Here is a website that Ms. Raible, librarian at Pasadena Memorial High School, created about the human impact on the environment in Antarctica: http://pasadenamhs.pasadenaisd.libguides.com/content.php?pid=256841 |
Feel free to add your comments and opinions below by clicking "Post Comment." We love to hear from you!! |
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 One historical problem that humans have caused in Antarctica is over-fishing and over-hunting of marine animals. People have depleted the antarctic ecosystem of many species of whales, seals, and fish. This causes many problems since every organism in an ecosystem is inter-related. When one or several species are threatened, it affects many other species of animals.
For more information on the human impact in Antarctica, visit: http://www.antarctica.gov.au/environment/human-impacts-in-antarctica and http://www.antarcticconnection.com/antarctic/science/environment.shtml |
 There is a lot of controversy surrounding global warming. Is it real? Is it a threat? If so, what causes it and what can we do to stop it? The fact is, ice is melting and the temperature is rising in Antarctica. Ice shelves are losing area and even collapsing. Penguins are losing their habitat. On my expedition to Antarctica, I will take an up-close look at this problem to learn more.
Here's an interesting article about global warming in Antarctica: http://globalwarming.house.gov/impactzones/antarctica/ Picture from: http://articles.cnn.com/2009-01-21/world/eco.warmingantarctic_1_east-antarctica-east-antarctic-ice-sheet-ozone-hole?_s=PM:WORLD |
 So, another thing I am really excited and nervous about is making shore excursions from our big expedition ship. In order to get close enough to land on the shore, we will take small, inflatable Zodiac water craft (like the one pictured above). Compared to the size of a killer whale, these things are small! I hear it's amazing to see whales swimming along side of you when you're floating around in one of those small boats, but I would also be scared. I mean, it's an inflatable boat!! And it's a big whale in freezing water!! What do you think? Would that make you nervous?
picture found at: http://wikitravel.org/en/Antarctica |
 So, I'm getting a little worried about what the weather is going to be like in Antarctica. I'll be there in December. Will I freeze to death? What kind of clothing should I pack? I found out that the average temperature on the Antarctic Peninsula (where I will visit) is about 32 degrees Farenheit, or freezing temperature, in December. This makes me feel a bit better and not so worried! It will be cold, but not too cold. This is because December is part of the Antarctic summer (austral summer). Their seasons are opposite to ours since Antarctica is in the opposite hemisphere (side of the world) as North America.
Check out this graph to see the average temperatures in Antarctica: http://www.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/antarctica%20environment/climate_graph/antarctica_climate_graph_comparitive.htm More information about the climate in Antarctica: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/polarexploration/explore-poles.html |
 Here's my itinerary for my upcoming excursion to Antarctica:
Day 1 - Ushuaia, Argentina This expedition is perfect for first-time polar travelers, adventurers who want to push the envelope or time-constrained people. Overnight at a hotel in Ushuaia. Day 2 - Embarkation Day After embarkation in the late afternoon, you will sail down the Beagle Channel. Keep watch on deck for seabirds, penguins and rainbows. Day 3 to 4 - Crossing the Drake Passage Prepare for rough water, but do not be disappointed if your crossing is smooth sailing. The Drake is always changing. Day 5 to 8 - South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula Many factors play a role in shaping the expedition’s progress. We attempt to leave the ship to explore in a range of activity levels at least twice a day. Perhaps, you’ll feel salt spray on your face as the Zodiac weaves in and around grounded icebergs in Pleneau Bay. You could scramble to the top of a craggy hill for an unforgettable view of an icy chasm near Port Lockroy. You could sit quietly on a pebbled beach and wait for a curious penguin chick to approach or plunge into the frigid Antarctic waters. Day 9 to 11 - Drake Passage to Ushuaia Activities during the return voyage depend on the conditions of the Drake. A smooth crossing is a busy crossing. You will be transferred to the airport from the ship when you disembark in Ushuaia. Picture and info from: http://www.polarcruises.com/antarctica/tours/adventurer_16/antarctic-explorer_421.htm |
 One of the things I am most looking forward to about my trip to Antarctica is seeing a blue iceberg (like the one pictured above). I really hope I see one!
