Hi folks! Just wanted you to know about my new wiki! I've set up a site for us at PBwiki... a wiki so easy to create, it's like making a peanut butter sandwich. You can find it as http://cvscience.pbwiki.com. Check it out!

Hey! Today's show takes a look underground... at groundwater that is. We examined properties of rocks and sediments that contribute to groundwater's infiltration and movement inside the Earth. We examined factors affecting porosity, permeability, and capillarity, as well as a description of artesian formations. Protecting our groundwater supplies are of utmost importance! This is where much of our drinking water originates!

The Podsafe Music Network: http://music.podshow.com


Today's Musical Selections:

Black Lab - "See the Sun" - http://music.podshow.com/music/producers/producerLibrary/artistdetails.php?BandHash=835a96cfbeeff69de8100818165ccfba


Helpful Links:

1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundwater

2) http://earthguide.ucsd.edu/earthguide/diagrams/groundwater/

3) http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/guides/mtr/hyd/grnd.rxml

4) http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/mearthgw.html


Our podcast feed: http://www.cvcsd.stier.org/Podcast/mbreed/Secure/Uploads/lgdtesci.xml

Welcome back, gang! In this episode of Let's Get Down To Earth... Science, we examined the processes of weathering and erosion. As you may recall, weathering is the mechanical or chemical breakdown of rocks into sediments. Erosion is commonly confused with weathering, but is actually the TRANSPORT of weathered materials to a new location. I've decided to "spice up" my podcasts a bit with musical selections from the Podsafe Music Network. Hope you like the results!

The Podsafe Music Network - http://music.podshow.com

Today's Music Selections:

Alex Brumel - "Black Galactic Taxicab" - http://music.podshow.com/music/producers/producerLibrary/artistdetails.php?BandHash=e892c19ef96d0c5fa76c2c62dfc0a01e

Lifted Culture - "We Rock" - http://music.podshow.com/music/producers/producerLibrary/artistdetails.php?BandHash=dab1bcd8d01a122a21c698ce85b5984d

Helpful Links:

1) http://www2.nature.nps.gov/GEOLOGY/usgsnps/misc/gweaero.html

2) http://regentsprep.org/regents/earthsci/units/weathering/index.cfm

3) http://www.mrsciguy.com/weathering.html

Our podcast feed: http://www.cvcsd.stier.org/Podcast/mbreed/Secure/Uploads/lgdtesci.xml

Hi folks! In episode #5 we examined how fossils are formed (were formed) and a bit about Earth history and the geologic time scale. Understanding the past is the key to better predicting the future and the study of fossils and rock formations is a very important consideration in this endeavor. Below you'll find some helpful links that will assist in further studies of Earth's history and fossils...

1) http://www.geo.ucalgary.ca/~macrae/timescale/timescale.html - the Geologic Time Scale

2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fossil

3) http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/fossils/contents.html - great site by the USGS

4) http://www.museumoftheearth.org/ - excellent resource!

Our podcast feed: http://www.cvcsd.stier.org/Podcast/mbreed/Secure/Uploads/lgdtesci.xml

Welcome back guys! In episode #4, we examined plate tectonics theory. This theory quite literally revolutionized the study of geology and our understand of basic Earth processes. It helps us understand why mountains exist where they do. We now know why earthquakes occur and why. We have a much better understanding of volcanoes and why the continents look they way they do. It answers nearly all the questions we have about the Earth's crust! It's that important! This is a must-listen, since it forms the very foundation of Earth science... no pun intended... okay, it was :(

Helpful Links for you:

1) http://www.ucmp.berkeley.edu/geology/tectonics.html - Great animations!
2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plate_tectonics
3) http://www.seismo.unr.edu/ftp/pub/louie/class/100/plate-tectonics.html
4) http://www.cvcsd.stier.org/seismometer/data.html - My own seismograph's data updated every 10 minutes, year 'round!

Our podcast feed: http://www.cvcsd.stier.org/Podcast/mbreed/Secure/Uploads/lgdtesci.xml

Alright, now we're rolling! In show #3 we examined some of the features of rocks and how they are formed. Our New York State Earth Science Reference Tables come in very handy... particularly pages 6 & 7! In this episode, we examined similarities and differences between igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. They basically differ in their method of formation. Generally speaking, igneous rocks form by the solidification of lava or magma, metamorphic rocks form from heat and pressure applied to preexisting rocks, and sedimentary rocks form by one of several processes; the compaction and cementation of sediments, the chemical precipitation of minerals from evaporating water, or from the remains of once-living organisms.

Here are some helpful links that will add to the content of this episode:

1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_(geology)
2) http://www.fi.edu/fellows/fellow1/oct98/create/index.html
3) http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/web/rocks.html

Our podcast feed: http://www.cvcsd.stier.org/Podcast/mbreed/Secure/Uploads/lgdtesci.xml

Sorry for the delay in posting show notes, folks! I need about 10 more irons in my fire to keep me just a wee bit busier. Let's get back to business, shall we? In show #2 we took a closer look at minerals. If you recall, minerals are any substance that is inorganic, solid, occurs naturally, has a definite chemical composition and crystalline shape. I took the time to describe how we use the New York State Earth Science Reference Tables to identify various minerals. We also took a look at several commonly performed mineral identification tests such as color, hardness, streak, luster, density, and crystal shape. In fact, two of my Enriched Earth science students, Samantha and Ashley, are nearly finished creating an enhanced podcast illustrating these tests. Look for information on the new feed in upcoming episodes!

Here are some potentially useful links for you to continue your quest for knowledge about minerals:

1) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mineral
2) http://www.galleries.com/minerals/by-name.htm
3) http://www.minerals.net/
4) http://www.theimage.com/mineral/index.htm
5) http://www.gimizu.de/sgmcol/ - A particularly cool site showing the mineral collection at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C.

Our podcast feed: http://www.cvcsd.stier.org/Podcast/mbreed/Secure/Uploads/lgdtesci.xml