Aloha Ms. Welch! This quarter we are learning about how organisms reproduce and create offspring with the same traits. We think immediately about the phytoplankton in the water and how it 'blooms.' How do the diatoms and other phytoplankton reproduce, asexually or sexually? My students are about equally split, 50/50. Also, how long does it take for a phytoplankton to reproduce? Lastly, how long do they live and how do you tell old phytoplankton from younger phytoplankton? Mahalo plenty! Mrs. Prevenas and studentsCool

Simone Welch

According to Mike Lomas, out resident phytoplankton ecologist, diatoms have a pretty cool story behind their reproductive cycle. Fist, diatoms expand their shell and girdle- the part that allows them to expand like an accordian. Then, they asexually reproduce into one identically sized diatom and one mini-me. As this event repeats itself over time, the average size of the population drops. Once it reaches a genetically pre-determined average, the diatoms reproduce sexually for a short time and start the cycle all over again. Other phytoplankon reproduces strictly asexually. Phytoplankton doesn't really live long enough to age, they usually only last about a week. Tough gig!

wlliam kevorkian 2-c

Dear Ms. Welch:Mr. Mac is doing a very good job teaching us at Oyster. We are learning how volcanoes erupt. It was pretty cool when the volcano erupted almost out of the container. Are you having a good time out on the ice? How big is the ship? Where do you sleep? What kind of food are you eating? I hope you are staying warm. Make sure the polar bears are keeping away from your materials. Is it fun being with 50 scientists and being one, too.
PS. Please write back.
Best,
William

Simone Welch

Hi William,I'm so excited to hear from you!  I'm glad that you are having fun with Mr. Matt erupting volcanoes!  I am having a great time on the ice.  We played kickball on the ice today- check out tomorrow's journal for pics!
The ship is huge!  It is 8 floors high and 420 feet, 16,000 tons!  We sleep in bunks and eat everyday food in the Mess Hall.  I'm staying warm in lots of special Artic suits.  I love it here but I miss you guys too!
Keep writing and following the adventure!
Ms. W