OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

Happy October! As autumn settles in and the leaves begin to turn, it is the perfect time to spark curiosity and dive into new learning adventures. This month, we are channeling the power of science—literally—with a hands-on look at how students created their very own Tornado in a Bottle! From swirling experiments to creative spotlights, October is full of opportunities to explore, engage, and grow together in our online learning community.

So grab your device, cozy up with some fall vibes, and get ready to be inspired by what our learners are discovering and creating!

Inside this newsletter, you will find:

• Creative Corner Spotlight
• Learning Spotlight: Making a Tornado in a Bottle
• LLVS Learner Engagement Recent Events
• LLVS Learner Engagement Upcoming Events

🎨 LLVS Creative Corner

🎨 The Creative Corner Spotlight

This month, we are excited to showcase the incredible creativity of Aurora from Elanco Online Learning. Aurora's artwork is inspired by the people who mean the most to her—her mom, dad, sister Ariel, and the loving support of her grandmother and cousin. Their encouraging words keep her motivated and passionate about her craft.

Aurora creates everywhere—from the sandy beaches of New Jersey to cozy afternoons at her grandparents’ house. Most of her favorite pieces come to life right at her desk, where imagination flows freely. Music often sets the tone for her work, especially songs that match the shows of the characters she’s drawing.

Dreaming big, Aurora imagines creating a giant mural in Florida, filled with cute cats, bubble letters, and beloved Disney characters. Disney holds a special place in her heart, and thanks to Elanco Online Learning, she can work ahead and enjoy every magical moment during her visits!

Learner Spotlight:

What is a Tornado?

What Is a Tornado?

A tornado is a powerful, spinning column of air that stretches from a thunderstorm down to the ground. It typically forms when warm, moist air near the ground meets cooler, drier air above. This mix creates unstable conditions in the atmosphere. If the wind starts to change direction and speed as it moves upward, it can cause the air to spin. When that spinning tightens and strengthens, a tornado can form.

How Does the Tornado in a Bottle Work?

When you spin the water in the bottle, it starts to swirl in a circle. The water moves down into the bottom bottle, and the air moves up through the middle. This makes a spinning shape called a vortex, which looks like a tiny tornado!

Try It at Home: Tornado in a Bottle

Materials Needed:

• 2 clear plastic bottles (16 oz or 1-liter size works well)
• Water
• Glitter or food coloring (optional, for visual effect)
• Duct tape or a tornado tube connector (available online or at science stores)

Instructions:

• Fill one bottle about ¾ full with water.
• Add glitter or food coloring if you would like to make the vortex easier to see.
• Connect the bottles:
• If using duct tape: Place the empty bottle upside down on top of the filled one. Tape securely around the necks to prevent leaks.
• If using a tornado tube: Screw the connector onto both bottles.
• Flip the bottles so the one with water is on top.
• Swirl the top of the bottle in a circular motion for a few seconds.
• Watch the vortex form as the water spirals down into the bottom bottle, creating a mini tornado!

Learner Engagement Recent Events

Our online learners had the exciting opportunity to explore the wonders of weather during our special Learner Engagement event - Behind the Scenes with WGAL: Tornado Adventures Await with meteorologist Ryan Argenti!

The day kicked off with a behind-the-scenes tour of WGAL, where Ryan gave students an inside look at how weather forecasts are produced. Learners discovered the technology and teamwork involved in delivering accurate weather reports and got a glimpse of the studio where it all happens.

Next, Ryan shared some of his real-life tornado chasing adventures, captivating students with stories from the field and explaining how meteorologists track and study severe weather safely.

Inspired by Ryan’s experiences, students then jumped into a hands-on experiment, creating their own tornadoes in a bottle. This interactive activity helped learners understand how a vortex forms and why tornadoes spin.

To wrap up the event, Ryan demonstrated a cloud-in-a-jar experiment, showing how clouds form through condensation. It was a visual and engaging way to end the day, leaving students with a deeper appreciation for the science behind the skies.

This event was a fantastic blend of science, storytelling, and hands-on learning—one of many exciting events in our Learner Engagement series that connect students with real-world professionals and spark curiosity across subjects.

