Who: People working at an aluminum plant didn't take safety precautions causing the reservoir to burst.
What: Human error caused a spill. The liquid is red with iron in it. It can cause skin burns and if the dust is inhaled it can cause lung cancer. It is also slightly radioactive. The government will try and clean it with water to neutralize the substance. Dams were built to prevent the spill reaching Romania. Predrag Maric quotes " the spill isn't dangerous but can still pollute our water supply".
When: 5th of October 2010
Where: In Western Hungary. It spread throughout Hungary.
Why: The spill occurred due to the reservoir bursting. Safety precautions weren't done so this is what happened when people are careless.
How: A chemical spill happened.The reservoir burst causing a flood and destroying everything in it's path. It reached the Danube and if it reaches Romania it will go to the Black Sea and from the Black Sea it will go to the Mediterranean Sea. From the Mediterranean Sea it will go the Indian Ocean. Hopefully there won't be that must water to flood the Indian Ocean.
Sites: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fgw-danube-sludge-20101008,0,4752052.story
http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Danube_water_quality_controls_boosted_after_Hungary_spill_999.html
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2010/10/05/130351938/red-sludge-from-hungarian-aluminum-plant-spill-an-ecological-disaster?ft=3&f=1019,1025,1131
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE69415O20101005
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Current Events 5.10.2010
Obesity and the common cold
-Stephen Ornes
Site: http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/63992/title/FOR_KIDS_Obesity_and_the_common_cold
Summary:
Research shows that obese people ( people that have too much or extensive amounts of fat) are causing an epidemic. If a child is obese, they will most likely become obese adults. Obesity is caused by poor nutrition and lack of exercise. Another study has shown that if a child has/had adenovirus-36 they can become obese. A test was taken out of 57 children to see if they had antibodies to fight off this virus. Tests showed that only 19 had antibodies. This test proves that if children and adults maintain a healthy lifestyle they won't get this virus which would later lead them to not being obese.
One World:
The article Obesity and the common cold connects to what we are learning about by being current science news. It effects scientific knowledge by giving scientists a new look on antibodies and how the body mass effects the amount of anti bodies. It effects technology by making doctors make new machines to help people loose weight and antibodies. It also effects technology by making new drugs for the virus adenovirus-36. This article effects society by raising awareness about obesity and forcing people to maintain healthy lifestyles. The limitations are creating anti bodies for obese people. The benefits are people getting profit from drugs and people using their machines to get antibodies. Also there will be more healthier people.
Analysis/Evaluation:
The scientific information was searching to see if obese people have enough antibodies and if adenovirus-36 causes obesity. This article made sense because here were quotes and it was on a science site. I made one inquiry. Firstly, how can we stop adenovirus-36from making us obese?
Reflection:
From this article I learned three things. Firstly, that being obese as a child you can bring it with you into adulthood. I thought that you can stop it but not always. Secondly, that obesity is an epidemic. It sounds odd but many people get fat and this is quickly moving around the world. I thought only diseases can be epidemics. Thirdly, there is a virus that can make obesity. I thought only you can cause you obesity but since there is a virus people must stay extra safe and healthy to not catch it. In conclusion I found this article interesting and helpful. The ideas above are what I learned.
-Stephen Ornes
Site: http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/63992/title/FOR_KIDS_Obesity_and_the_common_cold
Summary:
Research shows that obese people ( people that have too much or extensive amounts of fat) are causing an epidemic. If a child is obese, they will most likely become obese adults. Obesity is caused by poor nutrition and lack of exercise. Another study has shown that if a child has/had adenovirus-36 they can become obese. A test was taken out of 57 children to see if they had antibodies to fight off this virus. Tests showed that only 19 had antibodies. This test proves that if children and adults maintain a healthy lifestyle they won't get this virus which would later lead them to not being obese.
One World:
The article Obesity and the common cold connects to what we are learning about by being current science news. It effects scientific knowledge by giving scientists a new look on antibodies and how the body mass effects the amount of anti bodies. It effects technology by making doctors make new machines to help people loose weight and antibodies. It also effects technology by making new drugs for the virus adenovirus-36. This article effects society by raising awareness about obesity and forcing people to maintain healthy lifestyles. The limitations are creating anti bodies for obese people. The benefits are people getting profit from drugs and people using their machines to get antibodies. Also there will be more healthier people.
Analysis/Evaluation:
The scientific information was searching to see if obese people have enough antibodies and if adenovirus-36 causes obesity. This article made sense because here were quotes and it was on a science site. I made one inquiry. Firstly, how can we stop adenovirus-36from making us obese?
