Water Works Trip 7/28/10

Fairmount Water Works

Fairmount Water Works was very fun despite the heat. While walking towards the water works we drew maps and took pictures of the trail we took. I found that Fairmount Water Works was a very educational place. While at the Philadelphia Water Works we saw a short clip about the history of the Water Works. Almost every activity at the Water Works you are able to interact with. In my opinion you learn better if u have a lot of hands on activity. I learned how back then water wasn't as pure as it is today. For example back then a lot of people used to die from diseases and viruses that was contaminated in the water.That's why we need to appreciate water because there is limited amount for you and me.

~Zamir Ayers

Water Works

The Philadelphia Fairmount water works is located along the Schuykill river. Philadelphia water department was the first in 1801 in America to supply an entire city with drinking water but it wasn’t pure drinking water. Fairmount water works served as a model for more then 30 other American water delivery system.

Fairmount park is one of the most nation’s larges urban parks, and it was this very park that was used to protect Philadelphia drinking water. Sewage treatment plants in America have turned around the health of the country’s great rivers. Wildlife is now returning to the river which for much of the twentieth century, were used as open sewers.

During this visit I learned 80% to 90% of the pollution in our rivers today is caused by storm water running off the land and bringing with it pollutants into the water ways. I learned this from the video we had watched. It had taught me much about the water i used everyday. Like for drinking, washing, cleaning, cooking, and etc. It is important to keep our water safe for you and me.

~Joshua watts

THE FAIRMOUNT WATER WORKS

The water works is a historical landmark on the walk near the Schuylkill river. It began being constructed in 1812 and was later finished in 1815. The design was by Frederick Graph. The water works was used for cleaning the water that we used from the Schuylkill river. It distributed water from a reservoir to old city Philadelphia. The water was pumped by steam pistons until they blew up and where banned. They then used water wheels to drive the pumps since they can’t blow up. The water wheels were effective but when they over flowed they stopped and that was a setback. They then used vertical wheels and they where very effective. the water works plant got closed down because of the pollution.

~Robert Abraham Jr.

The Water Works Museum

On July 28, my group and I went to the Water Works Museum in Philadelphia. The sun was out and we were all hot. There were two more groups that came with us. We all took the subway to get there. When we arrive there our mentor hand out papers for us to do a sketch of the Schuylkill trail while we were walking towards the water Works Museum. When we got there we took a tour around the museum and watch a clip of its history. I learn in the 19th century water was pumped from the Schuylkill River into a reservoir and then distributed through the city via wooden sewer pipes where the Art Museum now stands.

~Bibi A.

Water Works

On June 28, we went to the Fairmout Water Works. We walked all the way from the entrance of the Schuylkill River to the water works museum, it was a long walk, but it was fun. I learned that it used to be a pipe connecting from the water works to the top of the hill where the Philadelphia Museum is now. I also learned that our drinking and tap water was cleaned there. I also learned that when it rains we don’t get new water. When we went inside the Water Works Museum, we watched a short film about how it used to be more difficult to get water from the Schuylkill River because it was way more equipment. Over time it became less difficult because there is newer technology to get the water from the river.

The water works was the first in America to supply an entire city with drinking water. Also, we can make a big difference to the was the river water looks, because if we stop littering on the streets the river will not have so much trash because, when it rains really bad and it push the trash into the sewer and the water from the sewer goes into the river.

~Shaniyah Brooks

Penn’s Landing Trip 7/26/10

THE TRIP TO PENN’S LANDING

The trip to Penn’s Landing was a good way to learn what was there before in the old times like very huge boats that brought in foods and manufactured goods. I also saw people riding on boats and a man riding on a jet ski. Then we talked about how would we improve Penn’s Landing and I said that I would get a band to play a song every week and I would send out posters. Another way I would improve Penn’s Landing is to make a way for kids to go boat riding and to fish. Finally I would find a way to host canoe races for the camps. Later on that day we talked about the different fruit trees like the peach tree and banana trees witch made me want a peach and a banana because I was hungry.Then we went back to the train station got on the sub and went back to temple and that was my trip to Penn’s Landing have a bless and wonderful day.

~Nysae Adams

Penn’s Landing

We went to Penn’s Landing on Monday, July 26. My group went with Sofia’s group. We took the sub and the el. First, we walked through Penn’s Landing. We saw people relaxing and riding their boats. A lady explained the history about Penn’s Landing before it became modernized. We did an activity on the maps around the perimeter of Penn’s Landing. I didn’t like the fact that water from the vending machines was two dollars. There was one water fountain and it was broke. I think there should be at least five water fountains installed all over. I also observed that the Delaware River is bigger than the Schyukill River. Overall, I thought the trip was very educational and exciting.

