We Are In Good Hands!

Submitted by Cheryl L. Hammons on Thu, 06/25/2009 - 00:26

Under wobbly "sea-legs" today we learned how to make smear-slides of the sediments in one of the cores. And they are FULL of microscopic fossils. We get to bring these home to share with our students and start the inquiry process with them. It's a beautiful thing.

This ship is so unique in that much of the equipment has been designed and built by the scientists onboard, soley to meet their specific needs and get better data. The coolest thing today was seeing an apple (which DOES have a core by the way) being smashed under 40,000 pounds of pressure - as they do to sediment! Instant apple juice - concentrate! Thanks to the chem-lab scientists for having fun with this.

I think I finally know my way around the ship. I can get to the core deck, bridge deck, berth, galley, conference room, and now - the DUNGEON! Tomorrow night I plan to try out the gym. We will be doing our first safety drill in the morning - I am assigned to lifeboat #2 and we must show up with our survival suits and hardhats. Glad it's just a drill!

What a finely tuned machine the JOIDES Resolution is - a system, one might say - all the parts working together to complete their mission. Without any of the parts, it wouldn't happen. We "Rockers" have been welcomed with open arms from everyone on board - very patient people! Thanks for sharing your space with us for the next couple of weeks. Will try to edit and post some photos tomorrow.

Comments

Don't forget HS

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 07/10/2009 - 19:15.

I hope you'll remember to share findings with high school. We'll need to look at for possible times when you can come to various classes. All of what you're doing sounds AWESOME! I look forward to hearing and seeing more. (Adam Vance)

but of course!

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 07/16/2009 - 22:30.

Hi Adam!
I am safe at home now, in my living room! Spent 8 days camping/driving home from Seattle - and would absolutely love the opportunity to present some of this stuff at the high school - as it's very high level! I was the only "5th grade teacher"! But that's ok - I get it! I have all kinds of samples, prepared smear slides, that would be available for the students to study. Will be in touch...

Hey, this is Audrey. I

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 07/02/2009 - 11:28.

Hey, this is Audrey. I think the comments are from Mac. It is exciting to hear that you will get to bring stuff back with you!! You are the bomb. You bring so much to our kids and your fellow teachers. See you soon!

Hey there!

Submitted by Cheryl L. Hammons on Fri, 07/03/2009 - 15:39.

Thanks for commenting Audrey! I sent you an email yesterday - in reply to yours so I won't go on here - and I think you are on the way to MEXICO anyway. Yeah - we've gotten some pretty cool stuff to bring back - thousands year old mud!!! What fun!
See ya soon.

Seems Like Fun

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 06/26/2009 - 23:07.

It will be neat to see what you will bring back home!

I'm so excited for you I've

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 06/26/2009 - 18:20.

I'm so excited for you I've got goosebumps! I can't wait to see your pictures when you get back. Karen

HELLO

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 07/16/2009 - 22:36.

Karen - my friend that loves rocks, too??? It was great! AND it was a lot of math!!!!

Hello from Fort Worth

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 06/26/2009 - 10:43.

Hey there, Cheryl! Sounds like you are having an amazing time! Can't wait to see pictures! We sure are excited about your participating in this experience -- what a neat opportunity for you -- you finally got to sea! Hope you are enjoying the nice cool temperatures you are experiencing there -- it's been over 100 here! Tomorrow night we are going to the FW Symphony Orchestra's Concert in the Garden where they are having a "rock" band play songs of the Eagles. Dave's being a real trooper about it, since it will be hotter than you-know-where! Can't wait to read your next post!

Rock in any form is great!

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 07/16/2009 - 22:37.

This must be Chandra writing, eh? How could I tell???? ha
Hope the concert was fun - and that Dave didn't melt!

fun times

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 06/25/2009 - 15:15.

HI Cheryl!! I've been sending you comments but I haven't seen them posted so I hope you are able to read them :-) It sounds like you guys are getting to see some really neat stuff!! I am so glad you are having a good time. Take lots and lots of pics :-)

Hello

Submitted by Cheryl L. Hammons on Sat, 06/27/2009 - 15:07.

Well, I'm just getting the "comments" as they must be approved...but I don't know who this is? You have to sign them. But yes, we are seeing some amazing stuff in these cores - making microscope slides so we can see the microfossils - very cool. We will be getting to bring these back to share with students. The ocean is wild out here - crazy high waves - but fortunately, no seasickness for me! (I'm taking a little pill every night to prevent that!) Cheryl