7th Grade Field Trip - Boron, CA - September 26, 2013

Joshua Trees, Super Friendly People, Borax Visitor Center, 20 Mule Museum, Saxon Aerospace Museum, Firestation, Police Station, and Amazing Friends to share the learning adventure with :)

We went to Visit the Borax Visitor Center, http://www.borax.com/

20 Mule Museum, http://www.20muleteammuseum.com/20%20Mule%20Team/home

Saxon Aerospace Museum, http://www.saxonaerospacemuseum.com/Saxon/home

Firestation, and 

Police Station.

Discover the Hidden Treasures of Boron

The Boron Chamber of Commerce would like to take this opportunity to invite you to visit Boron and discover the hidden treasures of our small desert town. In Boron you can spend a leisurely day browsing our antique and gift shops, enjoying a home cooked meal in one of our restaurants, taking in our unique main street exhibits, and visiting our world-class mining and aerospace museums. Boron is the kind of community where people pull together and work hard to accomplish great things. The community-minded citizens of Boron have donated thousands of dollars and hours over the last 20 years to preserve our rich mining heritage and our community's involvement in the advancement of aerospace research. Two of our communities greatest accomplishments include the opening of our Twenty Mule Team Museum on August 8, 1984 and the recent dedication and grand opening of our Saxon Aerospace Museum on September 5, 2003.

Notes - Movie @ Visitor Center

Borax Sept 26, 2013
http://www.borax.com/

Death Valley harmony mine 1800s
Barstow 
20 mule team
1927 underground
1959 overground 

Borax is formed from volcanoes
Mine in Argentina, turkey and Serbia 

Blast, then electric shovels to haul trucks out of way (4 stories high)

Crush first

Kernite after processed becomes borax acid- pharmaceuticals ant killers 

Borate stops nuclear reaction 
Nuclear submarines keep them on their ships in case of emergency

1988 sold product line to Dial soap 

Lumber is dipped in borax so it can last 

Bullet proof vests 

40% of global demand

Sodium borate - another name

Soil, water, plants and crops
Detergent, soap, glass, ceramics, solar energy panels

History 
Death Valley 
Hauled 100 miles wagons 20 mule team
Today mule replaced with trains, trucks boats etc

Denver colorodo borate research and development group. 
Rio Tinto 

Product innovation 
Preservatives for wood to last longer
Glass for computer screens
Flat screen tv

Environment 
Sustainibilty 
Water is scarce in desert
Recycle water
Reduced green house emitions
Monitor all emitions

Safety 
Emergency response team bc in desolate area

Future
Process, packaging 

Pit 950ft deep

7th Grade Field Trip - Chinese Moon Festival - Sept. 19, 2013

Moon Festival

http://www.littlepassports.com/blog/

On the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, the moon is at its maximum brightness for the entire year—thereby giving it the name Moon Festival.

During the Moon Festival, the Chinese and Vietnamese people celebrate the three values: the gathering of family and friends, giving thanks to a good harvest, and praying for prosperity and for a good future.
The most popular food during the moon festival is, of course, mooncakes! These cakes are about 3 inches wide and can fit into the palm of your hand. The fluffy filling is made from red bean or lotus seed paste, and the inside circle is the yolk of a salted egg. These are very high in calories, so bakers decided to make mooncakes in different flavors—there’s even an ice cream version! The round shape symbolizes unity and the sharing of mooncakes signifies the unison of families. Traditionally, the oldest member of the household would cut the mooncakes into small pieces and give them to each relative of that family.

Another very popular item during the festivities is the traditional lantern. Children love to pick out and carry lanterns during the festival and hang them
up on trees and towers. Lanterns with cartoon characters and animals are becoming very popular, but the traditional sphere is still a classic. Lanterns symbolize the wish for the sun to return after a long winter. Kids also wear papier-mâché masks, and parade around the city square with their lanterns on the day of the Moon Festival.

Other traditions that happen during the moon festival include meeting with friends, burning incense and watching ancient stories being told by puppets and dancing. This year, Sam and Sofia will be traveling to China to enjoy the Moon Festival on September 19th!

