Mr. Sanderson's 3rd Grade

Winter Days

2012-01-30T18:48:00.003-05:00

Winter Days

By Kenton Woods

Every morning on winter days

I wake up and sing this phrase

" I see the birds up in flocks

Snow spreading on the ground

Like something fragile in a box

Making hot chocolate at 9 am

While snow shines just like a gem

Sledding and making gingerbread

Covered with snow from toe to head

Making a huge snow maze

All of this on winter days."

A Tribute to Joe Pa

2012-01-22T12:11:00.004-05:00

"Arrowmaker"

2011-12-11T21:43:00.006-05:00

Here are a few pictures from items used in Arrowmaker, the novel we are currently reading by Roy F. Chandler. There is an Indian grindstone, donated by the Shatto family. Also, the grist mill at Little Buffalo State Park would be similar to the one Rob Shatto built in Arrowmaker. Lacie and Ellie are sitting on a mill grindstone used to grind corn into flour. The whole mill is operated by water power. The huge waterwheel turns gears and pulleys inside the mill.The bottom picture shows Roy Chandler with books he has written.

Photo of Roy Chandler is courtesy of...

ISS

2011-11-01T22:45:00.004-04:00

Check out the International Space Station website. The International Space Station is a habitable, artificial satellite in a low Earth orbit. The ISS serves as a research laboratory that has a microgravity environment in which crews conduct experiments in many fields including biology, human biology, physics, astronomy and meteorology. Use Simple Satellite Tracker to find out when the ISS and other satellites will be visible over your area. The ISS currently had three astronauts aboard. It orbits the earth between 173-286 miles above the Earth. The ISS travels ~17,227 mph, and orbits the Earth 15.7 times per day!! It was right on schedule and very bright when I saw it on Nov. 1st.

It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

2011-10-16T18:37:00.004-04:00

It's that time of year again...Will this be the year Linus finally sees The Great Pumpkin, or will Snoopy be up to his usual tricks? Come out and see It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown on October 28th.

Virginia Mountains on Skyline Drive

2011-09-20T21:05:00.001-04:00

Shenandoah National Park - Skyline Drive VA

A Lucky Encounter

2011-09-08T19:12:00.010-04:00

Photo taken from Colleen Caul's website www.runforroses.com/

With all the rain and flooding in the area, the chance of seeing a runner going by the school today was pretty slim. That's exactly what happened this afternoon outside our school. This particular runner was on a special mission! Colleen Caul is running from St. Louis, MO to New York City! Her route took her by the school and Mr. Hart, the students, and I were fortunate enough to catch up to her as she took a quick break. Click on the link to follow Colleen on her 1,000 mile journey which will see her reach her goal of New York City on Sept. 23rd. She is raising money to help find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis, a disease affecting her family. Awesome job Colleen, you are very inspiring! Lack Tuscarora students and staff are cheering you on!!

Shark Week

2011-08-02T12:32:00.003-04:00

It's that time of year again! Shark Week on the Discovery Channel has always been one of my favorite tv programs. Click on the link for all kinds of cool shark information, games, video, and pictures. Photo from Discovery Channel.

Stormy Spring

2011-06-18T08:30:00.008-04:00

Juniata County was hit with 2 tornadoes this spring. The "East Waterford Tornado" occurred on April 28th.

• Time: 2:53 am EDT – 3:00 am EDT
• Rating: EF1
• Max Wind: 110 mph
• Max Path Width: 100 yards
• Path Length: 8.49 miles
• Starting Lat/Lon: 40.38, -77.59
• Ending Lat/Lon: 40.47, -77.48
• Injuries: 0
• Fatalities: 0

The "Kellerville Tornado" occurred on May 23rd.

Time: 5:23 pm EDT – 5:31 pm EDTRating: EF2
Max Wind: 130 mph
Max Path Width: 250 yards
Path Length: 4.71 miles
Starting Lat/Lon: 40.6521, -77.1909
Ending Lat/Lon: 40.6518, -77.1011
Injuries: 0
Fatalities: 0.

Here are some impressive tree damage pictures from the Kellerville Tornado.

Super Moon

2011-03-19T20:34:00.010-04:00

I took this picture about 35 minutes after moonrise.

Gotta Keep Reading...

2011-03-04T18:08:00.002-05:00

Finding The North Star

2011-02-05T21:05:00.003-05:00

If you can find the Big Dipper in the sky, you have a skymark to orient yourself both on the Earth and in the Heavens. The two stars that form the pouring side of the bowl point to Polaris, the north star. Polaris is a rather faint star about five times farther away than the distance between the pointers themselves, and marks the tip of the handle of the Little Dipper. The Big and Little Dippers pour into each other, just as the Big Bear and the Little Bear ceaselessly turn around and around the northern sky.

Where The Red Fern Grows

2011-02-05T17:09:00.001-05:00

Here is a great Where The Red Fern Grows website. Click on the link for vocabulary and quizzes.

