GEM-SET

GEM-SET DAILY DIGEST ARCHIVE FOR FOR DECEMBER 2003
(Most recent digest is on top. Scroll down to see earlier digests.)

GEM-SET DAILY DIGEST FOR DECEMBER 29, 2003
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WELCOME TO the Girls' Electronic Mentoring in Science, Engineering, and Technology program.
To post a question or a response, send it to GEM-SET@uic.edu along with your NAME and STATE.
To learn more about the GEM-SET program go to:http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/faq.htm
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GEM-SET is applying for support from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Education Foundation's National Youth Program Council. Are you a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers? If yes, please send a message to GEM-SET@uic.edu with a description of your participation with SME. Thanks!
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Topic of the month for DECEMBER:
Student members, please take a few moments to read about the career planning used by our mentors as they entered college. Insightful ideas about career goal flexibility are provided at http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/scholarsnov03.htm
Now take a moment to think about your career goals at your current stage in life. What do you think your college major will be? What career field(s) do you want to pursue?
Send your response to GEM-SET@uic.edu
All responses are posted at http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/scholars.htm
Certificates and prizes available to all members who answer before January 1st!
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Questions for Mentors:
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Q: (Initially posted December 29, 2003) FROM STUDENT MEMBER JENNIFER
Hello,
This is my first time messaging, so here goes:
I want my major in college to be bioengineering. I know bioengineering
combines biology and engineering, and I like biology and math. But I have some
questions about it:
1) Is it easy to obtain a job? What kind of job? A job in a laboratory?
2) What are the prerequisites to obtaining a job related to bioengineering?
a PhD? creativity? sleight in hand?
3) What are some good schools that are famous for bioengineering? Famous
professors?
Any Nobel prize winners who received the award due to success in
bioengineering?
4) I'm in 10th grade right know, and I want to start preparing for my major.
Are biology and math the only subjects that I need to excel in [at this point]?
5) What courses do I need to take in college for a major in biochemistry?
6) My school offers Computer Science. Should I take it to benefit my future
major?
Thank you so much in advance! I had these questions for a long time, but I
had no one to ask them to. But now I finally do!
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Q: (Initially posted December 29, 2003) FROM STUDENT MEMBER VALKYRIE S. IN INDIANA
In order to get into the National Honors Society at my school, you have to
have been in several leadership roles. A few of my friends missed getting
accepted into the NHS because of their lack of prior leadership roles. I
was wondering, where do you think I could get experience doing things [that will give me leadership role experience]? Thanks!
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Q: (Initially posted December 29, 2003) FROM STUDENT MEMBER PUI F. IN IL
Hi! I have a question about choosing a major and my career.
I really love math, physics, and chemistry a lot. Nonetheless, it seems that majoring in science does not guarantee a decent job. I want to get a well-paid job as well as fulfilling my dream. Could you give me some advice?
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Q&A
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Q: (Initially posted December 26, 2003) FROM JAE Y. in TX
Does community service matter in order to get into a good university?
A: http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/archive031229q1.htm
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END
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GEM-SET DAILY DIGEST FOR DECEMBER 26, 2003
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WELCOME TO the Girls' Electronic Mentoring in Science, Engineering, and Technology program.
To post a question or a response, send it to GEM-SET@uic.edu.
To learn more about the GEM-SET program go to:http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/faq.htm
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Announcements:
GEM-SET Daily Digest will not be sent on December 25th. The Digest will resume on December 26th.
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GEM-SET is applying for support from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) Education Foundation's National Youth Program Council. Are you a member of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers? If yes, please send a message to GEM-SET@uic.edu with a description of your participation with SME. Thanks!

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Topic of the month for DECEMBER:
Student members, please take a few moments to read about the career planning used by our mentors as they entered college. Insightful ideas about career goal flexibility are provided at http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/scholarsnov03.htm
Now take a moment to think about your career goals at your current stage in life. What do you think your college major will be? What career field(s) do you want to pursue?
Send your response to GEM-SET@uic.edu
All responses are posted at http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/scholars.htm
Certificates and prizes available to all members who answer before January 1st!
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Question for Mentors:
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Q: (Initially posted December 17, 2003) FROM MEMBER CHAU L. IN TX
Which is the best college for Computer Science in Texas? How about [other strong programs in Computer Science] across the U.S.???
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Q&A
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Q: (Initially posted December 20, 3002) FROM MEMBER ALLIE R. IN KY
I am a senior in high school and am looking at different career choices. I am interested in becoming an anesthesiologist. I was wondering how much school I would have to take and [what special training I will need to become one]?
A: http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/archive031223q1.htm
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Q: (Initially posted December 17, 2003) FROM MEMBER JULIE D. IN IL
My college plan is to go into veterinary medicine. I would really like to receive more information on colleges if the mentors can provide it.I would appreciate it, thank you.
A: http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/archive031223q2.htm
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END
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GEM-SET DAILY DIGEST FOR DECEMBER 20, 2003
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WELCOME to the Girls' Electronic Mentoring in Science, Engineering, and Technology program.
To post a question or a response, send it to GEM-SET@uic.edu.
To learn more about the GEM-SET program go to:http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/faq.htm
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Announcements:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Summer Program for Girls
Grade: Girls must currently be in 11th grade to apply
Deadline: postmarked no later than February 3, 2004
The Women's Technology Program at MIT is a 4-week summer residence
program to introduce high school girls to electrical engineering and computer
science. If you know a girl who is currently a HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR with
demonstrated math and science ability and an interest in finding out about
EECS, please encourage her to visit the MIT website for more information and for
an application form (applications are due February 3, 2004):
http://wtp.mit.edu

