3 Sisters Garden and Water Tension Physics Experiment

The corn for our 3 Sisters Garden, is now one inch high. That means it is time to plant the beans, and squash. However, because we will be having one last coldish snap, I am holding off until next week to plant them. It is not supposed to hit freezing, but 30's at night, so we will play it safe. We got some cute fence to go around our little garden, at the Dollar Tree.

The bird picture, is the Red Bellied Woodpecker that had a nest in our dead tree, a few years back. He still comes and visits our feeders once in a while. At least we think it is the same one, lol. I guess we can't say for sure.


Yesterday, we were supposed to do a Physics activity, make a rainbow, that would have been perfect since it was St Patrick's Day this week. But, of course it had to be a rainy day, lol. So, we did a different Physics activity related to water tension, and why boats move. Below you will see some pictures. The first picture is what your boat should be cut out like, the second two are the wrong way, and the last one is correct. I let them do it wrong on purpose, then tried it and it didn't work. This is what you will need:

Foam board for each child or cardboard which does not work well because it absorbs the water.
A large clean dry bowl. I actually wish we had did this in the bathtub, you might want to.
Scissors
Concentrated liquid dish soap, we used Dawn.
Water

Then it you just have them cut their foam just like the first picture. It is actually a tricky shape to cut, so if they do it wrong, let them try it so they see why that doesn't work. Have them record all observations, and what happens. After they have the shape cut out, put it in the bowl that you have put water in. Then carefully add a drop of dish soap directly where the back of the boat is, at the opening. If you have a correct shape it will quickly, and immediately, push the boat across the water. We actually should have had two bowls of water, because once the water tension has been disturbed the second boat did not work as well. Have them try to tell you why the boat moved. The explanation is that the water tension is very high, before the soap is added. After you add the soap it decreases the water tension, which causes the water at the front of the boat to pull the boat to the front. Very cool experiment, easy to do, supplies easy to obtain. In their project book I had them draw both pictures, of the proper cutout and the incorrect cutout, then explain what happened.

Bioluminescence Science and Chemistry Experiment Fun Friday Homeschool

I am going to walk you through the steps of this experiment so you can try it at home. This counts both as a Biology, and Chemistry lab, read why here. As you can see in the first image with my daughter, this is actually the end of the experiment, it really glows right on her face, nice and bright.

You will need:

Glow sticks
2 drinking glasses
Ice water
Warm water

Procedure:

Give each child a glow stick. Have then look at the stick only. Ask them what they notice. What does it look like, in its original form. Have them gently rock the stick back and forth. Does it do anything? Now go into a darker room, gently bend the stick, observe what happens, and note it. Now put the sticks into the ice water, observe what happens. Leave the glow sticks in the ice water for five minutes, then return to observe the results. Now put the glow sticks in the warm water, observe and note what happens. Leave the glow sticks in the warm water for 5 minutes, then observe your final results. If you have a dead glow stick, in other words it doesn't glow anymore, stick it in both types of water and observe what happens. I won't give you our results, that ruins the fun.

We are also doing a Physics experiment today, which I will share another day, baking, and art.

Fun Friday Insects: The Hummingbird Moth

Welcome back to Fun Friday at Blogging for Fun. This is our first topic of the new year, and we are doing insects. Any insect of your choosing.

Watch the video below and tell me if that looks like a moth? A moth is an insect but that looks like a hummingbird. It is a hummingbird moth! Did you know there was any such thing? I didn't, matter of fact I might have seen these and didn't even know it wasn't a hummingbird. I do have to say they have fatter bodies than a regular hummingbird.

Facts about the Hummingbird Moth:

- Most moths only come out at night. The Hummingbird Moth is seen on clear, sunny days.
- Hummingbird Moths grow up to two inches long with brown bodies and red stripes. Though there are some that look like bumblebees in their coloring, and I saw one with polka dot wings like a ladybug.
- Mating habits: After mating the female moth lays her eggs on host plants. When the caterpillars hatch they are yellowish green with darker green lines, reddish spots on their sides, and a long yellow tail.
- When the caterpillar is fully grown it crawls down into the soil and creates a cocoon. If it is early in the season, when the cocoon is formed, the caterpillar will hatch in a few weeks. If it is closer to Fall the cocoon will stay in pupa form until the Spring.
- As their name would imply, Hummingbird moths feed on the nectar of plants, just like a hummingbird. They especially like Honeysuckle, Red Clover, blueberry, blackberries, roses, and thistles.
- The proboscis is the technical term for the long mouth like part that they eat the nectar with. They actually keep it rolled up in a ball like structure until they are ready to use it.
- Hummingbird moths do have a few known predators such as birds, spiders, bats, and anything else that might find a moth or hummingbird tasty.

