Burlington Science Center Blog

Click below to read about Wild Turkeys in Massachusetts.  Check out the “FAQ” section (frequently asked questions).

http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/wildlife/facts/birds/turkey/turkey_home.htm

Happy Turkey Day from the Science Center!

I had the pleasure of observing and photographing the Science Center’s Chilean Rose-hair Tarantula during its molt.

Click below to view pictures of “Shadow” the Tarantula as she molts.

 tarantula-molting

 Tarantulas are invertebrate animals that need to shed their complete exoskeleton in order to grow.  Molting may occur as often as once a month in young “spiderlings”, or only once every one to two years in adults. As a molt approaches, the tarantula may refuse food, sometimes for several weeks or even months. Further evidence of an upcoming molt is reduced activity, increased use of silk as it creates a webby “molting mat” and dull coloration.

When a tarantula molts it will turn onto its “back.”  Pressure changes within the molting tarantula will cause its old exoskeleton to separate at the carapace and abdomen. It will pull its legs out of its old skin much like you pull your fingers out of a glove. The cast exoskeleton looks much like a hollowed-out complete tarantula. Once the process is completed the pale-colored tarantula will rest and then spend the course of the next week growing, as its new exoskeleton hardens.  This is the time when the tarantula is its most vulnerable. Tarantulas may fully harden in 3-4 days or up to two weeks.

To learn more about tarantulas, check out links below:

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/bugs/tarantula.html

 http://www.tarantulas.com/

Every 2^nd grade had the opportunity to participate in Pumpkin Science!

Each class received a pumpkin with a series of hands-on experiments including Sink or Float & the Science of Fire.  They recorded data such as pumpkin weight. Teachers also had their students’ measure the circumference and diameter of the pumpkin using both English and Metric units.  

Pumpkin Data Chart

Ms. Sheehan and student testing Sink or Float

Mrs. Screnci teaches about the Fire Triangle

What is the circumference of our pumpkin?

We love Pumpkin Science!

All 4^th grade students in Burlington had the opportunity to build and launch their own model rockets.  They learned about forces, motion and rocket design.  Rocket Day reinforced the tech & engineering standards in the Science Curriculum.  This yearly event has been widely attended and supported by Burlington parents. 

This year the event was generously sponsored by the United States Air force communication Group of Hanscom Air force Base.  BHS graduate, Amanda Gustafson, was instrumental in acquiring funds for the project. 

Mr. Pap teaching about forces

Ms. Pavlicek rides the Rocket Car

Excited students wait for launch

Up and away!

Students watching rockets in the sky

A great day for everyone!

Captain Harding Flies an RC Helicopter

We would like to thank the students, teachers and parents for all their hard work.

We would also like to thank Rick Karwan (Rick Karwan Photos) for sending us some great photos.