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Topic of the month for DECEMBER:
Student members, please take a few moments to read about the career planning used by our mentors as they entered college. Insightful ideas about career goal flexibility are provided at http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/scholarsnov03.htm
Now take a moment to think about your career goals at your current stage in life. What do you think your college major will be? What career field(s) do you want to pursue?
Send your response to GEM-SET@uic.edu
All responses are posted at http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/scholars.htm
Certificates and prizes available to all members who answer before January 1st!
********************
Questions for Mentors:
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Q: (Initially posted December 20, 3002) FROM MEMBER ALLIE R. IN KY
I am a senior in high school and am looking at different career choices. I am interested in becoming an anesthesiologist. I was wondering how much school I would have to take and [what special training I will need to become one]?
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Q: (Initially posted December 17, 2003) FROM MEMBER CHAU L. IN TX
Which is the best college for Computer Science in Texas? How about [other strong programs in Computer Science] across the U.S.???
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Q&A
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Q: (Initially posted December 17, 2003) FROM MEMBER JULIE D. IN IL
My college plan is to go into veterinary medicine. I would really like to receive more information on colleges if the mentors can provide it.I would appreciate it, thank you.
A: http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/archive031220q1.htm
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Q: (Initially posted December 17, 2003) FROM MEMBER LAUREN S. IN CT
I LOVE science, but I'm not doing extremely well in biology, and I just took
the NADT tests, and science wasn't one of my strong points. Surprisingly, in school,
my highest grade is in world history, and I tested the best in history on the NADT
test. What should I do? The only job opportunity [that I know about] containing history, science, and little math (I hate math) is archaeology. Are there any others?
A: http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/archive031220q2.htm
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Q: (Initially posted on December 15, 2003) FROM MEMBER JUANA IN NY
I've been invited to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine, but I cant afford the cost. The tuition is $1990. Do you know of any organizations/people/ foundations I can write to that would be willing to give me a scholarship for this 10-day summer program in Massachusetts?
I was hoping to receive a scholarship from the program, but I was told last week that I did not get it. So I have until December 30 to raise the money, and I've tried to call medical organizations but all have said they don't give those sort of scholarships. Do you have any suggestions as to how I can raise my own funds?
A: http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/archive031220q3.htm
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Q: (Initially posted on December 11, 20030 FROM MODERATOR DARA S. IN IL
If you had to choose between a high paying job with much responsibility, potential for advancement and no vacation, or a low paying job with low stress, and plenty of vacation time, which would you choose and why?
A: http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/archive031220q4.htm
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END
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GEM-SET DAILY DIGEST FOR DECEMBER 18, 2003
********************
WELCOME TO the Girls' Electronic Mentoring in Science, Engineering, and Technology program.
All new members are invited to learn more about GEM-SET by reading the
"Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) section of the web site located at
http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/faq.htm
********************
Announcements:
GEM-SET student scholarships for science, engineering, and technology programs are listed on the home page at http://www.gem-set.org
GEM-SET mentor job opportunities are posted at
http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/archivejobs.htm

GEM-SET DAILY DIGEST FOR DECEMBER 17, 2003
********************
WELCOME TO the Girls' Electronic Mentoring in Science, Engineering, and Technology program.
All new members are invited to learn more about GEM-SET by reading the "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) section of the web site located at
http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/faq.htm
********************
Announcements:
GEM-SET student scholarships for science, engineering, and technology programs are listed on the home page at http://www.gem-set.org
GEM-SET mentor job opportunities are posted at
http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/archivejobs.htm

