Posts Tagged ‘Science’
Early Science in Mexico – Maya
August 22, 2011
The Mayan civilization is often credited as being the first people to use a writing system, realise the concept of zero, use a calendar, understand astronomy and complete pyramidal architecture. For most of these cases the assumption is true. In the case of zero and a system of writing, it was the Olmec nation before the Maya that passed began the use of those concepts. Now let us explore the accomplishments of the Mayan people.
The most famous and obvious accomplishment of the Maya was of course structural engineering. Construction of colossal pyramids as palaces and temples with nothing but the hands of the people was indeed a monumental accomplishment repeated again and again. The architectural aspect was simple, which was fine because the structural aspect was far from simple. Hundreds of cities were built on a grandiose scale, each with their own palace, temples, urban dwellings and terraced gardens. The science of civil planning was, in a sense, perfected by the Maya.
Amid the building activities of the Maya were the scholarly groups who developed a complicated system of hieroglyphic writing. Although it was not the first, it was certainly the most advanced. Artistic renderings of military victories, royal genealogical records and spiritual rituals were commonplace. The experimentation and insight needed to create these masterpieces certainly demanded an element of science. For example, they made use of the natural elements at hand in a way that could communicate to present and future generations. Berries and soil became colours of paint and ink. Ashes, bark and animal hides became pencil and paper. Bones and sharp stones carved into rock to create eternal images we still see today.
Another aspect of Mayan science at work is in agriculture. Their recognition and development of maize as a base crop and food source is largely responsible for the survival of the civilisation. While the Aztec nations were the first to introduce the use of step gardens near urban dwellings and a highly developed configuration of irrigation, the Maya made use of the concepts. It meant vital crops were always near and well cared for. In essence they had created a produce store at their doorstep with a built in sprinkler system.
There are likely hundreds more examples of scientific accomplishments in the Mayan culture that we have not touched on here. However, there are claims that the lack of understanding of the delicacy of the natural world is what led to the fall of the Maya. Whether that is true or not, it is important to recognise they did discover an immense amount of valuable information about their world and used every ounce of it to foster the growth and betterment of their civilization. That is the true purpose of science.
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Illinois Children Need Camping
April 12, 2010
Today’s young folks of Illinois people are enjoying less and less time outdoors. As parents we know we can have a profound impact on the lives of your offspring. It is your responsibility to introducing your kids to the outdoors for the first time. They may have environmental knowledge about Illinois outdoors which you may enhance or you may just make it a play date. These outside experiences might even awaken a passion for the outdoors that will stay with them forever. The first step is to take a little time for planning, it goes a long way towards a successful and safe outdoor trip. An outdoor field trip is a great educational experience for all involved. So enjoy your time with your kids.
Illinois has many state parks, natural areas, conservation areas, recreation areas, and fish and wildlife areas. You’ll find information on camping, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, state park lodges and resorts, interpretive programs and hundreds of great ideas for places to visit and things to do in outdoor Illinois. Its best to visit dnr.state.il.us
Just to get you ready for your outdoor adventures, Did you know that Illinois has adopted may natural elements here a few:
Illinois State Mineral – fluorite
Illinois State Fossil – Tully monster
Illinois State Prairie Grass – big bluestem
Illinois State Reptile – painted turtle
Illinois State Amphibian – eastern tiger salamander
In Illinois here are just a few spots to think about going someday:
1)Belmont Prairie Nature Preserve
Downers Grove at jct. Hwy. 34 (Ogden Road) & Belmont Road
Belmont Prairie is a high quality remnant of the dry to wet prairies typical of the Northeastern Morainal Natural Division. The preserve is located within the Valparaiso Moranic System on the Keenyville drift which was formed over 12,000 years ago. For the most part, the upper north and east sections of the area contain moderately well to well drained soils. But soils on the lower slopes and in scattered pockets throughout the area are poorly drained. The dry-mesic prairie has a high forb diversity and low percentage of grass cover. The dominant species are porcupine grass and Canada blue-joint grass. The small wet-mesic and wet prairie contain moisture-loving species such as cordgrass, sedges, and blue-joint grass. A few wildlife species known to occur here are garter snake, fox snake, and meadow vole. The area was protected from development in the early 2)1970′s by cooperative efforts of The Nature Conservancy and the Belmont Prairie Preservation Association. One-third of the area was preserved through a gift by Alfred and Margo Dupree of Downers Grove.
