Lab 10

Making bio diesel and bio ethanol 


Bio diesel is simply saturated fats combined with alcohol to make a fuel source for diesel engines. The chemicals are called long chain alkyl (methyl, propyl or ethyl) esters. Bio diesel is usually mixed with different amounts of fossil fuel made diesel. This takes strain off the farmers to make large amounts of plants just for fuel. There is a push in many nations around the world to begin to use bio diesel for its renewable properties and its lower emissions. Other advantages of bio diesel is that it can be made at home using left over cooking oil and fryer oil that would normal be thrown out. However, the home made brews may not be as pure as commercial made bio diesel. There are a few other negatives associated with bio diesel. One is that the liquid is very viscous and in colder climates can become too viscous for the engine to start. This requires external heat sources to keep the bio diesel warm in colder climates. Also, water is sometimes a contaminated issue in bio diesel. This is left over from the chemical reaction processes that create bio diesel. Other arguments is the amount of farming it takes to create bio diesel. In some cases its less efficient to make bio diesel than to not make it. Another concern is its economic cause of raising food prices. This causes many poor nations to have problems buying food to feed themselves.  
Bio diesel is a good idea that needs some work to become a solution. Research into algae and other methods of making bio diesel will be excellent and take strain off food producers to make bio fuels instead of food.          

Mitochondrial Eve

Mitochondrial Eve was can be considered the female ancestor of all humans on earth. This is caused by the fact that the mitochondrial DNA is passed down through the female line to their children. These lines of ancestry can be traces from all human population to the small populations of Africa nearly 200,000 years ago. However, the spread of humans over the earth did not happen until nearly 100,000 years later. There have been other points of common ancestry however, including a common male ancestor and a certain point by which common ancestors left offspring or did not. Many of this points happened much later than Mitochondrial Eve. There is also evidence that there where many Mitochondrial Eves that simply did not leave any daughters in the human population resulting in us have one female common ancestor. Mitochondrial Eve was the start of the Africa origin hypothesis that states that human population began in Africa and expanded from Africa.         

Amphioxus

These animals are characterized by the development of a notochord for axial support throughout its life. They have a structure that is somewhere between and worm and fish. The animal has a few features in common with the vertebrates. They have a hollow nerve chord, and tail, and similar muscle structure. However, they lack a true brain and complex sensory organs. It feeds using a sort of filter feeding by secreting mucus over its gill slits. They have a simple tube structure for a digestive system. They also lack a respiratory and circulation systems.

These creatures are good for studying evolution and perhaps understanding the "missing link" that was between vertebrates and invertebrates.        

Lab 9

Dog Parks


Dog parks are locations that are set aside for dogs and their owners to go to. These parks can be unleashed with fences or the other way around. Dog parks provide many benefits for both pet and owner. Exercise for both pet and owner is the first obviously benefit. In urban areas, this is important since most dogs must be kept in confined environments that do not promote exercise. Exercise is equally important for the owner. This exercise will be both pet and owner happy and healthy. Pet and owner also can enjoy socializing with others of there kind. Dogs need this since they are prone to be pack animals and it good for a community to have social gatherings.
There are some dangers of dog parks however. Sometimes dogs can become aggressive with each other and cause problems. Also, sickness can spread to healthy dogs and younger dogs. It is not good to bring puppies to dog parks. Owners must also not replace dog park activities with normal brisk walks.
Overall, dog parks can be very good for pets and communities but must be used properly.       

Lab 8

Darwin's Dilemma (Burgess Shale) 


The Burgess Shale is notable for its large variety of animals with many being soft bodied. This could only happen from a rapid burial.  

The video showed to us in this lab looked into the issues with the fossil record. Although much of the fossil record has many creatures not alive today, it is not complete enough to fully support the theory of evolution. The video explained that the fossil record does not have the slow change from one simple creature to many more complex creatures. They explained that many of the body types were already in existence from this explosion of life. Therefore, the development of life was more like "blades of grass" and not a "tree". The video also showed the probability that genetic mutation would be a positive change which shows the improbability that evolution was driving by mutation. They also said that the amount of data required to build a fully functioning organism is proof that intelligence design is the only way.      

Lake Lab

Plitvice Lakes

   The lakes are formed by a cascading bodies of water. These bodies of water can not be considered separate since they together form a system of erosion and sedimentation that forms the cascading barriers between the bodies of water. 

