TOS Review: Supercharged Science

Josiah and I recently got to review the e-Science program from Supercharged Science.

My favorite science class might or might not have been in 7^th grade. And it might or might not have been because I sat right behind Eddie Maxwell. And he might or might not have been the cutest guy in my school.

I was never a very good science student. My interests lie more with history, literature and creative arts and music. I was far more interested in stories and people than the ”how and why” of things. I realize now that the manner in which science was presented to me had something to do with that. Dry lectures and worksheets were a sure way to send me into day dream land in which I could imagine I was a swimming with mermaids (generally not found in North Central Arkansas) or a suffering governess trapped in a castle by a maniacal Baron with only hair pins and my wits to save me.

When I got to college it wasn’t much better (though I had moved on to daydreaming about my hefty “to-do” lists). My favorite science class wound up being Science For Teachers. We spent the semester creating hands on projects that we could later use in the classroom. The criteria was that they needed to be engaging, informative and inspiring. I knew realized when I presented my ocean in the bottle project to my fellow future teachers that I didn’t have to teach science the way I had always been taught.

 I knew I would love Supercharged Science the first time I watched this video of Aurora Lipper explaining the e-Science program. Aurora is engaging, passionate…in that brief video she motivated me to just be a better teacher. So when we had a chance to review the program I jumped at it. I think I have had as much fun (or more) than Josiah.

How It Works and How I Used It

The Supercharged Science site is massive and there is so much information I would like to share with you. However, I do need to keep this post at a reasonable length, so I will share the basics of the program and tell you a little about my favorite parts.

The beauty of the e-Science program is that it can be used as a stand-alone program or as a supplement. It is structured enough for systematic study or you can freestyle it all the way. It can be used for self-study or parents can guide their kiddos through the wonders of science.

I first wanted to find a few easy experiments to help ‘whet’ Josiah’s science whistle. While I would have loved to browse through the 900 experiments (!), it’s  helpful that there is a whole list of easy experiments to let your student jump right in.  

What you need to know first is that there are many levels to Supercharged Science. They have created it to be appealing and beneficial to all kinds of learners. Sure. There is textbook reading and writing assignments available. But my very favorite part are Aurora’s teaching videos (no boring or dry lectures found here) and then the lists and lists of experiments. Most come with an explanatory video.

We first began with the Microwave Soap experiment. And man! Wouldn't you know it didn't do exactly what it was supposed to! Something happened, that's for sure, but not the "wow" factor we were hoping for. But what was so great was that we were able to talk about why are experiment might not have worked as well as it could have. The soap was old? And possibly had an additive in it (maybe aloe?) so that it effected the results.

It didn't matter that our soap didn't expand into a glacier.(looked more like the the nasty snow that piles up after the snow plows have been by...only it was green). Josiah was so intrigued by this particular experiment that I knew I needed to follow that trail. In fact, I had listened to a “talk” Aurora gave on how to teach homeschool science. One of her recommendations was that you start first with your child’s interests and passions. You are then able to teach the science behind it.

I wasn’t surprised that Josiah enjoyed the soap experiment (for one, who wouldn’t?) He has had a fascination with different kinds of matter ever since he found he could freeze army and Lego men in water when he was a tiny guy.

So I found the Unit on Matter (which happened to be Unit 3).

The Units for Supercharged Science can be found in one location. While I was allowed access to all of the units (20+), a regular subscriber receives access to several Units initially and then 1-2 units a month after that. Don’t fret. They also make it pretty clear to drop them a line if your kiddo is dying to try a unit you don’t have access to. There is even a unit on fabulous science projects.

I am giving you a screen shot of what how a unit is set up. The layout of each unit is simple. The sidebar contains all the links you will need to complete the lesson. You can see that Unit 3: Matter has 2 lessons. The first is on Atoms and Density. The second covers Solids. Each lesson is divided up between reading, experiments, As recommended we dove straight into the experiment portion. There is also a teleclass (mp3) that we downloaded. Sounds like good car listening to me!

This was our Lava Lamp experiment. So much fun! Josiah had such a good time with this on he wanted to repeat it so he could show his daddy.

