Geology (January 2012)
Thanks to Reed Lewis, Geologist, Idaho Geological Survey, University of Idaho; and Megan Dixon, Adjunct Instructor, College of Idaho for their answers
* What type of rock is the Capitol made out of? Show answer 
It's made out of sandstone. In Idaho, there were great deposits of sand that formed into sandstone over a long period of time. The material that was in the water over the years helps to hold the sandstone together and adds to the beauty of the buildings. (From Luke in Mrs. Schweitzer's class at Riverside Elementary School in Boise)
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* How do people make sand so soft and in so many pieces? Show answer
Most of the sand is not made by people, but by the weathering of rock. Freezing and cooling of rock, along with water washing it down into streams and beaches, form sand. (From Madison in Mrs. Woodall's class at Dalton Elementary School in Dalton Gardens)
Hide * Statues are made out of rock and look like one giant rock. How do people make statues that look like a single piece of rock? Show answer
When people make statues, they look for rock that has accumulated into one large mass. Marble is often used to make statues. Marble is found in special places and in big pieces, so there are statue-sized pieces of marble. (From Renee in Mrs. Woodall's class at Dalton Elementary School in Dalton Gardens)
Hide * If weather can break a rock, can it break a crystal rock? Show answer
Weathering can also break crystals, but it will take longer than breaking a rock. Crystals are pure sheets of a single grain of mineral and they don't break up as easily as rock. (From Ally in Mrs. Woodall's class at Dalton Elementary School in Dalton Gardens)
Hide * Is Yellowstone a super volcano that's ready to explode at any minute? Show answer
Yellowstone is a caldera, a collapsed area where there is some action under the crust. Will it erupt at any minute? Probably not, but it is watched very carefully. There is a prediction that something will happen in the future. It's all dependent on the amount of pressure that builds up under the crust. (From Austin in Mrs. Hunt's class at Cynthia Mann Elementary School in Boise)
Hide * Does the earth grow? Show answer
Yes, but it depends on what you mean by growing. There are areas that are mostly under the ocean (but not always) where lava is coming up to the surface and pushing. You could say the earth is growing at that point because this spreads the earth's crust. When you have lava coming to the surface and cooling, you could say the earth is growing because the lava forms into crust, which increases the surface of the earth. (From Grace in Mrs. Durham's class at Hayden Meadows Elementary School in Coeur d'Alene)
Hide * How do mountains form? Show answer
Mountains form in different ways. Some mountains, like the Cascades, form by lava coming out of the crust and flowing out onto the surface. Mountains can also be formed from erosion. Over time, water washes over materials and forms canyons and mountains. Many mountains in Idaho were formed this way. A third way is when you have a combination of water moving and material coming out. With this way, there is a fault at the base of a peak, which drops the valley down and brings the mountain up. A fourth way is when continents collide into each other causing the crusts to get smashed together and stay on top of one another. The Himalayas were formed this way. (From Hope in Mrs. Hunt's class at Cynthia Mann Elementary School in Boise)
Hide * Why are minerals different colors? Show answer
The elements in minerals give the minerals their color. For example, a little bit of chrome may cause a mineral to be green. Iron may cause a mineral to have red tones. (From Taylor in Mrs. Woodall's class at Dalton Elementary School in Dalton Gardens)
Hide * What would happen if a man went to where the earth's crust was finished, and dig? Show answer
If you go too far down, you'd get melted along with your equipment, or crushed by the pressure of the rock. There are places where the crust is thinning and you don't have to go too far. If you go to a place where there is lava, like on the islands of Hawaii, the crust is thinning or there is a gap for the lava to escape to the top. Here, you wouldn't want to dig too far because you would reach the mantle and that heats up very well. (From Gabriel in Mrs. Durham's class at Hayden Meadows Elementary School in Coeur d'Alene)
Hide * What are the chances of having another earthquake? Show answer
Excellent! We don't know when, but geologists have spent a lot of time trying to predict the next earthquake. We've made progress, but fundamentally, they tend to be a surprise. Major earthquakes draw our attention, but earthquakes are happening every day. We just don't feel all of them. (From Gus in Mrs. Schweitzer's class at Riverside Elementary School in Boise)
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Flight (December 2011)
Thanks to Frank Lester, education coordinator of the Aeronautics Division, Idaho Transportation Department; and Lori MacNichol-Gregory, pilot and certified flight instructor, McCall Mountain/Canyon Flying Semin for their answers
* Why does a bird have to flap its wings to take off? Show answer
Birds don't have an engine. So, they need their wings to create both lift and thrust. They flap their long, long wings and this creates a pressure underneath. This pressure is the thrust and lift factor lifting the bird into the air and moving them forward. (From Jacob in Mrs. Woodall's class at Dalton Elementary School in Dalton Gardens)
