Ask Port Discover

How many kinds of planets are there?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:27:00 PDT

Name: Erin W.
Age: 8
Grade Level: 3rd
Question(s): How many kinds of planets are there?

Answer:

That's a very good question that people of all ages have been asking for years. I'm personally not an expert on astronomy but I do know where to find the most up to date information on outer space exploration. I found this clip of info in the NASA website and they have great images to help explain. I hope this helps answer your question.

Until the 1990s, astronomers didn’t know about a single planet outside our solar system. They were forced to base their ideas largely on the planets they already knew about — the ones orbiting our Sun. The planets in our solar system exhibit a wide range of diversity, from giant gas-dominated worlds like Jupiter and Saturn to small, barren balls of rock like Mercury. Still, astronomers’ knowledge was limited, and envisioning new types of worlds fell mostly in the domain of science fiction.

But all that has changed over the past decade. Astronomers have found more than 230 planets outside the solar system, and many of them are wildly different from those in our solar system. But most of these worlds are giant planets. What about worlds the size of Earth? The lesson of the new planets is that astronomers need to broaden their imaginations.

For more information check out: http://www.nasa.gov/vision/universe/starsgalaxies/earthsized_planets.html

Is Port Discover Free?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Mon, 09 May 2011 12:04:00 PDT

Name: Aubree
Age: 12
Grade Level: 7th
Question(s): I loved this place when we went on a field trip today. Is this a place for everyone to go to. Also is it free?

Answer:

Hi Aubree!! Yes, Port Discover is Free and it's open to the public. Our hours are from Tuesday – Friday 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm and Saturdays from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. However, some of our events do have a small fee but if you aren't sure or would like more information please check out our website and/or call us at 252-338-6117.

How is lightning produced?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:46:00 PDT

Name: Ethan
Age: 10
Grade Level: 4th
Question(s): How is lightning produced?

Answer:

Ethan – that’s a great question!

First, let’s talk about: what is lightning? Well, lightning is an electrical current up in the sky that usually occurs during thunderstorms (sometimes they can also occur during volcanic eruptions or dust storms).

Now that we’ve figured that out lets see what else I can tell you about how lightning is produced ...

In truth, the specifics of how exactly lightning is produced is still a mystery for scientists today. However, scientists do have a general idea of what goes on to create/produce lightning. The common explanation is that within a thundercloud you’ll find small bits of ice and water particles colliding into each other creating positive and negative charges. The positive charges (also called protons) build up at the top of the cloud, while the negative charges (also called electrons) build up at the bottom of the cloud. Therefore, since “opposites attract,” a positive charge builds up on the ground beneath the cloud, centralizing around anything on the ground that sticks up (from mountains to people). The charge coming up from those items on the ground meet up with the charge coming down from the clouds and that is when lightning strikes, making that object get zapped!

Sources:
- Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightning
- NOAA: http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/primer/lightning/ltg_basics.html
- Weather WizKids: http://www.weatherwizkids.com/weather-lightning.htm

Why is the water in the Pasquotank River brown?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:54:00 PDT

Name: Travis
Age: 10
Grade Level: 4th
Question(s): Why is the water in the Pasquotank River brown?

Answer:

Well Travis, the Pasquotank River is surrounded mostly by forest and wetlands. The trees within the forest/wetlands drop lots of leaves and branches into the river. Because wetlands are generally anaerobic (without oxygen) environments, it takes longer for the leaves and branches to break down or decompose. When the water raises, or rain falls, it rinses the tannins (a dark chemical compound from leaves) into the water, in return, those tannins color the Pasquotank River water brown.

However, in general, the waters that are surrounded by forests and wetlands tend to be more acidic then Pasquotank River, which at the waterfront has an acidic level that is between 6.4-6.7.

** Photo was taken at Port Discover's Plankton Watch in the Pasquotank River - September 2010 **

what kinds of science project are good for a 5th grader? last year i did "what liquid can rust a nail?".

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 09:15:00 PST

Name: Kamile
Age: 10
Grade Level: 5th
Question(s): what kinds of science project are good for a 5th grader? last year i did "what liquid can rust a nail?".

Answer: There are so many good science fair projects for 5th graders but the most important thing is that you are interested in the topic, that you can get the materials need to do the experiment and that you follow the scientific method. You might want to start by looking at last years project. What did you find? Did the project make you want to know more about the process of rust or different liquids? You may want to do something completely different. We have several science fair books in Port Discover, along with a help sessions sign up sheet, all you have to do is come in we would be happy to help you find something fun and interesting. Just remember you have to test or measure something (using numbers) and you have to have it approved by teacher and parents. We have a student packet on our website to get you started.

