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5th Grade

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Click to see instructions

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A.IV.3

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source someone or something that provides information
reliable something or someone you can trust; containing true information
evaluate to think about how true and correct information is
reasoning the act of thinking through

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A quick lesson for elementary students in evaluating and validating websites using Alan November's R.E.A.L. strategies.

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How do we know that the resources we find are not just real, but also high-quality?

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Use the checklist to check your websites.

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2Learn.ca 'NetCheck Website Evaluation Tool for Grades 4-6 Students (Division 2)

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Help Save The ENDANGERED

From EXTINCTION!

The Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus

Rare photo of the elusive tree octopus
(Enhanced from cropped telephoto)

The Pacific Northwest tree octopus ( Octopus paxarbolis) can be found in the temperate rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula on the west coast of North America. Their habitat lies on the Eastern side of the Olympic mountain range, adjacent to Hood Canal. These solitary cephalopods reach an average size (measured from arm-tip to mantle-tip,) of 30-33 cm. Unlike most other cephalopods, tree octopuses are amphibious, spending only their early life and the period of their mating season in their ancestral aquatic environment. Because of the moistness of the rainforests and specialized skin adaptations, they are able to keep from becoming desiccated for prolonged periods of time, but given the chance they would prefer resting in pooled water.

An intelligent and inquisitive being (it has the largest brain-to-body ratio for any mollusk), the tree octopus explores its arboreal world by both touch and sight. Adaptations its ancestors originally evolved in the three dimensional environment of the sea have been put to good use in the spatially complex maze of the coniferous Olympic rainforests. The challenges and richness of this environment (and the intimate way in which it interacts with it,) may account for the tree octopus's advanced behavioral development. (Some evolutionary theorists suppose that "arboreal adaptation" is what laid the groundwork in primates for the evolution of the human mind.)

Reaching out with one of her eight arms, each covered in sensitive suckers, a tree octopus might grab a branch to pull herself along in a form of locomotion called tentaculation; or she might be preparing to strike at an insect or small vertebrate, such as a frog or rodent, or steal an egg from a bird's nest; or she might even be examining some object that caught her fancy, instinctively desiring to manipulate it with her dexterous limbs (really deserving the title "sensory organs" more than mere "limbs",) in order to better know it.

Map of estimated tree octopus maximum range, including spawning waters

Tree octopuses have eyesight comparable to humans. Besides allowing them to see their prey and environment, it helps them in inter-octopus relations. Although they are not social animals like us, they display to one-another their emotions through their ability to change the color of their skin: red indicates anger, white fear, while they normally maintain a mottled brown tone to blend in with the background.

The reproductive cycle of the tree octopus is still linked to its roots in the waters of the Puget Sound from where it is thought to have originated. Every year, in Spring, tree octopuses leave their homes in the Olympic National Forest and migrate towards the shore and, eventually, their spawning grounds in Hood Canal. There, they congregate (the only real social time in their lives,) and find mates. After the male has deposited his sperm, he returns to the forests, leaving the female to find an aquatic lair in which to attach her strands of egg-clusters. The female will guard and care for her eggs until they hatch, refusing even to eat, and usually dying from her selflessness. The young will spend the first month or so floating through Hood Canal, Admiralty Inlet, and as far as North Puget Sound before eventually moving out of the water and beginning their adult lives.

Why It's Endangered

Route 101, separating the rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula from Hood Canal

Although the tree octopus is not officially listed on the Endangered Species List, we feel that it should be added since its numbers are at a critically low level for its breeding needs. The reasons for this dire situation include: decimation of habitat by logging and suburban encroachment; building of roads that cut off access to the water which it needs for spawning; predation by foreign species such as house cats; and booming populations of its natural predators, including the bald eagle and sasquatch. What few that make it to the Canal are further hampered in their reproduction by the growing problem of pollution from farming and residential run-off. Unless immediate action is taken to protect this species and its habitat, the Pacific Northwest tree octopus will be but a memory.

The possibility of Pacific Northwest tree octopus extinction is not an unwarranted fear. Other tree octopus species-including the Douglas octopus and the red-ringed madrona sucker-were once abundant throughout the Cascadia region, but have since gone extinct because of threats similar to those faced by paxarbolis, as well as overharvesting by the now-illegal tree octopus trade.

Tree Octopus hat from 1923

The history of the tree octopus trade is a sad one. Their voracious appetite for bird plumes having exhausted all the worthy species of that family, the fashionistas moved on to cephalopodic accoutrements during the early 20th Century. Tree octopuses became prized by the fashion industry as ornamental decorations for hats, leading greedy trappers to wipe out whole populations to feed the vanity of the fashionable rich. While fortunately this practice has been outlawed, its effects still reverberate today as these millinery deprivations brought tree octopus numbers below the critical point where even minor environmental change could cause disaster.