This experiment is called Pile It On. Josiah chose a number of small items to weigh. He was ready to weigh everything after this on. There is a terrific section on creating a Scientific Journal. I found a few pre-made graphic organizers and Josiah recorded his data, observations, etc. He was pretty proud of his finished product. I have mentioned that Josiah is dyslexic and also struggles with his handwriting. I have shied away from Science Journaling for this very reason. I discovered, however, that creating a science notebook has actually helped him keep track of his own thoughts and observations. I look forward to continuing this practice. 

We are in the process of growing crystals. Our crystals are a little slow growing. I'll share Josiah's finished product another time.

So let’s say you are going through a season in life that to immerse your child into a whole unit is downright overwhelming. Or maybe there are specific principles that are just not getting through. There is this section. Need Help Teaching the Basics? Yes, Please! These are quick and easy lessons intended to demonstrate the basics of physical science. So, on those days that I can’t find my keys, my library books or most of my brain I can use these. Which is more often than I would like to admit.

This was my favorite. Even I got this one!

“Objects at rest stay at rest unless acted upon by an external force: Place an object on the floor and wait very carefully for it to move on its own. Ready for more action? Kick it… and there’s your external force. (This is the first law of physical motion.)”

Josiah had a little help from the cat. 

Three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas: Grab a can of soda. The tin can is the solid, the drink is the liquid, and the bubbles are the gas.

We never have pop in our house. I bought this can specifically for this demonstration. He was so excited he spent a few minutes smelling it. Poor kid.

I know that these particular experiments are included in all of the more structured lesson material, but there was a day or two this section saved Science!

I hate to admit this, but this section also put science in a whole new light for me. Instead of SCIENCE (all stuffy and unattainable) it became “science” (aw! Now I see that!).

And Then There is This!

One of the big differences between this program and traditional science curriculums is that there are so many resources available for the homeschool parent. It is like having your own homeschool convention/consultant right at your fingertips.

The Getting Started section not only contained easy experiments and lessons for your student, it also had resources for you as the homeschool teacher. I read this one right away.  Seven Biggest Mistakes Made in Teaching Science. Well, yeah! I don’t want to give away all Aurora’s secrets, but here are 2 of my favorite.

Mistake #2. Give away the ending.

“For real learning that lasts, your child needs to focus on

activities that allow the natural process of discovery,

wonder, and exploration.”

Mistake #5. Fear of making mistakes.

“When your young chemist is outside and

accidentally spills the entire jug of vinegar into

your full box of baking soda, just take a breath

and say, “Gosh – I’ll bet you didn’t expect that to

happen. Now what are you going to do?” Make

sure you really feel empathy and interest for

them, or they’ll feel that, too.”

The other topics in the Getting Started section include: What exactly IS science? ,Common Misconceptions and Myths in Science Textbooks Revealed, What does my child really need to learn in science? The Six Keys to Teaching Homeschool Science, Secrets from Successful Teachers ,Easy Steps to Award-Winning Science Fair Projects, How to Motivate Your Child to Learn Science, Keeping a Scientific Journal.

I spent quite a bit of time in the Getting Started Section.

There is also quite an extensive Resource Section. You know you are in good hands when one of the topics found in the Resource section is How to Fix Anything. The student learns Universal Troubleshooting Process, step-by-step. I am going to copy this out for myself! There are favorite book lists, how to pick out good science equipment and even Aurora’s phone number. She takes calls to answer your questions every Wednesday. 

In A Nutshell

I am going to break it down for you. Shew! (I know you are thinking I should have just done this to begin with)

Here are my favorite features of Supercharged Science

• Fun and engaging

• Easy to navigate

• Kiddos can use as a self-guided if need be

• A lot of the experiments are easy to do and done with easy to find (most everything we had lying around the house) items

• The resources available for parents are amazing

• The content is top notch!

To use this program you (obviously) need access to the internet. I used it from a variety of locations (my husband’s desktop, my laptop, my Kindle and Papa and Ama’s computer at their farm). All I needed was my username and password.
 The cost of the e-Science program subscription is $37 a month (K-8) and if you have an older student you can purchase the premium level for $57 a month (K-12). 

And, if this is something you can do, I can’t recommend it enough.