If you would like to join in on our Fun Friday topics, go to the left hand column of this blog, and use the sign up box to join Blogging For Fun.

The Return Of Fun Friday

I know today is not Friday, but I am posting this today so anyone who wants to get in can. Every Friday, starting this Friday, my Blogging For Fun Group does a group post. Only those who want to participate do. This week is the first week, and I decided to make the topic insects. Now you can write about insects in whatever way you want. I am going to pick one from this very cool video about some strange, and wonderful insects. I had no idea there were so many weird bugs in this world. If you want to join our Blogging For Fun group, there is a sign up box right over there in the left hand column. Just type in your email address and it will take you to the group homepage. After you sign up you can add up to three blogs using the links section. We are always looking for new, active members. Members support each other by visiting, commenting, following, tweeting, or other ways we can think of.

School starts next week, so I am kind of crazy busy this week.

Fun Friday The Christmas Tree

This is our last week of Fun Friday at Blogging For Fun, and I have saved my most favorite tree for last. The Christmas Tree, a symbol to me of family, heritage, good times, peace, and love. There are those who will the Christmas Tree is sinful, which it does originate in Pagan traditions who worshiped the trees as part of their belief system. However the Christmas Tree has bloomed into something so much more in our lives. My mother was not wealthy when we were children, but Christmas was always special. She absolutely loved Christmas and is extremely religious. The decorating of the tree started on Thanksgiving, and is a tradition I carry with my children to this day. There was both religious, and secular symbols of Christmas in my childhood home, as there is today. Santa Claus was not fictional but a magical person who loved children, and wanted to be sure they all got something on such a blessed day. My mother played Santa Claus for many years to many a children without ever blinking an eye. Our tree was decorated with handmade ornaments made from love, not store bought, many of which I still have today and decorate my own tree with. The Christmas Tree will always be a special symbol to me, my children, and my family. To learn about the history of the Christmas Tree, check out the video below.

Fun Friday: Deciduous Trees

It is Fun Friday again, and we are on week seven of our trees series. I am doing deciduous trees. A deciduous tree is any number of species of trees that lose their green pigment color, and fall to the ground in the fall. If you have been with me for a while you know I am not a native of Florida, but of NY. The picture shown is of DJ when he was about two, eight years ago, with my sister and her funny permed hair LOL, frolicking in the beautiful deciduous tree leaves. The pictures will enlarge if you click them, just in case you wan to see the joy on DJ's face, or my sisters funny hair LOL. I was the picture taker so you don't get to see my funny hair LOL. Here in FLorida we live close to Gainesville. It has been told to us that Gainesville is as far south as you can go and still have the leaves fall from the deciduous trees. They do change a light yellow color where we are, and do fall from the tree. However, south of Gainesville they have very little color change, and do not fall from the trees at all. I miss the fall foliage very much. The video below has some stunning pictures of deciduous trees and their colorful fall leaves, from the New Hampshire.

Fun Friday: The Orange Tree

Well I forgot to do a post yesterday, and now I am having blogger's guilt LOL. I usually only forego the posts on Saturdays. Our evaluations have been pushed back a week due to the evaluators needs. That is OK because I haven't decided yet what I want to put in the portfolio. Gives me more time.

Today is Friday, so that means it is Fun Friday time at Blogging For Fun. We are working on an eight week tree meme, and this is week six. As you can see I picked the Orange Tree this week. Here in Florida, mostly South Florida where it very rarely goes below freezing, oranges are a huge part of the economy. The tree is a flowering tree, that is quite beautiful to the eye, and sense of smell when in bloom. Orange trees can become quite large, and are prone to a disease called canker which the trees must be treated for, or the trees die, and also can infest a whole orchard if not treated. Oranges actually originated in Southern Asia. They can grow to about ten meters tall. There are many different types of oranges with Navel being probably the most well known, and then Valencia next. US is not the top orange producer in the world, Brazil is, with the US coming in second, and Mexico third. Brazil actually harvests twice as many oranges in a year as the US does. Oranges are very acidic, and some people can not tolerate eating too many at once.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Fun Friday, and a splendid weekend.

