I'm dreaming of a white winter....

Okay, okay, I know what you are thinking, "Why on earth is Amy thinking about snow already? She must be completley crazy!" Well okay, maybe I am a little crazy. We are experiencing some especially beautiful weather right now and there are many fun activities to do in fall. However, I love winter! I do not love Wisconsin icy roads or extremely cold weather but there are so many fun things to do in winter, and I can't wait to do them! I love ice climbing, skiing, and snowshoeing and naturally you can only experience these activities during Wisconsin's winters.So in thinking about the activities I am looking forward to this winter, I started thinking about the science that goes along with these activities. As I go ice climbing I experience science as temperature changes directly effect the ice I am climbing. If the temperature is too warm, the ice is very wet and difficult to climb because the picks easily get stuck. If the temperature is too cold, the ice becomes very brittle and shatters in pieces when you hit it. Science and math are present when we tie ropes and use angles and pulley systems to help us climb. As I snow shoe it takes the integration of math and science to explain how snowshoes keep you from sinking in knee high snow banks. When I go skiing the weather patterns and temperatures directly effect the quality of the skiing. Snow temperature effect the type of wax put onto the skis, and the temperature of the iron used to apply the ski wax. Down hill ski racers use this science to compete at their best. Even for the snow to fall science is in charge. Social studies also plays because there are certain regions of the United States that receive different amounts of snow, or no snow at all. I will enjoy this fall's activities as well observing how science is involved with the seasons changes, but I look especially forward to this winter to see what science has in store for my activities.