2) Dixie Fromm Briggs Prairie Nature Preserve
Kane County
Access to the southwest corner of the proposed Nature Preserve is from Wynnfield Drive, which intersects with Sleepy Hollow Road approximately 1/2 mile to the west. Dixie Fromm Briggs Prairie, located in the Morainal Section of the Northeastern Morainal Natural Division, is a mosaic of natural plant communities arrayed upon a rolling topography with diverse soil types, different exposures, and varying moisture regimes. The dry prairie is extremely rare in Illinois. The preserve also has sedge meadow and graminoid fen wetlands.
3)Cap Sauers Holdings Nature Preserve
Cook County
Hwys. 12/20 and 45 west of Hickory Hills, take Hwy. 45 south 5.5 mi. to McCarthy Road, turn and go west on McCarthy Road 1.5 mi.
Cap Sauers Holdings Nature Preserve, at 1520 acres, is the largest nature preserve in northeastern Illinois. Dominant geological features include the rolling topography typical of the Valparaiso Moraine of the Morainal Division of northeastern Illinois and an esker. The Visitation Esker is one of the best defined examples of this glacial feature in the state. Most of the site is composed of young upland forests, and disturbed prairie and oak savanna communities. Much of the former prairie and oak savanna communities are now threatened by brushy native and non-native species that have advanced because fire has been suppressed. The Forest Preserve District of Cook County and The Nature Conservancy have embarked upon an ambitious project to restore much of this site to its presettlement condition.
One last pointer you know you kids should get outside but you are just not an outdoor sort of person. No problem their are many out door programs, classes and Illinois Summer Camps available in and around your home.
Finding Resident Summer Camps has never been easier. SummerCampAdvice.com is a wonderful online source for information.
Learn more about Swift Nature Camp and ourTeen Summer Camp. Stop by the Swift Nature Camp website where you can find out all about this amazing Summer Kids Camp and the benefits for your kids.
Conventional Cars vs Hybrid Cars
March 24, 2010
Today, the question on everybody’s mind is, what is the significant difference between a hybrid car and a conventional vehicle? They suppose that there has to be some good reason why people are asking themselves whether hybrid cars are worth the cost and checking their wallets and bank accounts to see if they have enough money to get a hybrid car.
There must be a good reason why some other people wouldn’t dream of spending their the money on a hybrid car because they feel their conventional car gets them to wherever they need to go well enough. Here are some of the reasons why a person may decide on a conventional car over a hybrid car.
Hybrid cars are much more expensive than conventional cars: because hybrid cars have a complex internal design, they do still have a pretty hefty price on them, although, conventional cars, which have become more efficient as the years have gone on, are quite affordable these days. Many people are selling their older conventional cars in favour of newer, more efficient versions.
They are so inefficient in fact, that some people even give their old cars away. However, since a large percentage of the general population has never owned a hybrid, there aren’t many people selling used hybrid cars yet. Therefore, the average person looking to buy a hybrid would probably have to purchase a new one from a car dealer.
Both a hybrid car and a conventional car use similar types of batteries: a hybrid car and a conventional car both use lead acid batteries that hold enough energy to power a small electric motor. These batteries are what you call “gear reduced”. That means that they can turn over this motor at approximately 300 rpms. Torque is generated to turn over the engine and the entire process is what starts the main engine.
