I Pods and I Phones for Science

Mrs. Becki Poston, our 6th grades science teacher, got permission for our class to bring our I phones and I pods to class so we could download a free application called Sky View. We are studying the unit on space and we are learning the different star constellations. This app shows planets, stars, the moon, the sun, satellites, and constellations in real time data. You can see the sun and the time the sun is coming up. You can see all the planets and constellations such as Orion, Ursa Major, and Ursa Minor. We saw the Hubble Telescope, the ISS (International Space Station),and the Atlas Centaur 2. This was definitely a way to make learning and science fun! Submitted by Katelyn Coker and Will Matthews, grade 6

Body Worlds Vital and USC Forensics Visit

TCA students view first hand chemistry laboratories, lectures with Dr. Morgan, and demonstrations in the forensics and mass spectrometer laboratory on Wednesday during a trip to USC and to the Body Worlds' Vital exhibit at The State Museum. Students in Biology I and II, and Chemistry II classes along with Dr. Jessica McCutcheon and Anna Floyd were tremendously pleased with the field trip. Thanks to Mrs. Tammy Cook, Mrs. April Floyd and Mrs. Vickie Parker for accompanying the students as extra chaperones.
Dr. Stephen L Morgan, Professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of South Carolina states “forensic analytical chemistry has interested me since the 1980's, and my research group started doing research projects in forensic analytical chemistry in the early 90's. We are involved in developing improved methods of analysis for forensic trace evidence such as textile fibers, drugs of abuse, hair, and polymers (such as adhesive tape and tire rubber). These methods include UV/visible, IR, and Raman microspectrophotometry, and microanalysis of trace fibers by extraction and separations (CE and LC) interfaced to mass spectrometry.”
We visited Dr. Morgan’s laboratory and the mass spectrometer lab as well.(Mass spec. equipment totaling over 3 million dollars) USC has 8 spectrometers, some of which are Leco Pegasus II gas chromatograph with a time-of-flight mass spectrometer, equipped with a laser pyrolysis system developed in-house and a Chemical Data Systems 2000 heated filament Pyroprobe with a CDS model 1500 valved interface.

The Body Worlds Vital exhibit at The State Museum was a fantastic experience for our students. The exhibit celebrates the potential of the human body and the body in motion. Featuring authentic human bodies, the exhibition shows the body in health, distress and disease. These detailed anatomical studies, compositions and representations allow you to gaze at what lies beneath the skin. Students had the opportunity to compare the body regular and the body with disease such as certain cancers, arteriosclerosis, Alzheimer’s, cirrhosis, and stokes. Visit http://www.museum.state.sc.us to learn more about this exciting exhibit and discover what you’re made of!

Earth Science Class - Guest Speaker

Reverend Mr. Bob Dockery visited the eighth grade Earth Science class on January 12. Originally from Oregon, he grew up very near the famous Crater Lake (formally Mt. Mezama). The class has been studying volcanoes and landforms. He presented the history of Crater Lake and the volcanic eruption which lead to it's formation. He brought an electronic photo show and he described all the features of the lake and surrounding region. Mr. Bob is currently the pastor of Mr. Zion Baptist Church in Pamplico, SC.
Mrs. Becki Poston is the instructor for the class. Today the class will be erupting volcanoes they constructed. "There She Blows!"

New Board Memeber

Congratulations to Mr. Scott Askins, our newest TCA Board Member. We look forward to working with you.

Board Election Run Off Ballots

Remember that the ballots for the TCA Board member is due back to the school on Thursday, January 5th at 8:00 am. You may mail them or bring them in. School will resume on January 3rd. Have a happy and safe holiday season.

Students Share the Joy of Giving

TCA students and faculty embrace the true meaning of Christmas generosity as they shared with some needy families and 10 adults with the Lake City Disabilities Department.
As always, you are so willing to give out the abundance with which you have been blessed. Thank you for truly demonstrating love overflowing! Have a Merry Christmas.

Early Acceptance to College

TCA seniors are receiving their early acceptance letters to the colleges of their choice - Grayson McClam to the Citadel, Mason Cantey and Whitney Weber to Wofford, Josh and Zack Askins to USC in Columbia, John Lurie Pate to FMU and Spartanburg Methodist, and Amanda Myers to Clemson University. Congratulations to you!