Space Age

Today is the 50th anniversary of when Sputnik, a Soviet Union space craft was launched into the great unknown - space. This was the first man made satelite (aka something that is in orbit) that was launched into space, even though it weighed under 200 pounds. This of course made the United States oh so jealous and the race began towards sending living animals into space, and the important part that took a while to figure out was having them living when they returned back to Earth as well.

Space travel continued and was made monumental when the first men landed on the moon. Since then, billions of dollars have gone towards exploring, understanding and reaching the furthest limits human knowledge. We seem to be fascinated with that which we can't have. Not only can't have, can't touch, visit, or even really fathom most of the time. I can't help but wonder if it's all really worth it? Is it worth a billion dollars to be able to say "Cool! Look what we found!"? As a scientist I feel like I'm betraying my fellow comrades but I'm very confident in the fact that this money could be going towards better uses: cancer research, world hunger, the fight against African sleeping sickness, gas money for me . . . just some of the things that come to mind. I know that the funds do create employment, but I think that the folks at NASA don't really need to worry to much about getting a job - they're so smart they like . . . rocket scientists . . .

Something that I can credit to the exporation of space is the notion of how delicate our planet really is. The first picture of our planet that is used in many environmental advertisements, which was taken from outer space, depicts our Earth as it had never been seen before. Looking so small and vulnerable, this picture planted the thought of cleaning up our precious home in the minds of people all over the world.

I wrote this about a year ago upon reflection of my career decisions . . .

Why am I going to be a science teacher? There are two people that I believe have influenced me during my most crucial developmental moments in my life, which have shaped the person I am today. No, I’m not referring to my parents, or even my grandparents.

First, I will begin with the most recent: Mr. Stevens. Mr. Stevens was my grade 9 science teacher. Up until now, I liked science, but had no real passion for it. In elementary school, I excelled more in the language arts fields and geography but it was in high school where I developed my love for science. I’m sure I didn’t have the best teachers in the world, nor was I the best student. I remember learning about cells, animal and plant and making elaborate diagrams labeling all the internal organelles, colour coded and all. I remember learning about the difference between living and non-living things. And in terms of content of the course, that’s about all I remember from grade 9 science. However, there’s one pivotal point that I remember when Mr. Stevens said something to me that influenced me more than I would have been able to realize at the time. We were reading in the text book about environmental issues and about contributing scientist of the time. There was a lady who was researching a way to help filter PCBs* out of the air. Mr. Steven’s turned to me, pointed at the article in the text book and said, “I expect you to do something like this someday.” And that was it, this notion has sat in the back of my mind, being nurtured all these years, slowly releasing itself, until I find myself here, getting my degree in education, after completing a bachelor of science in biology. Mr. Stevens represents what teaching is all about. Not about the formulas, or the text book questions, not about the stages of mitosis or the difference between speed and velocity, but about lifelong ideas and values that will be instilled in the students.

The second person is really more like a fictional character, McGyver. Yes that’s right. What can I say, as a child growing up in the 80’s, there is a deep sense the resourcefulness and mullets ingrained in me. What does this have to do with science? Well have you ever seen an episode of McGyver!? Recently, after collecting all the seasons on DVD I was astonished at the amount of biology, chemistry, physics and environmental issues that are a part of each episode. Realizing this, an “ah ha!” when off in my mind. Looking at my 8 x 10 autographed glossy photo of Richard Dean Anderson, I feel that there is no doubt about the connection between me watching this show as a child when my neural pathways were forming, and the fact that I am a science-loving-sustainability-conscious-earth-hugger, and not to mention quite resourceful myself, which always helps in the teaching profession.

I encourage you all to think about the influential people in your own lives, not only to understand yourself better, but to better understand that we are all influencing someone, in someway, at some point in our lives, and that this is why it is important to be aware of our words and actions.

*PCBs are Polychlorinated Biphenyls, which are chemicals that were manufactured in 1929. For several decades, they were used widely as ingredients in many industrial materials, such as sealing and caulking compounds, cutting oils, inks and paint additives. PCBs were also used to make coolants and lubricants for certain kinds of electrical equipment, such as transformers and capacitors which have been shown to lead to adverse health effects

In the mood for something sweet

Recently, archaeologists have discovered remnants of a 3,000-year-old beekeeping industry in Israel. As with many other things, I often wonder, who thought of that? Who one day thought "hmm let's eat the stuff that comes out of these stinging insects." And then, once liking what they tasted, and probably many stings later, decided to harness them and their powers by the thousands.
The Bible refers to Heaven as the "land of milk and honey". (I bet some vegans are not to happy about this). But considering that honey is also known as the food of the gods and mead, which is made from honey was the "nectar of the goods", means that the consumption of it dates back further than biblical times. Apparently, all the way back to 2100 BC where it is mentioned in Egyptian, Indian, Babylonian and Sumerian writings.
Scientists have also found though genome sequencing, that every honey bee alive today, had an ancestor from Africa. But wait a minute, wouldn't they referred to as African "killer" bees then? The killer bees are referred to as such because they attack more aggressively and in larger numbers which can lead to anaphylactic shock, organ failure and often death. However, there are documented cases of people surviving an attack, such as a man who survived over 2 000 stings from the Africanized honey bees. These bees are a distant cousin of the European honeybees which were introduced to the Americas in 1622. The African honeybees were brought to Brazil, thinking they would be well suited to the steamy climate. Try to contain the populations the bee keepers did, but alas the rebellious killer bees soon spread. And like all dangerous and exotic fellows, wooed the European bees creating offspring with a likeness to themselves.
Going back to honey, people around the world use it as a natural sweetener for many recipes from baking, to root beer, to exciting foreplay - and in addition, bees wax is a valuable product used in everything from candles, to lip gloss, to shoe polish.
Makes ya think "I wish I had thought of that".