~Eboney Barnes

Penn’s Landing

When we went to Penn’s Landing I saw people out in the water on ski boats. I liked how all the groups were getting along, and how it wasn’t a lot of people, and the other people were just relaxing. I don’t think there should be any changes to Penn’s Landing. While I was there I learned that some streets in Philadelphia are named after different types of trees.

~Shaniyah B.

Penn's landing

Penn's landing was a very hot site. It was very historic and makes you think about how Philadelphia used to be back then and how it is now. While at Penn's landing we learned about the maps of Philadelphia and the first part of the city.We looked at how trees changed over time.We also saw how the city has changed over the years. While at Penn's we answered a variety of questions on the history of Penn's landing. We even looked at how old our own neighborhood is due to a city time map.

~Zamir Ayers

Trip to the Wissahickon River 7/23/10

Wissahickon

During the Wissahickon walk I learned that it is both natural and construsted. i observed that many people go to this park either to run, walk, or ride there bikes. Also the water there was very nasty looking. It was almost a brownish green. e had gather up some of the water that was there to to test it and to see what was in it. Also we had to walk up and down 100 steps but it didn’t feel like that many. Also during this day it was incredibly hot, and we had to walk. during the walk and accident had occured, witch had caused us to have to leave early.

~Joshua Watts

Wissahickon Park

On July 23 all six groups went to Wissahickon Park. It was so hot that Friday afternoon. I never sweat a lot but when I got to Wissahickon Park, I was very sweaty. The water in the river looked so dirty and polluted. It felt like we were in the woods. We walked around the park for like an hour. We took water and leave samples. Unfortunately, a boy got bit by a pit bull and everyone had to leave. The mentors did a good job by saying everyone had to leave. We went back to the train station and waited for the train for about thirty minutes. I was happy to find out we had to leave because walking around that park was killing me. I do not think I will ever go back.

~Eboney Barnes

Wissahickon

At Wissahickon park we walked down 100 steps, we walked down the path, and while we walked we seen different insects. We collected water samples and leaves, so we could see what was in the water and what type of leaf they were. I didn’t really find anything exciting at the park, except of the big rocks. The changes I would make to the park is to make another path for walking your pets, because it is not safe for animals to walk on the same path as people.

~Shaniyah B.

Wissahickon

Wissahickon was kind of a bad site.While at Wissahickon we seen if the park was constucted or naturally formed.From what we researched wissahickon park was constructed.It is constructed because there is a water pipe that pumps out water to make a little river.Also before you reach the park there is 100 dredging steps you have to walk down.While at the park we took water samples so we can test the water.Before finishing our walk we had to leave early due to a dog bite that left one of our co workers injured.

~Zamir Ayers

Wissahickon park

The wissahickon park is a natural park.It is very interesting. When we were there we saw different bugs and leafs. we saw the water and ow polluted it was. but then we saw a little stream on Lincoln Drive at site 125,where we got the water sample from, that was clean to the point where we could see the rocks through it. We also got a leaf sample from there. It was a nice walk but i would change a few things. i would change the width of the trail so that pedestrians and bikes could go along it without having to move to the side for one or the other could pass. Or just make a bike trail. I would also change the trees that where hanging as if they were just about ready to fall because they are hazardous to the people that are walking the trail.

~Robert Abraham Jr.

Former Mayor Street Visits the Students

Mayor Street

Mayor Street is an incredible inspiration teacher. The speech he gave to the program inspired me in numerous ways. Even though it was an educated lecture, he mad it very interesting by throwing in a couple of jokes every now and then.

Mayor Street was very wise in the situation that he was in, He knew how to catch the people eye (attention) when he felt like he was losing it. He gave away many gifts, manly just money, but that’s what kept the people woke and excited about what he was going to say.

Mayor Street also taught us about luck, and that luck is all around us. He told us that there are the lucky ones, and that there are the ones that aren’t lucky, and that we might be the ones that are unlucky so it is up to us to take hold of our own future and not depend on luck

~Joshua Watts

Mayor John Street

Last week former Mayor Street visited Temple University. All the groups in the BITS program sat around for his presentation. He made everyone put their name inside a hat for prizes. My name came up along with a few others. He focused on future decisions. He also said that your future should not be decided on luck. So, you have to have a plan for your life. Mayor Street also shared a quote “ You will never reach your destination, if you throw a stone at every barking dog”. I took that as cannot let everything distract you because you will never reach your destination or your purpose in life.