 But don't take my word for it (anybody else love Reading Rainbow?). You can get this Science Activity Video Series and Guidebook For FREE. I believe there are 30 science experiments to get you started. Have fun! 

You can read more reviews here (or click below).

Really?

So I was downloading some pics from my camera tonight (I'm in the middle of writing a review on some pretty cool Science curriculum) and I found this!

Yep. Assuming this is not an accidental photo of my own upper lip before maintenance (I'm just being honest here) my baby is sprouting a few facial hairs.

I don't think I can take this my friends. Wasn't only yesterday I was diapering his chubby bottom?

Sigh.

TOS Review: The Magic Runes

 

Any day I can sit and read something is pretty much a good day. So imagine how I felt when my Schoolhouse Crew peeps sent me a whole list of books to choose one from and then read and review. Are you kidding me? I have the best job in the whole wide world.

I was unfamiliar with Salem Ridge Press. My book finds generally are what I can score at the Thrift Store or free book downloads on the Kindle.  The folks Salem Ridge Press are dedicated to republish books of the 19^th and early 20^th century. I personally love literature of that era and was excited to find a company that desires to share such treasures with us.

The book I chose to review is The Magic Runes: A Tale of the Times of Charlemagne written by Emma Leslie. This is just one book in a series called The Emma Leslie Junior History Series.

 

The story opens in the year 782 AD. Charlemagne was the king of northern France. During his lifetime he conquered most of Western Europe. While there were many reforms he brought to this part of the world, Charlemagne made it his life’s mission to convert all of his subjects to Christianity. Unfortunately, as we see in this story, he used many tactics that most of us will find disturbing.

Ironically, however, a good portion of my ancestry can be traced to France. I have to wonder about my own French ancestors and their personal conversion experiences. As a child of Missionaries and pastors, (not to mention that I’m a pastor’s wife) I can’t even imagine trying to spread the love of Christ by the end of the sword. It reaffirms to me that we as humans are all fallible and flawed. Despite the fact that we often take God’s matters into our own hands, He still eventually uses our messes for His good. Did those tactics contribute to my ancestors coming to Christianity?  Don’t you love it when a book makes you think about something beyond the story it is trying to tell?

As we begin to read, a tribe of Saxon prisoners have been captured by Charlemagne’s soldiers and brought to France. During the long and arduous journey a family is forced to stay behind along the trail in the dark woods. Obviously, their feelings towards Christians weren’t particularly happy and fluffy. So imagine how suspicious they might have felt when a little girl (who happens to be a Christian) finds them and subsequently take them home to care for them along with her father.

Drama and Intrigue eventually follow and everyone’s mettle is put to the test. We are introduced to some of the practices and superstitions of the times.  What struck me was that popular culture has romanticized some of these superstitions…neglecting to dwell on any dark and truly disturbing practices involved. The Magic Runes took time portray this time in history in real pictures. The truth of medieval war. The separations of families. How truly fragile life was during this time.

I also appreciated that all conflicts weren't resolved in a matter of days. That’s the way real life works. The author showed us a real portrayal of a man grappling between what he had been born to and the truth unfolding before his eyes. And remember my earlier comment about Charlemagne’s tactics? Adalinda, the little girl in the story, initially struggles with feelings of jealously and some resentment. But those feelings give way to true kindness and gentleness. Showing the love of Christ isn’t always easy for us, is it?

The language of the book is not simple. It is beautiful and challenging. My dyslexic 11-year-old would struggle to read it on his own. However, I look forward to reading it to him. I am not afraid of beautiful or challenging. I think that children need to be exposed to well-written works. Reading it together will allow for much discussion and will allow him to truly appreciate the book without worrying about the mechanics of reading.

 

Salem Ridge Press has taken great care with The Magic Runes and they have added helps for us modern day learners. I loved the vocabulary words at the bottom of the page. No vocabulary index! I think that will be handy for many families. There were a few words or terms I didn’t know. Shocking, I realize. My favorite was palisading. It means fencing. It just sounds so pretty. Another favorite was harry, which means attack. I’m planning on using it at random. “Josiah, you better harry that mess in your room!” 

The publishers also included a map, a list of historical references used to write the book and a very helpful index of Historical notes. I was fascinated. It inspired me to do some more research.

