A Weakened Magnetic Field 42,000 yrs ago caused global disruptions and extinctions

 New studies seem to have linked a severely weakened global magnetic field (below 6% of its average strength) to global climate changes that caused known extinctions and almost certainly altered the behaviors of humans at the time. Neanderthals also became extinct around that time, likely because of changes in the environment they could not adapt to. A second article in Science News. 

Scientists are using preserved trees in bogs to study levels of certain atmospheric gases and isotopes that would change with the intense increases of radiation bathing the atmosphere and surface of the earth. 

A related article to this explains the need to have better forecasts about solar storms on the Sun, which eject the solar wind and additional onslaughts of charged particles that sometimes hit the Earth. Big ejections have caused problems with everything from global communications to overcharged power grids, and satellite damage and issues with aviation. 

This all fits in with what we were just studying in 4 Chem/Phys! And we need to learn from such studies because of the present decline in the earth's magnetic field, and signs of a global reversal of the field. Check out the solar flare below: 

MinutePhysics on General Relativity

 In 3 Chem/Phys, we are into gravity at the moment, and discussed some of the key concepts of Einstein's General Theory of Relativity, the modern theory of gravity. Turns out that in the past few days, a new MinutePhysics came out about this theory - it is WORTH checking out if you find this sort of topic interesting! Have fun with it! 

First videos of Mac & Cheese creation by Indonesian students, who got the recipe from ETHS

 Let's have some fun by sharing recipes with students in Indonesia! There is a class of teacher Diana Herawati where the students are looking to do some cooking of foreign meals as something new to do during pandemic shutdowns. Thanks to Erin for sharing her homemade Mac & Cheese recipe, which inspired these two videos from Indonesia! My students can find a link to add your own American or family heritage recipes in the post in our Google Classroom.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?fbclid=IwAR3h5f8Epz6IL9jAJDyQC7eD9c-JcXqFxQBpg-MbpoOIAaLil1fMd6EZoVU&v=npbW0fA5LHI&feature=youtu.be 

and

High Speed Video capturing the formation of a lightning bolt

 This short video appears to catch the 'stepped leader' of electrons, coming down from a discharging cloud, connecting with a positive streamer coming from something on the surface of the earth. When that connection is made, it is like closing a switch to a circuit, and we see the bright flash of what we would see as the lightning bolt. Very cool!! And remember that the current will be on order of 10,000-15,000 Amperes. 

 

Magnetic field simulator

 This is a good 3-D simulator of magnetic fields (B-fields) for lots of situations. Set the Display to 'Field Lines' for a good view. You can also rotate the display to see in 3-D. 

NASA's Perseverance landing on Mars

 Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 18, at 1:15 pm Central/2:15 pm Eastern time, for the landing of NASA's Perseverance lander on Mars! 

There is an entire toolkit for this event, so check it out. Think about all the areas of STEM that come together to make this ridiculously complex mission take place...this is part of the set of opportunities that are out there for today's students. SO exciting!! 

Summary of 3/4 Chem/Phys for Sophomores

 Rising juniors, if you have any questions or concerns about the 3 and 4 Chem/Phys classes, please feel free to check this video, and/or contact me or Ms. Gatchell via school email. We have A LOT of fun in the program, and love working with students over their junior and senior years, as well as helping you work on and getting involved in any type of STEM activity you may be interested in! We want to promote and honor your curiosities and get you into whatever STEM pathways that are available. 

Thanks!