Wrestling Squirrels

2011-01-25T21:35:00.001-05:00

I think these two squirrels need a lesson on Lack Lion rules! My trail camera caught these two naughty squirrels in a sumo wrestling position!

Elevation & Temperature

2011-01-24T21:14:00.004-05:00

Here is a very cool graphic which shows how temperature drops about 3 degrees Fahrenheit/1,000' of elevation gain.

Nick's Refrigerator Art

2011-01-22T10:16:00.001-05:00

Nicholas became famous Thursday night when his picture made the ABC27 evening news. Meteorologist Rob Dixon Showed his picture after the evening weather during the "Refrigerator Art" segment. Mr. Dixon, who was at Lack-Tuscarora in November, thought the picture reminded him of spring days ahead. Great job Nicholas! I hope your hand is not too tired from signing too many autographs!

Annual Average Temperature

2011-01-09T13:50:00.001-05:00

Here is the average annual temperature of the world in degrees Fahrenheit. It is easy to see the gradual temperature change as you move from the equator to the poles. You can also see that Antarctica is the coldest place on Earth. Pennsylvania's average yearly temperature is about 55 degrees F.

Get Smart: Exercise and Get Off The Computer

2011-01-05T21:25:00.000-05:00

People playing computer games to train their brains might as well be playing Super Mario, new research suggests.
In a six-week study, experts found people who played online games designed to improve their cognitive skills didn't get any smarter.
More than 8,600 people aged 18 to 60 were asked to play online brain games designed by the researchers to improve their memory, reasoning and other skills for at least 10 minutes a day, three times a week.
Researchers said the people who did the brain training didn't do any better on the test after six weeks than people who had simply been on the Internet. On some sections of the test, the people who surfed the Net scored higher than those playing the games.

Article courtesy of Tween Tribune

2010-12-22T22:13:00.000-05:00

Rare Winter Solstice Lunar Eclipse

2010-12-19T09:11:00.001-05:00

On Dec. 21st, the first day of northern winter, when the full Moon passes almost dead-center through Earth's shadow. For 72 minutes of eerie totality, an amber light will play across the snows of North America, throwing landscapes into an unusual state of ruddy shadow.
The eclipse begins on Tuesday morning, Dec. 21st, at 1:33 am EST. At that time, Earth's shadow will appear as a dark-red bite at the edge of the lunar disk. It takes about an hour for the "bite" to expand and swallow the entire Moon. Totality commences at 02:41 am EST and lasts for 72 minutes.
If you're planning to dash out for only one quick look - it is December, after all - choose this moment: 03:17 am EST. That's when the Moon will be in deepest shadow, displaying the most fantastic shades of coppery red.

Hopefully I'll have a neat picture to post...

Holiday Fun

2010-12-14T18:55:00.001-05:00

Charlie Brown tree, concert, and Santa...What could possibly spread more Christmas cheer??

Beaver Moon

2010-11-22T19:01:00.002-05:00

Here is a picture of the Waning Gibbous 98% of Full "Beaver" Moon. This month's full moon was the culprit for blocking out a lot of the Leonid meteors. I can't be too upset, it sure is a neat sight in the night sky. The picture is a little hazy as there is a thin layer of clouds making for an eerie moonrise!

The Bear Named "Kitty"

2010-11-14T17:12:00.001-05:00

This bear's name is "Kitty." Lacie and I wouldn't have believed it either, until it came into Lacie while she was calling, "Here Kitty...Kitty....Kitty." I opened the bedroom curtain and there it stood 3 feet from me on our front porch, just 30 seconds after Lacie came inside. The real tragedy here is that this bear believes it truly is a cat. I don't think Lacie will be calling for "Kitty" anymore, also known as Scruffy.

ABC27 StormTracker & Rob Dixon

2010-11-10T18:01:00.010-05:00

Rob Dixon from the ABC27 weather team came to visit Lack Tuscarora and Mountain View. Rob talked about his career, the unpredictability of weather, and did some cool experiments. Our students were featured on the ABC27 evening news by meteorologist Eric Finkenbinder.

Halloween & "The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" Play

2010-10-31T11:36:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to all my 3rd graders for putting on an excellent play! I'm very proud of all the cast members who gave it their best!

The World War I flying ace on his imaginary mission

Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

2010-10-27T20:12:00.004-04:00

3rd grade will perform "The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" on Friday, October 29th. Come out and see if Linus will finally meet The Great Pumpkin, or if he is just a myth. Happy Halloween!!

Blue Moon On New Year's Eve

2009-12-31T08:59:00.000-05:00

Tonight's full Moon is a "Blue Moon." It's the second full Moon this month and the first Blue Moon to fall on New Year's Eve in nearly 20 years. Blue Moons are rare (once every 2.5 years). Blue Moons on New Year's Eve are rarer still (once every 19 years).