I plan to purchase more of these great books. The Magic Runes is intended for ages 10-adult. The softcover is available for $10.95 at Salem Ridge Press. You can take a peek at the first chapter here.

Click below to read the reviews of other books by Salem Ridge Press.

 

 

It's the Little Things

Many years ago I sat before a group of ladies and spoke of what had happened in my life. Just a few years before I had been in a terrible car accident. I talked about what it felt like to have traction pins screwed into both of your legs…while still awake. I talked about hearing the cries of a mother whose child was unresponsive and passing away before her eyes in a bed near mine in the trauma intensive care unit. I spoke about the kindness of those entrusted with my care and what it was like to rely on someone else for simple things like brushing your teeth or more humbling things like wiping your bottom. I spoke of the months spent in a wheelchair and bed….unsure of my future. I talked of the humiliation of the weight gain. My bloated face, puffy body…my small frame was not meant to carry the over 100 pounds I had gained. I cried when I spoke of infertility and how helpless and betrayed by own body I felt. And I talked about my current struggle with congestive heart failure. At this time I was still learning to walk again…my cane propped up beside me. I was still having panic attacks while driving down the road. I was still angry that my womb was as empty and barren as a desert.

But, within my story I weaved those stories Of God’s faithfulness and protection. I talked about those small and big miracles I had seen and those I still needed in my life. Those who know me well know I am just a bit irreverent. Through my tears I relayed the time my (pretty stinkin’ cute) male nurse in the trauma intensive care unit told me not to fret over some of the more delicate parts of my care. He had seen thousands of hinnies and mine wasn’t any different.

I promised the ladies that I was going to share my secrets of How To Live a Beautiful Life….even if the life around you doesn’t feel so beautiful. I could tell they were ripe with anticipation. They sat on the edges of their seats..pens in hand. You can imagine that a few of them had the wind out of their sails when I gave them instructions to host a tea party, display a bowl of lemons and then get a pedicure. What? Where was that magical pill? That special bit of courage and determination that only came when you needed it the most? They were anticipating my formula. How I quoted 62 passages of scripture every morning to myself with a smile.  Sang Victory in Jesus to 3 people I would meet in the street and read the story of Job every day at 2:00pm. Please. There were days I spent in bed, staring at the wall trying to image the pain in my body was happening to someone else. Sure those passages of scripture went through my head, the song “I know Who Holds Tomorrow” wouldn’t leave it and I was feeling pretty sorry for myself and Job.

There is no formula for getting through the tough times. Sometimes you just have to let God carry you. And then Trust and Obey. God told me that there were things I just didn’t have any control of. And I couldn’t spend my life wishing my body morphed back into what I had known it to be. I needed to live now. I needed to live despite the pain. And I needed fill it with beautiful things. Small things…Cause the big things were things only He could take care of.

We are wired differently. To me beautiful things meant small moments that appealed to my very senses.  God created us to appreciate beauty. And even if it is the site of a single fresh flower in a bud vase beside our bed. By the way…I’m allergic to fresh cut flowers. They make my chest seize up. But I decided a long time ago that I couldn’t be mad at nature. I just make sure to enjoy my fresh cut flowers in small doses and on spell occasions…and to have the antihistamine ready if needed.

My car accident happened in 1996. Even after the particular talk I gave there were more trials to come. Little did I know that the philosophy that God had placed in my heart was something I was going to need again and again ….despite how I felt or my circumstances.

I still sometimes wait for that magic formula. I’ve done it with weight loss. I’ve done it within our homeschool. Surely. There is something that is going to work exactly how I need it to work. Smoothly. Effortlessly. I spend so much time waiting for that special set of “instructions” or that magic little pill to show up I fail to really live a life worth living. I don’t take time to enjoy the tea parties, lemons and the like.

So here is your assignment. This is helpful for those of you who are waiting for your miracle to come in the form of some sort of magical formula. Get out a pen and paper. If you are like me you have a favorite pen that you can never find. But I adore pretty pens and pretty journals. I have a beautiful one right now I’m working through that a sweet friend gave me. I was using it to write scripture in. Now I’m also including some other bits and baubles. But don’t worry about how cute it is. Just write it down. First write down a scripture of encouragement or the words to a song or hymn that speaks to your heart. Now. Write down 3 things that you would like to do this week. They have to be “fluffy” things. They can’t be industrious or profitable other in the fact that they make your spirit sing.

