Post date: Jul 6, 2013 5:41:24 PM
In the last two weeks I have learned and accomplished so much in the History of Life program. I had made many new and interesting friends, and learned how to used excel within the first day. I was surprised that the program entrusted us (a group of high schoolers) with a rather intriguing and expensive measuring tool, and I learned how to properly use a hand len. I got to see a bigger picture of the world we lived in. Noel taught the group major topics concerning ocean life and fossil life. He taught us how important it is to keep track and compare organisms sizes to help relate and predict the future patterns. Although "inputting data" sounds tedious, Noel and the many friends I befriended, made it enjoyable. We had group projects where we research certain fossils, looked and observed actual fossils. During inputting data, I shared my personal life with the friends whom I worked it and learned about theirs. It was never "boring". I had my motives to keep working at a fast speed. I don't think a lot of people can say they finished an entire volume of ostracods, and measured each fossilized picture. Another thing I enjoyed is that we been have discussion during Wednesday. I discovered a lot about careers corning soil, carbon sequestration, and oceanography.
The most recent and relevant topic I want to focus my blog on is our recent field trip to New Brighton Beach and Pebble Beach. Before this field trip, I didn't know that the public had access to an abundant supply of fossils. I explored the beaches and tide pools. When I told my friend what I did that day, they were shocked, "Two beaches in one day?" I had a lot of fun learning and interacting with the people and organisms around me. Before this field trip, I thought sea urchins were poisonous. I don't think I would ever go near one, let alone actually hold one. But I did, and I learned so much. I thought they didn't move, thus I was appalled by the sea urchin moving across my hand. Instead of catching waves, I caught abundant supply of crabs. I loved the scenery on Pebble Beach. I enjoyed the entire day overall.