Science Fair

Today was the science fair hosted by our local homeschooling group at one of the local colleges.  Tera has been working on a project called Freaky Fries- Which fries will decompose first?  Daniel's project was called Electro Fruit-O:  Which fruit/vegetable will generate the most electricity?

Daddy quizzing the kids the day before to prep them for the interview portion of the science fair.

 

    Glow in the dark spiders from a student who did her internship in Hondurus.  We saw lots of things under black light, but the coolest was seeing Tera's eyes and teeth glowing! 

  Poppers demonstration- tums and vinegar in photo canister.  I overheard this as the favorite for lots of kids.  

    There was also a station on light and color, but since Michael and I were playing in the water fountain, going to the potty and washing our hands...I have no pictures of that one.  The kids did come home with some really cool glow in the dark beads that change color when exposed to black light!  

 

Working with acids/bases and testing for ph.  Also, shaving cream tie-dye...definitely trying this one again!

JP and Michael met a really nice professor at the college, who shared crayons with Michael when he really needed a diversion!

Flaming Gummy Bears!

Waiting to talk to the judge.

Showing their boards to friends and posing.

All the participants

 

    This was a top notch science fair.  Not only were there cool prizes for winning, but they made sure each participant left home with a door prize.  Nice door prizes.  Tera won 2 free Firehouse Subs and Daniel won 2 "2 One Time Free Admission" to Ripley's Aquarium.  Daniel looked like one of those people who just got called up for The Price is Right!  The gift bags for participants had all kinds of stuff in there: messenger bag, pencils, pens, food, toys, coupons for Froyoz and admission to AMSE, and all kinds of stuff.    Although, our kids did not place, they walked away feeling like winners!  We are so proud of all the hard work they put into their projects. We are all looking forward to next year...just not right now!  

 

He knows my name...

He Knows My Name
by Tommy Walker


I have a Maker.
He formed my heart
Before even time began,
My life was in His hands.

He knows my name;
He knows my every thought;
He sees each tear that falls
and He hears me when I call.

I have a Father.
He calls me His own;
He’ll never leave me,
No matter where I go.

I'm so glad!

Tuesday in Madagascar

We met with our co-op on Tuesday for a focus on Madagascar.  First the kids watched a short video on the country and then a clip of leaping lemurs.  Then they tried their hands...or in this case feet, at leaping. 

Michael is helping measure his leap.  I would have had pictures of Tera and Daniel's leap but I had to turn and get Michael out of something each time. 

  A cute little somebody!

  There were all kinds of coloring activities (maps, flags, etc.).  Then the kids listened to a Maya Angelou poem written about Madagascar.  They did their impressions of her descriptions with various pictures.  

    This was my favorite activity.  Play dough landforms.  Each of the kids received a card with a specific landform pictured.  They were to replicate that on their plate with playdough.  Then, they played a guessing game to remember each person's landform.    

 

Nothing like friends helping friends!

For more pics and links for all the activities we did, check out The Forest Room! 

It's Thursday, it's Thursday...

WooHoo it's Friday...no wait, it's still Thursday.  It feels like Friday because it's been a long day around here.  Not a bad long day- just a rainy, overtime working, full of activity day.  We have  had a pretty good week.  Academically, I pulled back a little for the kids since they worked overtime last week on science fair projects (which is this Saturday).  Tera has her state of Tennessee mandated writing assessment next Wednesday, so we've contacted the testing coordinator and are all set to go.  We took her suggestion of doing a mock run through yesterday.  Then I showed her the sample papers online (also a recommendation from the coordinator- who was extremely nice and even gave me her cell with the permission to call anytime with questions).  It was awesome to see Tera confident about how she will do next week. 

We started Spelling Power this week- we all really like this program and I'm so glad I finally bought it.  It's just what we needed.  Sometimes I think my kids mess with me.  A couple of weeks ago, it seemed like they weren't spelling anything-then we did the placement test and they test above where I thought they would/should be.  We did prescriptive tests, too and we indeed have some holes in learning.  So, once we learn the system, I'll assign specific lists they need to work on. 

The Lord blesses me so much and so many ways.  Like when He doesn't let both of my kids struggle with their math at the same time.  Daniel is on an even keel and working pretty consistent right now.  Now, Tera is having some problems.  Part of it stems from the fact that she wasn't reading the lesson material in her Saxon book and doing the practice.  I'm going back through some trouble lessons with her and making sure she understands each concept before we move forward anymore.  I'm so glad I have the undivided time she needs. 

Tuesday, we had co-op and learned all about Madagascar, but I'll post about that tomorrow. 

Michael is begging to do HIS school.  Thankfully, I had things given to me, found things at yard sales/thrift stores or just put together with things laying around here that will keep him occupied for a little while. 

Today we played lots of games (when I say "we", I mean "me and them") and had tons of craziness. 

Life in general

I'm tired of using the titles:  "This and That",  "Random",  "Stuff"...so today you get "Life in general".  I promised my mom I would post, because she wants to see some pictures.  I have been having a really rough time these last few weeks.  I can truly say, I feel a lot better this week.  I'm truly thankful for all those who commented and shared as well.  It's nice to know you aren't the only one dealing with something. 

We have been busy all week finishing our science fair projects.  They are not due until next week,  but I'm trying to get the kids in a habit of finishing projects early...so hopefully when they go to college, it will be a habit.  I know, good luck with that, right?! 

Here are some random pics of our last few weeks:

Here you go, Mom!  I love you!

My little Robin Hood--Tera put together this costume for him. 

Face paint by Tera

 

Ways to get exercise when it's rainy or too muddy outside. 

Games with friends!

Michael getting in his "instrment prabis" (that's how it sounds when he says it)

Yes, he has been walking around in pajamas a lot lately.  He doesn't complain, and neither do I. 

Reading time with Michael

I've been getting the kids out for short walks this last week...paying the water bill, going to a Civil War marker and walking around the cemetery nearby.  (I love walking around old cemeteries...I'm thinking about doing a math lesson there soon.  Sounds fun)

Our week has revolved around this:

   

 Some friends are watching our kids for a few hours today...while we get a much needed date day.  I'm very excited and hope this thunder and lightning will stop soon so I can get a shower.  Don't worry Mom, I remember all you taught me about how to avoid getting electrocuted.  :)