Mrs. Raper

Seeing you playing those drums makes me slightly jealous. I actually played the drums in middle school and my favorite drums to play were the bongo drums, because I got hit them with my hands like you do on the djembe. I only got to play them for one concert, but I still remember that - 27 years ago! Thanks for bringing back some memories for me.
shannon (elie's mom)

I'm Ben LeFevre's Grandmother and his mother has been sending me your wonderful news of the class. It makes me want to go back to school! I'm so glad you got the right seeds and your plants are growing.

I am so glad to hear that spring is sprung in Ms. Raper's class too!
Happy spring everyone!
love,
Eden

hope you are having fun.

Mara

Big boys brag bodaciously 'bout blooming BRASSICA!

I have no idea where that came from and I couldn't finish it with something about eating them. Maybe you all can?

I looked up Brassica and it turns out I enjoy several different kinds, even just today.

Then I found this beautiful picture of one type: http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/potd/2006/02/brassica_oleracea_botrytis_group_romanesco.php (See URL above, if this doesn't show up.)

This picture immediately reminded me of a branch of mathematics called "fractals" and the science of self-similar objects. (Smaller versions of the same design or pattern are often found in more symmetrical versions.)

Other fractal-like patterns, depending on viewing distance, are shorelines, cracks in asphalt, snow flakes, some types of blooming brassica, .... What else?

Getting back to brassica -- the fractal ones. Why does this happen? Why would this be advantageous for some types of brassica to do this? Is there a relationship between the structure and function?

There certainly would be a lot of surface area. (More brassica to eat! Yum! Advantageous for us, but what about the plant?)

Of course, we must also ask how does this relate to sturgeon, but that is a whole other topic. (I did work in sturgeon (-; )

So, I'd say BRASSICA bodaciously benefit beautiful beings broadly.

Ramblin' Robinson

Hello,
I am Savannah Treakle's Mam-Maw and I try to check in on your class with this wonderful blog. I was able to be the event to see the students being able to play the drums. They was a lot of fun that the students seem to enjoy.

I really enjoy the planting session. That really makes me think back to my time that I use to help my parents with planting seeds and having to thin them out and getting them enough water, sun light and then finally setting them out in our garden.

I really do enjoy this since I live in Weaverville, NC in the mountains and do not get to see Savannah everyweek....I feel like I am there with this class.

I know spring break is happening real soon for your school, so wishing everyone to have a safe and great break.

I would like to see a picture of Mrs. Raper drumming too!

Great job on getting your plants to grow, everyone. I'm really excited that my orchid at home is starting to sprout new flowers for the spring. I'm not very good at getting plants to grow, but maybe this year is good luck. Keep up the great work!

Melissa
(Mrs. Raper's friend from high school)

Hey! We are in the car on the way home from the beach when I saw some flowers that reminded me of ours! Can't wait to see what
ours had done!

Gary

CO2 is one of the "groceries" (nutrients) plants need to grow. How about an experiment using two same-sized plants/seedlings and expose one to CO2 to see if it affects its growth rate?

Easiest way I can think of to get CO2 is to use a carbonated beverage. Use a 3-4 quart transparent juice container with its bottom cut out to house the plant and the soda bottle/can just after it is opened. CO2 is heavier than air. One soda might last overnight??

Might get an effect within 24 to 48 hours! (or not).

Gdad Robinson

It's exciting to hear the plants are all healthy and growing. I'm planning to plant flowers in our garden soon and I hope mine will grow as well as yours. Now that Anna has a green thumb, I'm sure she'll be a great help. Happy Spring!