I was a little guy in elementary school when the news came of the Challenger disaster in 1986. Despite some tragic setbacks, it's been an amazing program. I hate to see it go. In particular, the thought of having to rely on Russion capsules to ferry our astronauts for the time being kind of stinks. I just hope that our politicians can get their act together to allow NASA the time and continuity of program that is necessary to develop and fly its replacement!
On a lighter note, since our next topic is our solar system (in about a week), it's timely to note the discovery of two Jupiter sized planets that were found, in all places, in a binary star system! It's been thought that the gravitational effects of a binary system preclude, or at least make quite difficult, the formation of planets. Neat, huh?
Homecoming and computers messed us up! We will get back on track, though. Tomorrow, 6th period will share their research on ancient observatories. After break, we'll have the quiz on chapter 4 and then begin diving into the solar system. Don't forget your observation for the month of October is due November 3rd!
See you in class...
Friday, October 22, 2010
Friday wrap-up!
With the end of the nine weeks arriving, it's time to consider whether or
not you've missed a quiz so that you can make it up. Check powerschool or
come and see me sometime outside of class and I'll be happy to help you
with this. It is your responsibility to remember to do this when you miss
class. You can access the course calendar, notes, and other information
at any time :).
not you've missed a quiz so that you can make it up. Check powerschool or
come and see me sometime outside of class and I'll be happy to help you
with this. It is your responsibility to remember to do this when you miss
class. You can access the course calendar, notes, and other information
at any time :).
Auf wiedersehen
Thursday, October 21, 2010
A bit of a redesign...
I've found that trying to find time to post on three different blogs is quite difficult...
So, here's the new one!
I'm retaining the old webaddress for the geology course blog, but all three of the courses that I teach at BHS will have a home here, Geology, Geology BRCC, and Astronomy (yes, there is geology in astronomy, after all!).
Geology students -- We are wrapping up chapters 18/19 with the review tomorrow. Your homework is due on Tuesday of next week...the same day as the quiz. Be ready!
Geology BRCC -- On Monday, we will be travelling to the Charlottesville, VA office for the Division of Mines, Minerals, and Energy in order to explore their repository of well logs and other assorted geological paraphenalia that relate to the geology of Bergton, VA. Our long term goal is to explore potential problems and possibilities related to hydrofracking the Marcellus Shale in our area. Come by 7:30 and bring a lunch...or at least a wad of cash to buy some...
Astronomy -- Two major things are in the pipeline now for the next week. We will be doing a lab dealing with Kepler's Laws as well as sharing your presentations about ancient observatories next week. Due to Homecoming and computer interruptions, your quiz for chapter 4 will be postponed until November 3rd. I'm sure that you're sad about that!
So, here's the new one!
I'm retaining the old webaddress for the geology course blog, but all three of the courses that I teach at BHS will have a home here, Geology, Geology BRCC, and Astronomy (yes, there is geology in astronomy, after all!).
Geology students -- We are wrapping up chapters 18/19 with the review tomorrow. Your homework is due on Tuesday of next week...the same day as the quiz. Be ready!
Geology BRCC -- On Monday, we will be travelling to the Charlottesville, VA office for the Division of Mines, Minerals, and Energy in order to explore their repository of well logs and other assorted geological paraphenalia that relate to the geology of Bergton, VA. Our long term goal is to explore potential problems and possibilities related to hydrofracking the Marcellus Shale in our area. Come by 7:30 and bring a lunch...or at least a wad of cash to buy some...
Astronomy -- Two major things are in the pipeline now for the next week. We will be doing a lab dealing with Kepler's Laws as well as sharing your presentations about ancient observatories next week. Due to Homecoming and computer interruptions, your quiz for chapter 4 will be postponed until November 3rd. I'm sure that you're sad about that!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
A new earth-like planet?
Gliese 581g
Check out the link above to read about the possible discovery of a new earth-like planet...only 20 light years away! Granted, it would take 20 years to get there travelling at the speed of light, but nevertheless, it's quite close astronomically.
Quiz on Monday, October 4th! Homework for chapter 6 is also due that day...
Check out the link above to read about the possible discovery of a new earth-like planet...only 20 light years away! Granted, it would take 20 years to get there travelling at the speed of light, but nevertheless, it's quite close astronomically.
Quiz on Monday, October 4th! Homework for chapter 6 is also due that day...
Monday, September 13, 2010
Welcome! And, sorry about being so late...
This first post of the year is a little too late, but nevertheless, carries some important information.
Welcome to geology at BHS! We will have a good time this year, both in class and in the field!
Currently, we are exploring topics in chapter 5, weathering and soils. Tomorrow, we will be in the computer lab delving into the topic of soils in more detail. We'll wrap up weathering on Thursday, but we'll also take a rather unrelated sidebar into the topic of hydrofracking. Monday, Pablo Cuevas, a local member of the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors, will be here to talk to us about the possibility of a test well being drilled in the Bergton area sometime in the future. What is hydrofracking? I've posted a couple of links, from both sides of the debate in the "links" section of the blog.
Our next quiz, on chapter 5 will be on September 22nd (the day prior the Autumnal Equinox...the beginning of fall). Your homework, chapter 5 review questions and vocabulary, will also be due on that day.
Welcome to geology at BHS! We will have a good time this year, both in class and in the field!
