Summary
We have all seen spider webs – on the trails we walk on or in the corner of our bedrooms catching flies and other insects. Author Rachel Ehrenberg writes about the other known and possible uses of animal silk. The material insects use to spin webs or create cocoons is called silk.
Silk from insects like spider or silkworms is extremely strong and natural. Researchers are looking into ways to use natural silk for additional uses. Bulletproof vests and parachute cords are two possible ways. But the silk could also be used inside our body – to protect cells, like bone or nerve cells while they regrow and repair themselves.
Spider silk is so valuable that scientists are trying to find additional ways to produce it – like altering the DNA of a goad so that it produces silk proteins in it’s milk. I suppose that this would make it a lot easier to harvest than getting it from the spiders.
I think this is a really interesting topic – but I think I would be nervous to let them plant silk producing spider genes into my body no matter what the possible positives are!
Read the article and see what you think for yourself.
Discussion Questions:
1. Can you think of additional ways that strong and stretchy fibers could be used to help us on the outside of our body?
2. If the science was mastered – do you think you would use silk fibres to help your body from the inside? Say it could help repair a broken bone?
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Monday, September 13, 2010
Blogging Assignment 2010
The purpose of this assignment is two-fold: to have students research current scientific topics occurring in the media and, to create an environment wherein students can engage in a healthy discussion related to science.
Please Note – Participation in this assignment occurs on two levels.
Level One: Each week, TWO designated students will be responsible for choosing a scientific issue currently covered in the media (a list will be provided indicating each students designated date). After reading the article, the student will create a summary of the information presented and create TWO thought-provoking questions for the rest of the class.
On the blog, you will find links to numerous media sources for scientific information. You can use these sources, or identify your own, for your respective article.
Due Date: Your summary and questions are due on the Sunday, at 8:00pm of your specified week (please consult the schedule for details).
Level Two: Once the designated student has read the article, summarized the information, and posted the two questions, each remaining student in the class will be responsible for responding to or commenting on the questions.
You MUST comment at minimum ONCE each week. However, bonus marks may be given if you discuss and respond more frequently.
Please Note – Participation in this assignment occurs on two levels.
Level One: Each week, TWO designated students will be responsible for choosing a scientific issue currently covered in the media (a list will be provided indicating each students designated date). After reading the article, the student will create a summary of the information presented and create TWO thought-provoking questions for the rest of the class.
On the blog, you will find links to numerous media sources for scientific information. You can use these sources, or identify your own, for your respective article.
Due Date: Your summary and questions are due on the Sunday, at 8:00pm of your specified week (please consult the schedule for details).
Level Two: Once the designated student has read the article, summarized the information, and posted the two questions, each remaining student in the class will be responsible for responding to or commenting on the questions.
You MUST comment at minimum ONCE each week. However, bonus marks may be given if you discuss and respond more frequently.
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