EcoTower Observation #1 3/25/11

 1. Animals:
     -Worms: The three worms that we put in our ecotower are buried in the soil so we don't know if they are or dead or alive.
     -Crickets: We placed six crickets in at first. During the next day we only spotted four and when we sealed all of them had died.
     -Beta Fish: We only put in one beta fish and it is still alive.
     -Snails: Two snails were placed in our ecotower and they are still living.

2. We think that the fish and snails are alive because they are able to survive off the algae and the oxygen from the water. The crickets and worms are dead because, we believe, the carbon cycle failed. We were unable to see the worms to observe if they were dead or alive.

3. Plants:
      -Bean plants: The three bean plants we planted sprouted up in a week.
      -Algae: Our algae plants were alive before we sealed our ecotower and are still alive.
      -Other plants: We put two other plants in our land area only one survived the other died.

4. We think the bean seeds grew because they were able to grow roots in the soil. The soiled stayed well moist to bring the seeds alive. One of the plants that were giving to us by Mr. Jennings, grew successfully. The other plants died because the roots were unable to grow into the soil. The algae is still alive because it is in the water, providing it with moisture and oxygen.

5. When we sealed our ecotower the water was clear but now after a week it has turned a yellowish tint when you look at it.

6. I didn't expect our fish to survive this long. I thought it would die within a week.

7. On the last day I think our fish will be dead but our plants that are alive and still growing. The water is going to be all dirty looking.

Ecotower sealing day

Why did we do this project?  -We did this to show how all three cycles work at one time in an ecosystem and to show how plants and animals survive in certain conditions with biotic ands abiotic factors.

Group members were:
 -T.J
 -Emily
 -Travis

Each member were assign to bring in supplies
 -T.J: Gravel and plastic bottle
 -Emily: Tape, worms, crickets, fish, strainer, bottle, grass, and snails
 -Travis: Soil, caulk and caulk gun
 -Mr. Jennings: Plants
 -Mrs.Richardson: Algae

The three cycles that were included:
 -Nitrogen
 -Carbon
 -Water

Plants:
-Air plant
 -Algae
 -Grass

Animals:
-Fish
 -Snails
 -Crickets

I followed directions and did not sneak a peak at my ecotower.
                                                                                                                                                        

Signs of Spring

The 1st sign of spring was found along the edge of the practice field. We saw female cones hanging at the end of the tree branches, honey suckle vines that were just starting to grow and pine trees that stood out to everyone. While listening I heard the a/c from the school running, leaves blowing and tumbling over one another causing a weird sound. I felt warmth of the outdoors that felt amazing, the sun beaming down and baking me, and a very light breeze from the wind.

When the 2nd sign of spring was found we were down by the pond. We spotted  the female and male cones with pollen on it, little waves in the pond from the wind. A bird cawing in the sky and a falling branch was heard. I felt the wind picking up causing it to cool down but it still felt nice with the 54 degree weather.

Sign 3 was seen on the trail behind the school. We seen a butterfly flying all around and sum red branches that I have never seen before. I heard the sound of frogs that were about to mate (courtships), the few dry leaves cracking on the ground, sticks being broken from people stepping on them. I felt the sun shining down on making it hard for me 2 bare and a light breeze that kept the temperature from being perfect.

In front of the school is where sign 4 was seen. I saw the trees in front of the school were starting to bloom, and few patches of grass starting to get greener. We heard the sound of branches braking off trees, cars moving up and down the road, and an annoying bug buzzing in my ear. I felt it starting to get hot again because the sun beaming down on me with no shade around.