The Story of the Chinese Moon Festival & Moon Cake - 
http://www.chinese-festival.com/strory-chinese-moon-festival-moon-cake.html
The Lady – Chang Er
The time of this story is around 2170 B.C. The earth once had ten suns circling over it, each took its turn to illuminate to the earth. But one day all ten suns appeared together, scorching the earth with their heat. The earth was saved by a strong and tyrannical archer Hou Yi. He succeeded in shooting down nine of the suns. One day, Hou Yi stole the elixir of life from a goddess. However his beautiful wife Chang Er drank the elixir of life in order to save the people from her husband’s tyrannical rule. After drinking it, she found herself floating and flew to the moon. Hou Yi loved his divinely beautiful wife so much, he didn’t shoot down the moon.
The Hare – Jade Rabbit
In this legend, three fairy sages transformed themselves into pitiful old men and begged for something to eat from a fox, a monkey and a rabbit. The fox and the monkey both had food to give to the old men, but the rabbit, empty-handed, offered his own flesh instead, jumping into a blazing fire to cook himself. The sages were so touched by the rabbit’s sacrifice that they let him live in the Moon Palace where he became the “Jade Rabbit.”
The Man – Wu Kang
Wu Kang was a shiftless fellow who changed apprenticeships all the time. One day he decided that he wanted to be an immortal. Wu Kang then went to live in the mountains where he importuned an immortal to teach him. First the immortal taught him about the herbs used to cure sickness, but after three days his characteristic restlessness returned and he asked the immortal to teach him something else. So the immortal to teach him chess, but after a short while Wu Kang’s enthusiasm again waned. Then Wu Kang was given the books of immortality to study. Of course, Wu Kang became bored within a few days, and asked if they could travel to some new and exciting place. Angered with Wu Kang’s impatience, the master banished Wu Kang to the Moon Palace telling him that he must cut down a huge cassia tree before he could return to earth. Though Wu Kang chopped day and night, the magical tree restored itself with each blow, and thus he is up there chopping still.
The Cake – Moon Cake
During the Yuan dynasty (A.D.1280-1368) China was ruled by the Mongolian people. Leaders from the preceding Sung dynasty (A.D.960-1280) were unhappy at submitting to foreign rule, and set how to coordinate the rebellion without it being discovered. The leaders of the rebellion, knowing that the Moon Festival was drawing near, ordered the making of special cakes. Backed into each moon cake was a message with the outline of the attack. On the night of the Moon Festival, the rebels successfully attacked and overthrew the government. What followed was the establishment of the Ming dynasty (A.D. 1368-1644). Today, moon cakes are eaten to commemorate this legend.

7th Grade Field Trip - Sherman Indian Museum - Sept. 19, 2013

http://www.shermanindianmuseum.org/#event

Sherman Indian Museum 
9010 Magnolia Avenue
Riverside, CA    92503

7th Grade Field Trip - Junior Gemologist Workshop (GIA) - Sept. 13, 2013

GIA - 
Established in 1931, GIA is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, colored stones, and pearls. A public benefit, nonprofit institute, GIA is the leading source of knowledge, standards, and education in gems and jewelry.

http://www.gia.edu/

These programs introduce kids to the world of gemology. Taught by experts at our headquarters in Carlsbad, California, each session is a hands-on experience that covers core requirements and lets kids discover the exciting possibilities in gems and jewelry.

This entertaining workshop lets kids use loupes, microscopes, and other tools of the trade to play gemologist.

7th Grade Field Trip - Craftsmanship Museum - Sept. 13, 2013

http://craftsmanshipmuseum.com/facility.htm

Items on display in the museum have been donated by some of the world's finest craftsmen or their families. Young Park's 1/16 scale Corsair was sought by both the San Diego Aerospace Museum and the Smithsonian, but we were fortunate to have Mr. Park donate it to us along with his newly completed P-51 Mustang. Barry Jordan's 1/14 Bridgeport mill is the only example of his world famous work on display in the United States. A donation by the niece of the late Rudy Kouhoupt brought a very large engine collection by one of the most significant model engineers of our time to our facility. World renowned clock maker William R. Smith has donated his gold medal winning Strutt epicyclic train clock. More exhibits are being added all the time. We solicit the donation of any significant items by craftsmen who either have no family to leave their life's work to or simply desire that it go somewhere where it will be properly maintained, displayed and appreciated by others in their field. 