Reflection:
From this article I learned three things. Firstly, that being obese as a child you can bring it with you into adulthood. I thought that you can stop it but not always. Secondly, that obesity is an epidemic. It sounds odd but many people get fat and this is quickly moving around the world. I thought only diseases can be epidemics. Thirdly, there is a virus that can make obesity. I thought only you can cause you obesity but since there is a virus people must stay extra safe and healthy to not catch it. In conclusion I found this article interesting and helpful. The ideas above are what I learned.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Atom Video
http://www.101science.com/Chemistry.htm#Chemicals_and_Interactions
This video was overall quite interesting and helpful in understanding the atom. I learned quite a few things:
- Electrons don't orbit the nucleus
-Atom(uncuttable)
-Reflective light is too big for an atom hence can't take pictures of them
-You can't know the location or momentum of an electron
-You can only know the probability of where it can be
-More likely to find it in the center but it can vary
-Function of where an electron is= orbital
-If protons, electrons and neutrons had velocity it would orbit
-# of protons= what element it is
-Atomic mass- protons=# of neutrons
-Isotope= same element with a different number of neutrons
-99.99% of something is free space
In conclusion I enjoyed learning from this video because the facts were repeated and stuck into your head.
This video was overall quite interesting and helpful in understanding the atom. I learned quite a few things:
- Electrons don't orbit the nucleus
-Atom(uncuttable)
-Reflective light is too big for an atom hence can't take pictures of them
-You can't know the location or momentum of an electron
-You can only know the probability of where it can be
-More likely to find it in the center but it can vary
-Function of where an electron is= orbital
-If protons, electrons and neutrons had velocity it would orbit
-# of protons= what element it is
-Atomic mass- protons=# of neutrons
-Isotope= same element with a different number of neutrons
-99.99% of something is free space
In conclusion I enjoyed learning from this video because the facts were repeated and stuck into your head.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Green Plastics
From watching the video Green Plastics I have found out how normal and bio plastic effect the world. Plastics are being developed by making their production Eco-friendly. Bio plastic is made from natural resources which can be reused and recycled, the only problem is that it takes a lot of energy. Yes, bio plastic is recyclable unlike normal plastic but pesticides and gas is needed to maintain the production of bio plastic. Most people wouldn't recycle so it would be the same as normal plastic. What makes green plastics are natural resources being used and being recycled. Some issues with these plastics are as I mention before energy being used and harmful substances to keep the production of these plastics. In this video I saw three elements: oxygen, hydrogen and carbon. I saw about three compounds. It was these elements put together. The connection with this video,the article about water and Blue Gold is that showing the importance of keeping our environment clean because every possible way of pollution effects water, in this case pesticides and gases.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Current Events 29.9.2010
Diet Coke is 99% Water ( Now That's a Good Thing)
- Steven D. Levitt
Site:http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/08/20/diet-coke-is-99-water-and-that-is-now-a-good-thing/
Summary:
Back in the day when diet coke was said to be 99% water it was an insult. Considering that at that point water was free, diet coke was just free water! You must have been silly to have paid for some water and a little bit of artificial this and that. Times have changed and water sales have been growing rapidly. Over $50 billion dollars in sales each year for purchasing bottled water! As CBS reports, water is now as big of a business as soda businesses. Comparing that age and now, water is much more expensive and is more wanted.
One World:
The article Diet Coke is 99% Water ( Now That's a Good Thing), connects to what we are learning about by teaching the importance of water. It effects scientific knowledge by teaching us what diet coke consists of. This effects technology by making more efficient bottles for drinks because many people prefer bottled water or drinks. This effects society by getting more jobs and wasting money for water which is over priced when it used to be free. The benefits are people gaining money, companies expanding and more jobs are available. The limitations are people wasting money and others making profit out of natural resources.
Analysis/Evaluation:
The scientific information was comparing water in the olden times and present day. This article made sense because it was written by a scientist and included facts from scientists. I made a couple of inquires. Firstly, why was there free water then and not now? Secondly, why don't we have free water now? Thirdly, why do people prefer bottled water?
Reflection:
From this article I learned three main things. Firstly,water in drinks was considered silly. Most people didn't buy it because they got free water. This makes me angry because why did people have free water then? Because people want profit now. Secondly, that diet coke was made up of 90% water. I thought it was mainly artificial ingredients but I was wrong. Thirdly, people are really greedy because they can't give free water. Though if water was free it could be wasted more but there would be no people dying of thirst. In conclusion after reading this article the reasons above are what I learned. I hope water will be saved and developing countries get free water.
- Steven D. Levitt
Site:http://freakonomics.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/08/20/diet-coke-is-99-water-and-that-is-now-a-good-thing/
Summary:
Back in the day when diet coke was said to be 99% water it was an insult. Considering that at that point water was free, diet coke was just free water! You must have been silly to have paid for some water and a little bit of artificial this and that. Times have changed and water sales have been growing rapidly. Over $50 billion dollars in sales each year for purchasing bottled water! As CBS reports, water is now as big of a business as soda businesses. Comparing that age and now, water is much more expensive and is more wanted.