Fun Friday: Banana Trees

I don't have any banana trees, but I really want one. We eat a lot of bananas, and it would be great to just go pick one in my yard, rather than the grocery store. It is on my long list of things I want, and need. OK maybe not need, just want LOL. Sorry for the short post but we are off to Chuck E Cheese today, and I have a ton to do before we go. I hope everyone has a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend. Ta Ta for now.

Fun Friday: Crape Myrtle Tree

Today is Fun Friday at my Blogging For Fun group. We are on week four of or tree meme, and I have been focusing on trees that grow in Florida. When we first moved to Florida I would see the most peculiar looking tree. It was very tall growing well above roof tops, with beautiful pink flowers only at the very top. Very odd looking indeed. So when I saw some planted at my place of employment I asked what they were. I was told they were Crape Myrtles. So I had to know why do they grow so tall, and only flower at the top. There are different kinds, like any tree. With proper pruning you can encourage the tree to grow out like a more normal flowering tree, with flowers on the whole tree. Crape Myrtles can bloom almost 50% of the year in some spots, until very cold weather comes in. They are a hardy tree, and is one of the most widely planted tree in the US, for decorative purposes. When we bought our home the previous owners had done an amazing job with the landscaping. We have at least three Crape Myrtle trees on our property. They grow the most beautiful pink flowers you can see.

Fun Friday: The Cherry Tree

I love the cherry tree, and their beautiful blossoms. The Cherry Tree Festival is a big deal in this country, in Washington, DC. There is actually a history to the US cherry tree, and the Cherry Tree Festival. The video below will explain it to you. I do not believe cherry trees will grow in Florida, apple trees don't either. Well apple trees will grow, but they do not produce any fruit, it is too warm.

Fun Friday: For The Love Of Palm Trees

It is Friday again, and that means Fun Friday at my Blogging For Fun Group. We are doing an eight Friday set on trees. Today I am talking about Palm Trees. Below are two awesome videos one has pictures of all different kinds of palm trees, and the other is a learn to draw palm tree video. Of course DJ will be doing it on Monday.

Palm trees pretty much grow only in the tropics. It must be very warm, and humid, and they will thrive. When we moved to Florida from NY, we knew we were close when we got to southern Georgia, and started seeing the Palm Trees. There are many different varieties of palm trees. Some grow very tall, and their palms stick out only at the top kind of in a ball shape. Then there are the shorter ones that are more poufy. We have the short ones, and only one tall one. I am not fond of the tall variety, but a woodpecker family has decided to call it home, so I could never take it down. It is my understanding that Date trees are a variety of palm trees. Here in the south very few decorated lawns would go without at least one palm tree. We have some other birds such as the cardinal that also like to use the short poufy palms to make their nests.

Fun Friday: The Magnolia Tree

Today is Friday, that means it is Fun Friday, at my Blogging For Fun group. We have started a new eight Friday series on trees. They can pick any tree they want, as long as they don't do the same one twice. DJ, and I will be focusing on trees that grow in Florida. I am starting with the Magnolia Tree. We have three of these beautiful trees in our yard, and they smell, and look beautiful. The pics are ones that DJ took last year, when they were in bloom. Here are some facts about the Magnolia tree.

* Magnolia trees are named after French botanist Pierre Magnol.
* Magnolia trees can grow in Asia, N America, S America, C America, and the West Indies.
* There are actually many different species, and subspecies of the main Magnolia species.
* The bark of Magnolia trees has been used in natural medicines to help cure anxiety.
* The Magnolia flower is the state flower of both MS, and LA, and MS is the Magnolia State.
* The Giant Leopard Moth uses the Magnolia tree as food.

Fun Friday Letter Z: Zandrite Color Change Gemstone

Today is Fun Friday, and we are at the end of our A-Z meme. If you know your alphabet then you know that means we are at Z. Since DJ wanted to do Zebra, I was unsure of what I should do. Then I remembered about this wonderful simulated gemstone called Zandrite, and my Zandrite comes with a story.

