Sophia Mora-Fitzgerald

Space and Nature

March 15, 2022March 8, 2022Sophia Mora-Fitzgerald

Why space can be considered nature

According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of nature is “the physical world and everything in it (such as plants, animals, mountains, oceans, stars, etc.) that is not made by people” (Nature, n.d.). So why shouldn’t space be considered nature as well? Nature is about connectedness– to the Earth, other people, and yourself. Looking at the stars (and even some planets) outdoors reminds us how interconnected all of us are. No matter where you are in the world, you can look up at night and search for stars. When I look up at the stars, I am reminded of how amazing it is to live in this time and how many things had to come together and fall apart in order for me to be here. So next time you look at space, remind yourself and be grateful for how much beauty you get to experience on Earth. If you’re looking to go stargazing in Illinois or learn more about the moon, there is a list of places and a worksheet to complete below!

Plant Behavior: Do Plants Have Perceptions of their Environment?

November 3, 2021May 24, 2022Sophia Mora-Fitzgerald

By now, everyone has probably heard Ivan Pavlov’s name in a Psychology class when discussing classical conditioning. His experiment with his dogs was revolutionary. What if this experiment was carried out with plants— and they responded the same way that the dogs did? Would this be evidence that plants can perceive and react to the environments around them – or even have a conscience?

How Nature has Affected Me

November 1, 2021October 21, 2021Sophia Mora-Fitzgerald

Nature has taught me how to connect with myself and others. Even though I grew up in the city of Chicago, when I did get to connect with nature, I felt at home. I got the chance to clear my mind and get away from all of the traffic, construction, and other city noises. Nature has allowed me to reflect more on my life and the things that truly matter.

Movies in Nature: Interstellar

September 24, 2021Sophia Mora-Fitzgerald

Interstellar is a movie that features Matthew McConaughey, Cooper, with his two children in a dystopian future where humanity is struggling to survive. Cooper and a group of astronauts travel through a wormhole near Saturn to look for a new home and planet for humankind. Nature is a force to be reckoned with in this movie. Throughout the movie, many dust storms occurred that threatened everyone’s safety, showcasing the destructive part of nature. Later in the film, Dr. Amelia Brand (Anne Hathaway), Cooper, and Dr. Doyle (Wesley Bentley) investigate an ocean world where everything is water. Little do they know, on this planet, there are gigantic 4,000-foot-tall water waves that occur frequently. Although this is unrealistic, it reminds the viewer of how catastrophic natural disasters can be. Overall, this movie made me more curious about space while pointing out how important it is to take care of the planet that we are on now to avoid similar natural disasters that occurred in the movie. Check out this film!

Meditation in Nature

July 27, 2021September 24, 2021Sophia Mora-Fitzgerald

It’s not uncommon to see depictions of someone meditating in a peaceful outdoor setting. Legend has it that the Buddha attained enlightenment while sitting under a tree, so it might not be unusual that we try to seek ways to calm and clear our minds while being outside. But what is the relationship between meditation and nature?