We wanted to introduce our new Science Center Asisstant, Diane Welch.  She works at the Science Center, helping to maintain and upgrade kits, manages the office and occasionally helps with school programs. 

Mrs. Welch and her Silkie Bantam Chicken, CeCe

Diane is a Burlington resident and her son, Shane attended Pine Glen School.  She is also a State falconer, training hawks to hunt and fly. 

MaryLou McQuinn retired from the Science Center and we wish her the best.  She will be forever missed.

On October 6^th, The Burlington Science Center coordinated with Burlington resident and local Realtor, Carol McDonald Macri of RE/MAX Encore to offer a very special opportunity to take a ride in the RE/MAX of New England Hot Air Balloon.  Sponsored by RE/MAX Encore, “Big Max,” the seven-story-tall red, white and blue RE/MAX hot air balloon, took flight on the football field.  All Burlington students and parents were invited to attend the event.  Approximately, 100 students in grades 3, 4 and 5 were selected by raffle to ride in the RE/MAX balloon while tethered to the ground! 

Mr. Papadonis, Ms. Pavlicek and Dr. Conti in the balloon

The event also included The Burlington Science Center’s Rocket Car, Mini Hot Air Balloon and the launching of some very Large Scale Model Rockets. Mr. Papadonis and Ms. Pavlicek of the Science Center also shared their “flight science” expertise with the students. 

Major Harding from Hanscom Air Force Base demonstrated his radio controlled wireless glider and helicopter. The Glider was outfitted with a digital video camera that photographed the entire football field, stadium seating and surrounding views.

 Click below to view footage from the glider:

(Video coming soon) 

The RE/MAX hot air balloon is the widely recognized corporate logo for RE/MAX real estate offices worldwide, owner of the largest corporate hot air balloon “fleet” in the world. Carol McDonald Macri and The Solutions Team are affiliated with RE/MAX Encore of Wilmington. They were proud to be able to give back to the community and have had a positive impact on the children.

 www.SolutionsRealEstateTeam.com.

We also had many staff and parent volunteers.  Thanks to all involved in such a wonderful event.

What do they look like?

Large (5/8 inch long x 1/3 inch wide), winged, brownish black with some gray or light brown, flattened back. 

Where are they found?

They are found in Canada, Central America, and throughout the United States.  Squash Bugs live in large populations and are typically found during the spring in gardens (they travel there to mate and lay eggs) and in fall (seeking shelter from cold temperatures).  Their habitat includes the shelter of dead leaves, vines, or the boards of a house in the fall and winter.

 What do they eat?

They have a sharp beak-like mouth that is used to suck the juices from particular plants.  The Squash Bug especially loves squash and pumpkins.  Their mouth folds under their body when they are not eating.

 Why are they called the Squash Bug?

Even though they love squash, the name comes from the odor they give off when they are crushed.  This odor is an animal defense that stops mammals and birds from eating them. (PLEASE DO NOT CRUSH!)

Are they harmful?

To humans, NO!  But they are a problem for plants.  They damage plants by removing the juice from the leaves, causing the plant to wilt and collapse.  They can also inject certain bacteria into plants and vegetables by sticking their mouth into the plant they eat.

 How do you remove the Squash Bugs?

Call Ms. Pavlicek to remove them! Just kidding!

It is extremely hard to get rid of a population of insects.  They lay numerous amounts of eggs that are difficult to find.  The only way to remove them is by hand.  Boards can be placed where the insects are commonly found.  The insects will gather there for shelter and then can be removed.

Certain types of squash and plants that are resistant to the insect can also be planted to replace infested ones.

The Science Center announced its Largest Sunflower Contest in the Spring of 2009.  Each Burlington student had an opportunity to sprout sunflower seeds in his/her classroom.  Once their seeds sprouted, the students took them home to see who could grow the largest sunflower over the summer.

We are pleased to announce the winners of The Burlington Science Center’s Largest Sunflower Contest!

Tallest Sunflower:  David Kolifrath (Gr. 2) Plant Height: 142 inches (11.8 feet)

Largest Seed Head:  Chris Caraco (Gr. 4)  Flower Head:  13 inches wide

Thanks to all students and teachers who participated in growing sunflowers!

