In the DNA model we built the yellow licorice represents the double helix backbones in the actual DNA molecule. In real DNA molecules, the backbones are made of sugar and phosphate. The different coloured marshmallows in the DNA model we built represents the 4 nitrogen containing bases in the real DNA molecule. Guanine (G) = Green marshmallow, Cytosine (C) = Pink marshmallow, Adenine (A) = Yellow marshmallow, Thymine (T) = Orange marshmallow. The toothpicks were not intended to represent something in the DNA molecule, but only to bond the marshmallows and licorice. The order of the bases provide instructions for the cells activities. The bases always pair onto the backbone in a certain way, (A) pairs with (T) using a double bond and (C) pairs with (G) using a triple bond. This ensures that the message on the left side of DNA is a mirror image of the message on the right. The pair of the bases fit together much like puzzle pieces.

This activity gave me a further understanding of DNA. Physically matching the bases helped me remember the base names, letters and also their pairings. This had definitely been one of the more beneficial activities with a hands on approach that I have done.

Living in the ISS is much different than living on earth. It is important to stay strong, neat and healthy.

When living in space, astronauts do not experience the same amount of gravity as we do on earth. Since their is no gravity anchoring them to the ground, they do not need to use their muscles nearly as much so they weaken. Their lower backs and legs lose strength, and their bones become weaker and thinner. To avoid this, they must exercise every single day, like running on the treadmill.

Astronauts do not have a bathroom in space like they do at home. Instead they are assigned a personal hygiene kit which is made up of toothbrushes, toothpaste, combs, brushes, and shavers. when brushing their teeth, they don’t have a sink so they have to spit in a washcloth. They also have to use special kinds of soaps and shampoo that don’t require you to rinse them off. These were originally made for hospital patients who couldn’t get in water to clean themselves.

Since astronauts live in a cramped space with sometimes 4 other people, it is of utmost importance for them to keep their living quarters tidy and organized. Astronauts wipe the walls, floors, and windows to keep them clean. They use a soap that kills germs. there are 4 garbage bins in the space shuttle, 3 are for dry trash and 1 is for wet trash. Wet trash is any garbage that may smell bad? The wet trash is closed and connected to a hose when its full to take the smell away. They also use vacuum cleaners in space, except its used to keep dust out of air filters as well as catch floating objects that may be out of reach.

parallax is the view from two different lines of sight used to find the distance to the stars. To find the distance you must first find the distance of the base of the triangle, or the length from one position on earth to the other. In the photos we took, this would be the distance from the 2 strips of tape we stood on when we took the picture. Next you determine the angle to the distant object from each end of  the baseline, or angle from the direction of you looking at the star to the baseline. In the photos we took this would be the angle from the direction of you looking at the paper star to the baseline. Lastly, calculate the distance to the distant object from the baseline, or the baseline to the star. In the photos we took this would be the distance from the paper star to the baseline. The place where the line from the distant object to the baseline and the baseline meet needs to have a right angle. Also, the longer the baseline, the more accurate the distance

This galaxy is an elliptical galaxy. This is because it resembles the shape of a sphere. It can also be ellipse, or a football or cigar shape.

This galaxy is an irregular galaxy. This is because it has no given shape. It has taken this shape because galaxies close to it can distort the shape with their gravity

This galaxy is a spiral galaxy. This is because the shape resembles a pinwheel and has a central bulge with two arms spiralling around it.