We started by looking at examples of cyanotype and how it works. Jayne had done a similar activity at home on paper using shapes, but not yet on fabric. We practiced fine motor skills of drawing and cutting out hearts until we had really perfect shapes. Learned better scissor control...
After creating several hearts using pink papers, Jayne laid out the hearts on a template between two layers of plexiglass. We placed this on top of a cyanotype treated 8x8" cotton cloth square, put 8 minutes in sunlight, then rinsed to reveal lovely results. Next we cut a heart (using a paper heart to trace onto the leaf) in the middle of an Alocasia leaf, and Jayne added three hearts to the design, and again in sun, water then to dry. She took the cloth square results home. I have several examples of how to use the squares in additional sewing projects, and the cut out hearts will be used for another project planned for Friday.

The lesson was online so started with an introduction to Luna the adorable dog at Jonathan's home. In showing me a couple of favorite toys, first a hover board that Luna chases (too cute!) and then a stuffed tree hollow with three (3) named squeaky squirrels that live in the toy's tree holes. This is Luna's toy, and a great way to relate to how other animals use tree holes as safe refuge from predators. I told Jonathan about our program in Madagascar, comparing squirrels and lemurs. We compared them for a bit and since I have found the toy online for our international program. I have texted a link with homework that can be read by parent with child if you would like to explore more. https://www.aam-us.org/2020/10/30/the-promise-of-virtual-education-programs-cross-cultural-exchange-school-museum-collaborations-and-steam-learning-and-lemurs/ In summary, Nosy Be sportive lemurs that I study with our nonprofit live in tree holes, and in degraded forests that lack tree holes, we build wooden boxes where they sleep and have babies. These lemurs are critically endangered. Very cool that Jonathan offered such a relevant toy to the discussion, so Dr. Clark will buy a tree log for students in Madagascar! Great idea Jonathan!!

We spent today's session outside. Discussed the biology of chameleons, their movements, and searched for one that had climbed up a tree. Although this chameleon is nearly neon green and turquoise striped with a red chin (very colorful in Madagascar language is 'LOKOBE', his name), the camouflage with play of light on leaves and branches really hid this lizard. Kellan was engaged and helpful at finding the camouflaged chameleon.

Sofia and I talked about how aquaponics takes advantage of the symbiotic relationship between plants and fish. The plant roots get their nourishment from the fish wastes in the water. The water is recirculated in a closed system lowering its consumption. Then we talked about how the pH level has to be at the perfect level for the plants, fish, and bacteria inside the water. Since these three organisms have to have different pH levels it can be difficult.

Not present. Will share a special photo presentation entitled "Hidden Animals: Camouflage" on Friday.

We went through a special presentation, 'Hidden Animals: Camouflage.' Cabo was unusually fast at finding and identifying the well hidden animals, ranging from reptiles to insects to large mammals. For each animal (~50 photos) geographic location was mentioned. He found all the animals at record speed all the while gently handling our Panther Chameleon (Furcifer pardalis). One method of defense is to blend in as discussed this week, next week will review brightly colored animals that signal toxicity with bold colors rather than blending in, alongside geographic notes.
We also looked at Cyanotype, a form of 'blueprint' photography invented in 1852, using examples of plants printed onto fabric, and watched a video of me marbling, a way of abstract painting with acrylics to print onto paper or silk.

After examining Mad Max's plans to destroy Earth, we worked on a new comic book focusing on spelling. Since Rex is striving to save Earth, we talked about what makes Earth so special, all the animals and plants. Reviewed plant printing examples for future art projects. Kellan asked why Madagascar is so special and explained that the animals there are unique. I showed him some videos of lemurs and children, he thought the lemurs look scary and was surprised that I live with all black people for three months at a time. He thought there were no cities or internet in Africa, so I showed him some videos of nice hotels where I stay on Nosy Be and he approved of the accommodation, then we returned to saving Earth, focusing on the geographic location of Madagascar using Google maps. Was delighted that Kellan asked me to show him where Madagascar was, and he explored the maps on my iPhone with newfound curiosity! Then during my next session with another student he stopped by and said hello to the chameleon, which he initially also declared as evil but I think he is warming up to the animals. Showed him how we chip lemurs like veterinarians chip cats and dogs for identification (via field video).

Discussed habitat in the wild forests of Nosy Be, NW Madagascar and how we are replicating those conditions (vegetation, temperature, humidity) in a terrarium at the School. Added spagnum moss to keep humidity above 70% in the terrarium. Introduced the Panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis), proper handling techniques, and why he changes colors (mood, temperature more so than to look like surroundings). Fed him a cricket then colored a page of another lizard, a leaf tailed gecko, from same region in Nosy Be, Madagascar. Next week we will overview camouflage in the animal kingdom.

Discussed habitat in the wild forests of Nosy Be, NW Madagascar (where I volunteer). Explained how we replicated those conditions (vegetation, temperature, humidity) in a terrarium at the School. Added spagnum moss to keep humidity above 50% in the terrarium.
Introduced the Panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis), proper handling techniques, and why he changes colors (mood, temperature more so than to look like surroundings). Considered how special Earth is with its diversity of animals, related this to cartoon characters that reminded him of the chameleon including a dragon. We fed four (4!) crickets to the chameleon, observing his long, sticky tongue shoot out several inches.

Discussed habitat in the wild forests of Nosy Be, NW Madagascar (where I volunteer). Explained how we are replicating those conditions (vegetation, temperature, humidity) in a terrarium at the School. Added spagnum moss to keep humidity above 50% in the terrarium. Introduced the Panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis), proper handling techniques, and why he changes colors (mood, temperature more so than to look like surroundings).
Considered how special Earth is with its diversity of animals... related this to comic strip and progress that Detective Rex is making to top the evil plans of Dr. Max. Drew a few more comic pages and colored a chameleon page.