However, even though a hybrid car uses a lead-acid battery, the battery it uses to drive the car’s electric motor is of a different construction entirely. This kind of battery is known as a ‘deep cycle battery’ and it can be compared to the batteries that are used to move electric fork-lift trucks, some milk floats or golf carts.
That’s the major difference between hybrid cars and conventional cars. However, one person might decide to buy a hybrid car because it makes them feel more secure. For example, if a person buys a hybrid car, they can feel safe because their car will be less likely to run out of petrol in the middle of nowhere and yet another person might choose to buy a conventional car because the price of petrol doesn’t really figure with them all that much.
However, a conventional car provides security as well, although of a different sort. With a conventional car, an owner can be sure that they can always go to a junkyard, when they need to replace old parts for their car. On the other hand, those with a hybrid car will probably have to face some pretty pricey bills receipts if something goes wrong.
However, the final decision is up to you. There are risks involved with both types of cars. But those who like to try out new things might just consider splurging out on a hybrid car.
If you are interested in the insides of New Hybrid Vehicles, just visit our website at http://new-hybrid-vehicles.com
Famous TGV Train In France
March 10, 2010
France’s TGV, which stands fortrain a grande viteese or high speed train in English, is world renowned for its speed and convenience. The TGV runs on five major tracks in France.
The south-east TGV line links the cities of Avignon, Dijon, Lyon, Nice, Marseille and Perpignon of south east of France and this make its way through the French Alps and also has a stop at Geneva in Switzerland.
The TGV Atlantic line connects the capital city of France to the west coast. Major stops on this TGV train line are Nantes, the Loire Valley, La Rochelle, Bordeaux, Toulouse and the French Basque country.
The TGV northern line is linked between Paris and Lille and Calais which are the main cities in northern France.
Eurostar, probably the most famous train line, runs between Paris and London via the Channel Tunnel, stopping at Lille, Calias and Ashford in Kent on the way.
The high speed TGV Thalys links major European cities including Brussels, Amsterdam and Cologne thus making it easy to travel to major cities in Europe from France.
Since the high speed train travel service has largely improved in the last few years, travelling via Paris is no longer a mandatory feature while travelling between provincial cities in France. For example the TGV line between Lyons and Nantes is direct now. So is with Bordeaux and Lilles and too many other cities.
515 km p/h is the record speed for the TGV as of now. The TGV normally goes at a speed of 280-300km p/h while in service.
Many types of special offers make the procedure of purchasing a train ticket a difficult one. The Eurailpass which is meant particularly for non-European travellers can be purchased in your own country and this costs 30% cheaper than what it costs in France. This pass authorizes an limitless travel in France for a period of over 2 weeks.
The France TGV train is a source of pride to French railway engineers. To read more about train travel in France please click on the links.
Packing Guide When Going On A Cruise To Watch Whales
March 6, 2010
Going on a cruise to watch whales with your family sure can be very exciting. So much so, that you may forget to pack the right things for the event. What are the things that you should include in your luggage to make the most out of the experience?
Items that will protect you from the harmful UV rays of the sun are a must. This is especially true for your kids, who are likely to stay out on the deck to enjoy the scenery. Apply sun block some 30 minutes before the trip. But do bring it with you for reapplication. Bring wide brimmed hats to protect your face, and sun glasses to protect your eyes.
It can get very cold out there in the ocean, especially if the whale-watching cruise is done during cold months. That’s why you should also stash in your luggage extra layer of clothing for everyone. Sometimes too, blankets and gloves will come in handy. Also, it’s a must to bring jackets – water-proof ones to keep you from getting wet during choppy days.
Never go on such a cruise without packing a digital camera with you. But make sure the batteries are fully charged. If your camera is bought just recently, it pays to be familiar with the features before the day of the cruise. This way, you can take snapshots close to being picture-perfect.
It may take some time for the boat to reach where the whales are. You, and especially your kids, can get bored on the way there. That’s why it’s also important to pack anything small for everyone’s entertainment or diversion. It may be anything such as magazines, books, card games and others.
