Science Projects for School and Fairs

A good teacher uses whatever he can to reach struggling students. It could be books, flashcards, extra homework or, in the case of Hasan Suzuk, a 17-year-old girl.

In what turned out to be a win-win situation, the Dove Science Academy teacher helped 10th-grader Areli Hernandez create a prize-winning science project by befriending and tutoring a gaggle of sixth-grade girls. Twice a week for six months, Hernandez and eight younger girls, all Hispanic, met after school in a classroom at the charter school at 919 NW 23. While the sixth-graders worked on homework, Hernandez was there to help and to get to know them.

'Big sister' The group also bonded over four off-campus dinners - twice at Hernandez's house. They celebrated each other's birthdays and played "Secret Santa" at Christmas.

"She's like their big sister," Suzuk said. "Sometimes they talk about boyfriends or problems at home. They share everything, not just the work."

Tests and surveys at the start and end of the six-month experiment showed every girl raised her grades and teachers reported improved study skills and self-esteem. As a group, their standardized test scores jumped almost 20 points in math and 13 points in reading.

Hernandez credits Suzuk with suggesting the science project, which finished first in its division at the Oklahoma Junior Academy of Science this week. But Suzuk said it was Hernandez's idea to expand the school's traditional tutoring into a closer relationship. Now other sixth-grade girls are demanding a big sister too, and some of the original eight who no longer need tutoring refuse to leave the program, Suzuk said. One girl told him she would deliberately do poorly on a standardized test if doing well meant being removed from the program.

Suzuk, who teaches sixth-grade math and computer science, said mentoring works because it is based on a relationship that is not possible between a student and teacher.

"When a student helps them, they see her as a friend, not a teacher," Suzuk said. Program widens, but no boys In a group interview, the younger girls sang Hernandez's praises. "At first I didn't understand some things, and she helped me understand. My grades got higher. She helped me a lot and she's nice," Yemelin Calderon said.

"If we don't understand, we could tell her," Andrea Espinoza said.Laura Martinez, whose daughter Eliza participated, said she never hesitated to give permission.

"The girls, they need the help. Mine, she was a little bit behind in math and now she's up," Laura Martinez said. The big-sister relationship also was good for her daughter, who is an oldest child, the mother said.

Based on Hernandez's success, Suzuk has expanded the program. He now has five 10th-graders and a dozen sixth-graders involved. So far, the school has not experimented with a mentoring program for boys.

Reggie loves science and helping kids make their projects just right. Learn more about science fairs and how to dazzle your audiences at: 4th Grade Science Fair Projects.

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Anaconda Snakes - Richly Appointed Review

Anaconda snakes are a misinterpreted and misunderstood a lot. The movie Anaconda starring Jennifer Lopez and Jon Voight etched an inerasable image of this creature in our mind. The very A word conjures up an image of a creature that is big, bad, ugly and savors humans and animals alike.

However, this image of the snake is as far from reality as is Hawaii from Himalayas.

Etymologically speaking, there are two probable sources of this dreaded name, and surprisingly both the two sources are from the far away continent of Asia. One of the possible origins of the name is the Sinhalese word of yenakandey or henakandey which when literally translated meant whip snake while the other probable origin is the Tamil word anaikondran which when translated meant elephant slayer. It is truly surprising to know that the name of a species found only in the tropical forests of South America is derived from a language that is spoken in the southern most tip of Asia.

The natural habitat of this beautiful and majestic snake is the tropical forests of Southern America and the swamps, riverbeds and water bodies are richly populated with this constrictor snake. As a matter of fact, the very word Amazon is almost synonymous to anacondas and piranhas for most of us.

However, in this age of television adventurism and couch potato wild life enthusiasts, you will find these creatures in almost every respectable zoos and snake gardens. However, the grandeur of a domesticated or bred one is significantly pale as compared to the gigantic, fierce and intoxicating beautiful natural anacondas found in the swamps of the great river Amazon

Anaconda snakes are one of the largest reptiles found in the wild. Currently, only Asiatic pythons in terms of length weight and body diameter and they together are the main members of the constrictor family of snakes.

