Teacher's End Comments

This is a copy of the graph of our temperature readings throughout the 6 weeks.  

Miss Snapp's reflections on the project:

As you can see, we only had one day that was colder by temperature readings than our February 2nd reading.  That surprised me.  I thought that we would have have many days lower than that.  We did have many days that with the wind chill factor, went much much lower.  If you judge by how often students wanted to stand inside for recess, we had MANY cold days. Often the 10:30 temperatures would be nice, but by early afternoon would change drastically.

Any snow storms that we had were short lived with the snow melting quickly.  None of the storms laid down very much snow after that starting date.

Our warmest days only just starting appearing.  The birds are back and singing their morning greetings.  Some tulip plants are beginning to push out of the group.  None are blossoming yet.  The trees are starting to get buds on them but have not burst out yet.

Taken all these things in account, I would have to say that although there were not big snow storms and there wasn't a real drop in temperature, Alvin was correct.  Spring is just now really arriving so I think he actually did do a good job in predicting in the long run.  

Final results for our team

Information coming soon.

Altamont Elementary School - Altamont, UT, USA      NO

Hawthorne, BC Canada        no vote turned in

La Crescenta, CA, USA         no vote turned in

Our Lady of the Way - Stratton, ON, Canada      YES

Prairedale Elemenatary - Vanderhoof, ON, Canada   NO

Wickliffe Progressive School - Upper Arlington, Ohio  YES

Is a Groundhog A Good Predictor of the Weather?

We took our final vote today.  Is a groundhog a good predictor of the weather?  Our class couldn't agree on one final answer.  

19 students voted that groundhogs are NOT good predictors of the weather.  Here are their comments:

No, because we had two very cold days. Spring came one day after his prediction.  It was warm.  Kiara

No, because we had temperatures up in the 50's.  I think groundhogs are not a good predictor.  Well, that's what I think and no one can change my mind.  Jed

No, Alvin was not a good predictor because it was warm almost the whole six weeks! We had three days in the 50's, three in the 40's and some in the 30's.  It was really warm.  I wore a tank top all the time at home.  Mylee

No, Alvin wasn't a good predictor.  It has been warm the last 6  weeks.  It hasn't been snowing that much.  The grass is growing, flowers are growing and it is much sunnier.  Kalab

No, because we had very little snow.  It was hot.  I did not even wear a coat.  Joey

NO!  It has been so warm, with no snow. I have not worn my coat.  March also came in as a lamb.  Jessen

No, sorry Alvin, but I think its spring.  The birds are coming back.  The grass is coming out.  Flowers are blooming.  You hardly have to wear a coat, just a jacket.  Haylee

NO, Alvin said we would have six more weeks of winter.  Most of the time it was hot.  Sometimes it was cold. But it feels like spring.  Sierra

No, i do not think groundhogs are good predictors because it has been rally warm since we started.  I really don't think groundhogs are good predictors because it has only snowed about two times.  The weather of one day can not predict 6 weeks.  Animals are not usually smart enough to predict the weather without tools.  Josh

No, because there were more warm days.  I'm glad that Alvin is wrong because I like spring.  The sunny days make me happy.  Alvin was predicting ok.  Josiah

I think Alvin was wrong because there was not that much snow.  A lot of the days were cold.  Devin

NO! because we had some really really warm weather.  We had some days in the fifties.  He was so wrong.  We also had days where it was so warm I could go find a really good spot where I could just lay down and sleep.  Jason

No way - it ha been really hot.  Joe

No, because it was warm most of the days.  It snowed only 3 times.  It melted that day when it did snow.  Groundhogs aren't always right.  RaShea

No, I don't think Alvin did a good job.  It got colder some day but other days it got warmer.  Alvin was no very good at forecasting the weather but Alvin was a good friend.  Jillian

Groundhogs are not good predictors. Because the 6 weeks we had snow and some sunny. It was cold outside and windy. There were ice cubes on the building and windows and cars. We had really windy and snowy days. Kilee

No, because its been warm up to the 55.9 and I do not like how Alvin said six more weeks of winter.  Its kinda dumb how everyone believed his opinion.  Brian

Comments from some other students in my class.

