Plasticity Lab

Just recently we learned about the Earth’s mantle having plasticity. We recreated a lab to visualize this, by mixing the substances of water and cornstarch. The end result was a thick amorphous solid. An amorphous solid is a solid that has the capability to flow. The mixture made in my group was very gooey. It did not take a complete form because too much water was added and not enough corn starch. Thus, we did not have the opportunity to make the mixture into a ball. When I pushed my finger into the substance quickly, I did not give it enough time to leave my finger’s mark. On the other hand, slowly pushing into the mixture, the mark remained and that area swiftly became a solid. Also, the mixture turned into a solid when force was acting upon it. Continuously applying pressure resulted the now solid to crumble. However, between my fingers, it was flowing like a liquid. This mixture is very similar to earth’s mantle because of its movement. The asthenosphere is one of the layers of the mantle which is made up of molten lava. Like the mixture, it is an amorphous solid because of its ability to flow. The two are similar because they both have plasticity. I found this lab to be interesting and entertaining.

October Sky

“October Sky”, an eye-opening movie depicts a group of boys striding for their dreams who successfully reach their goals by determination and perseverance. Homer Hickam, the main character must violate his father’s orders and listen to his heart. Homer was determined to create a rocket that had a triumphant flight into the sky. Two main aspects intrigued Homer to go forth and fulfill his dream. One included the Russian’s Sputnik, the first Earth satellite launched into space and the other was Ms. Riley’s encouragement. Ms. Riley was the one teacher who always kept faith in Homer knowing how much potential had. An average family in Coalwood, West Virginia at this time would expect their sons to go work in the Coal mines after education. Homer was positive he did not want to spend the rest of his life in a coalmine. As most know, coalmines are very risky and hazardous to one’s health. Once you are on the shaft and heading down there is no guarantee whether or not you will come back up. The noxious fumes inhaled can cause serious illnesses. Soon enough the lungs will no longer be able to sustain the fumes and possibly give out. Lung Cancer is another precaution to worry of when going into the mines. After a tremendous amount of work and effort put in, Homer and his friends finally created a rocket that flew remarkably. They concluded the rocket needed alcohol as fuel to fly the distance of their choice. However, Homer did bump into obstacles during the way. He had to learn many formulas and improve on his math skills to know what he was doing. Also, he was accused of setting the fire that occurred on the mines property. Homer proved that he was innocent by using his calculations to give an approximate of where the rocket really landed and where the fire was. Following the successful rocket launch the boys had a possibility to compete in the science fair for a chance to get a college scholarship. Homer was sent to the national science fair where he won first place. Character Education Traits were also displayed and in some cases not displayed in the movie. Cooperation was a trait seen. For example, Homer had to cooperate with Quentin even though it meant ruining his social status, but he did not care because he wanted to achieve his goal. Homer’ father on the other hand did not show respect toward Homer’s interest. While in the process of creating the rocket, Homer’s father threw his supplies outside and did not want Homer to get involved in all of this. This movie also showed assertion when everyone did what they could to support the Rocket Boys. They wanted to show their enthusiasm and encouragement for Homer and his friends. Homer’s friends showed empathy for him when he had to go work in the mines for some time. They knew it’s not something a seventeen-year-old would enjoy doing, but they had Homer’s back. Homer had self-control when his classmates made fun of him. He did not do anything except let the comment pass. All in all, “October Sky” was an inspirational movie saying hard work will always come through. Determination goes a long way and surely paid off for Homer Hickam who now is a retired NASA engineer and an author.

Adrenoleukodystrophy(ALD)- Blog 2

In the blog Tink3 the author talked about a genetic disorder called ALD. I found it interesting how this disease only affects boys, but at the same time the female can hold the gene. I ponder if women can get affected. However, the blog thoroughly explains what the disease exactly is and how it affects the body. The good news is there are treatments which can ease and slow the disease. Unfortunately,this disorder can cause death within one to ten years after symptoms are presented. Overall, this was a clear blog depicting the symptoms of the genetic disorder, Adrenoleukodystrophy(ALD).

Genetic Disorder-Charcot Marie-Tooth Disease

In 1886, three French doctors came to discover the genetic disorder known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease. This disease is named after the three doctors, Jean-Marie Charcot, Pierre Marie, and Howard Tooth. In short C.M.T. is one of the most common inherited neurological disorders. This illness is targeted to affect the nervous system. There are many possible symptoms a patient is likely to face. For example, weakness of the foot and lower leg muscle and foot deformities is likely to occur. Progression of symptoms is gradual. Down the road, muscle atrophy in the hands and sensory loss can arise if something is not done. Unfortunately, there is no cure for CMT. However, physical therapy can improve on patient’s symptoms. Orthopedic devices may aid one’s pain. Pain Killers prescribed to a patient’s needs. A person can fully live their normal expectancy with CMT. This isn’t a very common disease yet approximately 1 in 2,500 people in the United States are affected. Adolescence or early adulthood is the time, which the disease is likely to come up. Symptoms on the other hand appear in mid-adulthood. CMT is genetic disorder and occurs in the peripheral nerve. The NINDS foundation is supporting CMT research. They are identifying mutant genes and proteins and gene therapy experiments hoping to find a better treatment. Scientists have come far with the Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease. I believe it is unfair how some people may get this disease, however, its is great that one does not have to fret that their life is shortened. All in all, the Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a genetic disorder which some must live with every day.

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/charcot_marie_tooth/charcot_marie_tooth.htm