~Eboney Barnes

Former Mayor Street

The former mayor of Philadelphia John Street gave an entertaining presentation on life lessons. He demonstrated these by doing different exercises and activities involving the audience(us).

One life lesson was “Do not depend on luck” he demonstrated this by put every ones name in a hat and pulling out random names so it was just luck of the draw to see who won either the money or the Obama gear.

Another life lesson was that in life you need goals because “if you don't have a destination you will never arrive”.

I liked the way he Incorporated the audience into his presentation. The presentation was not boring because of that. He also grabbed the attention of the audience by giving prizes and gifts out to those who participated.

I really wouldn’t change everything about it. but if one thing had to change it would be to try to make the presentation a bit longer.

~Robert AJr.

Mayor Street

When mayor Street was here at Temple, I had a lot of fun. I liked that he had a sense of humor. While he was here I learned new quotes to go by like “if you stop to throw a stone at every barking dog, you will not reach your destination.” The quote means that if you let things distract you from doing what you’re doing you will never get there. I wouldn’t change anything about when he came because it was fun.

~Shaniya Brooks

Mayor John Street

When mayor John Street came to our program it was a very cool experience.He made it a fun and cool experience. Mayor street talked to us about preparing ahead.Mayor street speech really made you think about what do you want for yourself. Every goal needs preparation to get there.Like mayor street said “a dream without preparation is just a wish”.Mayor street has alot of humor but is very serious about young peoples future. Mayor street wants the best for young people and wants them to do better than he did.

~Zamir Ayers

Mayor Street's Visit

I came late the day the mayor was here because my trolley broke down. So I missed part of his speech. The parts I did get to see were surprisingly funny, which was amazing to me because when he was running for mayor all of his speeches were boring.

During his speech he didnt really talk a lot but he taught us stuff we would need later on in life. Firs he made everyone write there name down on a peace of paper and put the names in a hat. Then he withdrawed from the hat. Who ever name did get picked got some money from a bag. A couple of people won more money then the other.

Then we played another game. It was a game he played while he was growing up you couldn't laugh or speak for five minutes. Someone came close but the mayor said virgana. And the whole room started laughing even the boy who was close. Thats why he lost.

Finally at the end he told us why he made us play them games. Why because he wanted us to never depend on luck but to go and get a deploma make money on are own

~Gary Bates

The Mayor John Street

During the visit , He talked about his life in North Philadelphia and how it all begin . He also talked about how he was a student at Temple University . AND how much effort he had to put into becoming a mayor . Then he gave us some good advice of being capable to reach our goal in the future.

~Maurticia Brinkley

Research on Delaware River Ports 7/22/10

Delaware River Ports

There are over six major active ports facilities in the Philadelphia area. The Philadelphia Port is the most talked about. They are located all over the city. Yes. there were more ports, but over time they were changed into piers. The Port of Philadelphia lies where the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers meet in southeastern Pennsylvania. The products that come through the ports have to by with health care, food industries, and oil.

Penn’s Landing is a pier located in Philadelphia. It is also affiliated with festivals and activities. This area is located along the Delaware River which gives it one of the best atmospheres in the state. There are many restaurants located at Penn’s Landing, and plans for two casinos are in the works. It took 300 years to build.

~Eboney Barnes

~RobertAJr

The Delaware River

The Delaware river is a very interesting place.There are over six ports in Philadelphia.There used to be more ports but during the war of 1812 it was destroyed. Some products that came through Philadelphia was health care products and food.The place these products come from is different states that is more wealthier than us. As of today the the Delaware river is used for a transporting goods to and from Philadelphia. Penn's landing is a pier at the pier there is spots for ships to stop and drop off useful products.The pier was built to make ships more accessible to the city.

~Zamir Ayers

The Delaware River

There are more than 130 ports. The development, maintenance and expansion of port facilities and inlets are significant activities in Florida's coastal waters. These activities can have many potential effects on the Florida manatee population due to alteration of habitat, habitat use patterns and direct physical threats from dredging, material transport, vessel access, blasting and other construction activities. Therefore, careful planning of all port and inlet projects with a responsible eye toward manatee and manatee habitat protection is essential. Often, Department approvals may have special conditions for the protection of manatees and their habitat.

~Maurticia Brinkley

The Delaware River

There are 8 active ports. There used to be more ports, in the 1800’s and 1900’s. The products that come through the Philadelphia ports are, food processing, oil refining, financial services, health care, biotechnology, and tourism. The products come from The Sydney Marine Group. The waterfront are currently not being used, they are just empty lots. Penn's Landing is the waterfront area of the Center City along the Delaware River section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

~Shaniyah Brooks