
Monday, 8 February 2010
Endeavour Launch

Science Fact of the Week 43 - Sequoia

Exactly why the redwoods grow so tall is a mystery. Theories continue to develop but proof remains elusive. The trees can reach ages of 2,000 years and regularly reach 600 years. Resistance to natural enemies such as insects and fire are built-in features of a coast redwood. Diseases are virtually unknown and insect damage insignificant thanks to the high tannin content of the wood. Thick bark and foliage that rests high above the ground provides protection from all but the hottest fires. The redwoods' unusual ability to regenerate also aids in their survival as a species. They do not rely solely upon sexual reproduction, as many other trees must. New sprouts may come directly from a stump or downed tree's root system as a clone.
Sunday, 7 February 2010
The Princess and the Frog
Saturday, 6 February 2010
Bull Frog Hunting
Friday, 5 February 2010
Breakthrough in Prostate Cancer Research

Astronomy Lately?
NASA Reports Pluto Getting Redder

Thursday, 4 February 2010
Meteorite Fireball Lands in Ireland

Wednesday, 3 February 2010
RDS McWilliams Young Science Writer Competition

Tuesday, 2 February 2010
Obama Ends Moon & Mars Missions

Biology Prize 2010

The Frog Blog would like to annouce details of SCC's Annual Biology Prize. This year, pupils (from Forms IV, V or VI) are asked to provide a 300 to 400 word synopsis or summary of any Biology topic of their choice. It may be broad or narrow but must be interesting and unique. Pupils should research the topic thoroughly and include references in their synopses.
The top 5 - 6 proposals will then be asked to prepare a 15 minute PowerPoint Presentation on their topic and be able to answer questions within it. All prize entries must be submitted by e-mail to info@sccscience.com by Monday February 8th 2010. Good luck and get working!!
Monday, 1 February 2010
New Science Books in the Library

Science Fact of the Week 42 - Mercury
Mercury is a very strange metal. It is a liquid at room temperature, but it is so dense that cannon balls float in it. With the atomic number 80 in the periodic table and with an atomic weight of 200, this element is more dense than lead. With a melting point of −38.83 °C and boiling point of 356.73 °C, mercury has one of the narrowest ranges of its liquid state of any metal. Mercury is, in fact, the only metal that is liquid at standard conditions for temperature and pressure and one of only six elements that are liquid at room temperature.
Mercury occurs in deposits throughout the world mostly as cinnabar (mercuric sulfide), which is the source of the red pigment vermilion, and is mostly obtained by reduction from cinnabar. Cinnabar is highly toxic by ingestion or inhalation of the dust. Mercury poisoning can also result from exposure to soluble forms of mercury (such as mercuric chloride or methyl-mercury), inhalation of mercury vapour, or eating fish contaminated with mercury. Mercury has many uses though and is used in thermometers, barometers, electrical devices and much more. Interestingly, mercury has a negative coefficient of surface tension, which means that the meniscus on the surface is the other way up from normal.
Penguin Corner - There's Always One!

Why is there always some randomer who sticks their head in front of the camera just when you are taking a great photo!
Saturday, 30 January 2010
Orville Wright