Our recent trip to the Wolf Sanctuary of Pennsylvania provided students with a rare and exciting opportunity to observe 54 wolves/wolf dogs in a peaceful, natural setting. During our guided tour, we were able to meet several of the sanctuary’s rescued wolves and learn about their unique personalities and stories. We learned that the wolves are fed 3 lbs of meat daily and no processed foods. High-ranking members of the pack eat first, and they eat the heart, liver, etc., which gives them a more dominant-smelling urine to mark territory.  In the wild, wolves typically live 7-8 years but can live up to 20 years in a protected environment.

As we walked through the wooded paths, our guide shared fascinating facts about wolf behavior, biology, and the important role these animals play in the ecosystem. One of our guides recommended we watch How Wolves Change Rivers.

We also learned about the sanctuary’s mission to protect and care for wolves that can’t live in the wild. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation and how humans can help make a difference.



This experience sparked great conversations and curiosity among our learners.

Our recent visit to Franklin & Marshall College was an exciting opportunity for students to experience life on a college campus and learn more about higher education. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by friendly staff who guided us through a day full of discovery and inspiration.

Students toured the beautiful campus, toured the student housing facilities, and got a feel for what it’s like to be a college student. Along the way, we learned about the school’s history, its academic programs, and the many opportunities available to students—from research and internships to clubs and campus life.

One of the highlights of the visit was getting insights from a second-year Franklin & Marshall student who led the tour, who shared her personal experiences and answered questions about college life. It was a great way for our learners to start thinking about their own futures and the possibilities that lie ahead.

We are so grateful to Franklin & Marshall for hosting us and giving our students a glimpse into what is possible after high school!

Get Ready! Exciting Learner Engagement Events are on the way!

Autumn Adventure in Lititz!

Get ready for a full day of adventure and tasty fun! LLVS Online Learners are invited to explore Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery for a behind-the-scenes look at how soft pretzels are made.

After the tour of Julius Sturgis Bakery, we will head to Lititz Springs Park for a picnic lunch together. Don’t forget to pack your favorite lunch!

To top it all off, we will end the day with a sweet treat at Greco’s Ice Cream, where LLVS is treating every student to a delicious scoop of ice cream!

It will be a day full of learning, laughter, and snacks that you will not want to miss!

Saint Joseph's University College Tour

You are invited to explore Saint Joseph’s University with us! Get ready for an exciting opportunity to step into college life! LLVS online learners are invited to join us for a special visit to Saint Joseph’s University, where you will get a firsthand look at what it’s like to be a college student.

During our visit, you will:

• Hear from the admissions team about what it takes to apply and succeed at Saint Joseph's University
• Take a guided walking tour of the beautiful campus
• Learn about academic programs, student life, and all the opportunities available
• Ask questions and get real answers from people who know the school best

Whether you are just starting to think about college or already planning your next steps, this visit is a great way to explore your options and get inspired about your future.

Reptile Invasion is Coming!

An Exciting Educational Experience

Get ready for a wild and unforgettable experience! LLVS online learners are invited to join us for our Reptile Invasion Event—an up-close encounter with some of nature’s most fascinating creatures.

You will meet 25–30 amazing reptiles with unique looks and personalities. From slithering snakes to curious lizards and more, this is your chance to:

• Touch and interact with real reptiles in a safe, hands-on setting
• Learn about reptile care and how our choices can impact their future
• Discover the incredible variety of species and behaviors in the reptile world



Whether you're a reptile enthusiast or just curious to learn more, this event is packed with excitement, education, and plenty of surprises.

Don’t miss your chance to explore the world of reptiles—up close and personal!

Thanks to Accelerate Education for sponsoring this awesome event!

Connect with us on Social Media

Just a reminder, we are excited that we are expanding our presence on social media, and we want YOU to be a part of it! Following us on Facebook and Instagram is a great way to stay updated on the latest news and events! You will see real-time updates on important announcements, deadlines, and events.

Click on the links below to follow us!

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Don't miss out on the chance to be more involved and informed.