Archive for January, 2007

Why isn’t a spider an insect?

Friday, January 26th, 2007

scytodes_thoracica_aka.jpg We know that spiders are not insects. They belong to a group of animals called arachnids. Please describe at least three general characteristics that make arachnids unique from all other arthropods.

The Columbian Exchange

Tuesday, January 16th, 2007

christopher_columbus_portrait.jpgDo you think the Columbian Exchange was beneficial to native peoples? Explain why or why not. What did the Europeans introduce to the Taino people? What effect did this have on them?

Renaissance Technology

Monday, January 8th, 2007

astrolabe.jpgThe Gutenberg printing press played a major part in the expansion of knowledge during the Renaissance. Large numbers of books could be produced more easily and became available for more readers. New ideas could spread quickly.

What new technological advances, or inventions, helped Europeans sail for longer periods and explore uncharted seas?

Got Mollusks?

Thursday, January 4th, 2007

clams_1.jpgWe humans enjoy mollusks as part of our regular diets and prepare them in a variety of ways. Gastropods, bivalves, and cephalopods all obtain food differently. Please provide a description of how each of these mollusk types obtains their meals. Also, please let us know if you have a favorite shellfish dish. How do you like your mollusks?