Thanksgiving: From A Turkey's Point of View

2009-11-19T18:06:00.005-05:00

Thanksgiving: From A Turkey's Point of View

by: Julia Rice

Hi, my name is Bob. I'm a turkey, and here's my point of view for Thanksgiving. Now don't get my wrong, I love Thanksgiving! Oh, except for the part where I become the meal. Now for the main course of the meal I would choose corn, fresh off the cob. I would sprinkle filling around the corn for a snazzy look. For Thanksgiving you have to have cooked pumpkin seeds too! For the second course, use fresh pumpkin for some pumpkin pie. Now I know this sounds weird, but I like whip cream on apple sauce! Oh, and on pumpkin pie also.
When you have it all ready, invite your family over. Before you eat, welcome everybody when they come in the door. Tell them to sit down politely and say a speech. Say a prayer and tell them to enjoy! When you are finished with the meal, play games like pin the gobble on the turkey, musical feathers, and put on a play. Once your all finished and everyone is home, start to clean up!

Icebergs

2009-11-02T20:23:00.004-05:00

7/8th of an iceberg is underwater

Fall Foliage

2009-10-14T18:18:00.002-04:00

Phases of The Moon

2009-09-17T20:04:00.001-04:00

Solar Eclipse

2009-07-23T23:38:00.005-04:00

July 21, 2009 South Pacific

2009 Meteor Showers

2009-05-18T11:11:00.004-04:00

I found a pretty neat website that tells you which months are good for viewing meteors. The site shows you the dates, frequency, and moon phase. Choose a clear, dark night and look into the night sky for satellietes and meteors! Check out Skyscrapers, Inc. more information.

Spring At Lack Tuscarora

2009-04-18T19:57:00.006-04:00

Feeding Time

Crow Chasing a Bald Eagle

Crow Chasing a Red-Tailed Hawk

Lance Armstrong At The Giro D'Italia

2009-04-02T19:14:00.007-04:00

Vernal Equinox (Spring)

2009-03-18T09:48:00.004-04:00

On March 20, 2009 at 7:45 AM (Easter Standard Time) our earth's axis will be at an equinox. An Equinox occurs twice a year, when the tilt of the Earth's axis is inclined neither away from or towards the Sun. The Sun is vertically above a point on the Equator, which gives us about 12 hours of daylinght and 12 hours of night; or an equal amount of each. Here is a picture of the sun illuminating the earth on the day of the equinox.

Four-Leaf Clover

2009-02-18T20:10:00.007-05:00

So how rare is a four-leaf clover? It has been estimated that there are approximately 10,000 three-leaf clovers for every four-leaf clover! According to legend, each leaflet represents something: the first is for hope, the second is for faith, the third is for love, and the fourth is for luck. Clovers can have more than four leaflets; the most ever recorded is twenty-one!! Next time you are out in a clover field, start looking around...GOOD LUCK!!

Everest Base Camp

2009-01-25T12:59:00.004-05:00

In the novel "Peak", we talk a lot about base camp and advanced base camp (ABC). Climbers go between the two to get acclimatized to the altitude, to prevent altitude sickness. I thought it would be neat to see an actual base camp on Mt. Everest. You can see the summit of Mt. Everest in the background at 29,028 ft.!

Mount Washington

2009-01-06T22:31:00.005-05:00

Mount Washington, located in New Hampshire is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States, at 6,288 feet. It is famous for its dangerously wild weather, holding the record for the highest wind gust directly measured at the Earth's surface, at 231 mph!! on the afternoon of April 12, 1934. Check out more Mt. Washington information from the observatory at the top, at this cool website...http://www.mountwashington.org/

Nacreous Clouds

2008-12-18T09:27:00.005-05:00

Nacreous clouds are located in the stratosphere between 9 and 16 miles high. Their "mother of pearl" colors come from sunlight striking tiny ice crystals inside the clouds. Very low temperatures near -85o C are required to form the crystals, which is why nacreous clouds are seen mainly during winter over places like Alaska, Iceland and Scandinavia. This photo was taken in Trondheim, Norway (12/17/08), by Ivar Marthinusen. For more information click on http://www.spaceweather.com/

Graphic Source and Wind Chill

2008-12-07T11:02:00.003-05:00

Here is a graphic source that helps us tell what the wind chill is. What is wind chill? Wind chill is the apparent temperature felt on exposed skin, which is a function of the air temperature and wind speed. The wind chill temperature (often popularly called the wind chill factor) is always lower than the air temperature.

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2008-11-25T08:50:00.009-05:00

The Turkey and Ham

by: David Clouser

On Thanksgiving Day

I had turkey and ham

sitting beside my friends

Colton and Cam

How to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey...

by: Austin Hutchinson

My wife said she wanted a turkey for Thanksgiving.

So I got the the old 22 and the old dog, and we set off.

When I got home my wife said, "where's the turkey?"

"Here it is" I said, "Are you satisfied?"

I then asked her to cook it up, I was starving!

Now, I'll tell you how to cook it.

Step 1: Fry it

Step 2: Wait 30 minutes

Step 3: Eat Up

Happy Thanksgiving!

How to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey..

by Raven Wirrick

First, you thaw out the turkey and preheat the oven to 400 deg. F.