Mr Papadonis and Ms. Pavlicek would like to welcome everyone back!  We are looking forward to another exciting year filled with Science.

Science is life!

Several years ago, The Science Center ran a Wetlands/Beaver Habitat Field Trip for all 4^th grade students in the Burlington School System.  I became so excited about this particular animal, I decided to write my graduate thesis on the topic of Beavers and their habitat.

A few days ago, Burlington High School’s associate principal, Mr. Sheehan notified me of a possible beaver stuck in a fence at the pond near the High School football practice field.  I hurried down and to my surprise, an adult beaver had wedged itself in a flow device fence!

The fence had rotted away near the bottom section.  The beaver had climbed into the fence through the rotted section, and then tried to crawl out through one of the small square open sections. 

Notice the size of the tail!

 Ben Marino assisted in retrieving a set of bolt cutters and I cut the sections of fencing.

Ben Marino grabs the clippers

 I proceeded to remove the top section of fence and climbed down to help the beaver.  Using the bolt cutters, I then removed the sqaure of fencing around the beaver.

With a slight push, off to freedom the Beaver went!

Beaver swimming off to freedom!

  It was a pleasure to help out such a beautiful animal in need.

Ms. Pavlicek and Ms. McInerney (BHS teacher) participated in a Salt Water Studies Course at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.  The weekend consisted of introducing teachers to Marine Science topics which could be connected to the prescribed MA State Science and Mathematics Frameworks.

Ms. Pavlicek & Right Whale Model

We took a guided tour of the Museum, learning about all aspects of whaling in Massachusetts.  Some highlights of the tour were 3 real whale skeletons (blue whale, humpback, and the endangered right whale with fetus), a life-scale model of a whaling ship, and historical whaling artifacts.

Whale skeletons in Museum Lobby

Ms. McInerney & Sperm Whale Jaw

 Some of the topics included:

-Water & our planet

-Ocean floor features

-Global winds and surface circulation

-Temperature & density of salt water

-Classification, productivity, & adaptations

-Marine vs. terrestrial food chains & webs

-Natural History and distribution of Whales

-Gulf of Maine-Geography and Geology

- Eutrophication

- Marine debris  

- Invasive species 

-Climate change & coastal impacts

-Energy use and water quality 

Model of Whaling Ship

A visit to this museum would be a terrific family day trip!

Click on the link below to learn more about the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

http://www.whalingmuseum.org

Scrimshaw Collection

Ahoy! Calling all shiphands!

Whaling Scene etched on real whale bone

Deformed Sperm Whale Skull

This lab team watches the water filter through the sand and humus.  They used ordinary water bottles to create their scientific equipment.

All 1^st and 5^th grades participate in chick hatching throughout Burlington Public Schools. 

The Science Center grows the fertilized eggs for the first 18 days in our master incubator.

Master Incubator

 On the 19^th day, Ms. Pavlicek delivers the eggs to the classroom incubators allowing the students to watch the chicks being born.

Chicks inside!

 Ms. Pavlicek presents a “Chicken & Egg” Program to the students prior to the hatch date.  Students learn about egg sizes, egg colors, the parts of the egg, how an egg is formed, and additional aspects about chickens and the hatching process.

A Variety of Bird Egg Sizes

Mother hen sitting on her nest!

 Ms. Pavlicek also filmed a video allowing the students to view the candling process of the eggs and an opportunity to view the master incubator at the Science Center.

 After the chicks hatch, they are moved into Brooder Boxes.  They are raised in the classrooms for 1 week, as students watch their behavior and learn the responsibility of taking care of a living thing.

Brooder box

The chicks are all returned to the farmer who sells us the fertilized eggs.

 When our students reach Burlington High School, I often ask what their most memorable experience was from the Science Center.  Most common answer is “Chick Hatching.”

Peep! Peep!

Counting the tentacles and grasping arms.

Frances Wyman 5th graders hunt for the Squid's beak!

Well, there is no doubt about it…ask any Burlington 5th grader about one of their favorite science activities and they are certain to tell you about their experience dissecting a real Squid!