To find the student packet information go to our website, click on the kids page, then click the button on the right that says 'Download our Science Fair Project Packet Information'.

Why are pineapples spiky?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 08:30:00 PST

Name: Lauren
Age: 10
Grade Level: 4th
Question(s): Why are pineapples spiky?

Answer: The spikes on a pineapple are leaves that will turn into small berry like fruit that we eat. A pineapple is not one fruit it is multiple berries that surround the center cord of the pineapple. The cord is the hard part in the middle that you can't eat. But "why are pineapples spiky?".... there are many reasons why this plant has spiky leaves. One possible reason is the plant takes in water through it's leaves, so I think that the leaves at the top, along with the leaves around the pineapple that are pointing upward help absorb water when it rains. Try this at home pour water over a pineapple standing up, what do you see? Does the water get trapped in the leaves? Let me know what you find and if you agree.

Here are some fun facts about pineapples!

Pineapples are from Brazil and got their name because they looked like to pine cones.
Pineapples don't grow on trees but bushes.
Some people judge ripeness of a pineapple by snapping a finger against the side of the fruit.
- A good, ripe fruit has a dull, solid sound.
- Unripe pineapple will have a hollow thud.

Are the specs of pyramids really in the shapes of diamonds instead of triangles?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 11:13:00 PDT

Name: Johnny
Age: 19
Question(s): Are the specs of pyramids really in the shapes of diamonds instead of triangles?

Answer: Johnny one has to assume by "specs" you are referring to the specification of how the pyramids were built. A pyramid is a structure where the outer surfaces are triangular and converge at a point. The base of a pyramid can be trilateral, quadrilateral, or any polygon shape, meaning that a pyramid has at least three triangular surfaces (at least four faces including the base). You also have to understand that diamonds are cut and formed into several shapes. There is only one cut of diamond that resembles the structure of pyramids. That is the point cut. However, after an extensive search, no records could be found suggesting that blueprints for the pyramids were designed to mimic this particular cut of diamond. In fact most articles state that "no records, plans, blueprints, or direct accounts of the pyramids construction have survived".

Dr. Thomas Rossbach response:
A pyramid is generally defined as a geometric figure with triangular sides that meet at an apex but does not have a triangular base. The pyramids at Giza, for example, have triangular sides but a square base. Diamond shapes that meet at an apex need to be set as a trapezohedron which resembles a dipyramid with two apices, one pointing up and one pointing down.

Where does blood come from?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:00:00 PDT

Name: Kentley
Age: 4
Question(s): Where does blood come from?

Answer: Blood is a very fascinating subject! Blood is made up of four things Plasma, Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells and Platelets. The Plasma is like the river that helps the other three cells get to where they need to be. Red blood cells pick up oxygen in the lungs and deliver the oxygen to the organs and tissues throughout your body. White blood cells are the fighter cells and there are many types of white blood cells. They fight off infections like viruses and bacteria. White blood cells have a really cool ability to make antibodies after you get sick from a cold or vaccinated at the doctors. The antibodies will remember the cold and fight off the infection faster the next time you come in contact with that cold. So, thank your antibodies for not having any sick days this year! Last, the platelets are oval shaped cells that help the clotting process when you have a cut. It stops the bleeding and helps form a scab. Bloods main purpose in life is to carry nutrients (food and oxygen) to your body parts and dispose of waste (old cells, viruses). The important thing to remember is that blood can only transport what you give it, so eat health and keep moving so that your blood can do its best to keep you healthy.

How do you tell the difference between a frog and a toad?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:35:00 PDT

Name: Dee
Question(s): How do you tell the difference between a frog and a toad?

Answer: Two of my favorite critters! They both belong to the same animal group Amphibians and they both hibernate in the winter. Frogs have smooth skin and need to live near water. A frog has long back legs used for climbing trees and to jump long distances to avoiding predators. Toads on the other hand have short legs with less muscle. Toads in general have less predators then frogs; hence, toads have shorter legs with less muscle mass. A toad’s skin has a bitter smell and taste that burns the mouth and nose of predators. Many frogs have the ability to use mimicry (similar pattern or behavior) and color change to trick predators. Both toads and frogs have very sensitive skin that can be danged by environmental pollutants. So, when observing a frog, watch from afar, because even the oils from our skin can be harmful. Stop by Port Discover to see our American Toad and Cope’s Grey Frog.

How do jelly fish glow?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:13:00 PDT

Name: Danesha
Age: 7
Grade Level: 2nd
Question(s): How do jelly fish glow?

Answer: Thank you Danesha for your question. Dr. Maurice Crawford and Dr. Margaret Young are both Professors at Elizabeth City State University and have each provided an answer to your question.

