November+A.S.

=2/11/14 = =For my science discovery this week I did the Crimson King Norway Maple Tree. It got the name because of it's crimson colored leaves throughout the summer. In the autumn the leaves turn yellow. The leaves average 7 inches across and have five sharply pointed lobes. (The leaves resemble sugar maple leaves.) In the summer the tree has purple fruits and yellow flower clusters in the spring. It's scientific name is acer platanoides and it is in the Sapindaceae family. Crimson King Norway Maple trees are deciduous and are native to Eastern Europe. It's average height is 30 to 40 feet tall and its spread averages 20 to 40 feet. =

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= 11/11/14 = =For my science discovery this week I did the garter snakes. Its scientific name is thamnophis sirtalis. The eastern garter snake is one of the most common snakes. Garter snakes are not venomous. They can grow up to four feet long. Most garter snakes have three yellow stripes down the length of their bodies. Garter snakes can swim but don't do so well with climbing. Garter snakes are usually found near water or moist places. Female garter snakes don't lay eggs like most snakes but they give birth to live young. Garter snakes can live up to 10 years. In the winter garter snakes hibernate. Some people find garter snakes useful to have around your yard since they control pests.=



http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/eastern_garter_snake.htm

http://www.herpnet.net/Iowa-Herpetology/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=57&Itemid=26

=11/17/14= =For my science discovery this week, I did the Arctic fox. It's scientific name is alopex lagopus. The Arctic fox is native to the Arctic tundra. It's known for its white winter coat in the winter months. The Arctic fox is one of 37 different breeds of fox. It can survive temperatures as low as negative 58 degrees Fahrenheit (negative 50 degrees Celsius). The Arctic fox is an omnivore and they live 3 to 6 years on average. In the warmer months the foxes coat turns brown to match its surroundings. Arctic foxes eat rodents, birds and fish but in the winter the prey goes into hiding or hibernation, so the foxes must follow polar bears to eat their scraps. When vegetables are available the Arctic fox will eat them. The average weight of Arctic foxes is 6.5 to 17 pounds.= = = = = = =

http://www.ejphoto.com/arctic_fox_page.htm

http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2013/05/wrangel-island/gorshkov-photography