********************
Topic of the month for DECEMBER:
Student members, please take a few moments to read about the career planning used by our mentors as they entered college. Insightful ideas about career goal flexibility are provided at http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/scholarsnov03.htm
Now take a moment to think about your career goals at your current stage in life. What do you think your college major will be? What career field(s) do you want to pursue?
Send your response to GEM-SET@uic.edu
All responses are posted at http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/scholars.htm
Certificates and prizes available to all members who answer before January 1st!
********************
Questions for Mentors:
********************
Q: (Initially posted December 17, 2003) FROM MEMBER JULIE D. IN IL
My college plan is to go into veterinary medicine. I would really like to receive more information on colleges if the mentors can provide it.I would appreciate it, thank you.
*******************
Q: (Initially posted December 17, 2003) FROM MEMBER LAUREN S. IN CT
I LOVE science, but I'm not doing extremely well in biology, and I just took
the NADT tests, and science wasn't one of my strong points. Surprisingly, in school,
my highest grade is in world history, and I tested the best in history on the NADT
test. What should I do? The only job opportunity [that I know about] containing history, science, and little math (I hate math) is archaeology. Are there any others?
********************
Q: (Initially posted December 17, 2003) FROM MEMBER CHAU L. IN TX
Which is the best college for Computer Science in Texas? How about [other strong programs in Computer Science] across the U.S.???
********************
Q&A
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Q: (Initially posted on December 15, 2003) FROM MEMBER JUANA IN NY
I've been invited to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine, but I cant afford the cost. The tuition is $1990. Do you know of any organizations/people/ foundations I can write to that would be willing to give me a scholarship for this 10-day summer program in Massachusetts?
I was hoping to receive a scholarship from the program, but I was told last week that I did not get it. So I have until December 30 to raise the money, and I've tried to call medical organizations but all have said they don't give those sort of scholarships. Do you have any suggestions as to how I can raise my own funds?

Thanks,
Juana, NY
A: http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/archive031217q1.htm
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Q: (Initially posted on December 11, 20030 FROM MODERATOR DARA S. IN IL
If you had to choose between a high paying job with much responsibility, potential for advancement and no vacation, or a low paying job with low stress, and plenty of vacation time, which would you choose and why?
A: http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/archive031217q2.htm
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END
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GEM-SET DAILY DIGEST FOR DECEMBER 15, 2003
********************
WELCOME TO the Girls' Electronic Mentoring in Science, Engineering, and Technology program.
All new members are invited to learn more about GEM-SET by reading the "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) section of the web site located at
http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/faq.htm
********************
Announcements:
GEM-SET student scholarships for science, engineering, and technology programs are listed on the home page at http://www.gem-set.org
GEM-SET mentor job opportunities are posted at
http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/archivejobs.htm

Thanks,
Juana, NY
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END
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GEM-SET DAILY DIGEST FOR DECEMBER 13, 2003
********************
WELCOME TO the Girls' Electronic Mentoring in Science, Engineering, and Technology program.
All new members are invited to learn more about GEM-SET by reading the "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) section of the web site located at
http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/faq.htm
********************
Announcements:
GEM-SET student scholarships for science, engineering, and technology programs are listed on the home page at http://www.gem-set.org
GEM-SET mentor job opportunities are posted at
http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/archivejobs.htm

GEM-SET DAILY DIGEST FOR DECEMBER 9, 2003
********************
WELCOME TO the Girls' Electronic Mentoring in Science, Engineering, and Technology program.
All new members are invited to learn more about GEM-SET by reading the "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) section of the web site located at
http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/faq.htm
********************
Announcements:
GEM-SET student scholarships for science, engineering, and technology programs are listed on the home page at http://www.gem-set.org
GEM-SET mentor job opportunities are posted at
http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/archivejobs.htm

GEM-SET DAILY DIGEST FOR DECEMBER 8, 2003
********************
WELCOME TO the Girls' Electronic Mentoring in Science, Engineering, and Technology program.
All new members are invited to learn more about GEM-SET by reading the "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) section of the web site located at
http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/faq.htm
********************
Announcements:
GEM-SET student scholarships for science, engineering, and technology programs are listed on the home page at http://www.gem-set.org
GEM-SET mentor job opportunities are posted at
http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/archivejobs.htm

GEM-SET DAILY DIGEST FOR DECEMBER 5, 2003
********************
WELCOME TO the Girls' Electronic Mentoring in Science, Engineering, and Technology program.
All new members are invited to learn more about GEM-SET by reading the "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) section of the web site located at
http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/faq.htm
********************
Announcements:
GEM-SET student scholarships for science, engineering, and technology programs are listed on the home page at http://www.gem-set.org
GEM-SET mentor job opportunities are posted at
http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/archivejobs.htm