Second, you put 1 pinch of salt, 1 pinch of sugar, and 1 dash of every seasoning that you can think of on the turkey. Third, you add whatever you think needs to be added. Fourth, you wait for the oven to "ding."

Fifth, put the turkey in the oven. Then, you put the timer on for 30 minutes. When the bell rings, check the bird. If it isn't brown, put in back in for 20 more minutes.

Gettysburg Address

2008-11-13T21:10:00.004-05:00

145 years ago Abraham Lincoln gave one of the most famous speeches in American history. Lincoln gave his address on the afternoon of November 19, 1863. This short 2 minute speech came four and a half months after the battle of Gettysburg.

Halloween Fun

2008-11-02T20:20:00.004-05:00

Hope everyone had a blast at the Halloween festivities. I enjoyed seeing everyone's costume! Thank you Home & School for all your hard work and dedication for making this years Halloween parade a success! Enjoy the pics...

It appears the Halloween candy has gotten to Colton!

Fall Fest

2008-09-16T20:55:00.005-04:00

Fall Fest 2008

Presented By Lack Tuscarora Elementary School

Where: East Waterford Carnival Ground

When: October 18, 2008

Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Games, Good Eats, Fashion Show, Singing Entertainment by Students, Flea Market, BBQ Chicken, Ice Cream, and Lots Lots More!

BBQ Chicken Tickets:$5.00 a meal$3.50 a half

$3.00 a Quart for Ice Cream- Chocolate, Vanilla, and Black Rasberry

Raffle Basket Tickets:$2.00 each or $5.00 for 3

5th Grade- "Bird Watching" Basket

4th Grade- "Camping Out" Basket

3rd Grade- "Penn State" Basket

2nd Grade- "Baker's" Basket

1st Grade- "Chocolate Lover's" Basket

K- "Primary Colors" Basket

More Information call Heidi Love 734-3308

There's an OWL in the SHOWER

2008-09-08T11:04:00.003-04:00

Here is the first chapter book the students and I are reading through. Below is a summary of the book.

Borden's father, Leon, was a logger in the old-growth forests of California. That is, until the spotted-owl lovers interfered. One day, frustrated by his father's unemployment, Borden sets out on a mission of revenge against the spotted owl but returns home with a half-starved owlet instead. The family soon discovers that the owlet, whom Borden names Bardy, loves to take showers and watch late-night TV. Only after the whole family has fallen in love with Bardy do they realize that the conflict between nature and human industry is not so easily resolved.

My House & Back To School

2008-08-12T20:00:00.006-04:00

You guys have been with me through my entire house building process and here it is...

The view out the window...

I'm really starting to get into back-to-school-mode and anticipating another aweseome year at Lack Tuscarora! We have some exciting projects planned, and I hope you are ready to work super hard! I ran into Josie today at the O.I.P., which was a great surprise! I miss everyone and hope you are having a fun summer! If the weather is good and I can get my out-of-shape body on my bike, I might ride up to East Waterford sometime this weekend and see who I can find.

take care,

Mr. Sanderson

TROUT in the CLASSROOM

2008-08-03T21:43:00.007-04:00

The 2008-2009 school year at Lack Tuscarora Elementary will certainly be an exciting one! This year we will be rasing trout eggs to fingerlings (small trout) in the lobby! In May, Mr. Hart's 5th grade will release these fingerlings into Laurel Run, near the school. However, all students will be directly involved with this unique learning experience! Check it out...troutintheclassroom

2008 Tour de France

2008-06-29T21:38:00.016-04:00

Carlos Sastre (CSC-Saxo Bank) won the 95th Tour de France on Sunday. "I've dreamt of this since I was a child," said an emotional Sastre, who was surrounded by his wife and two children, Claudia and Yeday. "I'm beyond words — to be here with my family is really special."

Final overall 1. Carlos Sastre (Sp), CSC-Saxo Bank, 87:52:52 2. Cadel Evans (Aus), Silence-Lotto. at 0:58 3. Bernhard Kohl (A), Gerolsteiner, at 1:13 4. Denis Menchov (Rus), Rabobank, at 2:10 5. Christian Vande Velde (USA), Garmin-Chipotle, at 3:05 6. Frank Schleck (Lux), CSC-Saxo Bank, at 4:28 7. Samuel Sanchez (Sp), Euskaltel-Euskadi, at 6:25 8. Kim Kirchen (Lux), Team Columbia, at 6:55 9. Alejandro Valverde (Sp), Caisse d’Epargne, at 7:12 10. Tadej Valjavec (Slo), Ag2r-La Mondiale, at 9:05

More From Alaska

2008-06-19T21:28:00.004-04:00

Hey class! Erv and Sandra (my aunt) sent us some more cool stuff from Homer Alaska. They loved the cards you sent them, and I know they were impressed by your awesome artwork! More importantly they respect and admire your appreciation for birds. Use that gift to teach others how to respect them as well. Erv and Sandra used the picture we sent them and put it into the eagle's wing...way cool! Also, check out birdsofpreynorthwest.org for the story of the bald eagle who got a new beak!