The blue color is caused by glacial melt (water running off of glaciers), which absorbs other colors but reflects back the color blue. You can read about these icebergs here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-536928/Revealed-The-Antarctic-iceberg-looks-like-giant-humbug.html (picture taken from Daily Mail article). |
 I continue to prepare for my trip to ANTARCTICA over Christmas break. I am getting very excited! One of the things I'm looking forward to the most is seeing PENGUINS. I even watched "March of the Penguins" last night to learn more about these birds. I have attached a neat website- Cool Antarctica- that gives more information about Adelie Penguins.
Check it out: www.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/wildlife/adelie_penguin.htm picture from: www.antarcticconnection.com |
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 Hello everyone!
This year, I will take an expedition to Antarctica along with Ms. Adrienne Raible, librarian at Pasadena Memorial High School !! We began making preparations back in January for our upcoming voyage in December. It takes a lot of planning to visit such a remote, far away place! Our trip will take place over Christmas break because Antarctica is in the southern hemisphere. They have summer when we have winter. We must travel during the Antarctic summer so the sea ice will be melted enough to allow our ship passage. We will travel on an ice breaker ship that holds around 120 passengers. The Clipper Adventurer will sail from the port of Ushuaia, Argentina (at the southern tip of South America) across the Southern Ocean to the northern tip of Antarctica. We are very excited about our upcoming voyage and will be sure to keep you posted! picture from http://www.quarkexpeditions.com/our-ships/clipper-adventurer |
 This summer, I (Mrs. Leith) traveled to Alaska, England, and France. Here is a picture of me in London in front of Big Ben and the Parliament building.
How was your summer? Are you sad that it's over, or happy to be back to school? |
Okay SRHS book clubbers, it's time for us to pick our next book!
Which book do you choose? Please list your first and second choices. Also, let me know if you have any suggestions that aren't on the list. 1. Draw the Dark http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Draw-the-Dark/Ilsa-J-Bick/e/9780761356868/?itm=1&USRI=draw+the+dark 2. Shiver http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Shiver/Maggie-Stiefvater/e/9780545123273/?itm=2&USRI=shiver 3. Matched http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Matched/Ally-Condie/e/9780525423645/?itm=2&USRI=matched 4. The Maze Runner http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Maze-Runner/James-Dashner/e/9780385737951/?itm=1&USRI=the+maze+runner 5. The Demon King http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Demon-King/Cinda-Williams-Chima/e/9781423121367/?itm=3&USRI=the+demon+king%27 6. Night Road http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Night-Road/A-M-Jenkins/e/9780060546069/?itm=7&USRI=night+road |
Click the attachment below to watch our book club's book trailer for The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong. |
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 Allright book club members, what is your choice? Which book do you want to read and why? |
 It's college week here at Rayburn Library!!!
What college do you plan to attend? What do you hope to study? Share hopes, wishes, and dreams here! |
 Libraries across the country are all celebrating Teen Read Week 2010!
This year's theme is Books with Beat @ your library, featuring audio books and poetry.
At SRHS, we're putting together Sammy the "book worm" in our hallway showing all of the books we've been reading. Add a title you've read to make his body "grow."
Has you read any poetry or listened to an audio book lately? Share your thoughts and comments here! |
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Graphic novels are very popular among teens. Why do kids like to read them so much? Do you like grapic novels? If so, what's your favorite form (ex. comic books, manga, non-fiction, etc.)? If not, why don't you enjoy reading graphic novels? |
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September 27- October 1, 2010 is our annual banned books week. Unfortunately, banning books is still a common occurance in this day and age. Click the link below for a list of commonly banned or challenged books.
http://www.ala.org/ala/issuesadvocacy/banned/frequentlychallenged/challengedbydecade/1990_1999/index.cfm What do you think? Should students have the freedom to choose their own reading material? Are there some books that should be banned? Do any of the banned or challenged book titles surprise you? |
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