********************
Topic of the month for DECEMBER:
Student members, please take a few moments to read about the career planning used by our mentors as they entered college. Insightful ideas about career goal flexibility are provided at http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/scholarsnov03.htm
Now take a moment to think about your career goals at your current stage in life. What do you think your college major will be? What career field(s) do you want to pursue?
Send your response to GEM-SET@uic.edu
All responses are posted at http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/scholars.htm
Certificates and prizes available to all members who answer before January 1st!
********************
New Questions for Mentors
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Q: (Initially posted December 5, 2003) FROM MEMBER CONNIE P. IN NY
How can you find the center of gravity of ANY 2-dimension object? I heard
it had something to do with the angle but I'm not very sure... Thank you!
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Q: (Initially posted December 5, 2003) FROM MEMBER KUNJAL P. IN NY
I take honors chemistry and my friend and I are the only to girls in our class. My friend and I study and try really hard, yet we still have trouble understanding some things. the boys on the other hand fool around during class, talk, yell, and don't even pay attention, yet they seem to grasp concepts immediately! I know that girls an boys learn differently, but in what ways? and is this normal?
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Q & A (Answers are posted below the question.)
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Q: (Initially posted December 3, 2003) FROM MEMBER BIANCA H. IN RI
I will major in History and English, and I will take a career in the field of law.
Does anyone have any tips for me?
A: http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/archive031205q1.htm
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Q: (Initially posted December 3, 2003) FROM MEMBER ALEXIS K. IN VA
Do boys set plans more/better than girls? Do they stick to them more/better?
Are girls better at being flexible and changing direction than boys? If a
boy changes his mind/path is he rewarded or encouraged? How about how people
react to a girl who changes her mind/path? I know the question wasn't about
this but I am very curious about how things are the same or different for
boys and girls in jobs.
I heard the other day that the pay scale for girls is still lower than for
boys. That's something that definitely needs to change its path.
A: http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/archive031205q2.htm
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Q: (Initially posted December 1, 2003) FROM MEMBER LAUREN S. IN CT
I am good at writing but not good at math. What fields of science would you suggest with writing but no math?
I like the field of 3D animation like in Finding Nemo.
Does that field of science/technology involve much
math or geometry? Does 3D animation require much
training or extreme computer knowledge?
A: http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/archive031205q3.htm
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END
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GEM-SET DAILY DIGEST FOR DECEMBER 3, 2003
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Welcome to new GEM-SET members from
Bronx Collaborative High School for Technology and Humanities in New York
Bronx Leadership Academy in New York
Lower East Side Prep in New York
Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute in New Mexico

All new members are invited to learn more about GEM-SET by reading the "Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQ) section of the web site located at
http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/faq.htm
********************
Announcements:
GEM-SET student scholarships for science, engineering, and technology programs are listed on the home page at http://www.gem-set.org
GEM-SET mentor job opportunities are posted at
http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/archivejobs.htm

********************
Topic of the month for DECEMBER:
Student members, please take a few moments to read about the career planning used by our mentors as they entered college. Insightful ideas about career goal flexibility are provided at http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/scholarsnov03.htm
Now take a moment to think about your career goals at your current stage in life. What do you think your college major will be? What career field(s) do you want to pursue?
Send your response to GEM-SET@uic.edu
All responses are posted at http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/scholars.htm
Certificates and prizes available to all members who answer before January 1st!
********************
New Questions
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Q: (Initially posted December 3, 2003) FROM MEMBER BIANCA H. IN RI
I will major in History and English, and I will take a career in the field of law.
Does anyone have any tips for me?
********************
Q: (Initially posted December 3, 2003) FROM MEMBER ALEXIS K. IN VA
Do boys set plans more/better than girls? Do they stick to them more/better?
Are girls better at being flexible and changing direction than boys? If a
boy changes his mind/path is he rewarded or encouraged? How about how people
react to a girl who changes her mind/path? I know the question wasn't about
this but I am very curious about how things are the same or different for
boys and girls in jobs.
I heard the other day that the pay scale for girls is still lower than for
boys. That's something that definitely needs to change its path.
********************
Q & A (Answers are posted below the question.)
********************
Q: (Initially posted December 1, 2003) FROM MEMBER LAUREN S. IN CT
I am good at writing but not good at math.
What fields of science would you suggest with writing but no math?
I like the field of 3D animation like in Finding Nemo.
Does that field of science/technology involve much
math or geometry? Does 3D animation require much
training or extreme computer knowledge?
A: http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/archive031203q1.htm
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Q: (Initially posted December 1, 2003) FROM MEMBER CRYSTAL D. IN TX
Why does our planet have water and other planets don't (well in liquid state)?
A: http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/archive031203q2.htm
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Q: (Initially posted November 21, 2003) FROM MEMBER CRYSTAL D. IN TX
Do you know about the space probe being sent out into the sun's atmosphere in 2007? Well we briefly discussed that in science class ......how big is it? What's it made of?
When will it come back? How long will it take to get there? What if it doesn't make it?
A: http://www.uic.edu/orgs/gem-set/archive031203q3.htm
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END
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GEM-SET DAILY DIGEST FOR DECEMBER 1, 2003
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Welcome to new GEM-SET members from
Bronx Collaborative High School for Technology and Humanities in New York
Bronx Leadership Academy in New York
Lower East Side Prep in New York
Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute in New Mexico