Currently, we are exploring topics in chapter 5, weathering and soils. Tomorrow, we will be in the computer lab delving into the topic of soils in more detail. We'll wrap up weathering on Thursday, but we'll also take a rather unrelated sidebar into the topic of hydrofracking. Monday, Pablo Cuevas, a local member of the Rockingham County Board of Supervisors, will be here to talk to us about the possibility of a test well being drilled in the Bergton area sometime in the future. What is hydrofracking? I've posted a couple of links, from both sides of the debate in the "links" section of the blog.
Our next quiz, on chapter 5 will be on September 22nd (the day prior the Autumnal Equinox...the beginning of fall). Your homework, chapter 5 review questions and vocabulary, will also be due on that day.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Our new baby...
Hello everyone!
I'm not going to post pics, for security reasons, but I did want to say that Ezra Hananiah was born at 11:51am on April 3rd...after 22 hours of work! I wish I could get you guys to work that hard!:)
Ha ha!
Anyway, 7lbs 12.7oz and 19 inches long...lot's of dark hair.
See you all in a month!
I'm not going to post pics, for security reasons, but I did want to say that Ezra Hananiah was born at 11:51am on April 3rd...after 22 hours of work! I wish I could get you guys to work that hard!:)
Ha ha!
Anyway, 7lbs 12.7oz and 19 inches long...lot's of dark hair.
See you all in a month!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Soon, I'll be leaving you...but I'll be back!
First, I've posted all of the notes that I didn't post earlier as well as the notes that you'll most likely be doing in the future. I've given my substitute some latitude as to what chapters she might choose to do with you, but just in case, I've included the chapter 17 notes as well, as that is the chapter that I would be doing with you if I were there. Be nice! I know that I can count on you. She plans on doing much of your gradingn, after all!
Finally, I will update this blog at some point with information about the new little guy, in case you're curious. I may even include a photo...just depends upon whether I feel like opening him up to the web at such a young age...
Finally, I will update this blog at some point with information about the new little guy, in case you're curious. I may even include a photo...just depends upon whether I feel like opening him up to the web at such a young age...
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Silly Chinese...
Ok, because some Chinese folks thought that it would be a good idea to hack into Google servers and because Google decided to change the way that they encrypt data, I can't post from school until central office reworks some things. Ho hum.....
Anyway, we've begun a new unit on the running water, chapter 9, and will continue with groundwater, chapter 10. My two favorites! Next to geologic dating, fossils, and origins, of course. Sometime during all of this, my wife and I will have another baby and you'll be blessed with a reprieve from me. Ha! Until then, we have a quiz next Tuesday over chapter 9! Don't forget that homework!
Congrats to those groups whose projects were funded. Nice job!
Anyway, we've begun a new unit on the running water, chapter 9, and will continue with groundwater, chapter 10. My two favorites! Next to geologic dating, fossils, and origins, of course. Sometime during all of this, my wife and I will have another baby and you'll be blessed with a reprieve from me. Ha! Until then, we have a quiz next Tuesday over chapter 9! Don't forget that homework!
Congrats to those groups whose projects were funded. Nice job!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
The end of chapter 12
Well folks, we've had lot's of time away from one another...perhaps we'll have more. But, we will be wrapping up chapter 12 (deserts) for sure this Friday. We will start on chapter 9, running water, and continue with chapter 10 after that. Beyond that, we'll have to see where we are.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Snowmageddon!
Mrs. Somers made that word up! Well, we haven't had school for awhile, and I think that it looks as though we may not be seeing each other for a while longer. The huge storm Friday into Saturday should bring us between 12-24 inches of snow. Another storm, coming on its heels this coming Tuesday, along with all of the cold air, may very well snow us in next week as well. We'll see what the weather does and how school officials respond. Whatever happens, keep on studying chapter 12!
Keep an eye on Henry Margusity's blog at accuweather.com. I've posted his lastest snow map for you here.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Deserts!
Our next chapter, chapter 12, will focus on deserts. Now, you might ask, why learn about deserts this time of year? Well, it's a great time of year to think warm thoughts! You might also ask, whatever happened to chapters 9 and 10, I was really looking forward to them!? Well, don't dismay. We'll do those, because I'm looking forward to them also! I just want to hit them when we can get outside a bit, so we'll save those for spring and jump around just a little as we begin this new semester. Deserts are a fun places. If you've been to a desert, then you know what I mean! I've been to deserts in several states (and countries), Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Kansas, Greece...just to name a few. But, Mr. Kohrs, I didn't know there were deserts in Kansas! Well, the great plains is sometimes referred to as "The Great American Desert". The plains to get more rainfall then, say, Nevada, but it's still limited. So what defines a desert? Rainfall! We'll talk more about this, but you should certainly begin working on your homework!
Monday, January 4, 2010
A new year...and an end to a semester!
I sincerely hope that all of you had a wonderful Christmas and that your new year is staring off well. Have you resolved to improve yourselves in any way this year? While your performance in my class is important to me, and hopefully to yourself, it's more important to constantly find ways to perform well as "you". That ability will take you much further in life than any knowledge of geology!
We'll be ending the semester with chapter 11. It's a cold topic, glaciers, that is appropriate for this time of year. It's also a relatively short chapter that can easily be fit before exams. Consequently, we'll finish with the homework and quiz on next Friday, January 15th. This will give us some time to review for your exam which will take place one week after that.
Let's finish the semester strong!
We'll be ending the semester with chapter 11. It's a cold topic, glaciers, that is appropriate for this time of year. It's also a relatively short chapter that can easily be fit before exams. Consequently, we'll finish with the homework and quiz on next Friday, January 15th. This will give us some time to review for your exam which will take place one week after that.
Let's finish the semester strong!
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