Check whether the cruise you signed up for got snacks and refreshments to provide. But still, it pays to pack your own snacks. This too will ensure that you kids will like them. However, remember to bring something that’s easy on everyone’s tummy. You may include nuts, crackers, oatmeal cookies, etc. Don’t forget water and fruit juices too.
When all the right things are in your luggage, watching whales can be more fun for everyone. Everything essential for you and your kids are within easy reach. So everyone can have time with these adorable mammals that’s as memorable as possible.
During the last 40 years Keiji Toshiyuki has been gathering whale facts while staying on the West Coast of America and watching whales.
Hybrid Honda Cars
January 1, 2010
Most of us have heard of the various Honda cars on the forecourt today. You can add to this range of cars the Honda hybrid cars. These hybrid cars include the Honda Accord Hybrid, the Honda Civic hybrid 4 door car and Honda Insight, which is a two seater. These are not the only hybrid cars in Honda’s stable, there are others but these are the more well-known models.
You will find that Honda hybrid cars are available in various versions of their popular regular Honda cars. The Honda Civic hybrid is such a hybrid car that is very popular. This four door compact car is one of those that you can choose either as new or as a second-hand car.
The hybrid Honda Civic has a 5 speed manual transmission drive. This particular Honda hybrid car is known as an assist hybrid car. The Honda Civic hybrid is the only hybrid vehicle to have won a top award for the best international engine.
While you can get information about the various models of Honda hybrid cars from the Honda dealers’ websites on the Internet, you might want to go along to the showrooms in person. This will provide you with a better understanding of whether a hybrid car will suit you. Having looked into these details, you can then decide which Honda hybrid model is right for you.
So, you can ensure that you are getting a good deal Furthermore, speaking of money, you may want to check out the cost of other cars that catch your eye in the hybrid Honda car line. For those who like the appearance of the hybrid car from Honda, you have a choice of a previous year’s cars or the new batch of Honda hybrid cars. Since there are lots of data you need to check, when it comes to buying vehicles, it is probably best if you have the questions you need answered dealt with by a qualified Honda dealer.
In this way, you can be assured that you have chosen a Honda hybrid which is not only affordable but is also capable of meeting your needs. The hybrid cars that you can buy will provide you with lots of benefits both in the long term and the short term in keeping the costs of fuel down.
Since there are many different vehicles, you can always be assured that you will find one that you like. The trusted Honda hybrid is the absolute choice for the discerning hybrid car owner.
If you need to know more about the technology of New Hybrid Vehicles, you should go along to our website where there is loads of offormation on http://new-hybrid-vehicles.com
Animal Summer Camp
December 28, 2009
Swift Nature Camp, is a Overnight Summer Camp in Wisconsin where children play outside while learning about Nature and Science. Here are some helpful hints parents can do at home
Experts tell us the first step in becoming an environmentalist is noticing what nature offers. Such observation often leads to a desire and commitment to conserve and protect the natural world.
Walking or hiking through the woods is a regular part of camp. However, many times staff and campers merely walk along the trail without really noticing what is around them. They overlook the sounds, sights, textures and diversity of the ecosystem.
Please read these simple programs that can be done while walking through the woods. You may need supplies but it will take only a few minutes to get them.
Groups can stop along the way and do the activities together, or small groups can be assigned particular activities during the entire hike. Campers can choose one or more of the following activities:
Look Down Supplies: Yarn and scissors Ahead of time: Cut the yarn into 15-inch pieces, have one for every two campers. Assignment: Move off the trail, and make a square on the ground with the yarn. Study what you find within the square. What lives there? What is the soil like? What grows there? Use a stick and dig into the ground a little. What do you see? Conversation: What did you find in the square or circle that surprised you?
See a Shape Supplies: Index cards and pencils Ahead of time draw a circle, square, triangle, heart, straight line and rectangle on separate cards. Pass out the cards to campers before hike begins. Assignment: With your card find the shape in nature.. I Write down your findings on the card with the corresponding shape. Conversation: Have you see that before?