This is the important part. Take time to do at least one of them. You might have time to do more. I don’t want to overwhelm you. Just start.

What’s on my list this week?

I am going to give myself a manicure. I am going to get out my cuticle oil, soak my hands and put some pretty pale pink polish.

I am going to make some pretty lemon water and put it in my cut glass pitcher. I am going to pour it into a beautiful glass and sip it while reading Anne’s House of Dreams.

I am going to take Josiah to the park on a sunny day. I am going to let the sunshine bathe my face and the wind blow through my hair. We will share a peanut butter and jelly and talk about nonsense things like why Darth Vader turned out to be such a meanie and why some cats are so peculiar.

 

And here is some last closing advice. Just don’t forget Breathe more. Laugh more. Sing more. You’ll be fine.

On My Bookshelf

I am an unapologetic bookworm. If you know me at all you know that I can't go too long without sticking my nose in a book. And I'm an equal opportunity reader. Fiction...Non-fiction. Doesn't matter.

So when given the assignment to talk about a Good Read I couldn't just narrow it down to a favorite. Instead, I am going to give a little glimpse of my current "bookshelf."

Not literally, of course. For one, I would have to move 2 bikes from in front of one and my sewing stuff from in front of the other. And I don't even want to talk about the boxes and boxes and boxes of books in our storage unit. But I'm not bitter. Maybe I should read less?

Moving on.

With no rhyme or reason...Here is what I am currently reading, what I want to read and what I think you might enjoy reading.

ONE OF THOSE BOOKS THAT MIGHT JUST CHANGE MY LIFE

Trim Healthy Mama

I have a million diet and health books. This one makes so much sense to me. And it speaks to my soul. I am hoping that this might be what gets me past my 3 month weight loss plateau...not to mention make life (and my health) just a little more fabulous.

THE BOOK I AM READING RIGHT NOW BECAUSE HOMESCHOOL CONVENTION IS NOT COMING QUICKLY ENOUGH.

When Children Love to Learn

If you're a homeschool mama you know what I'm talking about. I need motivation and a little kick in the pants. Our annual homeschool convention is still a few weeks away and this little book has provided some much needed inspiration.

THE BOOK I AM ANXIOUSLY STALKING MY LIBRARY FOR

Midnight at Marble Arch

I love a good mystery. Anne Perry is one of my favorite authors. She writes historical period mysteries that are dark, yet not filled with filth. Her new book is almost ready to come out.

BEDTIME READ ALOUD: BECAUSE WE NEED A LITTLE FLUFF

The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog

Hank the  Cowdog books are hysterical. But we have never read the first one. We've also been up to our eyeballs in Beowulf, Treasure Island and a variety of historical literature. I think Josiah and I are both ready for some serious fluff.

THE BOOK I AM STARING AT BECAUSE AFTER A LONG WINTER I NEED TO FRESHEN UP MY HOUSE

Shabby Chic

I've had this book for years. It still makes me happy. I can't really go on the full Shabby Chic style...the Studly Muffin likes things a bit more modern. But I certainly can create a few happy places in my house.

THE BOOK I AM READING THAT I HAVE READ AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN

Through Gates of Splendor

I adore stories of Missionaries. Which is not surprising considering I was born on the mission field in Nicaragua. This one is one of my favorites. And greatly impacted me as a young person. Haven't read it yet? Grab it up. You won't regret it.

Hopefully, I've give you a few ideas for your bookshelf. Do you have any favorites you are reading?

I am linking up to the Good Read Blog Hop at the Schoolhouse Review Crew blog.

TOS Review: Computer Science For Kids!

I will admit to having a few Computer Geeks in the family. My Computer Geekness is entirely by accident. I enjoy using my computer to do a variety of tasks, but I have never really been interested in Computer Programming. My best friend from High School made that her career. I am in awe. My talents tend to run just a tad bit little fluffier.