No, because I have seen baby animals and baby grass.  It has also been in the 50's.

No, Because a lot of the days were in the 50's 0r 40'w in temperature.  It's amazing how this project was so amazing.  I learned so much how weather works.  I think some of the reason why I don't think so is because it was like spring.

We did have students who thought groundhogs were good predictors.  Here are their comments:

Yes, I think groundhogs are good predictors... because we had a lot of warm weather even though we had a few cold days. I enjoyed being with Alvin. Brielle

Yes, because we had more cloudy days than sunny.  some day were cold.  Some were windy and one was really cold!  Dade

Yes, because Altamont had some cold days.  Also, we had more colder days than warm days.  It was also clouds and not sunny so it would not have been spring or warm.  That's what I think.  Hallie

Yes, because he said six more weeks of winter and it had come.  We kept the weather for the weeks.  Teigen

Yes, because the temperture dropped and you had bundle up and wear coats, gloves and hats or you had to stay inside.  One day I went outside and it was snowing like crazy.  So I think they are good predictors.  Cody

Yes, 

I think groundhogs are good predictors because there were a few snowstorms in the  weeks, and it has been sort of nice. Katelyn

He was a good predictor.  Austin

Yes, he was good.  Justine

Other student comments:

Yes, I think groundhogs are good predictors because we had more snow storms and some colder days.  I even felt like it was more winter.  

Week 6 for all

Week 6 Average Temperatures

Altamont, UT, USA - Alvin

 0.56  Celsius,  33 Fahrenheit

The results are:

Hawthorne, BC, Canada -Harry

Celsisus, Fahrenheit not reported

La Crescenta, CA, USA - Cuddles

Celsisus, Fahrenheit not reported

Stratton, ON, Canada - Brody

 -15 Celsius,  Fahrenheit

Vanderhoof, BC, Canada - Schniggle Fritz

-18  Celsius, Fahrenheit

Wickliffe, OH, USA - Willie

 Celsius,  Fahrenheit

Week 6 Data

We can't believe that this is our last week to gather data in this project!

Our weather this week

Monday 32.6 Fahrenheit,  cloudy

Tuesday 24.9 Fahrenheit,  sunny

Wednesday 34.5 Fahrenheit, sunny

Thursday 36.6 Fahrenheit, cloudy

Friday 36.4 Fahrenheit, sunny

 average  33 fahrenheit

These readings were taken at 10:30am each day at the school.

Our Spring Definitions

The following are the definitions that each of my students think spring is....

Spring is when it starts to warm up after the long winter.  It is when the plants start to grow.  It is when most animals have babies. It is when I ride horses, bikes, scooters, and carts.  Spring is my favorite season.  Jillian

Spring is when it start to get warmer and the snow melts and it's muddy.  Also I know it is spring when the cows have calves and the grass is green.  It's spring when flowers are blooming and animals come out from hibernation.  It is spring when we can play outside and when I can't  snowmobile anymore.  Hallie

Spring is when you can play on the tramp when the water is squirting on it.  Spring is when you can swim.  Spring is when you can wear shorts.  Spring is when you can feed the cows. Devin

Spring is the months of March, April and May. Spring is when most of the baby animals are born.  Cows and horses can eat green grass.  Spring is when the first swimming pool open.  Spring is when I go to saddle my horse and sell the calves.  Kiara

Spring is the time to play, ride bikes, fly kites, and to go fishing.  It's also a time when flowers bloom.  The snow is melting and it's much warmer.  New calves and all sorts of babies are born.  That's why I like Spring!  Spring is when water parks start to open and school starts to end.  I Love Spring!  Jason

I think spring is flowers starting to grow.  Spring is when the grass turns green. Spring is when you go fishing.  Spring is when the air starts to get warm.  Dade

Spring is a time of year when yo can go swimming, camping, fishing.  Spring is when cows, horses, sheep, goats and a lot of other animals have their babies.  Brielle