Hope you are having a great summer,

Mr. Sanderson

National Aquarium In Baltimore

2008-06-15T09:46:00.013-04:00

Hey Class!! June 14th I headed down to the National Aquarium in Baltimore. I kept thinking how cool it would have been to have you guys along with me. If you get a chance it's definitely worth checking out! The sharks in the pictures are sand tiger, sawnose, nurse, and bull sharks.

They even had a Death Adder from Australia...Crikey!!

2007-2008 3rd Grade Photostory

2008-06-01T09:19:00.003-04:00

Thanks for the memories...

Memorial Day

2008-05-25T21:42:00.010-04:00

"It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

Abraham Lincoln The Gettysburg Address: November 19, 1863.

Why Ride A Bike?

2008-05-18T22:26:00.003-04:00

Albert Einstein discovered the theory of relativity while bicycling.

Why I ride...

I ride for health and well-being. My bike and I are the perfect combination of man and machine. It takes the pressures and stresses right through the bike and leaves them on the road or trail.

AND...

I ride because it hurts

I ride because it scares me

I ride because it is pure fun

I ride because it keeps me alive

MyPyramid.gov

2008-05-11T22:01:00.002-04:00

One size doesn't fit all. MyPyramid offers personalized eating plans, interactive tools to help you plan and assess your food choices, and advice to help you: http://www.mypyramid.gov/

► Make smart choices from every food group.
► Find your balance between food and physical activity.
► Get the most nutrition out of your calories.
► Stay within your daily calorie needs.

The Beaver Pond

2008-05-04T16:14:00.004-04:00

What an awesome day! Thanks Mr. Hart!!

The Organic Garden

2008-05-04T16:08:00.003-04:00

Here is the official groundbreaking of our organic garden!

Shaver's Creek Field Trip

2008-04-26T20:32:00.007-04:00

April 21st we headed to Shaver's Creek for our field trip. We all had a great time and learned some pretty cool nature facts as well. However, I think the kids impressed the presenters with how much they already knew about birds of prey!

PA Fish & Water Temps

2008-04-20T14:02:00.003-04:00

Discovery Channel Plant Earth Website

2008-04-13T15:37:00.003-04:00

Click here to enter The Discovery Channel Plant Earth website. The site has some really cool puzzles, games, pictures, and is loaded with fascinating facts! Check it out!

Juniata River Bald Eagle

2008-04-07T20:40:00.005-04:00

When I don't see a bald eagle at Lack Tuscarora, I look to the next best place which is the Juniata River. Everyday when I cross the Millerstown bridge I scan up and down the river for eagles. Today I got lucky and spotted one just south of the bridge and was able to snap a few pics. This eagle was being constantly dive bombed by about a half dozen crows!

NEW FISH DISCOVERED

2008-04-02T22:47:00.002-04:00

While diving in the harbor of a small island in Indonesia recently, husband and wife Buck and Fitrie Randolph, with dive guide Toby Fadirsyair, found a strange fish and took some pictures. The divers could not find the fish in any reference books, so they consulted an expert. The leglike pectoral fin for walking is the clue that this newly found fish is an anglerfish, even though it does not have a lure on its head for attracting prey. Its flat face and forward-looking eyes are just two of a host of reasons why University of Washington professor Ted Pietsch thinks the fish found in January probably represents a new family of vertebrate animals. Just when you think humans have discovered everything on this earth, Mother Nature still holds some amazing secrets.

EARTH HOUR

2008-03-30T09:22:00.004-04:00

On March 31 2007, for one hour, Sydney made a powerful statement about the greatest contributor to global warming – coal-fired electricity – by turning off its lights. Over 2.2 million Sydney residents and over 2,100 businesses switched off, leading to a 10.2% energy reduction across the city. What began as one city taking a stand against global warming caught the attention of the world.

In 2008, 24 global cities participated in Earth Hour at 8pm on March 29. Earth Hour is the highlight of a major campaign to encourage businesses, communities and individuals to take the simple steps needed to cut their emissions on an ongoing basis. It is about simple changes that will collectively make a difference – from businesses turning off their lights when their offices are empty, to households turning off appliances rather than leaving them on standby.

The Aurora Season In A Bar Graph

2008-03-21T10:17:00.004-04:00

According to the last 75 years of data, which 4 months are the best for viewing auroras (northern lights)? It appears they are most likely to occur around the equinoxes, or spring and fall. The reason for this is pretty complicated and not fully understood. Check out more here. March is the best month out of the year, so keep an eye to the night sky!

White Star

2008-03-17T20:12:00.008-04:00

Here is a look at our new novel we are reading. This book does a very good job of blending facts about the Titanic with the fictional story of a boy who has found a true friend in a dog. Marty Crisp (author) includes a map of the Titanic's voyage, an illustration of the decks on the boat, a time line of events, fascinating facts, and mysteries of the Titanic. He also includes a list of survivors as well as victims. This chapter book is a great read for any student interested in the Titanic or dogs!

