Sheep in Totnes!

A new community sheep farming project has been started in central Totnes, right next to the castle. Local people are helping to look after the sheep and it is hoped that local restaurants will sell the lamb.

So you think you're a Geographer?

Try this game out! Let's see who can get the highest score?


Post your scores on here and the highest by Christmas gets a prize from Mrs McGarry.


mmmm, me thinks it may be edible!


http://http//www.shockwave.com/gamelanding/globegame.jsp

For instant gratification, 'Where in the world was this picture taken, and what are they'?

1st person to Mrs McGarry with the answer gets goodies!

Altocumulus Lenticularis

I spotted these clouds recently from a field near to Totnes. I think they owe their formation to a wave-like flow of air that had been forced over the high ground of Dartmoor and was then descending towards Torbay. Whatever the atmospheric processes involved - they were a pretty amazing sight. (You may also have noticed a bit of Cirrocumulus at the higher altitude)

Year 13 explore the Bay of Naples!

Year 13 geographers joined Mrs Bradley-Smith, Mr Jones and Mr Bowley on a trip to the Bay of Naples, Italy. Above is a photo of the crater of Vesuvius, a volcano located in close proximity to the city of Naples. Hopefully the photo gives you an idea of it's scale, although it is difficult to capture in a photograph!

Here are some of our Year 13 geographers at Solfatara. Solfatara is a shallow volcanic crater near Pozzuoli, close to Naples. The "smokey steam" you can see in the background is a mixture of steam, sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide and a touch of hydrochloric acid. The sulphur dioxide was responsible for making it smell like rotten eggs!

The geographers all learnt a great deal about the tectonic activity in the area, as well as issues surrounding tourism on the Amalfi Coast and diversification in farming. The weather was nice too.....!

Where in the World?

Hopefully, we have all been to at least one new place during the summer holidays that we found to be geographically interesting and inspiring, either abroad or closer to home. These 2 images show scenes from my own personal fave place from the summer hols, but where in the World do you think it might be? (First exact correct answer will receive a small prize).

Weird and Wonderful Limestone.

Whilst on holiday in Andalucia, Southern Spain, the Coles family visited a small and obscure National Park called El Torcal. The area is protected in order to conserve the stunningly beautiful limestone rock formations that have been shaped by weathering proceses over the millenia. Here's a couple of pics to illustrate the wonders of this magical place.

In case it rains all summer

Quiz Yourself !

http://www.triv.net/html/geography.htm

Recycling in Japan

Recycling in the town of Kamikatsu, Japan, has reached new heights. The town now proudly boasts that it produces ZERO waste! Watch the video clip (link below) to see just how they have managed it.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7502071.stm

Earthquake prediction

This is the San Andreas Fault in California. American seismologists have indicated that it may be possible to predict the timing of major earthquakes. This would potentially be a major breakthrough in hazard prediction. There's a short video on the BBC news website:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7498840.stm

ecoescapism is here.

Hmmm.

This is my good friend David Job at Yarde Orchard, near to Torrington on the Devon Coast to Coast Cycleway.

When it comes to ecological ways of living, David has been an enthusiastic and inspirational practitioner for many years.

I recently visited David at Yarde, for a party to celebrate the official opening of the new bunkhouse and waste treatment system.

As you can see hear, David's children were just itching to get the first official glimpse of the new system.

The first flush was anything but a disappointment.

Have a look at David's website

http://www.yarde-orchard.co.uk/

'ecoescape' is well worth a look too - full of ideas for holidays, teaching resources, and essential items.......

http://www.ecoescape.org/

Happy escapism!

Become a GeoSpy!

Another great game to try out!

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/Games/GeographyGames/Geospy

Try the geography quiz!

You think you know Africa from Asia? Atlantic from Pacific? Try the link below and see how well you do!

http://www.lizardpoint.com/fun/geoquiz/

Italy declares Pompeii emergency

Italy declares Pompeii emergency
The ancient city of Pompeii has fallen into such disrepair that the Italian government has declared a "state of emergency" in a bid to save the ruins.
Ministers intend to appoint a special commissioner to oversee the site, and have earmarked extra funding for it.
According to analysts, the ruins have suffered from lack of investment, mismanagement, litter and looting.
Pompeii was buried by a volcanic eruption in AD79 and was not rediscovered until the 18th Century.
The volcanic debris preserved many of the city's buildings, frescos, silverware, mosaics and other artefacts.
But experts complain that the relics are now in danger.
"Every year at least 150 sq m (1,600 sq ft) of fresco and plasterwork are lost for lack of maintenance," Antonio Irlando, a regional councillor responsible for artistic heritage, told the Corriere della Sera newspaper.
"The same goes for stones: at least 3,000 pieces every year end up disintegrating," he said.
Please turn on JavaScript. Media requires JavaScript to play.
A look around the ancient city of Pompeii The ruins are one of Italy's biggest tourist attractions, and the newly-elected government has decided to act.
"To call the situation intolerable doesn't go far enough," Reuters quoted Culture Minister Sandro Bondi as saying.
The "state of emergency" will last for a year.
Story from BBC NEWS:http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/world/europe/7490735.stmPublished: 2008/07/04 18:26:13 GMT© BBC MMVIII

Prince William & Montserrat

Those of you who have participated in "Operation Montserrat" might be interested to know that Prince William has taken part in a similar, yet slightly more interactive, activity with the Royal Navy! Click the link below to read the article and watch the interview with the Prince.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7498550.stm