Six years ago when we were saving every dime we had, so we could move to Florida the following year, JTV had this new stone that intrigued me. Not only was it a 100 percent color change gemstone, but it was affordable too. If you know about gems, then you know natural color change gems are extremely expensive, and very rarely ever have 100 percent color change to them. This was the first time they had this stone, and were offering it at amazing prices, and it came with 14k gold earring settings, to make your own earrings. I couldn't resist, and I bought them. I wore those earrings almost every day for three years, I loved them. Then we got our crazy puppy, and he needed his nails trimmed. My husband, and I figured we could both handle cutting a puppies nails. Ha, while trying to hold him he ate the Zandrite earring right out of my ear. I pried his mouth open, and confiscated my earring. The setting was ruined, but I was able to save the stone. So I had two loose stones. I placed one in a ring, that I thought I had a picture of, but I can't find it, and the other is waiting to find a jewelry setting home. Zandrite is a man made, or simulated gemstone, it does not occur naturally in nature. There are two varieties the ruby by day, and emerald by night to simulate an Alexandrite, and a beautiful purple to cobalt blue stone, which is my personal favorite. The video below shows very nicely to color changes, and the beauty of this stone. If you were born in the month of June, then Alexandrite is your birthstone. If you can not afford, or even find, a genuine Alexandrite, you might want to look at Zandrite jewelry. It is really lovely.

Fun Friday The Letter Y: Yellow Gemstones

I am a gemstone geek. I have been collecting loose gemstones for about 7 years. I got so many, I had to decide what to do with them. So I started making jewelry. At first for me, then family, and friends. Now it is a small business for me through an online store. I sell about one piece a month, certainly not millionaire status, but at least others are enjoying them as much as I do.

There are quite a few gemstones that can be yellow in color. Citrine is probably the most well known yellow gemstone on the market today. There is also yellow diamonds, yellow labradorite, bytownite, yellow tourmaline, yellow beryl, lemon quartz, as well as yellow jade, pearls, and I am sure there are others. Yellow very often signifies warmth, compassion, and friendship. It is one of the loveliest colors of gemstones.

Gemstone collecting has been fun for my kids as well. They look at them under the microscope, and with the loupe. They are fascinated by the many different varieties that Mother Nature provides each, and every day. I am starting to learn to identify my stones. Some I know what they are because they were bought already identified. When you buy large parcels, very often you don't know for sure what they are. Learning to identify your stones is very time consuming, and you really need to practice a lot. I love it!

Fun Friday The Letter X: Xanadu By Olivia Newton John

Today for Fun Friday we are doing the letter X, the most challenging letter in the alphabet. I chose to do Xanadu by Olivia Newton John. Watch her sing it live in the video below.

Fun Friday The Letter W: Water

Welcome to Fun Friday, at our Blogging For Fun group. We are back to working on our A-Z meme, and are up to the letter W. W is for water. Below you will find interesting facts about water, and some lovely pics my brother in law took, while here on vacation. Did you know you can go a long time without food, and still survive, but after 24 hours of no water your body will start to slowly die. We need water to survive, as do plants, and wild life. It is precious. If you would like to join our Blogging for Fun group simply use the sign up widget on the left hand column of this blog.

Facts about water:
1 About 70% of the human body is made up of water.
2 When you are born, almost 80% of your body is water, that is why babies dehydrate so easily.
3 If you drink too much water, too fast, water intoxification can occur. Yes, even good things can be bad for you.
4 You should consume at least eight cups of water per day. But did you know not all of that has to be drinkable. Most foods, contain small amounts of water that help meet this requirement.
5 Water dissolves more substances than any other liquid does.
6 About 75% of the Earths surface is covered in water.
7 In the US we use about 346,000 gallons of water per day
8 Flushing the toilet is actually the biggest consumer of water every day
9 By the time you feel thirsty, you may already be dehydrated, losing 1 percent of your water. Stay hydrated.
10 The initial weight you lose, when dieting, or exercising is water weight, not fat.

I hope everyone has an awesome weekend. Stay safe, and drink your water.

Fun Friday The Letter V: Vacation, Virtual Vegetables, Virtual Fish

Hey, it is Fun Friday again, at our Blogging For Fun group. This week we are working on the letter V. V is for vacation. Next week is vacation time here at Melissa's Homeschool. My sister, and brother in law are coming from NC, and the weather looks beautiful. I do have a lot to get done in this week, but it will still be relaxing, and less hectic than normal.

