I Want To Hold Your Hand!

Our shuttle astronauts will make three space walks during this mission. They will have help from the robotic arms and hands on the shuttle and the space station.

Robots are important helpers for astronauts. Robots are used to inspect the shuttle's heat shield for damage from lift off. Robots help move cargo from the shuttle to the space station. Robots help the astronauts move from one side of the space station to the other.

For more information about the space station's robotic arms, go to http://virtualastronaut.tietronix.com/teacherportal/pdfs/Humans.and.Robots.pdf

Would you like to build a robotic hand? Just go to http://www.visitroboworld.com/visitroboworld/lessons/LP_7to9/Hold_Your_Hand_NASA.pdf

You can also check out these great books from your library:
Robots (Technology All Around Us) by Clive Gifford
Robot Inventor's Workshop: An Explorer's Kit by Greg Vogt
Robot (DK Eyewitness Book) by Roger Bridgman

Have fun!

Photo courtesy NASA.

Lovey Dovey

We visited some friends today. Do you remember the doves that we found building their nest? (See "Nesting Time," March 10 post.)

Momma dove introduced us to her two new babies. We took a photo of the family as she fed her chicks.

In the photo, one of the babies is poking its beak in his mother's throat. His mother is feeding him partly digested food. This food is called "pigeon's milk." Both mother and father doves feed their young.

The baby doves stay in their nest for two weeks after hatching. Their parents will feed them for two weeks more. Then the baby doves will be on their own.

Their parents will hatch as many as six broods of chicks during a season. Good luck to you and your babies, Momma Dove!

Space Pup & Spin Offs

When you look at the sky, do you ever want to travel in space? I sure do!

I've heard some people ask why we travel into space. It's not just for fun. We have already learned many things. And many of the things that we have learned have helped us to live better on earth.

While trying to make life better and safer for astronauts, NASA scientists have made life better for all of us. When something good is discovered for space that can be used on earth, it is called a spin off.

For example, NASA scientists discovered how to make fabric that won't burn. They used it in space suits to keep astronauts safer. Now race car drivers and fire fighters use that same fabric for protection.

NASA discovered how to use remote controlled space craft to gather information about other planets. Now we use remote control to gather information about fires, hurricanes, and volcanoes without putting someone in danger.

NASA scientists have developed freeze dried foods. They made satellite television possible. They developed cordless tools and smoke detectors.

Would you like to know more about how NASA scientists have made a difference in life on earth? Go to one of my most favorite activity books! Just visit Space Pup at http://ipp.gsfc.nasa.gov/downloads/GSFC_coloring_book.pdf

Photo courtesy NASA.

Discovery Launches into Space!

Early this morning, space shuttle Discovery launched into space. The shuttle is flying to the international space station. The mission will last 13 days.

Discovery will deliver a new module for the space station. The module has many science racks for the space station laboratories.

The shuttle astronauts will also have three space walks. They will replace an ammonia tank assembly. They will retrieve a Japanese experiment. They will also switch out a gyro assembly.

If you would like to know more about STS-131 and its mission, go to http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts131/

Here's a neat space walk bookmark from NASA for you. Just go to http://www.nasa.gov/pdf/295051main_Spacesuits_Bookmark.pdf

The link printed on the bookmark will help you learn more about NASA space suits. I wonder what a dog space suit would look like?

Photo courtesy NASA.

Bunny Buddies

At Easter time, many children receive bunnies as gifts. Bunnies make great pets. They are smart and fun. They live about 10 years. They can even learn to use a cat litter box to go to the bathroom!

Bunnies also take a lot of work, just like cats and dogs. You must learn to care for your bunny properly. They need special food and fresh water every day. They also need a special cage for sleeping.

Sometimes people who have bunnies decide they don't want them any more. Please find a new home for your bunny. Do not release him or her into the wild! Bunnies that are bought at the store are not the same as wild rabbits. If you release your bunny into the wild, he will not survive. Please give your bunny to someone who will take care of him.

If you cannot find someone to take care of your bunny, there are other places that will help you. An organization called Bunny Buddies rescues unwanted rabbits. Your local shelter may also take your bunny and find a good home for him.

Bunny Buddies is also a great place to adopt a bunny if you want one for a pet. They have lots of rabbits that need adoption or foster care. Talk to your folks to see if they would be willing to help you care for a bunny.

Would you like to know more about caring for bunnies? Just go to this great activity book: http://www.sandiegorabbits.org/adoption/colorbook.pdf

Another great article on caring for bunnies can be found at http://www.bunnybuddies.org/docs/rabbitcareguide.pdf

Happy Easter!

Easter is the best celebration. I do hope that you have a wonderful day!

Know that I'm thinking of you!

Christ has risen... He has risen indeed!

For a fun Easter activity page, go to http://www.higherpraise.com/pdf/pdf/New/Curr238.pdf

So What's the Difference?

What is the difference between an amphibian and a reptile? Frogs, toads, and salamanders are amphibians. Turtles, snakes, and lizards are reptiles.

Both are cold blooded. Amphibians must live part of their life in the water. Reptiles don't need to. A frog lays its eggs in the water. Turtles lay their eggs on land.

Reptiles are covered with scales or plates. Their skin is waterproof. They also have claws. Amphibian skin is permeable. They do not have claws.

Here's a fun activity sheet from Arizona to help understand the difference! Just go to http://www.azgfd.gov/i_e/ee/resources/wild_kids/herps46.pdf