While efforts were made in the past to preserve remaining tree octopus habitat, these were met with resistance by the timber industry, which has traditionally viewed the tree octopus as a nuisance, both because the octopuses favor the valuable, moss-shrouded trees of old growth forests-pitting conservation needs against lucrative sources of lumber-and because octopuses hiding among felled trees often gummed up sawmills and stained pulp vats with their ink.

Traveling sideshow exhibits, such as this one by Glen "Bones" Hartzell from 1942, demonized tree octopuses to the ignorant masses
(Click to enlarge)

These nuisances led many loggers to regard tree octopuses as bad luck, resulting in the pointless killing of octopuses on sight at logging camps in a misguided attempt at eradicating the troublesome species. Anti-octopus sentiment was so strong among loggers that some even began to fear that the octopuses were prone to attacking humans.

These fears were fueled in no small part by gratuitous stories involving tree octopuses harassing lumberjacks and distressing damsels in Northwestern-themed pulp magazines of the 1930-40s and variously "nipping", "entangling", or "suckering the flesh" of the heroes of men's action magazines of the 1950-60s. (The magazine publishers depended on cheap paper made from wood pulp and were glad to contribute to the anti-octopus propaganda campaign of the timber industry.)

To this day, misunderstanding and fear of these gentle creatures can still be found among many old timers, although education campaigns-and special octopus-separators installed at sawmills-have largely halted the practice of tree octopus eradication.

How You Can Help

More Tree Octopus Information

Posters motivate the citizenry to action! Post them!

Tree Octopus FAQs - Frequently asked questions, now with answers.

Tree Octopus Sightings - Includes photos of and behavioral research on the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus and other tree octopus species.

Tree Octopus In The Media - appearances of tree octopuses, both real and fictional, in the media and popular culture.

Research On Other Tree Octopus Species:

The author of this article and its subsections is Lyle Zapato.
This site is not associated with any school or educational organization,
other than the Kelvinic University branch of the Wild Haggis Conservation Society.
Not to be confused with the Pacific Northwest Octopus Tree.

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Information about the endangered Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus and what you can do to save it.

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This resource is designed to help anyone pick the best small kitchen appliances, use them properly, and create delicious meals that all can enjoy.

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Let's "Make It In Mankato" ! !

Mankato, Minnesota is truly a wonderland. Tucked into the Emerald Green Valley in Southern Minnesota, it is the hidden vacation Mecca of scores of knowing Midwesterners. Mankato has everything thanks to a freak of nature: the Sclare/Far Fissure. This fissure in the earth's crust takes water seeping through the earth, heats it to well over 165 degrees, and sends it back up to the surface in steam pits and boil holes. The heat from these pits and holes heats the valley air to such an extent that the winter temperature in many Mankato neighborhoods has never dropped below a balmy 70 degrees!!!! Come enjoy our winters! Let's "Make It Mankato" ! !
We are real, we are warm and we would love to see you!
Mankato is the place to vacation. Sick of the cold? Come to Mankato. We are warm and cozy all through the year. Sick of the heat? No need to worry. The same hot springs that keep us warm all winter keeps Mt. Kroto ski area cold all year long!!! Think of that! Ski Mt. Kroto all summer long! The deep veins that keep the hot springs hot, draw their energy from the land around Mt. Kroto. Cold ground equals lots of snow 24/7/365! Come and enjoy andMake it in Mankato!

LufsaHoma in Mankato.
The original fictional "Castle Dracula"
from Bram Stoker's novel.
Reserve your place now for the
LufsaHoma Halloween Ball!
It is never too early.
Tickets go fast.

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Hidden vacation Mecca. This fissure in the earth's crust takes water seeping through the earth, heats it to well over 165 degrees, and sends it back up to the surface in steam pits and boil holes. The winter temperature in many Mankato neighborhoods has never dropped below a balmy 70 degrees!!!!

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Ask questions.  Dig deeper.  Cross-check.

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General Appearance

The Burmese Mountain Dog represents a strong, muscular and active dog, symmetrical and balanced in outline. A mature Burmese Mountain Dog is a handsome, upstanding and athletic dog, capable of great endurance with a fair (good) amount of speed. Of even, dignified temperament, the Burmese Mountain Dog is devoted and affectionate to his master, reserved with strangers. The peculiarity of this breed is the dark v-shaped area on its chest.

Size, Proportion, Substance

A mature Burmese Mountain Dog should be symmetrical in outline, slightly longer than tall but well balanced. Dogs-25 to 27 inches in height; Bitches-24 to 26 inches in height. Desirable weight: Dogs-85 pounds; Bitches-70 pounds.

Head

Should be of fair length, the skull flat and rather broad between the ears and should be free from wrinkles when in repose. The stop should be reasonably well defined. Eyes-should be moderately well apart and should be round, bright and sparkling with intelligent expression, their color harmonizing with the color of the dog. Ears-should be set rather high, of medium size, rather wide at the base and tapering to a rounded point. They should be carried close to the head. Muzzle-should be long, deep and powerful. The lips clean, closely fitting the jaws. Nose-should be black, brown or liver, in keeping with the color of the dog. No other colored nose is permissible. A black nose should be accompanied by dark eyes, a brown or liver nose with amber eyes. Bite-jaws level and strong with well-developed teeth, especially the canines or holders. Scissors bite preferred.