Hide * Why can't a plane fly into space? Show answer
A plane can't fly into space because there is no air. Planes use their wings with air to give them lift. In space, there is no air to produce lift, so you have to have excessive amounts of thrust. Thrust is produced by engines once outside the atmosphere. It's the thrust that keeps a craft airborne. (From Katie in Mrs. Hudson's class at Dalton Elementary School in Dalton Gardens)
Hide * What causes a sonic boom? Show answer
When an aircraft goes beyond the speed of sound, we hear a big boom. It actually goes through a sound barrier and makes a big, loud boom. The speed of sound is around 760 miles an hour. (From Morgan in Mrs. Woodall's class at Dalton Elementary School in Dalton Gardens)
Hide * Will science ever be good enough to make flying cars? Show answer
It is! They are making them now! The first flying car was invented back in the 50's and was called the "aerocar." Today, they are pretty successful in getting up in the air and landing. However, they do need to make some changes in order to get certified by the FAA and meet auto standards for the road. (From Lily in Mrs. Hudson's class at Dalton Elementary School in Dalton Gardens)
Hide * How do heavy airplanes fly in mid-air? Show answer
The heaviest airplane in the world is around one million pounds. Heavier airplanes need larger wings because they need more surface area to generate the lift, and they need larger engines to generate the thrust. (From Braelynn in Mrs. Schweitzer's class at Riverside Elementary School in Boise)
Hide * When did the Wright brothers fly their first aircraft? Show answer
Their first powered flight was December 17, 1903. They were probably flying gliders several years before that. (From Ryan in Mrs. Schweitzer's class at Riverside Elementary School in Boise)
Hide * What is a thermal made of? Show answer
A thermal is a lifting of air. It can be created by many different things. One of the most common things would be the sun shining on a surface. This creates heat and transpires into a type of thermal or lifting of air. The air rises because as you heat something, the air expands. (From Colton in Mrs. Woodall's class at Dalton Elementary School in Dalton Gardens)
Hide * What is the most efficient and least expensive way to become a pilot? Show answer
It depends on how much time you can devote to it. Your chances of completing your certificate are much greater if you can devote one full month to learning how to fly versus spreading it out over a year. Set aside the right amount of time and then that will help reduce the cost somewhat. (From Keegan in Meridian)
Hide * What does it look like flying a plane? Show answer
It's just amazing. You take off and watch the airport, neighborhoods and trees getting smaller. It's wonderful to experience the three axes of flight; pitch, roll and yaw. When you are in a car you have two axes, but when you fly, you are working in three dimensions. (From Gabe in Mrs. Hunt's class at Cynthia Mann Elementary School in Boise)
Hide * How is thrust made? Show answer
It's basically the air being forced behind the aircraft and this pushes the craft forward. A single engine airplane has a propeller that rotates, creating lift in the horizontal. We call this thrust. A jet engine takes the air and sucks it into the engine squeezing it down. As the air is squeezed, it heats up. Fuel is then pumped into the engine and an explosion occurs forcing the air out the back of the engine. This creates the thrust that pushes the plane forward. (From Jacob in Mrs. Woodall's class at Dalton Elementary School in Dalton Gardens)
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The Moon (November 2011)
Thanks to Jason Barnes, Professor of Physics, University of Idaho; and Daryl Macomb, Associate Professor of Physics, Boise State University for their answers
* Why is the moon important to the Earth? Show answer
The moon helps stabilize the Earth's rotation axis. The tilt of the Earth's axis causes the seasons. Without the moon, over hundreds of thousands of years, the intensity of Earth's seasons would change. Winters would be colder and summers would be warmer. These changes can cause ice ages or glaciers to move forward and back. (From Daniel in Mrs. Hudson's class at Dalton Elementary School in Dalton Gardens)
Hide * How big is the moon? Show answer
The moon is about one-fourth as big as Earth, but it's only one percent as massive as the Earth. (From Matt in Mrs. Schweitzer's class at Riverside Elementary School in Boise)
Hide * How do stars form? Show answer
Stars are forming all the time. Gravity, which keeps us attached to the planet and causes the moon to orbit the Earth, is ultimately the cause of stars forming. If you have a nebula, a large ball of gas, and there is enough mass, gravity will shrink this gas ball down more and more and eventually most of the mass is built up in the center where a star is. (From Jack at Dalton Elementary School in Dalton Gardens)
Hide * Why doesn't the moon fall down? Show answer
The moon is falling down. The Moon falling keeps it in that stable circular orbit around the Earth. Any object that's in a circular orbit is there because gravity keeps it falling in that orbit. (From Hiram who is homeschooled)
Hide * Can the materials be removed from the moon and taken back to the Earth to study? Show answer
One of the great things about exploring the moon is that we have had the chance for humans to go there and bring back materials for study. The further away something gets, the harder it is to study. (From Christian in Mrs. McCamish-Cameron's class at Grace Jordan Elementary School in Boise)