Look a Tree Supplies: Blindfolds Ahead of time: look for a place on the trail where there is a variety of trees. Assignment: Find a partner and decide who will be blindfolded first. The sighted partner will lead his/her partner to a tree. The blindfolded child will explore the tree by touch and smell. Then the sighted partner leads his/her partner away from the tree. Once the blindfold is removed, that camper tries to locate the tree. Switch places and repeat. Conversation: What have you learned about trees that you didn’t know before?
We at Swift Nature Camp hope this gave a sample of some of the projects we do out in Nature. If you child is interested in these sorts of activities have them join us next summer.
Should this be your first summer looking in to Summer Camp here is a great website Summer Camp Advice and it’s free Summer Camp
About the authors: Lonnie Lorenz is the directors of Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional overnight Science Summer Camp. Both Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy Nature & Animals along with traditional camping activities. As a Summer Youth Camp Swift specializes in programs for the First Time Camper as well as Adventure Teen Camp programs
categories: science summer camp,summer camp,animal summer camp,overnight camp,kids,animals,nature,science,child development,travel,parenting,sports
About Electric Hybrid Cars
December 20, 2009
There are various modes of travel that people can make use of. Among those is the electric hybrid car. The various makes of electric hybrid car afford people the choice of having a stylish-looking vehicle which at the same time conserves petrol.
Additionally, the environment is kept more pollution free by these electric hybrid cars. The types of hybrid cars which you see included in the range of electric hybrid cars will be the popular SUVs, sports cars and pickup trucks. You will have the chance to see those latest electric hybrid cars which are due to come on to the market. As there are many types of electric hybrid cars you should look to see whether there are any performance reviews available.
This information will help you when you are trying to make up your mind about which electric hybrid car to buy. You will need to realize that some of the electric hybrid cars are not be that easy to repair or have their components replaced. This is one major fact that you must bear in mind while you are shopping for the electric hybrid car that suits you.
There will be times when you will not be able to find the exact model of electric hybrid car that you want. In order to diminish this frustration, make a list of several different electric hybrid car types, (include some of the best known electric hybrid car types).
You may also want to make a list of the other most important qualities that you are looking for from an electric hybrid car. Don’t forget that you should visit the car showrooms to see the electric hybrid car of your choice, as I’m sure you may appreciate seeing what sort of cars are available before you buy one.
As there will be times when you will not be able to get hold of the details of all of the electric hybrid cars on the market, you should find some other way of getting this information. Of the various ways that you can look up the many models of electric hybrid car, the Internet can provide you with pictures, specifications, descriptions and reviews of the different makes of electric hybrid car. For example, you can access the information for the current batch of hybrid Honda cars or the previous models too. Among the many details that you can find are: the number of seats and the safety and engine specifications of these hybrid cars.
There are, as we all know, many different types of hybrid car that can be bought. These will, for the most part, be well-known car makes. You will find that Honda which is a world-famous manufacturer of cars with modern technology also has their version of a hybrid car. The electric hybrid car is one of their hybrid cars that is very popular with the public.
If you are interested in the insides of New Hybrid Vehicles, just visit our website at http://new-hybrid-vehicles.com
Some Interesting Information On The Indian Motorcycle Dealership
December 7, 2009
Indian Motorcycle dealers are planning great things ahead even though the economy is slow. America acquired its first motorcycle from Indian Motorcycle. Though the production was almost zero by’53 Indian Motorcycle Dealer is heading towards a reentry in the manufacturing field with plans to 50 new motorcycle by 2011…..
Ironically Indian Motorcycle Company opened its first International dealership in France in 2009. During World War II it had sold a consignment of 5000 Chiefs with side cars to French government. In’20s and 30s it was the standard motorcycle everyone used.