March Migration

2008-03-05T17:37:00.005-05:00

It's now March and the biggest news at Lack Tuscarora is that the migration north is on! Each morning coming to school I see hundreds of canada geese migrating. A quick bird count today revealed flocks of canada geese, several species of ducks, hawks, blue birds, grackle, and 3 bald eagles! There is no doubt that spring is on the way, as these birds give us a clue. The weather was cold and windy, let's hope March goes out like a lamb.

Mystery Auroras

2008-03-02T22:27:00.005-05:00

We know that auroras happen when charged particles from the sun slam into our upper atmosphere, which causes beautiful northern lights! This picture was taken Saturday night (3/1/08) from Norway. Here is the mystery...there were no solar wind gusts. Where did this come from? NASA hopes to soon find out. A year ago they launched 5 spacecraft to study these mysterious outbursts.

An Act of Kindness

2008-02-26T17:30:00.008-05:00

Our class got a HUGE surprise when Valerie, Nathan, Audrey, & Marian Goates from Shippensburg, PA, purchased some awesome new books for our classroom. The books included...Raptor! A Kid's Guide to Birds of Prey, Birds of Prey Coloring Book, and Gracie Goat's Big Bike Race. Valerie saw how much we are into birds of prey and bike racing after reading our blog. We just want to say a big "THANK YOU" as we are inspired by her kindness! We will be sure to pass on her act of kindness, and put the books to good use!

Lunar Eclipse

2008-02-20T22:32:00.008-05:00

Lucky for us the clouds cleared out just in time for the lunar eclipse! Here are two pictures showing the earth's shadow on the moon. I hope you got a good look, the next one isn't until December 2010.

What Inspires You?

2008-02-17T13:31:00.003-05:00

Friday Bald Eagle

2008-02-08T17:46:00.000-05:00

Another lucky Friday ends with a bald eagle sighting! The last two have been spotted from Mr. Hart's window. Mrs Ricedorf, our new principal was very excited and right out there with the kids observing the eagle. This eagle soared around long enough for me to snap a few pics of it. I even saw another bald eagle heading home from school right near the Millerstown river bridge!

Our Meat Eating Plant

2008-02-05T18:12:00.000-05:00

About 3 months ago we got this Venus Flytrap, which didn't eat and slowly dried up and died...almost! New growth started to form and the plant keeps getting bigger and healthier. Last week it closed tight around its first victim, a common house fly. This week this carnivorous plant ate another fly! You can see the two buldging pods as our plant slowly digests the two victims.

Learn more about Venus Flytaps by clicking here...

http://cobraplant.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=8&chapter=1

Mt. Everest

2008-02-03T09:08:00.000-05:00

Click the play button on the video and see some incredible photography on Everest. I think you'll enjoy this 4 minute clip set to music! It makes you really appreciate what Peak and Sun-Jo are trying to accompish in our novel.

Hunter The Champ

2008-01-30T11:33:00.001-05:00

Hunter Laird won the 3rd Annual BJ Prough Memorial Wrestling Tournament in Mt. Union. Hunter pinned both his opponents to win the 9 - 10 year old age bracket. Congratualations Hunter we are all very proud of you!

Everest Basecamp & Gear

2008-01-26T15:29:00.000-05:00

In our novel Peak, the expedition to Everest has been a rough one to say the least. We have discussed things like altitude sickness, acclimatization, and the wicked conditions associated with being on top of the world. The students and I have really gotten into this novel and find it hard to put down. I wanted to include a real picture of base camp on Everest and then a picture of climbing gear. It certainly takes a tough individual to stay focused, healthy, and energized at nearly 6 miles up!

A True Hero

2008-01-21T19:22:00.000-05:00

"I look to a day when people will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. "

Martin Luther King Jr.

Winter's Chill

2008-01-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

Here is the forecast for the upcoming week. We are getting an arctic air mass moving in from Canada. Prepare for the coldest air of winter so far. YES! You do have to wear a coat at recess if the wind chill doesn't keep us from going outside!!

Awesome Auroras!

2008-01-14T19:42:00.000-05:00

I thought this picture was pretty cool! Someone in Quebec made these "polar bears" with snow. The arctic has seen auroras every night so far in 2008! Kind of makes you wish you were one of those polar bears getting to watch one of nature's awesome displays!

"PEAK"

2008-01-12T10:43:00.000-05:00

We have just started a new novel, "PEAK" by Roland Smith.

Have you ever wondered what inspires people to climb mountains? What drives some to the highest peaks? Fourteen-year-old Peak Marcello was born to climb. Born to a couple of dedicated "rock rats," Peak has climbing in his blood. He has a chance to be the youngest person ever to summit Mt. Everest before his 15th birthday. Mt. Everest has the highest elevation on earth, with the summit at 29,029 ft. This monster of a mountain has claimed the lives of some of the world's best climbers...will 14 year old Peak make it to the summit?

Mt. Everest 29,029 ft.