One World:
The article Diet Coke is 99% Water ( Now That's a Good Thing), connects to what we are learning about by teaching the importance of water. It effects scientific knowledge by teaching us what diet coke consists of. This effects technology by making more efficient bottles for drinks because many people prefer bottled water or drinks. This effects society by getting more jobs and wasting money for water which is over priced when it used to be free. The benefits are people gaining money, companies expanding and more jobs are available. The limitations are people wasting money and others making profit out of natural resources.
Analysis/Evaluation:
The scientific information was comparing water in the olden times and present day. This article made sense because it was written by a scientist and included facts from scientists. I made a couple of inquires. Firstly, why was there free water then and not now? Secondly, why don't we have free water now? Thirdly, why do people prefer bottled water?
Reflection:
From this article I learned three main things. Firstly,water in drinks was considered silly. Most people didn't buy it because they got free water. This makes me angry because why did people have free water then? Because people want profit now. Secondly, that diet coke was made up of 90% water. I thought it was mainly artificial ingredients but I was wrong. Thirdly, people are really greedy because they can't give free water. Though if water was free it could be wasted more but there would be no people dying of thirst. In conclusion after reading this article the reasons above are what I learned. I hope water will be saved and developing countries get free water.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Phosphorus Glog
Click to view
This project taught me about how different elements can combine and why. I also learned that there are many types of phosphorus. Different colours mean different stages of danger to life. In addition to that I learned that phosphorus can only bond with certain elements such as iodine, fluorine, chlorine and bromine. It can't bond with any acids. Thanks to this project I have more knowledge about elements.
Click to view
This project taught me about how different elements can combine and why. I also learned that there are many types of phosphorus. Different colours mean different stages of danger to life. In addition to that I learned that phosphorus can only bond with certain elements such as iodine, fluorine, chlorine and bromine. It can't bond with any acids. Thanks to this project I have more knowledge about elements.
20 Things I didn't Know About Water!
Reflection:
1. Water is everywhere but only 1% of it is drinkable. I find this interesting and new because I thought there was a lot more water that can be used. Normally I don't care how long I shower but now I will take shorter ones because we are running out of drinkable water.
2.The Water Recovery System can turn 93% of an astronauts perspiration and urine into water. I found this interesting but not new because now there is an efficient way to turn human sweat and urine into water and re-use it. This isn't new to me because many survival movies show how you can re-use the water your body gives you. Those bring little and poisonous water but the Water Recovery System is not and brings extensive amounts.
3. You can make your own water by mixing hydrogen and oxygen in a container and adding a spark. This is new and interesting to me because I thought water was made naturally. In the worst case scenario humans will be forced to make their own water. Hopefully that won't happen but now I know how to.
4. Plant GJ 1214 which orbits a red dwarf star is made entirely of water. This is new to me and interesting because didn't people say Earth was the only planet with water? Apparently not because this planet does. If we do run out of water at least we have a back up planet to help us survive.
5. Life may have started in a comet because comets are said to have water in them. This is new and interesting to me because many people have theories about how life started. This one makes sense. Since comets travel a lot there is a possibility that life started in them. This could also mean there is more life than us because there are a lot of comets?
Online Facts:
1. Several types of cancer can be attributed to the presence of toxic materials in drinking water. This is interesting and new because we can make our selves get sick if we don't start doing something with out water. Many people die from cancer and it would be horrible if we all get it. We HAVE to start doing something...
2. Every 20 seconds a child dies from a water related disease. This is interesting but not new to me because it is such a short time for someone to die. I can't believe every 20 seconds someone dies. What if that was me? This shows that people should really start taking care of water. This isn't new because in South Africa everyday people would remind the citizens to save water and donate money to save these poor people who are sick or have no water.
3. A person can't live without water for a week but can live without food for about a month. This is interesting but not really new because I found out earlier that people can't live without water for a week. This is interesting because without water we won't have food so it doesn't matter if we don't have food we still won't survive without water which leads us back to the topic of saving water.
4. Over 90% of the world's supply of fresh water is located in Antarctica. This is new is new and interesting to me because I didn't know that much water came from Antarctica. If we keep on polluting, our water will start to disappear and we won't have any more sources to drink from.Site: http://www.lenntech.com/water-trivia-facts.htm
5. If the worlds water supply were only 100 litres, our usable amount of fresh water would be only about 0.003 of a litre, enough to fill half a teaspoon. This is really interesting and worrying to me because our fresh water supply is really low. This should be put up on billboards for people to see and start doing something to save our water.
Site:http://www.aqwest.wa.gov.au/Schools/WaterFacts.aspx
This article relates to the move we watched Blue Gold by speaking and showing the importance of keeping our fresh water supply safe and sound. Both express what a world without water would like in a dramatic way. Without water there will be no future and everything would be lifeless so it's time to take a stand and do something about it...
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