I think spring is sunny, nice and everything starts to grow.  You get to ride dirt bikes, four wheelers, then you can go camping, swimming, fishing, and even hunting.  Spring is when the snow melts.  Kalab

Spring is when snow melts, spring flowers bloom and the grass ccomes out.  In sptingtime there are longer days.  You can go swimming.  Haylee

Spring to me is not as cold.  I like spring hot because I can smell the fresh air and I like to go swimming, waterskiing, and boarding.  Joe

Spring is when the snow is gone. When spring is here it is time to work sheep and pigs.  I will have to plat grass and haul rocks.  Jessen

Spring is perfect.  Spring is warm. Spring is very pretty.  It is when flowers bloom.  Sierra

Spring is the season when plants start to grow.  It is when the snow melts.  Spring is when it warms up. Spring is when the grass grows green so I have to mow the lawn.  Spring is when we have to take the Core Tests.  Josh

Spring is when all the snow starts melting and makes floods.  When the deer lose their antlers and you can go find them, it is spring.  Spring is when some sports start and you can ride four wheelers, go carts, dirt bikes and other stuff like that.  Jed

Spring is when the birds, squirrels and rabbits are seen again.  Spring is when deer get their horns.  You can go swimming at the Rec Center.  We can stay in a tent on a warm spring night.  You can travel to places like Brazil.  Teigen

Spring is when everything starts to grow, the birds come back, when everyone is very happy.  Spring is when I love to jump on the trampoline.  Spring is when you hear the songbird.  Josiah

In spring plants will grow and animals come out of hibernation.  In spring  it warms up and the snow goes away.  It usually lasts through March, April and May. Cody

Spring is when snow melts, spring flowers bloom, and the grass comes out.  In springtime there are longer days. You can go swimming.   Haylee

Spring is so nice, you can wear shorts and sometimes tank tops.  Spring is when you can not go snowmobiling anymore.  Spring is when you can ride your bike.  Spring is when you can go swimming!   Katelyn

Spring is when animals are coming out of hibernation.  Flowers bloom and trees grow. That is what I think summer is.  Babies are born.  Trees grow.  People start to play outside more.  Joey

Spring is when blossoms are blooming from the trees and snow is melting and you can ride your bike, four wheeler, your motorcycle, go swimming, wear shorts and short shirts, tanktops, no heavy coats.  You can jump on the tramp, you can get stung by bees.  ou have green grass. You can go camping.  It will rain more.  Mylee

Spring is warm and sunny and wet, too.  Calves are born.  It is when we can do all the things we want to do.  It is swimming and the Olympics.  That's my opinion about spring.  Brian

Spring is when flowers, grass, trees fruit grows.  Spring is when animals are born.  You can swim, ride horses, camp, motorcyle, four wheeler, play, have fun. You can wear shorts, capris and tanktops.  RaShea

A few other definitions from our class:

Spring is a season between winter and summer.  Spring is when a lot of things are born.  You can go swimming.  Sometimes, you can ride horses, go camping or ride your bike.  Flowers come out and animals come out of hibernating.

Spring is when it gets warmer from winter.  Spring is when there is no more snow. Spring is when it gets warmer and you can go outside with a small sweater.

Spring is a time of year when flowers bloom.  It is also a time of birth and beauty.  It is a time of warmth.  It is a time of fun.

Teacher's Note:  Hmmmm,  You can tell that most of my students are ready for SUMMER to come!  We don't always have clear 4 seasons here in the basin.  Usually our springs are so short that I think the students forget it even exists.

Week 5 Data

Our weather this week

Monday 47.2 Fahrenheit,Cloudy

Tuesday 54.9 Fahrenheit, Cloudy

Wednesday 53.5 Fahrenheit, Sunny

Thursday 32.9 Fahrenheit, Cloudy

Friday   38.7  Fahrenheit,  Cloudy

45.44 average

These readings were taken at 10:30am each day at the school.

