Mira's Science Blogs

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/styles/large/public/2016-03/500x350_phscale_3-2.png Summary: This week we learned about Bioindicators, Acid Rain, and Sediment. Acid rain and sediment from erosion are two factors that can damage an environment. Bioindicators can help scientists detect acid rain and chlorine. There are different items that can cause Acid Rain and Sediment in rivers and lakes. Bioindicators: Bioindicators are living things that are sensitive to changes in an environment. Scientists study bioindicators to see it the environment is healthy. Water fleas are a type of bioindicator and are very sensitive. Water fleas ear algae, and many fish eat water fleas. Chlorine can kill water fleas, which can tell us if there is a chlorine pollution. A decrease in water fleas could mean that there is no dissolved oxygen in the water, the water is too acidic or basic, or there are unhealthy chemicals (like chlorine) in the water. Acids: Acids are a group of c...

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/05/Waves_on_Ocean_Coast.jpg Summary: Over the past 100 years, burning of fossil fuels and other actions by humans and naturally has released large amounts of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. These dangerous emissions are adding an extra layer (or blanket) to the atmosphere, which has caused the Earth's surface temperature to rise, which is making the oceans absorb about 80% of this additional heat. Big amounts of one of these greenhouse gasses, carbon dioxide is causing the oceans to absorb more of the gas, which is making it more acidic. This can have many impacts on different coastal and marine ecosystems. People are feeling already lots of coastal effects such as shoreline erosion. Shoreline erosion is when high tides wash over the shore with sand, water, and rocks. This natural process can cause rock and sediment to fall into the water. Another effect is coastal flooding, which is a flood that happens normally when dr...

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl-K8eCEfd0Ha9uhVDTm3gWZ07T4uXYwPy68D8E6HvFWAMaJy3RNHmR-53HWtEJNnwarYdxlJ9vEmy4VvWCi023VYeVknJ_9M207VS3zSwnU9UIz7Mo18CdBKq0uKghKvF5lQcykmVH2c/s1600/renewable-vs-non.gif Summary: This week we learned about different energy sources. Each energy source has its pros and cons which can be different or related to the other energy sources. We use energy sources to heat our homes, for lighting and other daily needs, water heating, air conditioning, refrigeration and more. Which energy source do you think is used the most? Solar Energy Have you every seen solar panels? Solar energy is a source of energy that comes from the sun. Solar energy is renewable, meaning that it is made of renewable and natural resources. The energy that comes from the sun is free, but making the solar panels to collect this energy is not free. While making solar panels, it produces methane which is not good for our environment. Solar energ...