Node of Ranvier

We just learned about the Schwann Cell.

Another part of the neuron is the Node of Ranvier.

We know that the myelin sheaths are covering the axons.
There are gaps in the myelin sheaths, and those gaps are called the nodes of ranvier.

These gaps helps the neuron send its information faster along the axon.


(from: wikipedia - node of ranvier)


Kid Facts - Blast from the past: Heart Wall - Pericardium

Sierra Madre Occidental

We just learned about the Peninsular Ranges.

Another group of mountains in the Pacific Coast Belt of the North American Cordillera is the Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico.

The name means western mother mountains.
This range has some very deep gorges like the Copper Canyon, and some very high waterfalls like the Basaseachic falls.


(from: wikipedia - sierra madre occidental)


(from: wikipedia - copper canyon)


(from: wikipedia - basaseachic falls)


Kid Facts - Blast from the past: Lake Onega

Saul

We just learned about the person from the Bible named Samuel.

Another person from the Bible was Saul.

After God's prophet Samuel told the people that God would choose a king for them, God told him that Saul would be that king.

Saul was the most handsome and tallest man in all of Israel.
Samuel told everyone that Saul was the king, and with God's help Saul won many great battles.

Later on Saul didn't listen to God's instructions very well, so God was angry with him, and decided to replace him some day with David.
Saul met David, and when Saul was not feeling well David would play music for him on a harp.

Eventually David grew up and was a warrior for Saul's army, but Saul was jealous because people talked more about Saul than about him so he tried to get rid of David.
Saul got killed in a battle, and David became king after him.


(from: wikipedia - saul)


Kid Facts - Blast from the past: Epiphany - Transfiguration

Pórtico da Gloria - Mateo

We just learned about the Tympanum at Vézelay Abbey by Gislebertus.

Another Romanesque sculpture is the Pórtico da Gloria in Spain, made by sculptor Master Mateo in 1188 AD.

This is a large archway with three sculpted columns and a tympanum above the arch.
There are over 200 sculptures in this archway, showing Christ with his apostles and prophets, and also showing stories from the Old and New Testament.


(from: wikipedia - portico of glory)


Kid Facts - Blast from the past: Ram in a Thicket

ASL - They are excited

We've learned in ASL how to say I am happy, you are sad, and he is angry.

Let's learn how to say they are excited.
To say "they" you point you finger off to the right and draw a circle, like you're pointing out a group of people.

To say "excited" you start with your hands open, palms facing your body and your thumbs pointing up.
Take turns moving your right and left hands up and down almost like you are excited and shaking your hands.


ASL Nook - Your feelings in ASL - Sheena McFeely




(from: wikipedia - american sign language)

Italian: Sono eccitati

German: Sie sind aufgeregt

Spanish: Ellos estan emocionados

French: Ils sont excité

Lathe - Tailstock

We just learned about the Lathe - Headstock.

Another part of the metalworking lathe is the Tailstock.

Just like the headstock holds one end, the tailstock holds the other end of the metal being worked on.

When the piece of metal is put onto the lathe, first the metal is placed up against the headstock, and then the tailstock is moved closer and closer until it is holding the metal tight between both spindles.
The tailstock is moved by spinning a small wheel called the "handwheel" or "feed screw".
After the metal piece is in the right place and held tightly by both the headstock and tailstock, a locking lever is pulled down that works like a clamp to keep the tailstock from moving.


(from: wikipedia - metal lathe)


Kid Facts - Blast from the past: F3 Tornado

Common Midwife Toad

We just learned about the Strawberry Poison Dart Frog.

Another type of frog is the Common Midwife Toad.

Even though it is called a Toad, it is not part of the "Bufonidae" family, so it is a frog.

This frog lives in Europe, grows to about 2 inches. It can be brown, grey or green with has dark spots on it, and warts on it's smooth skin.

One of the most interesting things about this frog is that the eggs are carried by the male frog.
After the female frog lays the eggs, the male frog picks them up and sticks them to his back legs and carries them around until they are hatched.
He can carry around 150 eggs, for 3 to 8 weeks!
He keeps them wet by lying in damp places, or going for a swim if they are drying out.


(from: wikipedia - common midwife toad)


Kid Facts - Blast from the past: Striped House Snake