Week 5 Data for All

Week 5 Average Temperatures

Altamont, UT, USA - Alvin

7.47 Celsius, 45.46 Fahrenheit

The results are:

Hawthorne, BC, Canada -Harry

Celsisus,  Fahrenheit  not reported

La Crescenta, CA, USA - Cuddles

Celsisus, Fahrenheit  not reported

Stratton, ON, Canada - Brody

-2.6 Celsius,  27.3 Fahrenheit

Vanderhoof, BC, Canada - Schniggle Fritz

- 5 Celsius, 23 Fahrenheit

Wickliffe, OH, USA - Willie

1.067  Celsius, 33.92 Fahrenheit

Our Groundhog Facts

We did a little research and this is what we found out about groundhogs:

Groundhogs are about one and a half to two feet long. They are pretty much loners, but sometimes you see them with other groundhogs. They have sharp claws and like to keep on the ground. Plus, they have really sharp teeth. - Jason

Groundhogs have summer and winter dens. The groundhogs den is usually in dry wood areas. Their dens have two entrances. A groundhog can live for several years. Most of them live a short life.  - Jed

Groundhogs have white teeth. Groundhog are mostly vegetarians. Groundhogs are about one and one half feet long. The groundhog lives in a burrow. - Katelyn

Groundhogs have winter dens usually made by wood.  They have summer dens 2 - 4 feet deep under barns. Groundhogs have 3-5 or up to 9 cubs in a litter. They only have one litter a year. Groundhogs live long lives, but most get run over. Groundhogs’ enemies are bears, wolves, lynx, bobcats, cougars, foxes, dogs and humans. - Sierra

Groundhogs usually live from 2 -3 years, but they can live up to 6 years in the wild. Groundhogs are about one and a half to two feet long including their tail. Sometimes the males are larger than the females. Most groundhogs are vegetarians. They like to eat fruit & vegetables and sometimes eggs. -    Hallie

Groundhogs have about 2 - 6 babies at a time. Groundhogs are shy sometimes. People give them food.  They can climb up trees. - Mylee

Groundhogs are the prey of bears, wolves, lynx, bob cats, cougars and foxes. They can live for several years, but most don’t live long, they get hit by cars! So you better drive slower! It is amazing that groundhogs can climb trees! Another name for a groundhog is a wood chuck. - Jessen

Groundhogs live in gardens if they dare! Groundhogs are about one and a half to two feet long. Groundhogs have white teeth. They can live for several years. - Devin

Groundhogs are mammals. The groundhogs’ enemies are bears, wolves, lynx, bobcats, cougars, foxes, dogs and humans. On average they have between 3- 5 babies per litter.  When they feel threatened, they let out a whistle or shrill noise!  - Joey

Mother & Fathers don’t even share living quar ters after the young ones are born. Groundhogs are about one and a half to two feet long. Groundhogs live in holes. Groundhogs eat grasshoppers, insects, snails, and other small insects. - Brielle

Their teeth are white. They are vegetarians. They have two dens. One for winter and one for summer. Families don’t stay together.  - Kiara

They live for several years except when they get run over by cars. They do not live together all their lives. They whistle and shrill to communicate. I learned that they make carpet out of leaves and wipe their feet before entering their den.  - Josh

Groundhogs mostly like fruit and vegetables but they like pizza, too! Groundhogs are one and a half to two feet long with short legs. Groundhogs have only one litter per year. They only have four to six babies. - Haylee

Groundhogs are more than one color.  Groundhogs can climb trees. Another name for a groundhog is wood chuck.  They lives in a burrow. They grow to  2-4 feet long. - RaShea

Groundhogs don’t live together. Mothers and fathers don’t sleep in the same place after young are born. Groundhogs live for several years. Groundhogs can climb trees. - Cody

 I learned that groundhogs can grow up to 1-2 feet long.  Males are sometimes bigger than females.  Groundhogs have white teeth. - Kaleb

