Silent Spring Book Review essays

Silent Spring Book Review essays Rachel Louise Carson (1907-64), was an American marine biologist, and author of widely read books on ecological themes. Carson was born in Springdale, Pennsylvania, and educated at the former Pennsylvania College for Women and Johns Hopkins University. Rachel Carson taught Zoology at the University of Maryland from 1931 to 1936. She was an aquatic biologist at the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries and its successor, the Fish and Wildlife Service, from 1936 to 1952. Rachel Carson wrote 4 books including The Sea Around Us for which she was awarded the 1952 National Book Award for nonfiction. At the end of Rachel Carson's career she wrote Silent Spring, which questioned the use of Chemical Pesticides and was responsible for arousing world wide concern for the preservation of the environment. Silent Spring takes a hard look at the effects of the insecticides, weed killers and other common products as well as the use of sprays in agriculture. By introducing these deadly substances, we have poisoned or lakes and streams, or wild and domestic animals, and even ourselves. The book focuses on the importance of balance within the environment. Rachel Carson wrote... "Where spraying destroys not only the insects but also their principle enemy, the birds. When later there is a resurgence in the insect population, as almost always happens, the birds are not there to keep their numbers in check." Carson examines the way dangerous chemicals have been used without sufficient research or regard for their potential harm to wildlife, water, soil, and humans, creating an evil chain of poisoning and death. The over use of DDT, dieldrin and other pesticides eventually poisoned an entire world of living things. Silent Spring not only recognizes the severity of the chemicals usage but recognizes the effect of substance use on a community. It helped people to look at the whole picture, to look into the future instead of the now. Carson helps to ...

Borax Crystal Star - How to Grow a Star Crystal

Borax Crystal Star - How to Grow a Star Crystal Grow borax crystals around a star shape to produce a crystal star that also makes a beautiful holiday ornament or decoration. Materials: Borax Crystal Star BoraxWaterPipe cleaner (chenille craft stick)Food coloring (optional) Process Shape a pipe cleaner into a star. Its a good idea to leave one end long so you can hang the star in the crystal growing solution.Prepare a saturated borax solution by dissolving as much borax as possible into boiling hot water. Youll know you have a saturated solution when borax powder starts to accumulate on the bottom of the container.Stir in food coloring, if desired.Hang the star in a clean container (such as a coffee mug or glass) and pour the borax crystal growing solution into the container so that the star is covered. Try to avoid touching the star to the sides or bottom of the container. Crystals will grow on the star even if it is touching the container, but it is much harder to remove the star without damaging it.Allow the crystals to grow until you are satisfied with them. This is usually anywhere from 2-10 hours. Remove the star and allow it to dry.The star may be stored wrapped in tissue paper, kept away from humidity. Other Star Crystals If you dont have borax you can use alum, table salt, or epsom salts. As with the borax, be sure the solution is fully saturated before adding the star shape. Table salt will produce pretty small cubic crystals, while alum will grow large crystals, and epsom salts will grow needle-shaped crystals.