Student Helpers Wanted! Friday, August 10

Hi everyone!  If anyone is interested in helping me get the classroom ready tomorrow, please let me know.  I have different jobs for you!

You can organize the desks and seats
Organize materials
Use the binding machine and put together spiral bound books for me
Make posters
Help with bulletin boards

You can come anytime after 12:00.  The doors will probably be locked, but Maria can let you in at the Annex link door. I would suggest calling first (773-534-4125) and speaking with Maria.  She can call me over the intercom and I can verify a time for you to come in!

Thanks!

WHAT IS AN EXPECTATION?

If you google "expectation," you will find many results.  An expectation is a belief centered on the future.  There are unrealistic expectations, meaning they probably won't happen, but not because they are not POSSIBLE.  Your actions directly affect the outcome.

I found an interesting quote: "people become accustomed to positive or negative life experiences which lead to favorable or unfavorable expectations of their present and near-future circumstances."  


Think about this.  What does this mean?  Basically, if you are always negative and expect the negative, that will probably be the future.  But magic can happen if you are positive and take control of your destiny! Your future is yours and yours alone.


The school year is almost here.  Take this opportunity to reflect on last year and think about what worked and what didn't.

Did your nightly homework schedule work?  If not, change it!

Did you stay up to date on deadlines, due dates, and homework assignments.  If not, make a mental note to use your agenda every day in every class!

Did you do your VERY BEST every day?  If you didn't, you are selling yourself short.

What you do NOW affects your FUTURE.  Do you want to be admired because you worked hard to achieve your goals? Do you want to be a success story? Do you want to motivate other people to succeed?  It starts NOW.

Do you want to be an explorer? A dreamer? A writer? A scientist? An educator? A pioneer?  A musician?  An engineer?  A leader? An artist? A world traveler? Something that I haven't thought of that you dream of every day?  It starts NOW.  You are those things NOW... if you want to be.

Walking With Lions

While in Zambia, I had the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with lions. These animals were raised in captivity, but nevertheless wild! I was able to pet them and hold their tails as we hiked together through the forest. These particular lions were 18 months old.
Your question: Describe the social interactions of lions as they grow. How does playtime actually help them learn the skills they need for survival? Please post your findings.

I apologize for the photos! I am not sure why they are flipped. My access to technology has been limited.

Where in the World is Ms.Morrison?

Your mission is to find the following places on a map and do a little bit of investigating on the internet. What is the climate like? The geography? Am I experiencing summer or winter here? In this way, you can travel along with me!

PLACES I HAVE BEEN INCLUDE:
Johannesburg, South Africa
Cape Town, South Africa
Livingstone, Zambia
Chobe National Forest, Botswana
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

I AM HEADED TO:
Polokwone, South Africa
Soutspansberg Mountains, South Africa
Amsterdam, The Netherlands (in Europe as a layover during my flight home)

Post any information you can find about these locations so we can all learn from one another!

Today I head to Lajuma Research Center to begin my research...

My sightseeing has come to an end! It is July 17 and I will be heading into the Soutspansberg Mountains to a permanent camp. I will also be meeting fellow researchers today and some professors from universities. So exciting! The focus of my research is on the conservation of larger predators and some primates.
But, since we know that everything is connected (food web!), I will also be collecting and analyzing data on vegetation and small prey species.
How will I do this? I will be using scouting cameras, radio-telemetry,  and analyzing scat (poop!).
Time to go...need time for breakfast and I need to catch a plane to Polokwone!

Victoria Falls

When I completed my interactions with elephants, cheetahs, and lions in Zambia, I continued on to Zimbabwe to experience the incredible power of Victoria Falls. Did you know that Victoria Falls is one of the Natural Wonders of the World? Your questions: How was Victoria Falls formed? Where exactly is it located? On which river is it? Share your findings below.

Cheetahs in Zambia

After a week in South Africa, I moved on to Zambia. I wanted to learn more about cheetah conservation efforts here. I have discovered that there is so much to learn here! Your question: Why are cheetahs in danger? Are their populations increasing? Please share your findings below.

Made it to Africa

Hi kids! After 23 hours of traveling, I have made it to Africa! Currently I am outside of Johannesburg. I will be heading to Cape Town tomorrow to learn more about penguins and seals. More to come...

The Cape of Good Hope

During the first week of July, I made it to the Cape of Good Hope. It was breathtaking! Your question: What is the Cape of Good Hope and why is it famous? Please post your response below.

Rhinos in South Africa in Danger From Poaching

As I am on this amazing journey in Africa, I have discovered that while many people value conservation, there are still many who place animals' lives in danger for a quick profit. Why is poaching a problem, especially for the white rhino? What types of conservation efforts are currently taking place? What are wildlife reserves doing to reduce the risk of poaching? Hint: Think removal of horns and poisons. Share your well developed responses below for us to read and enjoy!

Student Action Requested: 1-800-END-SMOG is only available in California

After we were excited to hear about the 1-800-END-SMOG program today in class, I am sad to say that I did some research and discovered that this program is NOT available in Illinois.  Maybe it is up to people like you to change this.

Currently, I'm trying to find out how one would go about reporting a vehicle that is donig excessive damage to our environment and the air that we breathe. 

Here is a little project for you:  call various organizations and find out where and how to file a smog complaint.  Some ideas include the EPA, the DMV of Illinois, dial 311 for city information, etc.  Include information about yourself, what school you go to, and why you think this is an important issue.  When you are educated, adults will take you more seriously. 

Another great resource would be our Illinois Governor Pat Quinn.  He is very concerned about the environment and may be interested in what you have to say.  His phone number is 312-814-2121.  Tell him your name, what school you go to, information abour your class, and (again) WHY you think this is an important issue.  I cannot stress enough- when you are educated and sound like you have "done your homework," adults will take you seriously.  PRACTICE what you are going to say before you call.Leave a comment with any helpful information.  Include details! Did you find out any phone numbers? Names of agencies? What information do you need to file a complaint? 




Let us see what we can dig up....

Blog Rules- Your Electronic Signature REQUIRED!

Please read the following rules.  These will serve as a contract between you, your classmates, and me.  If you do not follow these rules, you could lose the right to be a member of this blogging group.  You may also lose computer privileges or be disciplined by the school.  If you do not understand any of these rules, please ask me.
When you finish reading, please provide an "electronic signature."   Follow these instructions:

Reply to this post by adding a comment. 
Type the following statement: "I undertand the rules and agree to follow them." - First name last initial.

1. I will never post any personal information.
2. I will use appropriate language.
3. I will not insult any of my classmates.
4. I will only post items that are meaningful and relevant to the current topic.
5. I will try to spell everything correctly.
6. I will not use "text speak."  (you NOT u, later NOT l8er, etc.)
7. I will only use this blog for science class.
8. I will not contact any people who I do not know personally, even though they may post to this blog.
9.  I will check this blog regularly and will be an active participant.

Practicing with with Blogger

Hi everyone!  This will be a learning process for all of us!  If you can read this, please post a comment and let me know if you were able to sign up to "follow" the blog.