International News and Class Response

Recently, Erno Rubik created the next generation of the classic Rubik's Cube. This New Rubik's Cube is no longer a cube but a sphere. For the past couple of years, Erno has made many different lessons and mind teasing puzzles. This new sphere has one outer sphere as well as two internal spheres that are held together on a rotating axis. Inside the internal spheres are six different colored balls to correspond with domes that pop out of the outer sphere. With the same matching idea as the classic Rubik Cube, you have to match the colors of the balls inside the domes popping out of the outer sphere. I think this is a unique twist on the puzzle everyone loves. I think this is important news because it is a new generation of a classic puzzle. The Rubik 360 is a great new take on the mind teaser and is really cool! It is cool because not only does it have the mind puzzles but it also is a really different, fun game. The article also said that this new and advanced Rubik's Cube has a more science and gravitational lesson. When trying to solve this puzzle, it is more kinetic and more physical. During science class we recently made roller coasters. We were taught about potential and kinetic energy as well as gravity.
Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. Recently, I learned that there are three types of kinetic energy. They are vibrational, rotational, and translational. Kinetic energy is used on a roller coaster when it is at the highest hill of a drop because it is moving the fastest. Gravity is used going over the hill. When the coaster starts to go over the hill it is using energy, then as it starts to descend, gravity pushes down on the cart and allows it to go over and complete its journey.

I got some of my information at http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2009/02/rubiks-360-will.html as well as, http://www.gizmag.com/rubiks-360/10917/ (or you could click the link above)and
http://www.glenbrook.k12.il.us/GBSSCI/PHYS/Class/energy/u5l1c.html

My Roller Coaster Website

One Life To Live

Stem Cell Funding in 2009

Since we have a new President, many things are changing. A new stimulus package is being reviewed by the entire administration. They are looking for ways to help the economy and the health care industry. One topic that has seemed to stick out is Stem Cell Research. Stem Cell Research has been hard to get during the Bush administration but many supporters have hope for Obama's plans. Stem Cell Research could possibly help restore the blood cells and change them into any of the 220 varieties of cells. This could eventually help cure diseases, such as, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's, just to name a few. I believe Stem Cell Research is a good thing. It may take a while to get the tests perfect but as the article says, many doctors are confident in the results of the tests.


For more info go to:
http://healthandfitnessblogshots.7dayshootout.com/health-care/federal-funding-stem-cell-research-2009/
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-stem-cell-research.htm
http://www.bedfordresearch.org/
http://www.jdrf.org/index.cfm?page_id=103932

State News

For the past couple of years Gov. Jon Corzine raised the standards for state wide tests and curriculum's. Recently, the results of those tests and the report cards of many schools were unbelievable. Teachers, parents, students, and critics were shocked to see that the passing percentages abated. The shocking news was not only in our county but state-wide throughout New Jersey. Although the parents and critics were shocked, many state officials were not. They were aware that the demand for high achievement was high, but they changed it so we could be ready for what awaits us in college. Lately, I have noticed a change in our classes curriculum. For social studies for instance, we started a interactive notebook and a text book that we carry with us. I like this better than last year because last year I found myself confused and having to search my folder for papers we went over in class. I believe the new curriculum is harder but it hopefully will prepare me for next year.

for more information: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/02/tough_new_state_tests_spur_hig.html