Over the years Indian Motorcycle has passed hands three times over the last hundred years but even then it always had a large amount of supporters. Presently the manufacturing unit of the company lies in Kings Mountain, North Carolina.
In 2008 the first Indian dealership was started in Lowell NC and subsequently many branches came up in all over the country. The demand for the new 2009 Indian Chief motorcycles has not dimmed as people are overwhelmed by the part it had played in the history of US and they want to own a part of it by owning this historical bike.
The flagship dealer that opened in Lowell in October 2008 features striking architectural flourishes and is a forerunner of all the major market Indian motorcycle dealers. The outside of the dealership has a 50-foot high Indian “front fender” in stainless steel with an Indian head running light at the top.
When you step inside the dealership you will find a replica of Indian Chief on a turntable significantly placed. You will also find video screens throughout the dealership showing the great achievements of this classic brand.
For those old fashioned people who still admire the Indian brand of motorcycle a dealership in Charlotte has number of parts from the “Gilroy era” (1999-2003). You can visit this dealership Indian Motorcycle when you are in Charlotte and procure some of these parts as they will get it for you.
Since the October 2008 grand opening in Lowell, Indian motorcycle dealerships have opened in Omaha, Pittsburgh, Detroit, Paducah, Witchita, Phoenix, Atlanta, Tampa/St. Pete, Minneapolis, Scranton, Boston, Dallas, Las Vegas, and North Jersey.
The company is still pursuing other dealer options, and is interested in becoming partners with innovative businesspeople who are dedicated motorcycle enthusiasts, so there could be still more Indian motorcycle dealers to come. The 2010s could be the brightest era yet for a brand whose history reaches all the way back to the dawn of the 20th century.
Indian motorcycle dealerships offer a variety of after sales services. If you are looking for an Indian scout motorbike please follow the hyperlinks.
Why We Need Undersea Images
November 27, 2009
The world under the sea is a mysterious place where amazing creatures live. The best way to view this world is in undersea images or video. It is such a complex world and it is a world that deserves recognition. It is also a world that is slowly being destroyed. The more education that is available, the more apt people are going to be willing to take care of it. This is just one reason why undersea images are just so important.
Undersea images give us a glimpse into the wondrous world under the sea. It can help remind us why it is so important to take care of and learn about. The more pictures and videos that we see the better educated we become.
If you want to see some great pictures and great videos of the ocean then you really should look on the internet. There are some really great websites that offer awesome undersea images. There are also many that have some fun shots and even some educational websites where you can learn a lot about the sea.
If you love pictures of the sea then you can buy prints from many sites on the internet. They are great for decorating any home or office. You can even get them framed so that they are genuinely pieces of art for others to appreciate them. Teach the people in your world the importance of our oceans and how important they are to our own survival. The creatures that live in the ocean are important to our own lives and we need to know that they are out there.
Undersea images are great for teaching us the importance of preserving the environment. Oceans are really so important to our survival on Earth. We get so much of our food and minerals from the ocean. The life in the ocean needs to be preserved and protected by all of use. Pictures of the ocean and ocean life can help us to remember to do this.
When scientists take pictures of the sea, they are taking in history. It is documentation that our seas are worth saving. It is also documentation of the vast sea life that is in the ocean. This is so important for us to treasure.
When we view undersea images we are hopefully affected. Hopefully it will give us a new respect for the environment and for the sea. The more people that are aware of our need to clean up and save the sea, the better it will be for it. It cannot get better without everyone’s cooperation and through undersea images we can all learn to appreciate what is under the sea.
These days, undersea images educate us and bring us awareness. This education is so important to the future of our world and our oceans. Taking an interest in the world under the sea is good for both the environment and for our future. So much of our own future depends on how well we take care of our oceans. Underwater images are great for so many reasons. Just go online and you will find all of the images that you would ever want to see.
Learn more about undersea images. Stop by James Spellman’s site where you can find out all about NTS Images and what it can do for you.