“Astronomy” End of Unit Reflection

Part 1

1.        In the past unit we learned that the earth’s and moon’s motions affect the tides and climate of earth.  The moon creates tides by the gravitation pull between the moon and the earth.   Earth’s rotation around the sun affects climate and creates the seasons.

2.       We learned that scientists use their knowledge of earth’s surface and atmosphere in search of extraterrestrial life.  Scientists know how earth supports life.  For example, oxygen, water, and reasonable temperatures are key things that are needed for us to survive.   Scientists look for these types of things when they study other planets to determine if they could possibly support life if any kind.    

3.       The International Space Station, space probes, and satellites are all excellent resources for space study.  In the ISS astronauts grow plants, do different types of tests and experiments to learn how gravity affects.  Satellites like the Hubble telescope send back pictures of planets, stars, and other galaxies that are better quality than scientists previously had. 

Part 2

1.       What effects are caused by the motions of earth and the moon?

Seasons, tides, day and night, eclipses, weather, and climate

2.       owH How has the development of technology and space flight helped astronomers learn more about other parts of the solar system and the structure of the universe?

The development of new technologies has helped astronomers because now they have stronger more effective telescopes to look into outer space.  With these new telescopes, astronomers have more accurate data and images to study our solar system and the structure of the universe.

3.       How are the conditions in space different from those on Earth?  How has space technology benefited modern society?

First off, in space there is no weather, oxygen, water or gravity.  The temperatures in space are very extreme.  To deal with these harsh conditions, astronauts must wear special space suits.  Space technology has benefited many different areas of modern society.  Examples include freeze dried food, fire resistant clothing, Velcro, smoke detectors, wireless tools, barcodes, Tang, and lasers.

Reflection

I enjoyed this unit VERY much.  It was one of my favorite units.  I think it is important to learn space because it is just amazing.  I learned that because of the space program we have more technology in our homes today than when my parents were kids like microwave ovens.  I really liked the videos we saw about the Hubble telescope and the ISS.  I also loved the planet and brochure projects.  What I didn’t like was tides since I found it confusing and didn’t really understand them.   Please teach tides in more detail.  Maybe a lab or experiment on tides would have helped me.

Space Exploration is it Worth the Cost?

Emma 7A

April/10/2012

Space is such a big place.   It is literally endless going on forever and ever.  It is full of planets, stars, different galaxies and more.   There is so much to explore but honestly is it worth the cost?  When you consider how much money it really costs, I don’t think it is but there are many benefits to space exploration.  In the next few paragraphs, I will talk about the benefits and downsides of investing in space exploration, how much space exploration worth to people around the world, and last but not least I will talk about the decisions I’d make about the future of space exploration if I were a member of Congress.

First off, space exploration is a big thing.  One example of the space program was the training of astronauts like Neil Armstrong.  They were trained to go up into space to work and explore it.  Going to the moon, which we have done several different times, is just one example. Another is conducting experiments like the growing of plants on the space shuttle or at the international space station.  All of these space explorations have worth.  In some cases, it is hard to measure and in some cases the benefits are clear.  I feel that if they are up in space trying to find a cure for a disease like cancer for example, then space exploration it is 100% necessary.   If they found a cure for cancer, it could benefit many different people on Earth.  

On the other hand, there are some ways I don’t think space exploration is worth the money.  Such as when so many people down on Earth don’t have a home or they because of world hunger.   We should be solving these types of problems first before spending billions of dollars a year on a space program.  I feel that even though exploring space is a wonderful and exciting thing, I feel we should put it off or reduce our focus in order to devote more of our time and resources to make life better on Earth by promoting world peace, controlling pollution, and helping mankind.  Once most of Earth’s problems are solved then we should look beyond and explore the wonders of more thoroughly.

In the country I’m from, our Congress decides how our government’s money is spent.  Recently, the Congress decided to cut spending for space exploration.  I agree with this decision since there are more important things we should be spending our money on.   However, I’m not sure they are spending the money where I would.  I’m just a kid but of my top five priorities the first would be to have a safe and security society for everybody.  Secondly, I would improve our environment by making Earth cleaner through recycling and saving energy.  My third goal would be education since without it no individual or country can succeed.   The fourth main concern would be to end poverty around the world.   Finally, my fifth priority would be in technology because it is a large part of our live and covers every area of our lives.  Space exploration would be a part of this process. Some new suggestions for different approaches to space exploration I have are doing more Earth based research than we are doing right now.  For example, development of new more powerful telescopes that could be used to find far away Earth-like planets.  Another option for space exploration to become cheaper is building robotic space probes.   This way you could reduce the amount of money spent on sending food and supplies to the international space station.  Finally, I think if we are going to continue space exploration we should try to find a way to get to other planets or moons besides our own. Exploring space benefits people like you and me living on Earth.  You might not be able to see how but it does in many different ways.   

In conclusion, I believe that space exploration is a great thing.  It uncovers the universe unknown but we should perhaps hold off on exploring more of space and focus on solving the many problems on Earth.

Bibliography-

Can Taking Aspirin Once a Day Reduce Risk of Cancer, Stroke, and More?

March 22, 2012

By : The daily beast

http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/03/22/can-taking-aspirin-once-a-day-reduce-risk-of-cancer-stroke-and-more.html

This week I read an article on Aspirin which is a pill you take to get rid of dreadful headaches.  Scientists have found out that Aspirin can decrease your likeliness of several different types of cancer, heart disease, strokes, and so on. What seemed very cool to me about this article was the part about how Aspirin decreases the likeliness of certain types of cancer by 37%.   This is very good because you do not want to get cancer.  The studies showed that this decreased risk will only happen if you take Aspirin at less one a week or even twice a month.   I thought was very interesting.  Another cool thing about Aspirin is that studies show that taking it regularly decreases the likeliness of getting pancreatic cancer but only for woman and not for men.  I wonder why that is? Now when you read this article you might think Aspirin is great and want to start using it.  However, there are downsides to taking Aspirin too.   In some people, Aspirin can have some bad side effects such as causing bleeding in your brain or stomach.   Scientists that you recommend you see your doctor before beginning to take Aspirin.  In conclusion, Aspirin could possibly save lives.   Many scientists are studying lots  of different ways Aspirin can help people and possible ways it might hurt other people.