7th Grade Field Trip - Presentation from Galileo - Sept. 5, 2013

Historic Science: Galileo or Isaac Newton are also ready to travel to your class or home school group: children will learn hands-on Astronomy and Physics first hand 
Students will learn the properties of solar astronomy and light from Isaac Newton or Galileo and will be able to learn interactively how to use mathematics to determine solar, lunar and planetary motions and basic physics: gravity and motion Use of the pendulum, optics, planetary props and math formulas will help students calculate moving objects with the formula: force=mass times acceleration (f=ma) for example Galileo and Newton will also tell part of their colorful personal stories in their journeys to discover the basics of our modern science and mathematics.

6th Grade Field Trip - Nixon Library George Washington - June 18, 2013

Notes:

George Washington at Nixon library 6-18-2013

- 1776 bells:
Mission bell San Juan Capistrano and liberty bell

Martha Washington

1st president married in the rose garden is

Cherry tree story is false - real story is 6 years of age got a hatchet. He scrapped the bark off the cherry tree. Pa I cannot tell a lie I did that with my hatchet. His dad hugged him. Telling the truth is worth 100 trees Etc... 

Minute men, bunker hill . Minute boys of bunker hill: book

Yankee Doodle song: maca-roni 
Farmer 

Family: never had children if his own. Martha had 2 kids. Patsy and Jackie adopted by him. Patsy died 16 yrs epilepsy suizure. Jackie he died during war of disease. George adopted Jackie's 2 kids out of 4. 2 young kids. George went back to war. And coming home 4 years later. He going to be a farmer. Nellie and little George were kids. 

Nellie said Feb 22 1779 want to be married on ur Bday in ur uniform. In mount Vernon. 

Commander in chief in the war. He designed a flag 1775

1732 feb 11 old calendar born

Revolutionary war how long 8.5 years. 8 winters of the war. 

French and Indian war and American revolution and whiskey rebellion. ( didn't want to pay tax and rebelled and George was commander in chief)

Winters of Washington 

He was homeschooled also at age 14 - 101 rules of civility book 

6th Grade Field Trip - Nixon Library Abraham Lincoln - June 25, 2013

Abraham Lincoln 6-25-13

10 yrs old mom asked him to take 2 sacks of grain to grind and went on horse to mill. Was in a hurry. And tapped horse with whip bc horse going slow. And hit horse hard with whip and horse kicked him in the head. 3 days later woke up. Was in a coma for 3 days. 

Politician and no education. 

Listen but do u hear? Listen twice as much as u talk. U learn twice as much. 

He educated himself. 

Illinois legislature he won a seat. 

Study law in my office before taking the exam. 

House of representative in congress for 2 years

Billy hernan practiced law together. 

President of US.  Wanted to deal with slavery bc it was wrong. He was drawn to it, try to help with slavery. Also keep this country together as one nation just like our 4 fathers have to us in 1776.

Won the election. 

Why do u have a beard? No other president had one. Had a letter from 11 yr girl - Grace, you would like better if u grew whiskers bc your face is too thin. On way to Washington on train and stopped at a little town. There is a young girl who lives in ur town named grace and I wonder if she is here. She was and he picked her up on platform and he asked if she liked his whiskers. Her brothers told her she was nothing but a silly girl and Lincoln won't ever respond. But he did and wrote her back thanking her. 

He created Emancipation  proclamation freeing 4 mil slaves? That document helped saved the country and keep it together. Black men could now fight in the army. 

Battle of Gettysburg. 56,000 casualties. 

Nov 18 was walking in cemetery and saw a woman calling out a name. She said she found her son. He volunteered on his 18th Bday and he fought. He died fighting there. 

Nov 19 dedicating cemetery. Stood in front of 1,000s of people. Gave his fAmous speech.... "4 score and seven years ago...." By the people for the people....

4 score and 7 years
20 yrs = years
80+7 = 87 years

4 sons with Mary his wife. Thomas was called tad. When he was born he looked like a tadpole. 

Feb 12, 1809

April 15, 1865 he died 

2009 penny of Lincoln sitting on log. Only available for 90 days and never to be made again 

6th Grade Field Trip - John Kelly Chocolates - June 12, 2013

From our factory in the heart of Hollywood, California, we make unique chocolate products by hand in small batches, derived from our own proprietary recipes. Our signature product is called Truffle Fudge, and the name says it all: it combines the creaminess of a chocolate truffle with the intense flavor of rich fudge. Each piece has a silky center similar to the consistency of ganache, which is then coated with luscious semi-sweet chocolate.

