Potions Field Trip pt. One

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Subject: Potions Field Trip pt. One Thu Dec 13 2007, 17:50

Okay, class, it's time we take a Potions field trip!

Where are we going?

That's up to you!

For this class you will suggest a city for us to travel to for the first ever Potions field trip. Write a paper, minium of 500 words, that explains why this city would be a relevant potions destination. Is it the city's history, its culture, or its resources of potion ingrediants, that make it a prime potions location? Make a convincing argument and you can earn up to 50 pts, plus 20 extra when your destination is put up for a vote and wins. Because of this no two students may choose the same city.

Extra credit: Post a picture of your city in thumbnail form and it will be used in the poll. A good picture could sway points. This part of the class is worth 10 pts. If you do not submit a picture, one will be choosen for you, so it's to your advantage to submit your choice of photo!

When this class closes I will open a poll for voting, and then for Part Two of the class we will have an RPG field trip. Good luck!

Subject: Re: Potions Field Trip pt. One Fri Dec 14 2007, 03:38

Part one
Egypt an amazing place with Magical History one of them is the potions that were used throughout out the tombs. I feel that Egypt would be the perfect place to go on a field trip because of the magical History it involves. We could look at how the potions were used for the curses etc, I think that many people would enjoy going to see this as it no way near home for those that go to Hogwarts and therefore really would be an experience as many people have only ever read about the potions used. For example if you stood on a certain place, then you get a shrinking potions poured on them. I think it would also be a good reality check for many people because sometimes people mess around with potions and it would be good for them to see the trouble, it would cause. I feel that the city we should travel to should be Luxor, as many people before have travelled to the Pyramids of Egypt, and there were also curses and potions placed in the valley of the kings and queens.
I feel that many people have always dreamed of going to Hogwarts but have never been given the opportunity and that given the chance this field trip would quickly sell out. Although the set back of the heat would make people reconsider, at this time of the year the heat is not so terrible and its bearable. It would have to be advised with the clothes worn but with a quick cooling down spell many people would be able to bare the heat.
It is not only a good potions experience but a great all round great magical experience, and it would be beneficial for everyone. And every subject. It would also be a great chance to go shopping the markets of Luxor and I feel that everyone would enjoy themselves. As there are many stores and markets that sell herbs that you cannot get from anywhere else in the world. And if you can they are not as fresh as they are in Egypt as they are grown there. This will make the students potions more effective and they could perhaps try out some of the potions used for the curses and with some of the new herbs gained. There would be many of assignments’ that could be given from this field trip and I feel that everyone would be losing out if they did not get to and experience the magic of Egypt. There wonder of the potions and get to buy magical herbs and potions equipment that were grown fresh.
In conclusion I think that Luxor, In Egypt would be the most perfect place for a field trip because of the history and the potions used there. It is a once in a life time experience and some students will never get to go there and with this field trip we would be giving this children a most magical experience.

Extra Credit
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:%C3%84gypten_Tal_der_K%C3%B6nige.jpg

Subject: Re: Potions Field Trip pt. One Fri Dec 14 2007, 10:53

Portugal is one amazing country. Located in southwestern Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula. Being the westernmost country of mainland Europe, Portugal is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and south and by Spain to the north and east. The Atlantic archipelagos of the Azores and Madeira are also part of Portugal.

Full of interesting history everyone who visitis it can learn some facts like these; The land within the borders of today's Portuguese Republic has been constantly settled since prehistoric times. Some of the earliest civilizations include Celtic societies, followed by incorporation into the Roman Republic dominions in the 2nd century BC, and subsequently into Germanic Kingdoms, such as the Suebi and the Visigoths, from the 5th to the 8th century. The Moors occupied most of the Iberian Peninsula from the early 8th century when they first arrived and conquered the Christian Kingdoms of Germanic background. After the starting of the Reconquista, in the early 1100s Portugal appeared as a kingdom independent of its Christian neighbours, Castile and Leon. In little over a century Portugal had nearly established its modern-day borders by conquering territory from the Muslim Moors. There's no doubt you'll learn a lot.

Portugal is a founding member of NATO (1949), OECD and EFTA; it left the former in 1986 to join the European Union. In 1996 it co-founded the Community of Portuguese Language Countries. It has a friendship alliance and dual citizenship treaty with Brazil. Portugal is part of the world's oldest active alliance through its treaty with the United Kingdom.