Hide * What's on the dark side of the moon? Show answer
The dark side of the moon is the night side of the moon and is whichever half is night at a given time. Half the moon is day and half is night and it keeps changing. There is a far side of the moon, the half we can't see. The far side of the moon is all bright. There is hardly any dark material. (From Mahala in Mrs. McCamish-Cameron's class at Grace Jordan Elementary School in Boise)
Hide * Has anyone been able to film a meteor hitting the moon and forming a crater? Show answer
At this point, we have not yet seen an actual meteor hitting the moon. However, the Apollo astronauts in the 1960s took a bunch of pictures of the moon while they were orbiting around. Right now, we have another spacecraft orbiting the moon that's taking much better, high-resolution pictures. We want to compare the two pictures and see if new craters have been formed. (From Gerry in Boise)
Hide * Why does the moon have so much water to pull on the waves and tides, but does not pull up other stuff from the Earth? Show answer
The moon does pull up everything. Everything gets pulled by the moon, back and forth, the land, the water, and the air, but it's all differing amounts. Because the ocean gets pulled more, we see the affect of the tides more. We're being pulled too. We just don't see it because it's in relation to everything that's around us. (From Adria in Mrs. Chaffee's class at Valley View Elementary School in Boise)
Hide * Why do we have different shapes of the moon? Show answer
All the time, half the moon is in the sun and half is in the dark. We see different phases of the moon because we are seeing the shadow of the moon from different positions. What's important is where the moon is with respect to the Earth and the sun. You get a full moon when half the moon is completely illuminated and is on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun. (From Natalie in Mrs. Woodall's class at Dalton Elementary School in Dalton Gardens)
Hide * Why do we only see one side of the moon? Show answer
The moon spins around at the same rate in which it's orbiting around us. So, we see the same side all the time. (From Daniel in Mrs. Woodall's class at Dalton Elementary School in Dalton Gardens)
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Skeletons (October 2011)
Thanks to Dr. Jeffrey Shilt, Director of Pediatric Orthopedics, St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center; Benjamin Davis, Microgravity Researcher, Boise State University; and Dr. Jeff Seegmiller, Assistant Profess for their answers
* How long does it take for a leg bone to be repaired? Show answer
For most of us it takes about six to eight weeks for bones to heal. It can take longer if it's a more complicated break (more pieces to the fracture or more bone pieces to heal), or for people who are older. (From Chloe in Mrs. Schweitzer's class at Riverside Elementary School in Boise)
Hide * Why do bones pop out of their sockets? Show answer
Usually it's because a person has experienced a force that is beyond the capabilities of their joint. When this happens, their bone pops out because it can't handle it anymore. (From Adam at Dalton Elementary School in Dalton Gardens)
Hide * What is the strongest bone in the human body? Show answer
There's no specific answer to that question. It actually differs as you age and depends on how much stress is formed on each part of the body. Certain bones will bear a lot of weight or tension. Therefore a lot of bones are strong enough for the amount of work they are doing. Bones are dynamic, living and growing, so it all depends on each person's body and the particular work their bones are doing. (From Justice in Mrs. Hunt's class at Cynthia Mann Elementary School in Boise)
Hide * Why do we have marrow in our bones? Show answer
Bone marrow provides the source for all the cells in your body that go on and produce other tissues. It gives you all the important cells in your blood stream, and it also provides the basis for cells that help produce the tissues, all the musculoskeletal tissues that you have. It is very important. (From Cooper in Boise)
Hide * What is bone tissue made of? Show answer
It is the outer shell of the bone comprised of connective tissue. It provides the internal support of the body. It differs from bone marrow in that the marrow is in the center of the bone. (From Casey at Dalton Elementary School in Dalton Gardens)
Hide * How do kids like me sprain their ankles? Show answer
When ankles get sprained, you end up hurting a ligament. Ligaments are what hold the bones together. When you land on something you are not expecting, you may roll the joint farther than it was expected to roll. This puts too much stress on the ligament and the ligament ends up getting hurt. (From Sydney at Dalton Elementary School in Dalton Gardens)
Hide * Which bone in your body is the most important? Show answer
It all depends on what you like to do the most. Your skull and vertebral column are very important because they protect your central nervous system and allow you to do all of the complicated things you do. However, if you like to dance, you may be a big fan of the femur and the hip socket. If you are more interested in spelling bees, you would be appreciative of your skull for keeping your brain intact. Teeth are also very important, so as you can see, there are a lot of choices for which is the most important bone. (From Katherine in Mrs. Schweitzer's class at Riverside Elementary School in Boise)