Groundhogs are about one and a half to two feet long including their tail.  They eat fruits and vegetables of all kinds and some will eat eggs.  They don't eat bugs and they are not meat eaters.  Their feet have five well developed toes and they measure to 3 - 3.5 inches long. Their dens are 2-4 feet deep and they wipe their feet, too!  They can have up to 3-5 cubs per litter. - Kilee

Did you know that another name for groundhog is woodchuck?  A groundhog is about one and a half to two feet tall.  Their teeth are pure white.  They live up to several years long.  They dig dens underground.  - Teigen

I learned that groundhogs get killed by bears, wolves, lynx, bobcats, cougars, foxes, dogs and humans.  I also learned that when a mother groundhog's den is disturbed the mother runs away.  A mother groundhog has three to five cubs per litter and only one litter per year.  I learned that groundhogs live for several year and some only have a short life. - Dade

Groundhogs teeth are white.  Groundhog is another name for woodchuck.  Groundhogs are about one to two feet long.  Josiah

Groundhogs have five toes on each foot.  They, the toes, are 3 to 3.5 inches long.  Did you know that they can climb trees? Well, they can.  Isn't it awesome?  Groundhogs ear grass and other plants.  They have brown fur. - Jillian

Groundhogs are the largest sciurd in its geographical range.  It measures up to 40 - 65 cm long. Most of the time groundhogs live from two to three years long. Groundhog and woodchucks are the same animal - student in our room

A groundhog is about the size and weight of a cat. The ears are small and round. The head is flat with a pointed snout. The eyes and nose are black. The fur is brown and gray. Their legs are short and strong. They have very sharp teeth and claws - another student in our class

Groundhogs have teeth.  They have different colors of fur.  They can climb trees.  They eat grass and sometimes pizza if people feed it to them.   - another student

Week 4 for partners

Week 4 Average Temperatures

Altamont, UT, USA - Alvin

2.167 Celsius,  35.9  Fahrenheit

The results are:

Hawthorne, BC, Canada -Harry

16 Celsisus,  60.8   Fahrenheit

La Crescenta, CA, USA - Cuddles

 Celsisus,   Fahrenheit

Stratton, ON, Canada - Brody

-10.2  Celsius,    13,62   Fahrenheit

Vanderhoof, BC, Canada - Schniggle Fritz

- 20 Celsius,   - 4   Fahrenheit

Wickliffe, OH, USA - Willie

-0.27   Celsius, Fahrenheit

Week 4 Data

Our weather this week

Monday 38.7 Fahrenheit,Sunny

Tuesday 42.3 Fahrenheit, Cloudy

Wednesday 38.7 Fahrenheit, Sunny

Thursday  36.8 Fahrenheit, Cloudy

Friday 27.6 Fahrenheit, Cloudy

These readings were taken at 10:30am each day at the school.

The wind picked up this week!

Wickliffe Community Description!

Here is another description by one of our partners:

Our school is Wickliffe Progressive Community School. There are 450 students in our schools. (423 girls and 427 boys) We have 66 teachers and staff members. We have 20 classrooms that range from kindergarten to fifth grade. We have a music teacher, art teacher and PE teacher as well. Our group participating in the Groundhog Project is a group of first through fourth graders who meet with Mrs. Boyle. She is our enrichment teacher. There are sixteen students in total.

At recess we like to play on the playground, play four square, swings on the tire swing, play basketball and jump rope. We have extra activities at Wickliffe such as band, orchestra, technology club, choir, and safety patrol and recess alternatives. We do after school discovery classes like chess; pottery and other classes the parents organize. Some of us participate in cub scouts, girl scouts and Indian princesses and Indian guides.

Our school is in Upper Arlington. In our school district there are 5 elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. Our school mascot is the Wolf. The High School mascot is the Golden Bear. Mrs. Boyle was telling us a story about the most famous golden bear…Jack Nicklaus; he went to Upper Arlington High School and to Ohio State. He is a famous golfer.

