Saturday, March 16, 2013

Georgia Aquarium in One Word - AMAZING!

We made it !  Recently, 45 students and 10 parents (and Mrs D) from G.W. Long Elementary launched off for an overnite visit to the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, GA.

First, a bit of history...... Bernie Marcus, one of the founders of Home Depot was enjoying his 60th birthday at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California and it inspired him to help create an aquarium in his hometown of Atlanta.  He donated $250 million to launch the effort and it was the largest aquarium in the world when it opened in 2005.  THANKS MR MARCUS!!

Our 5th and 6th graders enjoyed an overnite trip to the aquarium and the staff provided us a "behind the scenes" view of what goes on with these amazing animals.  Thanks to all who helped make this trip possible and to the parents who joined us for this adventure!  You helped us take one more step on the journey of Science!
Dissecting Squid! - Now I see how that works!

Never Been to a Petting Zoo Quite Like This!

Sleeping with the Sharks, and Whales, and Barracuda.... Yawn!

More Fun and Learning than any of us Expected !

Ask any of these Young Scientists.... they will tell you Learning is Great Fun!

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Your Immune System
the "Department of Defense" for Your Body

Learn and EARN A REWARD!!


Antibodies Attack Cancer Cell
Your body’s immune system protects you against bad germs (called ANTIGENS) every day. In most cases, the immune system does a great job of keeping people healthy but sometimes problems can lead to illness and infection.

The immune system includes cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body. The cells involved are white blood cells (called LEUKOCYTES), which seek out and destroy the antigens.   During this process, the white blood cells produce special proteins (called ANTIBODIES) to fight the antigens. 

Once produced, antibodies continue to exist in a person's body, so that if the same antigen is presented to the immune system again, the antibodies are already there to do their job. So if someone gets sick with a certain disease, like chickenpox, that person typically doesn't get sick from it again.

This is also how immunizations prevent diseases. An immunization introduces the body to an antigen in a way that doesn't make someone sick, but does allow the body to produce antibodies that will then protect the person from future attack by the germ or substance that produces that particular disease.

Your body – an amazing creation!

Checkout this video to learn more about your immune system and ways to stay healthy!

Do some research and EARN A REWARD!

Students in Alabama are typically required to have the following immunizations before entering school:

  • Diptheria
  • Tetanus
  • Pertussis
  • Polio
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Measles
  • Varicella


Pick any two of the diseases listed above.  Do some research on each of the two diseases you select to find out the following:

  1. What is the Cause of the Disease?  (how do you get the disease?)
  2. What are the Symptoms of the Disease?
  3. What is the Treatment if you have the Disease?

Record your answers on paper and turn in to Mrs D by class on Friday, 15 March to EARN A REWARD!!