Hide * How does the skull move? Show answer
The skull bones move very little. We call the joints on the skull, sutures, and they move a very small amount in response to trauma or to swelling in the brain. If you are referring to how your head moves in relation to the rest of your body, you need to look at the two bones that are closest to the skull at the top of the spinal chord. These bones allow for all of the movement that we are able to achieve. (From Gabe in Mrs. Hunt's class at Cynthia Mann Elementary School in Boise)
Hide * What is the smallest bone in the human body? Show answer
The smallest bone is the stapes, and it is located in the ear. (From Michael in Mrs. Boehne's class at McDonald Elementary School in Moscow)
Hide * How many bones are there in an average ten-year-old girl's body? Show answer
We have 206 bones. However, before we fully mature, some of those bones are actually in parts, held together by cartilage. Sometimes they may count as even more bones, so younger children may have more bones than adults. (From Chloe in Mrs.Boehne's class at McDonald Elementary School in Moscow)
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Sports Physiology (September 2011)
Thanks to Barrie Steele, Head Athletic Trainer, University of Idaho; Caroline Faure, Assistant Professor of Sports Science and Physical Education, Idaho State University; and Marc Paul, Head Athletic Trainer, B for their answers
* What is a good way to prevent hurting your body while playing sports? Show answer
Sport is stress, so you need to prepare your body to handle that stress. It can be done mentally, physically and nutritionally. Working on flexibility, strength and endurance, as well as rest and hydration, gradually will help your body manage the stress. Hydration is huge in helping to prevent injury. (From Carleigh)
Hide * Is it ok to exercise and not eat a lot? Show answer
No, it is not ok to exercise a lot and not eat a lot. The nutrition you get from food is what fuels your body and gives you energy. It's important to eat well-balanced meals from all the food groups and to hydrate regularly. (From Amber in Mrs. Schweitzer's class at Riverside Elementary School in Boise)
Hide * What sport is best for your body: soccer, football, or baseball? Show answer
As a kid, the sport that is best for your body is the one you enjoy the most. Just make sure you eat well, hydrate, get the right amount of rest, play safely and follow the rules. (From Luke in Mrs. Schweitzer's class at Riverside Elementary School in Boise)
Hide * What do the head coaches of teams expect from the athletes in training? Show answer
Coaches expect athletes to prepare properly, both physically and mentally. Having a good attitude and being willing to work hard are very important. Athletes need to be "coachable," able to listen and accept advice from everyone around them who is interested in helping them improve and be the best they can be. (From Jackson at Liberty Elementary School in Boise)
Hide * What happens if you exercise or run and have asthma? Show answer
If you have asthma, it's important for you to follow your doctor's orders. Pay attention to the warning signs and if an attack comes on, step back, use your inhaler and slow down your activity for a little bit. It's safe for you to play, just play smart. (From Nate in Mrs. Rice's class at Purple Sage Elementary School in Middleton)
Hide * How can I prevent myself from getting concussions? Show answer
It's hard to prevent a concussion. If you use proper techniques, pay attention to where the other players are, and be aware of your surroundings you can help to minimize them. The most important thing is that if you feel you may have a concussion (nausea, headache, light sensitivity, lightheaded, or you just don't feel right), you need to tell somebody and remove yourself from the game. (From Olivia at Hidden Springs Elementary School in Boise)
Hide * If you get injured in a game, when do you know if you should go back in or not? Show answer
If you have an injury that involves a physician or medical professional, let them make the call. Otherwise, when you are able to perform the activity well, and your parents and coach feel it is safe for you to return to the sport, then go ahead and gradually get back into it and start again. (From Harrison in Mrs. Schweitzer's class at Riverside Elementary School in Boise)
Hide * How do you give your ankles more support? Show answer
At the collegiate level, we do a lot of strengthening exercises. Kids are growing fast and going through a lot of changes, so don't worry about getting into a weight room and lifting weights. There are some light strengthening things you can do. Also, kids' ankles are sometimes taped, or we can provide them with braces that they can wear. (From Hunter)
Hide * How do you be a better blocker? Show answer
Listen to your coach. You are going through a lot of physical changes as a kid and you need to be open to suggestions and willing to learn. (From Rowdy at Trail Wind Elementary School in Boise)
Hide * What should you eat before a big game? Show answer
You should make sure you eat a well-balanced meal with protein and carbohydrates. Also, make sure you hydrate. Many people don't start drinking water until they are thirsty, but that's really too late. Start drinking water about an hour and a half before you engage in physical activity in order to hydrate your body properly. (From Ashton and Eva in Mrs. Hunt's class at Cynthia Mann Elementary School in Boise)
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