Upper Arlington is a suburb of Columbus Ohio. We are right in the middle of the state of Ohio. Near by is the Ohio State University. Some of our parents work at OSU. Over 30,000 people live in Upper Arlington. There are many doctor’s offices, parks, shops and restaurants in Upper Arlington. Some of our favorites include Giant Eagle, Kroger and Whole Foods (grocery stores), Macy’s and CVS. Most of the other stores are locally owned stores. Nearby are malls with stores like Target, Wal-Mart, Trader Joe’s, abercrombe and Hollister. Places to eat around us include Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Donatos (pizza), Pizza Hut and Bob Evans (great breakfast!) There are two hospitals close to us but not in Upper Arlington. The Library system in our town has three branches. The main library is closest to us.

In Central Ohio we have all four seasons. We can usually play outside for recess all year long. Sometimes in winter it gets too cold and we have indoor recess. The spring can be rainy but most often it is nice. We have animas around our school. Some of the animals we see often are squirrels, chipmunks, birds and rabbits. Some of our classes have pets such as guinea pigs, snakes, and hamsters. In Mrs. Boyle’s class we have a webkinz as our class pet. (If you don’t know a webkinz is a plush toy and there is a website to go and play with it.) The land around us is flat. It is good for farming and there are farms in the outlying areas around us. No one in our class or even in our school lives on a farm. There is a farm at Ohio State University but it is mostly for teaching students about farming.

Half way for others

Good predictor of weather, or not?

Hawthorne, BC, Canada -Harry

Week 1 9 Celsius, 49.2 Fahrenheit

Week 2 6 Celsius, 42.8 Fahrenheit

Week 3 10 Celsius, 50 Fahrenheit

La Crescenta, CA, USA - Cuddles

Week 1 22.2 Celsius, 71.9 Fahrenheit

Week 2 14 Celsius, 57.2 Fahrenheit

Week 3 18 Celsius, 64.4 Fahrenheit

Stratton, ON, Canada - Brody

Week 1 14.4 Celsius, 57.9 Fahrenheit

Week 2 -3 Celsius, 26.6 Fahrenheit

Week 3 Celsius, Fahrenheit

Vanderhoof, BC, Canada - Schniggle Fritz

Week 1 -2 Celsius,  28.4 Fahrenheit

Week 2 - 12 Celsius,  10.4 Fehrenheit

Week 3 - 18 Celsius, -0.4 Fahrenheit

Wickliffe, OH, USA - Willie

Week 1 -2.7 Celsius,  27.1 Fahrenheit

Week 2 2.43 Celsius,   36.37 Fahrenheit

Week 3 Celsius, Fahrenheit

Wishing everyone a great week of learning.  

This picture came from HogHaven.com!

Half way

We are half way through our project. Here is the summary of the results so far:

Fahrenheit Celsius

Week 1    35.2 1.8

Week 2 31.5 -0.28

Week 3 34.04 1.13

What do you think?  Did Alvin predict right about more winter storms or is this really spring on its way?

Hey, Hey, we are excited! Prairedale Elementary have a Blog, too.  Check them out at 

Prairedale Elementary.  Schniggle Fritz and friends from Vanderhoof we welcome you to blogging!

Week 3 data for all!

Week 3 Average Temperatures

Altamont, UT, USA - Alvin

 1.13   Celsius,  34.04  Fahrenheit

The results are coming soon:

Hawthorne, BC, Canada -Harry

10 Celsisus, 50 Fahrenheit

La Crescenta, CA, USA - Cuddles

18 Celsisus,   64.4 Fahrenheit

Stratton, ON, Canada - Brody

-16.2  Celsius, 2.84  Fahrenheit

Vanderhoof, BC, Canada - Schniggle Fritz

- 18 Celsius,  -0.4 Fahrenheit

Wickliffe, OH, USA - Willie

3.89   Celsius, 39   Fahrenheit

Groundhogs!

We have loved learning about groundhogs.  Today we went to a couple of websites with lots of information about groundhogs to learn more about them.  Here are the two websites:

Groundhog at wikipedia and Hoghaven.com .  The HogHaven site has photos and even movies and soundclips of real groundhogs!  

Here are some of our drawings of Groundhogs.