Mr. Rott's Classroom: May 2011

Howdy Partners!

I know it's been along time since we had a full blog. It's been a busy few months. This will be the last full blog for the year, there will be updates but no more blog questions after this week. All of my classes will be working on Algebra. We will be usi g hands on equations, a very hands on way to learn Algebra. Before you know it you will be wrangling up those Algebraic equations.

OLD WEST FACT: Pony Express
The Pony Express was the first "express" mail line across the United States. The outfit actually began as a "publicity stunt," in hopes of winning a million dollar government mail contract for the Central Overland California and Pike's Peak Express Company, a freight and stage organization. Owned by William H. Russell, William B. Waddell, and Alexander Majors, the Pony Express became a subsidiary of the larger Central Overland California and Pike's Peak Express Company. Prior to the Pony Express, the freight and stage company held government contracts for army supply delivery, employing 4,000 men, and owning 3,500 wagons and 40,000 oxen. Envisioning a similar contract for fast mail delivery, the Pony Express was born.

The first successful Pony Express run, from St. Joseph, Missouri to Sacramento, California took place on April 3, 1860, when a lone rider on a bay mare galloped from Pike's Peak Stables in St. Joseph, Missouri, thus inaugurating the famous Pony Express.Riding in a relay fashion, each rider averaged 10 miles per hour, covering about 75-100 miles before another rider took his place on the route.

Pony Express stations, which eventually numbered somewhere between 150-190, were originally established about 25 miles apart, then increased in number to allow for fresh horses at intervals of 10 to 15 miles. The Pony Express owned about 400 Mustang and Morgan horses, on which the riders traveled.

Introduction to the Pony Express
Pony Express stations, which eventually numbered somewhere between 150-190, were originally established about 25 miles apart, then increased in number to allow for fresh horses at intervals of 10 to 15 miles. The Pony Express owned about 400 Mustang and Morgan horses, on which the riders traveled.

Special saddle bags that could be moved to a fresh horse very quickly at a change station were used. The rider changed to a fresh horse at each station, taking only the mail pouch (called a mochila) with him. The mochila was thrown over the saddle and held in place by the weight of the rider sitting on it. Each corner had a cantina, or pocket. Bundles of mail were placed in these cantinas, which were padlocked for safety. The mochila could hold 20 pounds of mail along with the 20 pounds of material carried on the horse, allowing for a total of 165 pounds on the horse's back. Riders were changed about every 100 miles.

Amazingly, these young riders carried approximately 35,000 pieces of mail over more than 650,000 miles during the time the Pony Express existed. Further, only one rider lost his life when he was killed by hostile Indians, and only one sack of mail was lost during this time.

The Pony Express is credited with helping to keep California in the Union by providing rapid communication between the two coasts. News of the election of Abraham Lincoln to the United States presidency in 1860 and of the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861 reached California via the Pony Express.

1st Period BLOG QUESTIONS: SEE OLD WEST FACT

1) if the first Pony Express took place on April 3, 1860 what is the difference from the first rider to today?

2). If the Pony Express rider rode 25 miles at 10 miles per hour how long would it take the rider to to travel the 25 miles.

3) If the riders carried a total of 35,000 pieces of mail over the 1 year span of the Pony Express how many pieces did they carry per month__________ and per week________ and per day_______?

4th & 6th Period BLOG QUESTION: SEE OLD WEST FACT!

1) if the first Pony Express took place on April 3, 1860 what is the difference from the first rider to today?

2). If the Pony Express rider rode 25 miles at 10 miles per hour how long would it take the rider to to travel the 25 miles.

3) If the riders carried a total of 35,000 pieces of mail over the 1 year span of the Pony Express how many pieces did they carry per month__________ and per week________ and per day_______?

4) If a horse carried 165 pounds what is the fraction of weight that was for mail out of 165 pounds_____?

5) If a horse carried 165 pounds what is the fraction of weight that was for mail and materials out of 165 pounds_____?

6) If a horse carried 165 pounds what is the fraction of weight that was from the rider of the 165 pounds_____?

GONZAGA MENS BASKETBALL
Don’t stop believing... next fall is not that far away!

Have a wild and woolly ride this week!

As always, you are amazing, incredible people with the whole world waiting to be changed by YOU!