As the name suggests, constrictor snakes use constriction, or the squeezing effect to strangulate its preys and then gobbles up the prey wholly. This probably makes anacondas one of the cleanest predators and leaves nothing to waste unlike the lion kings or the tiger cats.

Another very interesting fact about this species of snake is the physical superiority of females over males. While male anacondas are known to have grown to as much as twenty feet with an average length of sixteen feet, female counterparts are considerably bigger with a maximum length of thirty feet with a species average length of about twenty five feet. And in the wilds of Amazon, it is the bigger the better.

It is rightly said that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. While we the citizens of the concrete jungle squirm at the very mention of the name anaconda, the natural beauty of this snake increasingly amazes wild life enthusiasts, environmentalists and biologists. Unanimous the decision may be, the kings of the Amazon, the anaconda snakes.

Anaconda Snakes are scientifically studied predators being monitored today. You can freely learn more about our newest topics, videos and educational facts in deph within the releases in the Anaconda Snake categories.

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When or Where Did Dragons Exist?

For thousands of millennium stories and myths have existed about the struggle between mankind and dragons.

But what is a dragon?

According to the Oxford English dictionary:

A dragon: drag'en, a fabulous beast often shown as a gigantic fire breathing reptile with huge claws, the tail of a serpent, wings and scaly skin.

Dragons have been talked, written and sung about for as long as can be remembered.

But did they ever exist?

Are they fact or fiction?

Did these large beautiful, majestic, mythical fire breathing beasts ever live?

Or are the stories just a legends and myth with no substance or truth?

Many people claim that dragons are based on ordinary creatures that were distorted by the fears, imaginations and psychological tendencies of groups of humans, or that they were some type of dinosaur or archosaur.

But there are many references to dragons in the bible as well as mythology and it is said that it was with the advent of Christianity and the crusades that brought the age of dragons to an end.

Therefore if we accept that the bible tells us the truth about Christianity and God, then why not dragons also?

Christianity brought with it the Crusades and with them came the knights who hunted and slaughtered the dragons bringing about their eventual downfall and extinction.

It was these very knights of honour and valor who lusted after the fame and fortune of killing a dragon for their skins and riches or often just for sport.

It is said that Dragons blood was prized for it's magical properties as legends tell that when wiped onto the skin it protect the wearer from stab wounds.

Other legends tell that if you ate their tongue you would win any argument (something I often wish I could do at home!) and eating their heart gave you the power to understand birds, not sure why you would but...

There are said to have been as many different species of dragon vary in shape, size and colour as any of Gods other creatures around us. A few of the more common ones documented and written about are:

The Western Dragon

Often portrayed as being evil and blood thirsty the Western Dragon was also said to be a hoarder of gold and jewelry.

Generally the Western Dragon has a long thick, four strong legs, large claws on its feet, two wings, a long neck and can usually breathe fire.

According to some legends and history Western dragons also had the ability of changing their shape and colour, but I expect that this was probably more akin to the ability of a charmelion than a "shapeshifter".

They normally ate once a month preferring to feed on cattle or sheep but would sometimes eat a human, particularly if he, the human, was being particularly troublesome or threatening.

The Eastern Dragon

There were three different families of Eastern Dragons which looked very similar but came from different parts of the World. They all had serpentine bodies and four legs but unlike the Western Dragon they didn't breathe fire.

They are said to have had the body of a snake, scales of a carp, belly of a clam, claws of an eagle, paws of a lion, horns of a giant stag, head of a camel, eyes of a hare and ears like a bull.

Legends tell us that they had 117 scales, 81 with yang, the good and 36 with yin, the bad thus giving them an even temperament and personality.

The main difference between the three different families of Eastern Dragons is the number of toes they had.

The Japanese dragon is said to have had only three toes, the Korean or Indonesian Dragon four and the Chinese dragon five.