Despite my own fanciful notion that a little fella by the name of Norbert lives in my computer, pushing buttons and lighting things up with his magic powers,  I realize that I need to expose Josiah to Computer Science. He, like most kids his age, is into gadgets. He knew what a computer mouse was before he had ever seen an actually mouse. Me telling him that Norbert has indeed updated his favorite game is just not cutting it anymore.

Enter Computer Science For Kids. We were blessed to be able to review Computer Bible Games for Microsoft Small Basic.

The beauty of this program is that it is designed for teachers, homeschool parents and kiddos that have just minimal or no experience. It is a tutorial that is simple with step-by-step instructions. It basically teaches us how to use the Microsoft Small Basic Program. The goal is that at the end of the course the student should be able to develop computer games on his or her own.

Yippee!

Computer BibleGames for Microsoft Small Basic is intended for ages 10+.  It contains 13 lessons with the expectation that the student covers one per week. It is recommended that the student will need 3-6 hours of time to complete each lesson.

Here are a list of some of the games that we can expect to be programming towards the end of the program.

Noah’s Ark

Daniel and the Lions

Elijah and the Ravens and more…

You can see the Table of Contents here or a sample chapter here.

The Minimum Software Requirement for this Tutorial is Microsoft Small Basic v0.9+ (a download is provided for you).

What I appreciated about this particular tutorial is that it is written in easy to understand language. However, because Josiah is dyslexic I felt that the reading material to be a bit beyond him. That is where I come in. Instead of a self-study (which it can certainly be) we used it as a Mom/Son elective. We both learned and are continuing to learn.

I found that it helped tremendously if I went through the material ahead of time and played with the program myself. I was then able to demonstrate to Josiah and allow him to work through it himself.

I have to say that I enjoyed this class far more than I did the Computer Science course I took in college. I certainly found out I know more than I thought I knew. Some basic computer knowledge is needed. So if your computer basics are not so basic you might need have someone around who will show you how to do things like download, copy and paste, etc. Just give yourself some time, mama. You can do it!

It's amazing how many things a kid can do with his iPod in his ears...and his favorite orange tank top.

Please remember that all of us have different experiences and expectations. My laptop also crashed in the midst of our study (Yay!) and I had to download everything again. The program had nothing to do with my computer crash. But I was thrilled that I didn’t have any issues starting over. It just took a bit more time.  The recommended lesson plan times are just that. Recommended. The beauty of homeschooling is that we don’t have to push or rush. Or we can push or rush when necessary.

The lessons are downloaded in Word (97). My new computer has Office13. The downloaded files were different in the new Office and I found it far easier to use. I have no idea why that is...I’m just coming to terms with the fact that Norbert really doesn’t live in my computer.

I found the program to be very well organized. I loved the fact that we were taught in small steps. That was helpful for me as well as Josiah.  I do have a recommendation. If your child is not an advanced reader, younger or not as familiar with a computer you do really need to work through it with them. I think it will lessen the frustration level for everyone.

Josiah is not all the way through it as of yet. But, I have a confession. I did skip to one of the tutorials at the end. I copied and pasted (love that auto fill feature!) one of the games in so he could see what he was going to be creating. That helped him to be able to keep a visual in his head of what was coming.

We are going to use it again this summer.  He is excited to be able to show his cousins and friends what he has created!

I highly recommend this product. It’s just plain fun!

Computer Bible Games for Microsoft Small Basic is available at Computer Science for Kids. The paperback edition (plus E-Tutorial Digital Download) is $59.95. The digital e-download is on sale right now for only $34.95(thru July 4, 2013). That is a terrific deal.

You can check out more Reviews here.

 

 

TOS Review: A Journey Through Learning

 

I heart Unit Studies. They are my favorite way to school. I kind of see life in themes... And I have to be careful to not let my Unit Study approach take over our lives. For example, Josiah comes to me with a random thought about stink bugs. I then spend the next week researching stink bugs. I create all sorts of stink bug learning helps. We then study the dickens out of stink bugs, sing about stink bugs and make stink bug art...listen to any stink bug inspired music. That’s all fine and good, but I also start making stink bug themed suppers, make a stink bug wreath to hang on the front door and stitch up a cute stink bug apron. That's just the way I roll.

Somebody help me.

But I really like Unit Studies. And as I don’t always have enough hours in the day to prepare the way I wish to, I like to rely on a well-made product now and again to help me through my madness.