"Bioluminescence" is the ability of an organism to produce light.

Dr. Crawford's reply: Four main uses for an organism to bioluminescence have been hypothesized. It can be used to evade predators, attract prey, communicate within their species, or advertise (Nealson, 1985). For example, the angler fish uses the Lure Effect (attracting prey). This fish has a dangling lure in which bioluminescent bacteria live. The lure hangs in front of its mouth; fish swim toward the light and may become food for the angler fish. Some fish use bioluminescence for mating signals or as territorial signals (intraspecies communication), and some use it to communicate interspecies (advertisement). Some organisms employ it for more than a single reason."
From: http://jrscience.wcp.muohio.edu/FieldCourses00/PapersMarineEcologyArticles/WhatsGlowingInTheWaterBioA.html

Dr. Young's reply: Jellyfish glow (bioluminescence) because they contain this protein gfp (green fluorescent protein). This protein appears green to us. They do not glow all the time. The most reasonable explanation is that it is a defensive mechanism against predators.

How come different bodies of water have different salinities?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:16:00 PDT

Name: Elena
Age: 8
Grade Level: 3rd
Question(s): How come different bodies of water have different salinities?

Answer:

Elena, this question is answered by processes that have occurred over millions of years. Rain, rivers, and streams have washed over rocks that often contain the compound Sodium Chloride (NaCl) or salt, which eventually runs off into the oceans. Oceans also can have underwater volcanoes that introduce more salt into the ocean. Over time water evaporates but salt is left behind. Factors such as the amount of rainfall, evaporation, river run off, and ice formation can determine the salinity level in a body of water. Salinity is expressed by the amount of salt found in 1,000 grams of water or parts per thousand (ppt). The average ocean salinity is 35 ppt. Freash water has a salt concentration of less than 0.5 ppt. Another type of water, that is found in the Pasquotank River, that is known as brackish water has a salt consentration of 0.5 to 17 ppt.

Reference: http://www.onr.navy.mil/focus/ocean/water/salinity1.htm

How do you make a hand battery?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:11:00 PDT

Name: Hannah
Question(s): How do you make a hand battery?

Answer:

Good question Hannah, and I hope you are going to try to make one. Most people don't know that your hands and two different pieces of metal can make a battery!!

To get directions on how this works, go to: http://www.exploratorium.edu/snacks/hand_battery/index.html

Why does the Earth have gravity?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:55:00 PDT

Name: Abby
Question(s): Why does the Earth have gravity?

Answer:

Fantastic question Abby!

Gravity is a property of matter and space. The more matter and space an object has, the more gravity it has. We notice the gravity of the Earth because the Earth is so large, and therefore its gravity is very strong (strong enough to keep the moon in orbit around it!). Here is a video that explains how Newton and Einstein explain the existence of gravity: Understanding: Gravity

Is it true that scientists really found a plant growing on Mars?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:47:00 PDT

Name: Dustin
Question(s): Is it true that scientists really found a plant growing on Mars?

Answer:

Great question Dustin!

In the late 1930s an Astronomer announced that he had photographic evidence that there was a large patch of vegetation on the surface of Mars, but life (of any sort) on Mars has never been confirmed. Check out this website for more information on how scientists are trying to design plants that could survive on Mars.

How does the Earth's magnetic field help Earth?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:42:00 PDT

Name: Danielle
Question(s): How does the Earth's magnetic field help Earth?

Answer:

Wow, what an insightful question Danielle!

The Earth's magnetic field is very important to help many animals that have the ability to sense the magnetism. These animals migrate along magnetic lines of the field.

For a fantastic video demonstrating research on the biomagnetism of pigeons and lobsters check out: Understanding Magnetism: Animals and Magnetism

Is Pluto a planet and what is it named after?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 13:32:00 PDT

Name: Craig
Question(s): Is Pluto a planet and what is it named after?

Answer:

Exciting question, Craig!

In August of 2006, the International Astronomical Union (IAU; the governing body for professional astronomers) redefined what a planet was and consequently Pluto no longer fit the definition. Pluto is now recognized as a "dwarf planet" and has more in common with moons of other planets than the planets themselves. Check out this website for more information on Pluto.

The story behind how Pluto was named is also very interesting. It was not named for the Disney character, but rather the Roman god of the underworld. The name was suggested by an 11-year-old girl from England who was learning about ancient mythology. To find out how it happened, go to: http://www.universitytoday.com/guide-to-space/pluto/who-was-pluto-named-after/

Can people live on other planets? Can people live in other atmospheres?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:06:00 PDT

Name: Teresa
Question(s): Can people live on other planets? Can people live in other atmospheres?

Answer:

Two more interesting questions Teresa!

