Plankton to the Rescue

Phytoplankton, or micro algae, usually blooms only once a year in the Arctic. Now it is blooming in the fall too. Phytoplankton is plant based and uses carbon dioxide in its photosynthesis. The Antarctic South Sea is also absorbing more carbon dioxide than previously thought.  According to NASA, carbon dioxide is a moving, long term force in climate change. This new information about the Polar regions absorbing more carbon dioxide brings a new element in the challenges of climate change.

Read more at Live Science

Oceans and the Water Cycle

Oceans are an important part of the water cycle. It affects the weather and moisture in the earth’s atmosphere.

Snowfall affects the water cycle where I live. If we don’t have a good snow pack in the mountains we have a short supply of water for cities and farms.  Melting snow fills rivers and reservoirs that provide water for us.

Here is a printout and little lesson about our wonderful water cycle.

Hermit Crab Printout and Care

Sea snail shells that are empty are used by hermit crabs.

My children loved hermit crabs. We had at least eight of them. They provided hours of fun just watching them socialize with each other.

This site provides a great basic care guide at hermit-crabs.com

Here are some nomenclature cards to printout about hermit crabs at montessorimom.com

Alt Printout