Lance vs. Cancer

2008-01-03T20:18:00.000-05:00

Lance Armstrong is done winning bike races, but remains in the spotlight for another reason. Lance continues to speak on the importance of finding a cure for cancer. Cancer affects us all as we all can name someone we personally know who was or is affected by the disease. Lance has helped raise millions of dollars for cancer research. He has saved lives by educating people on early detection and better treatment. Through the same perseverance that won him 7 Tour de France titles and allowed him to beat cancer, I have no doubt he will not stop fighting to win this battle as well. Check out http://www.livestrong.org/ for more on Lance's quest for a cure.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

2007-12-23T14:18:00.000-05:00

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Feel free to leave comments over the holiday break. Have a nice relaxing vacation, but get ready to work super hard in 2008!

Google Calendar & Homework

2007-12-18T18:50:00.000-05:00

Hello,
I think I have come up with a better way for everyone to know what assignments and homework are due. I will also post tests and upcoming events. I created a Google Calendar which lists all homework and assignments for the week and more. I tried to put homework on the blog, but it became lost in the other information there. First, you need to create a free Google account (email/password) to view the calendar. You can click this link to do that...https://www.google.com/accounts/ServiceLogin?service=cl&passive=true&nui=1&continue=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fcalendar%2Frender%3Ftab%3Dwc&followup=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fcalendar%2Frender%3Ftab%3Dwc Once you have done that you have to click on all 3 of my Google Calendars (at the top of the blog) and add them to your calendar. You can customize your calendar in many ways. Let me know if you need any help with this. Thanks!

Second Grade Revisited...ENJOY!
Just hit the "Play" button

PENN STATE

2007-12-15T11:58:00.000-05:00

This Nittany Lion Was A Gift From The Class Of 1940

Will It Explode?...NO

2007-12-13T13:23:00.000-05:00

Huge sunspot 978 is showing signs that it will explode. The sunspot is about the size of the planet Jupiter. If it does explode it might mean solar winds heading in our direction and auroras might be possible!...UPDATE 12/15/07: sunspot 978 is breaking apart and will not explode. It's hard to believe that this sunspot was about the size of 1,320 earths!!

http://www.spaceweather.com/

I hope everyone is enjoying the day off. The State College field trip is still planned for tomorrow. Be sure to bring a disposable lunch. See you all tomorrow!

Weekend

2007-12-07T17:16:00.000-05:00

Here is a picture of us with our awesome Charlie Brown Christmas tree. It looks even better now as several students brought in ornaments to decorate it. Don't forget to get your permission slip signed to be able to go on our State College field trip next Friday. Have a great weekend!

H.W. Read "Tops and Bottoms" / Study Lesson 14 spelling words

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGAN!!!

Eating Healthy

2007-12-03T17:01:00.000-05:00

Mr. Hart and I are on a quest to get students thinking about making healthy food choices. So many of the preservatives that are in prepackaged food can lead to health problems later in life. I am allowing students to bring in and snack on ONLY healthy foods during class. Foods like nuts, fruit, vegetables, etc, will be allowed. My hope is that students will become more aware of the foods they eat and what is in them. Understanding the facts will lead to smarter decisions when it comes to eating and snacking on food.

Mushrooms are a healthy choice

H.W. Math Sheet 9.1

2 Bald Eagles & 1 Angry Crow!

2007-11-30T12:38:00.001-05:00

At the end of first recess Darin Love spotted a bald eagle soaring southeast around the Tuscarora Creek. Just before we went inside Grant Parson spotted another eagle coming up from the creek and it flew behind Mr. Berry's house. The white of the head and tail was so brilliant against the brown ridge behind it. Amazingly an angry crow started diving at the second eagle! Finally, the eagles flew off toward the north. Since the migration of bald eagles has passed, I would say these eagles are here to stay for the winter. We should continue to have sightings throughout the winter months....Awesome!

Adding Comments

2007-11-28T20:24:00.000-05:00

Thanks for all who have commented on the blog site. I really enjoy reading and communicating through it. It keeps us connected at home and even during the weekend. For those of you who have commented but it has not shown up, follow these steps....Choose anonymous as an identity (be sure to leave your name so I know who it was), leave your comment, and then fill in the word verification exactly as is appears. Finally, click "Publish Your Comment." If you follow those steps your comment will be posted. You can comment on or about anything...

THE SOURCE

2007-11-28T16:54:00.000-05:00

Homework...Complete math worksheet 8.4. The spelling test for lesson 13 will be on December 6th & 7th.

Publishers Josie Rice and Megan Beasom came to me with an idea about creating a class news source. I liked the idea and gave them the side board to use however they wanted. Josie and Megan brought Gaige Kachel and Loutrail Campbell on board to design the pictures and photographs. Anyone in the class can contribute to The Source. You can read anything from the outcome of the lastest kickball game, to poems written by us. Great idea and excellent work!!