Right now, we do not have the facilities and technology to support humans living on other planets (in part because of the differences in atmospheric chemistries), but there are many great scientists and engineers working on that topic. Imagine that there are also big differences in the temperature and light levels between our planet and others. Check out the research done by the University of Arizona in Biosphere 2 for more information on the progress of a man-made, self-sustaining, ecosystem for humans to live in. In the future, humans living on other planets may be a possibility!

What are some plants that live in the abyss?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 13:52:00 PDT

Name: Teresa
Question: What are some plants that live in the abyss?

Answer:

Great question Teresa!

The abyss is an interesting ecosystem. There are no plants there because, by definition, plants have the ability to convert the light energy from the sun into the chemical energy in food (that is photosynthesis) and the sunlight does not reach the bottom of the ocean.

For many years, people believed there could be no life there because of the lack of sunlight. Now we know differently! There are many animals that live along the hydrothermal vents that crisscross the abyss. The "producers" in this ecosystem are not plants, but rather bacteria that can use the energy in chemicals (like hydrogen sulfide) to make food (this is called chemosynthesis).

Here is some more information and beautiful photos and videos of what scientists discovered at the bottom of the ocean: www.divediscover.whoi.edu/vents/index.html

Can sucking in helium make you die?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 11:38:00 PDT

Name: Finley
Age: 12
Grade Level: 6th
Question(s): Can sucking in helium make you die?

Answer:

Although inhaling helium can seem funny it is definitely not healthy. When you inhale pure helium, you are not inhaling oxygen that your body requires to survive. In small amounts you may not notice anything different, but if helium was inhaled from a high pressure source you could experience lung damage, stroke-like symptoms, and in severe cases death.

Why does helium make your voice squeak?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 11:29:00 PDT

Name: Finley
Age: 12
Grade Level: 6th
Question(s): Why does helium make your voice squeak?

Answer:

Interesting question Finley that we have all thought about before! Most of us have some seen someone suck in helium from a balloon and give us a good laugh. Helium changes the timbre of your voice. Timbre is what allows you to tell the difference between the same note played on two different instruments. It also helps you hear different parts of speech like vowel sounds. In short, sound in your voice is produced by vibrations of air leaving your lungs as they pass through a pair of vocal folds, which is called your larynx. Helium is much lighter than air; therefore the speed of sound is much higher, resulting in a change in pitch which can make you sound like a chipmunk.

How do the stars stay in the sky?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 13:48:00 PST

Name: Max
Question: How do the stars stay in the sky?

Answer:

Another interesting question, Max!

Although the stars might look close to Earth, they really are very, very far away. Too far, in fact, to feel the gravitational pull of the Earth, so they will never "fall out" of the sky.

What are animals made of?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 13:44:00 PST

Name: Max
Question: What are animals made of?

Answer:

Great question Max!

All living organisms (plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, and protists) are made up of one or more cells. The cell is considered the basic unit of life and being made up of cells is one of the defining characteristics that distinguishes living (animals) and non-living (rocks - which have a crystal structure) things.

How do crawfish and lobsters breathe?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 13:40:00 PST

Name: Joseph
Question: How do crawfish and lobsters breathe?

Answer:

Fun question Joseph!

Crawfish and lobsters have invertebrates that breathe with special body parts called gills. They breathe oxygen gas that is dissolved in the water. You also breathe oxygen gas, but you (like other mammals) use lungs and get oxygen from air not water.

Why do birds hop not walk?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 11:55:00 PST

Name: Finley
Age: 12
Grade Level: 6th
Question: Why do birds hop not walk?

Answer:

Wow Finley, what an interesting observation!

Many birds hop because it is more efficient than walking (they can get further while using less energy), but other birds don't hop at all. Think of birds like Great Blue Herons. For herons, egrets, and other long-legged birds, it is more energy efficient to just walk, especially when looking for food where a "hop" might scare off a meal! Other birds like penguins sometimes hop and sometimes walk so it is not always clear why they are doing it. Here is a website for more bird questions and answers: www.collieaudubon.info/bird_trivia.html

How did the dinosaurs die?

noreply@blogger.com (Jess) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 11:45:00 PST

Name: Zachary
Question: How did the dinosaurs die?

Answer:

Tough question Zachary, and there is no exact answer. There are many popular theories as to why the dinosaurs went extinct. According to experts at the United State Geological Survey (USGS), there is widespread evidence that the impact of a meteorite was at least partially responisble for the mass extinction of many animals at the end of the Cretaceous period. Other ideas include massive volcanic eruptions, climate changes, sea-level changes, and changes to the Earth's magnetic field.

For more information on the facts and fiction of dinosaurs, I encourage you to check out: http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/dinosaurs/