I was delighted to be able to review products from A Journey Through Learning. I chose the Astronomy and Space Unit Study for Josiah to start with. After all, I feel it is my duty as a parent and teacher to clear up some of misconceptions (via Star Wars) he has of the Universe.

 

 

A Journey Through Learning was started by two moms just like you and me. I was so inspired to read their story. It made me appreciate even more the time and dedication put into their products. I received PDF downloads for the following products.

Astronomy and Space Unit Study (grades 2-7)

Knights and Castles  (grades 2-7)

The Earth (grades 1-4)

Letters, Numbers and Shapes (ages 3-5)

I have expounded on my love of Lapbooking before and was initially tempted to start with Knights and Castles. After all, who doesn’t love a good joust? But, because of Josiah’s insistence that the planet of Alderaan did indeed exist until the Death Star blew it out of existence, I felt that the Astronomy and Space Unit Study would be a good place to start.

Instead of the mini-books used in Lapbooking, the Astronomy and Space Unit Study includes notebooking pages. It is suggested that the entire study be printed out (there are black and white options available if you are trying to save your colored ink) and placed in a 3-ring binder. 

There are 27 lessons in this unit study. They start with Genesis 1 and include lessons from The Sun to Astronauts (and much more!).  Each lesson begins with a reading assignment (included) and then ends with a notebooking activity. Included are additional resources and forms you can use as well. There is even a form for a book report and reading log.

Check out the sample pages to view the Table of Contents and what's involved. There is a lot of great material included!

The PDF Download is priced at $13.00.  The CD  is $14.00 or you can order a printed copy for $21.00. I really love the instant downloads. They have made my life increasingly easier!

How We Used It

I did worry initially about the reading involved. Josiah is dyslexic and gets a little “deer in the headlights” look whenever presented with a good chunk of reading material. But it is also my job to make sure he can adapt. I assisted him in breaking it up and we read it together in manageable sections. The reading is not difficult, but this is science and it does use language that he doesn’t come across in his everyday reading.

 

I copied out what I needed to for every week and we completed 1 or 2 pages a day. There were many questions.  Do astronauts use toilet paper? Will you freeze on the moon? How do we really know Darth Vader didn't blow Alderaan up?

 

 

Is "Because I said so" too harsh?
 

Josiah's favorite lesson was the one on Astronauts. The lesson encouraged the student to visit the NASA website. Big hit. He sat and watched a tribute to Neil Armstrong.
 

 

We checked out some of the suggested books to read and added to the pile a few we have in our own library.

Surprise! Surprise! Josiah got such a kick from reading the little paragraph below about toilets in Space. I hope that's not the only thing he goes away with from this study.

Josiah also created his own cover for his notebook on the computer with Word. He was so proud of it.  We had to go off on a little rabbit trail, however. He was so curious about how The Milkway got its name and then how the makers of the Milkway candy bar were inspired to name the candy bar. It was all I could do not to whip up some homemade Milkway bars and make a bunting made from Milkway wrappers. Talk about Rabbit Trails!
 

 

Didn't he do a great job?

I really appreciated that the notebooking activities in the unit were as simple or as complicated as you need them to be.  I do like lapbooking better than notebooking for this very reason.  A blank page with lines to fill is overwhelming for Josiah.

 

I appreciated the pointed questions and activities.

I got a kick out his solution to the task below. Draw the Universe. He looked at me and simply shrugged his shoulders.

I love that A Journey Through Learning provides the student with Scripture as well. The very first lesson is a copywork assignment from Genesis 1.

 

Overall, we had a great experience with the Astronomy and Space Unit Study. I like that it was just enough material to provide a great little study. It wetted his appetite for a more intensive course later on.

 

I encourage all of you to take a look at some of the other great products this company provides. If you are not familiar with lapbooking there are "how-to" videos available on their website. How great is that? And the whole "instant download" feature is about a good as it gets. I love that I have so many learning helps available to me with just a click of a mouse.

 

We can't wait to start our Knights and Castles Lapbook. I'll let you know how it turns out. After all, I'm pretty sure Darth Vader wasn't around back then!

 

 

 Check out some more reviews from the TOS Crew!