Full Moon

2007-11-24T10:14:00.000-05:00

I took advantage of the full moon Friday night and took this picture. You can easily see some craters and plains. The November full moon is called the Hunter's Moon. Check out this web site for more info... http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/earth/moons_and_rings.html&edu=elem

How To Cook A Thanksgiving Turkey

2007-11-21T11:32:00.000-05:00

How To Cook A Thanksgiving Turkey
by Karrie Boone

First, you buy a turkey, or your husband can shoot one.

Second, you wash it or pluck it and then you put A1 sauce on it or BBQ.

Third, you cook it.

Fourth, you let it cool down.

Fifth, you put it in the microwave for 33 seconds if it is too cold for you.

Sixth, wait until Thanksgiving.

Seventh, you invite people,

Last, you eat it!

2007-11-19T20:03:00.000-05:00

While we are busy with wreath making this week, there will be no homework. Just look over your review spelling words. Thanks to everyone in 3rd grade for helping out with the wreaths, you all are wonderful workers!

Weekend & Space

2007-11-16T20:40:00.000-05:00

Answer to the poll question...Earth could fit inside Jupiter 1,320 times!!

Have a great weekend! Look over the lesson 12 spelling review. Since it is a spelling review list I am going to have the test on Wednesday before Thanksgiving break.

The largest object in our solar system was the sun. Comet 17P/Holmes just passed it with its
expanding debris cloud. It's 1.4 million kilometers wide and getting bigger!

Also up this weekend, the Leonid meteor shower is to peak before dawn on Sunday, Nov. 18th. This year looks to be about 12 meteors/hour, which is not as spectacular as the past few years.

http://www.spaceweather.com/

Awesome Fall Rainbow

2007-11-15T17:30:00.000-05:00

Phys. Ed. became so much more exciting when this rainbow showed up!

2007-11-14T14:02:00.000-05:00

With the wreath making scheduled for next Monday(19th) and Tuesday(20th) after school(4-7 p.m.). I wanted to remind everyone about the prices.

Wreaths: $12/wreath or 2/$20

Pine Roping: $10=20 feet

Swags: $5/swag

2007-11-13T17:49:00.000-05:00

H.W. Do the math sheet on number sentences/word problems and read Night of the Pufflings.

2007-11-12T15:25:00.000-05:00

H.W. math sheet 7.5 Adding and Subtracting Money. Make sure you include your dollar sign and decimal point in the answer. Library tomorrow, don't forget your book.

Deep In Thought: Poems...

2007-11-09T11:45:00.000-05:00

Click the link below to hear these students reading their poems

http://sandersonthird.podbean.com/wp-content/plugins/podpress/podpress_backend.php?podPressPlayerAutoPlay=yes&standalone=yes&action=showplayer&pbid=0&b=28781&id=116307&filename=http://sandersonthird.podbean.com/medias/play/aHR0cDovL21lZGlhMS5wb2RiZWFuLmNvbS9wb2RjYXN0LWJsb2ctYXVkaW8tdmlkZW8tbWVkaWEtZmlsZXMvYmxvZ3MvMjg3ODEvdXBsb2Fkcy9iZXN0cG9kY2FzdC5tcDM/bestpodcast.mp3

Or go to...

http://sandersonthird.podbean.com/2007/11/13/deep-in-thoughtpoems-by-3rd-grade/

Birds
by Nikki Renninger

Birds, birds everywhere
Flying left, flying right
Chirping, gliding, soaring, through the air
When the feeder is full
Birds look, birds hunt, birds scatter
To race, to eat, to go to flight
When babies grow big and strong
They go and fly and play every day

Riding
by Josie Rice

I ride my bike
Left and right
Up and down
I’m out of sight

Bears
by Gaige Kachel

Bears can be black
Bears can be brown
Don’t get too close
Or, they’ll make a frown

Birds in the Sky
by Connor Henry

Cats are low, birds are high
Does that bird like the sky
Or, does he just swoop by to say hi

So High
by Logan Mellott

I wish I could fly
Ever so high
Like a bald eagle
In the sky

Birds All Colors
by Sarah Renninger

Birds are red
Birds are brown
All you have to do
Is look around

Trees
by Sierra Nailor

Trees, trees, trees
Everywhere, every color
On the ground
Down down
On the ground

Jackalopes
by Shane Kint

Jackalopes are big
Jackalopes are small
They all look funny
As they fall

My Brother a Wrestler
by Hunter Laird

My brother is a wrestler
So am I
We both win
We both lose
We just do our best

Thanksgiving
by Megan Beasom

My family loves Thanksgiving
When we go to my grams
We eat turkey
And Thanksgiving ham

2007-11-08T15:32:00.000-05:00

Study spelling words for the test tomorrow if you didn't get a 100% today.

Mr. Hart's Hawk Watching Party

2007-11-07T14:31:00.000-05:00

We went out this morning for hot chocolate, doughnuts, and hawk watching. What could be better? Great idea Mr. Hart! We battled the cold and wind, but just saw a few hawks in the distance. We still had a great time, here's the proof. For homework, complete spelling worksheet 36. Practice test tomorrow. Also, read Danger-Icebergs, the selection test will be tomorrow as well.