Portugal is divided into 308 municipalities. Each of them being an exotic place to visit. It is one fo the warmest countires in Europe so a trip to the beach must be made. With all it's beautiful beaches there's no doubt you'll have a hard time choosing where to go.

The islands of Azores are an interesting option. Formed by the activity of an in-plate hotspot, much like the Hawaiian archipelago. Some of its islands have volcanic activity but there hasn't been much of a tragedy yet. You cna visit the volcanos and look at them closely with no fear of them erupting. It sure is a fantastic experience.

You can't leave Portugal without trying their delicious cuisine. The Portuguese love dry cod (bacalhau in Portuguese), for which there are hundreds of recipes. Two other popular fish recipes are grilled sardines and caldeirada. Typical Portuguese meat recipes, that may take beef, pork, lamb, or chicken, include feijoada, cozido à portuguesa, frango de churrasco, and carne de porco à alentejana. Typical fast food dishes include the francesinha from Porto, and bifanas, prego or leitão sandwiches which are well known around the country. As well as all their choices for different wines.

Students will have fun visiting places and eating delicious dishes but they'll also gain a lot from the history of Portugal. It is so interesting to learn how they conquered many places and left their influence in them.

There's no doubt you'll enjoy visiting Portugal. Some people don't even want to leave! Feel free to go as many times as you want and have the best times of your life Potions Field Trip pt. One 436937

Subject: Re: Potions Field Trip pt. One Tue Dec 18 2007, 12:40

Salem, Massachusetts is one of the most fascinating destinations in modern America. This town, now a major tourist attraction, was once one of the major and most notorious locations for the witch-hunts in America. It started at the end of the seventeenth century. By the time the insanity was had run its course, twenty-four people had been accused, tried, and executed. This is shocking considering the size of most towns in that time.

There are many attractions that would be an appeal for any young witch or wizard. Some of these include the Peabody Essex Museum, which houses 552 original documents concerning witches; the Witch House, which was the primary site for questioning alleged witches; and the Salem Witch Trials Tercentenary Memorial, which was designed by Maggie Smith and James Cutler and includes some stones in remembrance of the many people who lost their lives to this hysteria.

Other attractions that would be nice to visit include The House of Seven Gables, which is the oldest mansion in New England; the Witch Dungeon Museum and the Witch History Museum, both of which hold accurate presentations. There are often several different tours that are held nearly everyday.

Because of the history of Salem, Massachusetts, the town now attracts many muggles who are intrigued by magic and the people believed to practice it. Therefore, it has become quite simple for shops dedicated to true magical supplies to pop up without the need to use muggle repelling spells. The muggles who come to Salem, Massachusetts are no longer frightened by the prospect of magic. In fact, some of them actually attempt to practice it. Some of these rather daring shops include Salemdipity, which can boast one of the largest collections of crystal balls and other divination tools in America; Nu Aeon, which blatantly advertises itself as a store dedicated to real magick and real witchcraft; and Pyramid Books, which is obviously a store that sells a very wide selection of books, some of which are not for true witches and wizards, but most of which are. Many rare potions ingredients can be found in some of these shops. If any muggles do happen to pick up something pertaining to real magic, there’s a simple explanation that is generally accepted that goes along with those items.

You see, most muggles are under the impression that “lacewing flies” or “tails of newt” are not really what their name implies. It is believed by many muggles that those names are assigned to things to keep from attracting the children (or potential thieves) of people who once dabbled in witchcraft, but they are really things like cinnamon or witch hazel. These items will become simple decoration pieces in the homes of said muggles, or perhaps part of a display for Halloween. It is honestly somewhat of a sad waste of certain ingredients that may be otherwise hard for us to find, but at least they do financially support shops that may not survive without that tourist appeal.

The history, the beauty of the town itself, and the chance to find some items we may not be able to procure in our hometowns all make Salem, Massachusetts a truly ideal location for a potions field trip. I hope that it will be selected, as a think it could be quite interesting and enjoyable.

Sources:
www.salemweb.com
www.salem.org

Subject: Re: Potions Field Trip pt. One Fri Feb 15 2008, 14:11

For this class you will suggest a city for us to travel to for the first ever Potions field trip. Write a paper, minium of 500 words, that explains why this city would be a relevant potions destination. Is it the city's history, its culture, or its resources of potion ingredients that make it a prime potions location? Make a convincing argument and you can earn up to 50 pts, plus 20 extra when your destination is put up for a vote and wins. Because of this no two students may choose the same city.