Eastern dragons are usually shown either holding a pearl in their paws or mouth as it was this pearl that gave them their unique powers and allowed them to ascend to heaven.

Ascend to heaven? I hear you ask.

But weren't dragons evil, viscous killers?

Far from it.

Like any of Gods creatures they were often docile and very placid unless provoked. Content to live peacefully and go about their was as they always had but unfortunately they got this reputation by being used for evil means by their masters, who had trained and domesticated them, or when trying to protect their own lands or homes.

Hardly a justifiable reason for branding them evil.

In fact many legends and myths tell of the good dragons kind did for mankind.

But that's another tale..

The Eastern Dragon is probably the most documented in the World and is described as being kind, intelligent and good.

The Eastern Dragon has also been closely linked to the weather and legend says that some of Asia's worst floods occurred when a mortal upset a dragon.

The Eastern Dragon is usually shown as either blue, black, red or yellow.

In China the five toed dragon is considered to be the most powerful and intelligent of all dragons and it's called the Imperial dragon, because of this it was forbidden for anyone other than the Emperor to show the image of a five toed dragon on his clothes.

These images were usually of a yellow dragon, considered to be the most superior.

Anyone, other than the Emperor, found wearing the symbol of a five toed dragon was put to death!

There are four main types of Chinese dragons, known as Lung:

The Tien-Lung, who protects the places of the Gods and is the Celestial Dragon.

The Shen-Lung, the Spiritual dragon who controls the wind and the rain

The Ti-Lung or Earth Dragon who controls the rivers and water on Earth

And the:

Fut's-Lung, the Underworld Dragon who guards the Earths precious metals and gems.

The Wyvern (wi-vurn) Dragon

The Wyvern dragon was a European Dragon and typically had only two front legs, although it has also been reported to have had two claws on the end of it's wings that also act like "hands".

The Wyvern dragon is also reported to have had a "stinger" on the end of its tail filled with poison much like a scorpion.

Most reports of this dragon seem to stem from Europe and have been the subject of many fables an legends and across the continent.

Despite this little is actually known about the Wyvern dragon and much of it's history remains a mystery.

The Faerie Dragon

Probably the rarest of all dragons is the Faerie Dragon so named because of its size and because according to legend the were used by faeries to travel between cities.

Very is little known about this dragon as there has been so little documented about them as they were so rarely seen.

Until now you could only have hoped to see a dragon up close in your dreams or the movies but now McFarlane's have managed to capture the beauty and essence of the dragons with their amazing line of Dragon figures.

These beautifully sculpted and artistically painted figures truly bring the myths and legends alive.

Lending their respected and renowned talents for sculpting, detail and painting McFarlane's artists have excelled themselves by creating a remarkable collection of figures.

Looking at these you are transformed to another world and time that has long been forgotten.

You can smell the acidic dragons breath on the cool winters wind, hear the fierce shrill of his piercing cry through the air, and the beat of its wings high in the sky.

Rarely have I seen such superb detail and artwork in figures. So good are these it's with reluctance that I call them toys.

Because despite the little articulation that there is there is little else that would categorize them as toys. I would classify them more as an adult's collectible.

In fact these are more like statues than your classic toy such is there amazing quality and beauty.

Each dragon is beautifully crafted and frozen in time for your enjoyment and pleasure.

So if you've never seen a dragon before and have always wondered want one looks like know you look in wonder...

Colin Dorman
http://www.mcfarlanes-figures.com/mcfarlanes-dragons-series-homepage.html

"Get McFarlanes News, And Exclusive Articles Sent Direct To You"
It's Free but...
Why do I need to read it?
(click here for information)

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Trash Talk Your Way to a Better World

North Americans account for less than 10% of the world's population, yet we produce 50% of the world's garbage and consume more than 33% of it's resources. If everyone consumed like the average North American, we would require three Earths!

