Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Fun Science

We've been doing a lot of fun science-y stuff lately.  I mean, part of the fun of home schooling is, well, the fun!

Magic Milk or Milk Painting, as the boys liked to call it. Great lesson on surface tension.
See the tutorial here.

We both decided that this one really looked like Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh. (This happens to be his favorite painter, because his middle name is Vincent.  He remembers the name because of the book Vincent van Gogh by Mike Venezia.  He has a whole series of books out called Getting to Know the World's Greatest Artists.  Our local library carries many of them.  He mixes period paintings and the artist's works with hilarious cartoons.  My boys love them!)

Making mini volcanoes with baking soda and colored vinegar in droppers. He TOTALLY felt like a scientist.  If only he had a lab coat... 

Saturday, January 28, 2012

This week's lessons learned

I learned some valuable lessons this week.

Lesson #1 - Sometimes, it only takes a few drops of food coloring and a pancake to turn the morning around.

Lesson #2 - Ivory soap really does turn into this in the microwave!
See the tutorial here.

Often, the guys cutting down and chipping up the trees outside have more to teach your boys than you do.  Don't fight it.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Holiday Catch up and New Homeschool Geography plans

I just realized that I haven't posted a thing in three weeks.  I just wanted to reassure everyone that there hasn't, in fact, been a mutiny.  There is always that possibility when you are outnumbered by small boys like I am and own the amount of duct tape that I do.  So, here are a few holiday photos to get you caught up:

The gingerbread house

The sprinkles...with a little bit of sugar cookie

Christmas morning

New Year's Eve Chambord & Champagne 

OK, so this one isn't really a holiday pic, but what a great Statue of Liberty, huh?

That last pic brings me to our latest homeschooling adventure.  We are using several books and worksheets, but mainly Around the World Art & Activities: Visiting the Seven Continents Through Craft Fun to study world geography.  I'm hoping to have international foods, a coloring page, craft, and possibly a paper doll in traditional costume, as well as several books for each country we study.  Pictures to follow!