I liked this field trip very much, it was really fun. I learned a lot like how the temperature of the water changed as the seasons changed. I also learned about a plant that works like a bug repellent when it is rubbed on your skin, it was called Tansy. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tansy. The Tansy’s scientific name is Tanacetum vulgare. It can grow anywhere from 50-150 cm tall with leaves that can be 10-15 cm long. The tansy plant can be used in different ways and is toxic if consumed in large quantities. It contains toxic compounds including thujone which causes convulsions and brain and liver damage. It can be used to treat intestinal worms, digestive problems, fevers, and sores. It also can cause dermatitas if used by someone with sensitive skin.
This is a picture of a Tansy plant. We saw it when we were on our way back from the water catching lobsters. It was really interesting because Mr. Harty works there and he explained how he would use it when he did not have any bug spray. I find it interesting how you can use these herbs as a bug repellent and how someone found that out. I would like to know who was the one to find out that it could be used as bug repellent because I can not find out who it was from the internet.
Tansy Bug Repellent
October 9, 2012 by chappyz
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Kyle Chute
Oceanography
October 8, 2012
Pagurus Bernhardus
Recently my Oceanography class went to Odiorne State Park. The Hermit Crab or Pagurus Bernhardus was the most prominent animal that I discovered amongst the sand and rocks. I learned that the Hermit Crab can be found here on our beaches in the north east, to as far as coastlines in Russia. I mostly found this animal in the tide pools that had formed due to the low tide on the beach that we were located at. I also learned that Hermit Crabs tend to change their shells quite often. This is interesting to me because it shows how the Hermit Crab is always changing and adapting to their environment. Many other species would be doomed if there habitat was changed on a constant basis. Ordiorne State Park was a great place to go for a class field trip. It had a great amount of wildlife and information for me to learn more about Oceanography and Marine Sciences. The Hermit Crab shell change is a large part of their life. Here is an actual shell change taking place in real life. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jZe_VGLRYI. Odiorne state park is a great place to visit no matter what time of the year, proof of that is here; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtfPWmGxIoI. Oceanography is an interesting field if you like to boat or would like to know more about the ocean. New England’s climate plays a big part in where Hermit Crabs choose to live in the north east.