Cross Section of the Lakes

These barriers are made of tufa or travertine. These barriers are constantly being washed away and remade by the geological processes present in the water system. The erosion is caused by natural carbonic acid in the water. With the warm temperatures and humidity, the compound calcium bicarbonate settles in the barriers over time. This process is helped by the many plants, mosses, and algae that live in the water.

 

Lab 7

Hitchiti Experimental Forest


The hike we went on during this lab was perhaps my favorite. It is always nice to get out of the class room and enjoy the outdoors. During this lab we did various things such as: identifying plants, witnessing the destruction caused by the southern pine beetle, examining rock formations, discussing controlled forest fires, hugging trees and walking. A few highlights of the trip were finding a harmless garden snake and also getting some much needed exercise.

Our destination for the trip was where the creek that ran through the park met the Ocmulgee river. The rocky river bed of this area contrasted the sandy river bed that is in the city of Macon. We also got to see a example of a hole worn into the bed rock by the forces created by flowing water. Finally, we took a family picture then used the service road for the long trip back to our cars.

    

Lab 6

Jackson Springs and Geology

During this lab, we visited Jackson Springs Park in order to look a rocks located in the river bedrock and in the creek bed in the area. Also, we discussed some of the history of the area.

The river bedrock was largely composed of mica. Also, the lines in the rock tend toward the same direction which is evident in many of the surround rock structures in the area. We then traveled to the park area to take samples from the creek bed. Commonly found rocks in the area were granite, feldspar, and rocks composed from hornblende and quartz.

We also took scoops of the creek bed and put into the separation tool that allowed us to see the different grain sizes of materials in the creek bed. In this we saw many pebbles, sands, and eventually silt.


 

Lab 5

Layers of Decomposition
The top layer is composed of recently fallen material from plants and are generally brown and drying. It is very easy to see what plant it came from. As you dig through the layers the material gets wetter while also being more broken down making it very difficult to tell what the item use to be. Also, living in these lower layers can be insects and fungi which is helping to break down the material into organic soil.

Layers of Soil in the Creek Bed
The creek we visited gave us a very clear picture of the layers of soil in the region. The top had an organic layer that became sandy, then gave way to a thick layer of clay that made up the bed itself. I found it interesting that the water washed away the softer portions of the clay giving the creek bed a porous appearance in many areas.

Piedmont/Coastal Plain
The historic significance of the national park we visited interested me greatly.
The region was extremely inviting to ancient peoples for the diversity of resources available to them from the different environments. The Piedmont and then the Coastal Plain provide a slight difference in plants and animals that allowed ancient peoples to be very successful in the area. As a result, the area became sort of an ancient trade hub that created set paths throughout the region. In more recent times, this attracted European settlers to the area to set up trade post. Also, the nearby river stops being navigable at the fall line allowing boats to go up river to Macon but no farther.

Interesting Points
I was surprised that structures of the scale of the temple mound where constructed in this region of the world. When I think of ancient engineering I refer to the Egyptian, Greek, Chinese, Roman, Aztec, Mayan, and Inca civilizations and forget that builders live in this region long ago also. It was an eye opener and reminded me that all around the world are ancient structures that marvel modern engineers.     

My Sunflower Plant

My plant has been growing for awhile now and is doing very well.

I started by watering the plant daily and wait for the plant to sprout. A few sprouted then I removed the smaller ones to prevent them from competing for resources. At this point I started watering the plant twice and day and sitting it outside to receive sunlight. I have done this daily for weeks now and my plant has grow to be nearly a foot tall.

Precautions I have taken also help the plant survive environmental hazards. I would water the plant frequently during the heat of the late summer. Since the temperature is getting colder, I am mindful to bring the plant inside at earlier hours to prevent damage from the cold. Also, I try to keep the plant inside during bad weather to prevent wind damage. The plant is also a survivor. It was unhappy during the hail storm that hit Macon last month but had little damage done to it.

That is how my plant is doing. I will update when new developments happen.      

