How Do Scientists Know Where Whales Travel?

Humans aren’t the only ones who enjoy traveling to Hawaii.  Researchers in the Aloha state recently spotted a humpback whale, one that is regularly seen in and near Glacier Bay National Park Alaska.  In fact, this particular whale has made the annual trek from Alaska to Hawaii (2700 miles !) for at least 21 years.

The whale, dubbed #875 by researchers, was spotted on March 15, 2011, by researchers from the Hawaii Marine Mammal Consortium, including Glacier Bay National Park's whale biologist Chris Gabriele. Gabriele recognized #875, a whale regularly seen each summer in Glacier Bay and the waters just south of the park known as Icy Strait.

Click this link to read some really cool facts about humpback whale #875 TRAVELS OF WHALE 875 - COOL STORY

BUT HOW DID THEY KNOW IT WAS WHALE #875 ?

Each whale can be identified by the unique black and white pattern on the underside of their tails, or more properly: flukes.  When a humpback whale dives, the tail rises into the air showing a distinct shape and coloration unique to each whale.  Checkout this website to learn more and to see a catalog of nearly 2000 flukes!  ALASKA HUMPBACKS CATALOG

Researchers use photographs to tell a story about each whale.  This story, or sighting history, documents when and where each whale has traveled.  These findings are used to determine movements of individual whales, who they are traveling and feeding with, when a female has a calf and how many whales use these waters to feed. By compiling thousands of these sightings, we have improved our understanding of the natural history and biology of humpback whales. 

Credit and thanks to NationalParkTraveler.com and to AlaskaHumpbacks.org

Think Like a Scientist ! (How Can You Be Bored? Go Build Something !)

Hovercrafts are vehicles that ride on a cushion of air.  No, these are not boats, not aircraft or helicopters, they ride just above the ground or water going where other vehicles cannot and in many cases they are able to travel at high speeds. 

So how does a hovercraft work?  Fans force air under the vehicle creating a high pressure pocket of air that "floats" the vehicle.  A specially designed "skirt" retains most of the air - allowing it to seep out a bit at a time.  Meanwhile, the fan continues to force air under the vehicle maintaining the air cushion.

The propellers you see on top of these boats are additional fans which propel the hovercraft forward.

Want to make your own hovercraft?  It's easier than you think - in fact, with a few items from home, you'll be able to fabricate your own device that rides on a cushion of air.  Checkout this YouTube video for instructions!! How to Make Hovercraft at Home

GW Long students - want to receive a prize on the first day of class?  Bring your assembled toy hovercraft and a one page report about scientists who pioneered and improved hovercraft.  Include at least one photo of a modern day hovercraft that you like.

Enjoy the 4th of July with your families - Happy Independence Day !

Create and Win $1000

The NASA Space Shuttle Art Competition commemorates the history of the Space Shuttle Program by inviting individual students to create original artwork that symbolizes its impact on our planet and people. They will also write a 250-word essay explaining their artistic entries.

Judging

Final judging will be conducted by an expert panel of artists in conjunction with NASA, NIA, and USA TODAY Education. They will select the top three entries from each of the two age brackets (9-13 and 14-17) based on the following criteria:

• Artistic interpretation: 20%
• Selection of innovation: 10%
• Creativity: 30%
• Essay justification: 30%
• Grammar and mechanics: 10%

Winning Entries

The top three winners in each age bracket will be notified no later than August 15, 2011, and will receive the following awards:

• $1,000 (for student) and $500 (for teacher/sponsor/parent).
• The winning renditions will be showcased as banner ads on USATODAY.com and USATODAYEDUCATE.com.
• Winners will experience a remote mentoring session from a USA TODAY professional graphic artist.
• Each winner will receive a certificate of accomplishment.

Checkout this link to enter the competition: Because It Flew Competition

Students from GW Long who enter the competition should email a copy of their official entry to Mrs D (anne.durrance@gmail.com).  Each of the entries will be displayed at GW Long and students from 5th and 6th Grade Science classes will select their favorite.  The winning entry at GW Long will receive a $25 prize.