Authors Dave and Lillian Brummet offer an upbeat, proactive look at waste and resource management with their inspiring new book Trash Talk. They explain that every one of us can do something to help our world - starting right where we are, right now. Trash Talk is not a quick fix solution - it is about changing consumer's mind-sets by providing ideas that inspire participation from the ground level. Not everyone can afford to donate cash or time to a cause but by implementing the concept of Trash Talk, the average person can make small alterations in their lives that affect positive changes for the Earth.

Canadian writers Dave and Lillian Brummet reside in the southwest region of British Columbia. Their work has appeared in a variety of Canadian publications. In addition, the Brummets also wear many other hats - as gardeners, seed savers, cooks, photographers, business owners and outdoor enthusiasts. Ultimately, it is a love of nature and healthy living that is the major driving force and inspiration for their many projects.

Their website (http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit) has a page of links to like-minded organizations where one can learn modern waste management techniques. The upcoming Tip of the Month page will provide readers with insightful reduction and reuse ideas.

"...An effective well-researched book... embraces waste as a resource that creates jobs and new products... head-and-shoulders above other environmental texts. " ~ Sherry Russell, Midwest Book Review (USA)

"Trash Talk is easy to read...a positive approach to managing waste...a valuable guide for anyone concerned about their impact on the environment." ~ Georgina Bloomfield, Waste and Resources Campaigner, Friends of the Earth (UK)

"...This is something that should be in every household...a good reference on providing reducing and reusing tips without being preachy" ~ Tim A Dueck, Public Education Coordinator, Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (Canada)

"I was recently expressing concern to a friend about the environmental state of our planet....how I feel as though I can't make a difference. Well, now I have access to the information you are sharing and know that I can. Thank you!" ~ Yvonne Caldwell, Library Cataloguer, Okanagan University College (Canada)

Written by Dave and Lillian Brummet based on the concept of their new book Trash Talk, a guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the environment, that offers useful solutions to reduce waste and better manage resources. http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit

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Dental Disease in Exotic Small Mammals

At our Practice we see a large number of small mammals with symptoms of dental disease both as first opinion cases and as referrals from other practices. This article deals specifically with dental disease in Chinchillas (Chinchilla Langier). Degus (Octodon degus) and Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus).

The most common presentations include weight loss, anorexia, cachexia (chronic wasting), excess salivation (slobbers), small faeces or absence of faeces. An ocular (eye) discharge or a discharge from the nose may also be evident. The incisions (front teeth) are commonly overgrown and there may be a history of repeated burring or clipping of these teeth as an attempted treatment for the anorexia. On careful palpation the jaw of these presenting animals may be irregular and painful. Sometimes the animal will grind its teeth, a sign of pain in these species. There is often a poor dietary history which will be addressed later.

One of the most important points to stress is that a detailed oral examination of a conscious small mammal is nigh on impossible. This is especially true of the species dealt with in this article. Guinea pigs often have food in their mouths at the time of examination (in fact if they don't it is a worrying sign), chins and degus resent oral examination vigorously. Anaesthesia is often required to thoroughly examine the oral cavity and this allows the clinician to perform skull radiography, arguably the most informative diagnostic tool in small mammal dentistry. This is because most dental disease processes in exotic small mammals are concerned with the tooth "roots" which are encased in bone and therefore not visible on a dental examination. In fact, many animals with severe dental disease have mouths that look essentially normal on casual examination of the anaesthetised patient.

Dental Anatomy

Guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus have the dental formula of 2 x I 1/1 C 0/0 P 1/1 M 3/3 (where I = incisors, C = canines, P = premolars and M = molars). The premolars and molars act as a functional unit to grind food and the incisors are used for prehension and cutting of fibrous foodstuffs. All teeth grow continuously. There is no true anatomical root. The lower (mandibular) cheek teeth are arched toward the tongue and overgrowth can lead to tongue entrapment. The upper (maxillary) cheek teeth are angled outward (laterally). Angulation of the teeth provides an effective surface for grinding thin fibrous food material and when eating this high silicate foodstuff, rapid tooth wear occurs and new growing tooth replaces the wear caused by grinding. In the wild these animals spend a long time eating low quality grasses which are high in silicates (the precursors of glass). This continual grinding prevents overgrowth of the teeth.