Soil Taxonomy

Soil is separated into twelve different soil types, called The Twelve Soil Orders of the World. These soils have different characteristic depending upon the environment they are in. They can also have different levels of nutrition and water hold capability.
A map showing the soils for the entire world can be found here, World Soils Map.
Also, a simplified chart showing each soil with some detail can be found here,Soils Information.
Additional information can be found on this sight also,Additional Information.  

Blood Sugar

This graph made from the blood sugar data given in class.

Lab 4

Granulation of Soil

We first shoveled the ground to put soil into a graduation device. The device had several levels that represented different sizes of particles that would get through the device. The number would specify how many openings where located on one square inch. Unfortunately, the soil was too wet for our lab to get desired results; however, we were still able to achieve limited granulation. 

Split Spoon Corer

This device is used by pushing it into the ground then twisted to fill the device with a core sample. The sample would show a cross section of the soil. We were able to see three different levels of the soil ranging from organic soil to a yellowish clay. 

Community Garden

Community Gardens are set up in cities have many different challenges but also offer many good things to the people involved. Such a garden can bring many in a community together to solve a common goal. Also, these gardens teach people to have an appreciation for nature and where their food comes from. The use of the community garden can also be a good learning tool to learn how to raise ones own food. 

Community Gardens have challenges especially if urban areas. Pollutants in the soil can get into the food and be hazardous to someones health. Lead is the main pollutant in urban areas since it was used in gasoline. To avoid this, the garden we visited used raised bed with imported soil to prevent contamination. The garden also used compost piles for enrich the soil and recycle local food goods. 

Hand Testing

We attempted a hand testing of soil and succeeded in identifying the soil. The soil was a loamy sand. The reason is because we were unable to form a ribbon with the soil and it had a very rough, grainy feel.       

Lab 3

Trees

Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora

I had one of these trees in the yard of the house I grew up in. 

Red Maple

Acer rubrum

Willow Oak

Quercus phellos

American Sycamore

Platanus Occidentalis

Paper Birch

Betula papyrifera

Scrubs

Prickly Juniper

Juniperus oxycedrus

Holly

Ilex aquifloium

Common Hawthorn

Crataegus monogyna

Wax-Leaf Privet

Ligustrum japonicum

French Rose

Rosa gallica


Plants

Hosta

Hosta capitata

Daisy

Bellis perennis

Oakleaf Hydrangea

Hydrangea quercifolia

Aloe 

Aloe Vera

American Rhododendron

Rhododendron maximum

Lab 2

The objective for this lab was to explore the Ocmulgee River, find clams and measure depth of the river.

The above figure shows the data that one group gathered concerning the depth of the river. The steep slopes on the first and last parts of the graph show where the river has cutting into the land over many years. The lower portion near the middle of the graph shows the main channel of the river. 

This image shows the locations and number of clams found in those locations. Note that the point labeled NA had many dead clams but not many live ones. The data shows that clams like to live in shallow water that does not have heavy currents through it. 

Lab #1: Cartography

1. Map Types

• Isarithmic - map type that uses point data to create zones separated with borders to signify a range of data.
• Choropleth - map type that use color to highlight specific units with data ranges.
• Dot Density - map type that uses dots to signify a set amount of data. The concentration of dots denoted high amounts of that data value.   
• Proportional symbol -  map type that uses different sizes of symbols comparatively to each other so that large symbols denote more date value than smaller.

     Examples 

Isarithmic

Choropleth

Dot Density

Proportional Symbol

Isarithmic Map Lab

Google Earth Lab

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

The Bald Eagle is a bird of prey that lives in North America. The eagle is know for its white feathers on its head and tail. The name Bald Eagle is a reference to its white head and not for being physically bald. It will primary be found near bodies of water for food with large trees in the area and nesting. The Bald Eagle will also migrate if necessary to new areas for food or mating.

Impressively, the Bald Eagle can fly at nearly 40mph and dive for food at 90mph. The Bald Eagle does not always fly through the air on its own power; it ill use thermal currents in the atmosphere to fly long distances while conserving energy. Bald Eagles eat a large variety of small mammals, birds, and fish.

The Bald Eagle was endangered and nearly became excited during the 20th century. Through conservation efforts and awareness, the Bald Eagle as recovered its population numbers. The Bald Eagle is also the symbol of the United States of America which modeling itself after the Roman Republic whose symbol was an eagle. 

       

Bald Eagle Wikipedia Page

Video of Bald Eagle