Truffle fudge comes in 17 different flavors, and some of the most popular are topped with exotic salts. You can choose from assortments of several different flavors, multiple boxes tied together as gift towers, or larger 8oz. bars, perfect for slicing, serving and sharing.

Another popular product is our Walnut Caramel Cluster, a ball of buttery caramel hand-rolled with walnuts, coated in chocolate and topped with sea salt.

We only use premium natural ingredients, and our products are also kosher and gluten-free. We firmly believe that any product with our name on it must adhere to the highest quality standards, and simply will not accept anything less. Perhaps that’s why we’ve won numerous awards, including two national Sofi™ Awards from the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT), for Outstanding Chocolate.

We sell our products at hundreds of specialty retailers, luxury department stores, gourmet grocers, hotels and wineries nationwide. Feel free to contact us directly to find one near you. And of course you can order directly from us online, or you can shop at one of our stores. If you are ever near one of our stores, we invite you to drop by. We are located at:

1508 N. Sierra Bonita Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046 (near Sunset Blvd. and La Brea) 

1111 ½ Montana Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90403 (between 11th and 12th Streets)

6th Grade Field Trip - Ice Cream Lab - June 12, 2013

A DELICIOUS EXPERIMENT

The Ice Cream Lab was brought to life by Co-founders Joseph Lifschutz and Tommy Ngan, with its headquarters located in Beverly Hills, California. The First outlet opened March, 2013 in Beverly Hills at 9461 S Santa Monica Blvd, 90210.

Ice Cream Lab’s idea revolves around the molecular gastronomy cooking concept, utilizing liquid nitrogen as the style of preparation to instantly freeze different natural ingredients into ice cream. The type of ice cream has come to be known as “Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream”, and is notably more flavorful than typical manufactured ice cream, primarily due to its preparation process.  In using fresh and natural ingredients to create the ice cream, there is no need for artificial coloring or preservatives that are used to make normal ice cream.

The true made-to-order ice cream not need to be stored or prepared in large batch amounts, making each cup that much fresher and more unique. Liquid nitrogen has proven to be an effective method for preparation of fresh ice cream, as the gas dissipates upon entering the atmosphere, leaving only its -320 degree vapor in the mixture bowl.

KOSHER

Ice Cream Lab’s ice cream and frozen yogurt are made only with Kosher ingredients and the Los Angeles location is certified Kosher by Kosher Los Angeles, under the supervision of Rabbi Benzaquin. Our Kosher certification involves detailed investigation and approval of every single ingredient used in preparation as well as the processing of all inputs.

6th Grade STEM Field Trip - Moonlight Beach Encinitas - June 8, 2013

Beach Bash

Today was our annual Beach Bash! Our wonderful families joined us for a great, albeit a bit chilly, day at the beach. This year, in keeping with the building challenges from last month, we invited a professional sand sculptor to come share some of the science behind his art. With buckets, trowels, shovels, and even a melon baller in hand, the kids divided into teams and started building. Some kids went in an entirely unique direction while others were trying to replicate what they had just learned. We wrapped up the day with our favorite tradition of all...S'mores!!!

6th Grade Field Trip - Paley Center - June 12, 2013

The Paley Center for Media, with locations in New York and Los Angeles, leads the discussion about the cultural, creative, and social significance of television, radio, and emerging platforms for the professional community and media-interested public. Drawing upon its curatorial expertise, an international collection, and close relationships with the leaders of the media community, the Paley Center examines the intersections between media and society. The general public can access the collection and participate in programs that explore and celebrate the creativity, the innovations, the personalities, and the leaders who are shaping media. Through the global programs of its Media Council and International Council, the Paley Center also serves as a neutral setting where media professionals can engage in discussion and debate about the evolving media landscape. Previously known as The Museum of Television & Radio, the Paley Center was founded in 1975 by William S. Paley, a pioneering innovator in the industry.

The Collection

The Paley Center for Media has an international collection of nearly 150,000 programs covering almost 100 years of television and radio history, including news, public affairs programs and documentaries, performing arts programs, children's programming, sports, comedy and variety shows, and commercial advertising. Programming from over seventy countries is represented in the collection. "Lost" radio and television programs recovered by The Paley Center for Media and preserved in the collection include Super Bowl III, a Rat Pack benefit variety show, and James Dean performances.