Diet and dental disease

Captive bred specimens are larger than their wild counterparts and it is established that a proportion of cases of dental disease can be attributed to genetic causes. However, by far the most cases of dental disease in Guinea pigs, chinchillas and degus results wholly or in large part from inappropriate diets. Specifically a lack of dietary fibre is implicated. Most modern "complete" diets are complete in that they contain adequate protein, carbohydrates, fats and trace elements. However, their sole use leads not only to problems with obesity but also does not allow these animals to spend the large amount of time chewing and wearing their molar teeth that they require to grind down their continually growing back teeth. This can lead to spur formation and entrapment of the tongue by the diagonally growing lower molars. This can be picked up and treated by a detailed examination of the mouth. All the time however, a more sinister development is occurring which is all together more difficult to treat.

If less time is spent chewing, the exposed parts of the teeth elongate. This puts pressure on the teeth which slows eruption, but tooth growth continues at a slow rate. Essentially what happens next is that the cheek teeth grow backwards, invading the structures of the skull. The teeth can grow into the nasal sinuses causing respiratory infections or towards the eyes causing weepiness. The lower teeth invade the jawbone causing bony changes and sometimes abscess formation (common in rabbits). The net result of this growth is that the mouth is progressively forced open. The front teeth elongate as they do not meet any more and becomes progressively more difficult for these animals to eat (try swallowing with your mouth open!). This leads to the condition known as slobbers where saliva spills onto the skin often causing a fetid smell. Clients often notice this and the fact that the incisors are growing and present these animals for incisor trimming. In fact the incisors are growing because they are not meeting as a result of the mouth being forced open by the overgrown back teeth. Skull radiography is the only way to accurately quantify if this has occurred and to what extent. All too often, animals are referred to this practice with histories of repeated anaesthetics with no radiography performed.

Treatment

To sum up, difficult at best. Most presented cases have advanced disease. Aggressive burring of the cheek teeth may be attempted. If abscesses have formed, these need specific treatment. Eye infections require antibiotics. Otherwise force-feeding and anti-inflammatory drugs are required. Quality of life needs to be assessed on a regular basis and weight monitoring with faecal output are useful indicators of appetite. The liquid anti-inflammatory drug meloxicam (Metacam: Boehringer Ingleheim) is well tolerated in these species. It has the advantage of being very palatable (it tastes like honey) so is well accepted also. Often patients require life long treatment. Secondary problems associated with anorexia (e.g. intestinal stasis where the guts shut down and stops moving) also need to be addressed. Often euthanasia is required in patients that fail to respond.

Prevention

As always, better than cure. The diet of these animals needs to resemble their diet in the wild. They are not like dogs and cats that get a bowl of food twice daily and that's it. Their anatomy and physiology is specifically set up to deal with ingestion of large quantities of lower quality foodstuffs in order to meet their nutritional requirements. This means lots of good quality hay. Timothy hay is usually the beat. The fibre requires lots of chewing and keeps the intestines moving which is essential for health. 1 to 2 tablespoonfuls maximum of concentrate mix is the recommended daily allowance; the rest should be good quality hay with occasional treats. Offer the hay in a hayrack to prevent contamination with faeces. This also provides environmental enrichment, as the animals have to work a little harder for their food. Twice yearly veterinary checkups allow careful palpation of the cheek teeth. Also monitor weight and faecal output on a regular basis so that any symptoms can be managed early in the course of disease.

References

BSAVA Manual of Exotic Pets 4th edition

Hillyer, Quesenberry: Diseases of Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents 2nd edition

O Malley: Clinical Anatomy and Physiology of Exotic Species

Carpenter: Exotic Animal Formulary 3rd edition

Mark Rowland BVSc cert Zoomed MRCVS is in practice at: Sandhole Veterinary Centre, Snodland, Kent, ME6 5LG. He is an Exotics specialist with a soft spot for chinchillas.

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