Extra credit: Post a picture of your city in thumbnail form and it will be used in the poll. A good picture could sway points. This part of the class is worth 10 pts. If you do not submit a picture, one will be choosen for you, so it's to your advantage to submit your choice of photo!

The Isle of Avalon

The Isle of Avalon has a history almost as mysterious as the mists that surround the island, hiding it from muggle eye. According to legend, it is where King Arthur was taken when wounded before he died, where his sword Excalibur was forged, where he was buried, and from whence he will rise again. Not a bad reputation, if you ask me. It is said to be a sort of netherworld, and island of faeries, known for its magical apples-which could be very useful in potions, especially those of the healing variety, considering how this is the place King Arthur himself was taken to be healed. It is also known for the nine extremely powerful magical witches who are said to reside there, two of whom include Morgan le Fay, and the Lady of the Lake. It is even said that the Holy Grail is located somewhere on this island. This is a place that has magic thrumming through every fiber of its being, and thus would be a wonderful place to go. Not only could we find fantastic herbs and plants there (which I will discuss later) but the amount of history we would be able to garner from a mere day on the Isle would be extremely beneficiary.

The culture of Avalon is also something definitely worth exploring. Muggles, although they cannot see it, have immense faith in the place, and wizards are no different. The veils between the worlds are thin here, leaving potion-brewing opportunities that could hardly be imagined anywhere else. How exciting would it be to brew a Dream Draught with the assistance of faeries, who Shakespeare once said had a queen who was a master of the dream art? In ancient times, it was said to be a center of teaching, so there may be something about the island that makes the mind more open to learning, which is what would we be doing on a field trip to a place such as this. It is also a site for pagan traditions, which are closely linked with our own. To stand where magic has been done for centuries would certainly be a formidable boost. The Druids are also said to have lived, or in fact do still live here. If they do, I’m certain that they would be able to teach us things we had never even heard of before. In fact, if Avalon is home to merely half of the fantastic and wonderful creatures that legends say do, then on this mysterious island lies hundreds of teacher to help us in our study of potions. Especially if we were able to speak with Morgan le Fay, who healed King Arthur himself when he was brought to Avalon wounded.

And what must Avalon have in order to heal a man near death? A great deal of things to be used in making healing potions, draughts, and salves, of course. And let’s start with the one that the island is most well known and named for-its apples. It is common knowledge that when you cut an apple open, a pentacle is revealed. This is a very powerful magical ingredient in potions as is, but gathering some from Avalon would make the potion even more powerful. Since Avalon is an enchanted island, all of the plants on the island would also have to be enchanted, like the apples. After all, this is no mere magical place. This is the dwelling place of witches, druids, faeries, and maybe even goddesses. Some of their power would have been absorbed by the land over the years, leaving many powerful potion ingredients for us to be able to use. It could be that the cure to magical diseases, such as dragon pox, spattergroit, and lycanthropy lies on this island, hidden among the mists. In fact, cures to very deadly muggle could also be found on the island-cancer, AIDS, and malaria. I’m not saying that by going there we students would be able to find something, I am just suggesting that perhaps we should collect and produce herbs and potions for study, in fact, it could be something looked into by St. Mungo’s, and our trip to Avalon could be what jumpstarts the process.

Avalon is certainly a place of incredible magic, when found. And thanks to some recent Wizarding magic that has been developed, the location can be pinpointed. And by going there, we could explore its mysterious history, exciting culture, and promising gardens full of magical herbs and plants. A trip to Avalon would be well worth the slight difficulty in getting there-I’ve glanced at the spells, and it seems like we’ll need help from our Charms Professor, at least. But glancing at the points I’ve made, wouldn’t it be worth it? And while I’ll be the first to admit that some of the things we could do on the island that I have suggested seem fairly lofty…but Professor, you never said that we’d only make one trip, right?

Sources
http://www.isleofavalon.co.uk

Subject: Re: Potions Field Trip pt. One Fri Feb 15 2008, 21:09

Good job! All four places will be put up for vote in the next semester, earning one of you an additional 20 pts if your location is selected. Points are awarded as follows:

Gryffindor:

hppamela: 50pts

Hufflepuff:

Just_Ginny: 50 pts

Ravenclaw:

polly: 50 + 10 pts

PrincessPotter: 20 + 10 pts

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