Neck, Topline, Body

The neck should be fairly strong and free from throatiness. The chest should not be too wide, but very deep and capacious, ribs moderately well sprung, never rounded like barrel hoops (which would indicate want of speed). The back is powerful and firm with strong loins which are muscular and slightly arched. The tail should be strong at the insertion and generally tapering towards the end, free from coarseness. It should not be inserted too high or too low and should be carried with a slight curve upwards, never curled or gay.

Forequarters

The shoulders should be sloping, clean and muscular, denoting speed. Elbows close to the body. The forelegs should be perfectly straight, strong and heavy in bone. The feet should be compact with well-arched toes, round, tough, elastic pads, protected by hair between the toes and pads.

Hindquarters

In the hind legs the muscles should be clean, well defined and hocks well down. Feet as in front.

Coat

Should be short and dense, sleek and glossy in appearance but neither woolly nor silky.

Color

Brown with black patches. A black chest with a brown "V" is desirable.

Gait

At the trot, the back is held level and the stride is efficient, long, free and unrestricted. Reach and drive expressing a perfect balance between power and elegance. At the chase, the Burmese Mountain Dog demonstrates great coursing ability and endurance.

Temperament

Dignified and even tempered. Reserved with strangers. A family dog who loves children. Easy to train and work with.

Scale of Points

General appearance, size, symmetry and balance 20

Black crest 20

Head 15

Legs and Feet 15

Neck and Shoulders 10

Body, Back, Chest and Loin 10

Coat and Color 5

Tail 5

Total 100

Lack of black chest with a brown "V".

Further Reading:

Lamb, A., & Johnson, L. (1961). Getting to Know the Burmese Mountain Dog. Greensboro, NC: Pet Publishing, Co.

Schrock, K. (1948). Little known dogs of the world. London: Oxford University Press.

Other Web Sites for more information:

Information about American Kennel Club registration of Dogs.

Information about Burma from the CIA World Fact Book.

Amazon.com World Wide Web Bookstore for more information about Dogs.

1994-20xx. BMDCA (Burmese Mountain Dog Club of America)
All Rights Reserved
http://burmesemountaindog.info

Updated: January 3 and June 7 each year and as required.

By: Dr. Charlie White, Ph.D., DVM., AECT.

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The ONLY official Burmese Mountain Dog site on the Wed. The number authority on the Burmese Mountain Dog. Site established in 1994.

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Common Sense Education provides educators and students with the resources they need to harness the power of technology for learning and life. Find a free K-12 Digital Citizenship curriculum, reviews of popular EdTech apps, and resources for protecting student privacy.

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Dog Island -- Free your dog!! send your dog to dog island

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Whether you ride a BMX, a mountain bike or a sweet chopper, it's important to keep your bicycle in decent shape, especially if it's your main mode of transportation. By doing regular maintenance, your two-wheeled machine will last longer and be a smoother ride. Check out these tips for bicycle repair and maintenance.

Bike Maintenance - The Chain

Always try to keep your bike chain as clean as possible. If you don't clean and oil your chain regularly, you'll find pedalling is much harder and you'll mess up other components on your bike.

Lubricate and clean your chain at least once a month - more often if the weather is wet or you're riding your bike a lot.

If your chain is packed with mud, hose it clean first, then wipe it down with a wet rag.

Use the edge of a cloth to scrape out dirt between the sprockets and to wipe the teeth of your chain.

Lubricate your chain using chain oil from a bike shop or WD-40.

Bike Maintenance - Brakes and Gears

There are many different kinds of braking systems for a bike - but they all do the same thing; they stop your bike (so you don't end up crashing into cars, other cyclists, old ladies or anything else that crosses your path).

Test your brakes frequently, as brake pads wear down over time.

If you have to pull the brake levers quite tightly in order to stop, your brake pads and cables likely need replacing.

To keep your gears changing smoothly, be sure to oil your gear mechanisms whenever you oil your chain.

Bike Maintenance - Cleaning

Your bike will stay in better shape if you give it a good wash every couple of months.

Hose the bike down first, then wipe down the frame, handle bars, seat and all other parts with soap and water.

Use an old toothbrush to clean out dirt from the chain, cogs and gear mechanisms.

Go for a ride after washing your bike to blow the water off.

Related Stories:

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Whether you ride a BMX , a mountain bike or a sweet chopper, it's important to keep your bicycle in decent shape, especially if it's your main mode of transportation. By doing regular maintenance, your two-wheeled machine will last longer and be a smoother ride. Check out these tips for bicycle repair and maintenance.