Spiders

Spider hunting was AWESOME today.  The weather didn't cooperate very well; it was cold and windy and still damp from yesterday's rain. But it didn't actually rain on us, so we were still able to go outside.  Chad gave them the option to stay inside, but the students unanimously voted to go out and hunt.  We found 10-16 spiders all total today; my 5th and 6th graders found more than the 7th and 8th graders.  Two 5th graders maybe even found a county record!  Their eyes went huge when they heard that.  They got bigger and bigger when they learned that if their find is a county record their names will get published on the official spider database, the spider will be preserved in alcohol, and it will end up in a museum someday!

After the collecting portion (in the woods behind school), we came inside and looked through the stereoscopes to see them up close.  Again, my kiddos were fascinated!  Chad had three scopes for us to look through and he brought specimens he'd found and preserved (in the past) for us to look at.  Man, I'd love to have one of those microscopes!  We could put the spiders in the little glass dishes and see them running around up close.  Even the hairs on their legs were visible.

Last night's Lenten supper was a success.  Many people passed on compliments to the chef and one even said our fajitas were better than Chipotle's! I didn't have anything to do with the actual cooking, just supervising and organizing, but I'm glad people were satisfied.  All total we served about 75 people and made $335.25.  That will put a dent in Camp Omega fees for next year!  Now, to get it deposited in the bank before it closes...