V is also for Virtual Vegetable farms, and Virtual fish. What am I talking about? Well Fishville, and Farmville of course. If you are like me, and live under a rock, you may have never heard of these. They are virtual games on Facebook. I swore when I got talked into signing up for Facebook that there would be no games at all. Yeah right! Friends kept sending gifts for these games, so I eventually gave in. Now the kids and I are hooked. Ha ha get it? Now we don't sit here all day playing games. I don't have the patience for that. My kids do it with me, through my account. I am not one of them nice, cool parents who let their ten year olds have their own Facebook account. If you are on Facebook, and you would love to be my neighbor in Fishville, or Farmville, click my Facebook picture in the left hand side of this blog. You will have to ask permission to be my friend, I know like I said I am not cool at all. I will then add you as a friend, and we can invite each other to be neighbors. Having neighbors is great. They don't let their pets go on your yard, they are quiet, and even help you out. It is the ultimate neighbor. So go on now, and get your cool on, and invite me to be your friend. Go on snap to it! The videos below help explain how to play the games. I of course being the coolest, and most amazing virtual neighbor will be more than happy to help you, should you need it.

Fun Friday The Letter U: Umbrella Cupcakes

Well it is the second day of a complete soaking rain of a day, and it is Fun Friday. We are doing an A-Z meme, and we are up to the letter U. U is for umbrellas, how perfect for a rainy day. If you click the image, it will enlarge, and you will get an easy, and fun rainy day Umbrella cupcake recipe. They are cute, and simple to make. Your kids can even help with these, they are so easy. My kids love cupcakes.



So what about umbrellas anyways. Who made them, and why? I think the why is obvious LOL. They were used to keep people dry, and to protect them from the sun. An umbrella protects you from rain, and a parasol protects you from the sun. Umbrellas can be dated way back to Ancient times, even before Christ was born. There is no specific date for when the umbrella was actually invented. Lots of people today use huge umbrellas for shade at the beach, or on their back patio for entertaining. They come in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and of course prices. I personally love the vintage, and antique parasols that society ladies used to carry with them, as part of their regular everyday attire.

Want to join us for Fun Friday? Then simply sign up using the Blogging For Fun sign up box, on the left hand margin of this blog.

Fun Friday The Letter T: Topsy Turvy Tomatoes

Today is Fun Friday, at my Blogging For Fun group. We are working on an A-Z meme, and are up to the letter T. I am going to talk about tomatoes. I love tomatoes, and this is the time of year, when I start thinking about growing some. Those of you who have been with me for a while, know that my thumb is not very green at all. Last year I did better. I got one cucumber, maybe six tomatoes, and whole host of peppers. I bought one of these Topsy Turvey's last year. I was not optimistic at all. I did not put tomatoes in it, because I had already planted my tomatoes. Instead, I put a pepper plant in it. As I said, I had tons of peppers. I do have to say though, I might have given them too much sun, and could have gotten way more, if I respected their need for less sunlight. This year I am buying two more of these clever devices. I will put tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers in the three of them. These keep your plants off the ground, and not as easy for bugs to get, and eat them. I don't know who came up with this concept, but I love it. Here is hoping my thumb is ten times greener this year, than last year. I might even try putting hydrangeas in another, to see if it works.

I think we all know tomatoes are good for us. But in case you don't here are some reasons to eat your tomatoes.

1- Tomatoes contain Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, that is well known for fighting off cancer.
2- There are tests being done that show tomatoes may help fight heart disease, and high cholesterol as well.
3- They are low in calories, and fat, making them a great addition to any diet.

Tomatoes are actually a fruit, not a vegetable, because they have seeds. They are versatile in the ways you can prepare, and cook them. I love a nice tomato sandwich, with just a little mayo, and salt and pepper. Or try cutting them up in a bowl, add some onions, cook and crush in some bacon, add mayo, and you have a cool refreshing summer salad. It is like a BLT without the bread, it is delicious. My mother calls this salad Grandma Snows salad. I make it all the time, in the summer.

Fun Friday The Letter S: The Sun

Today is Fun Friday, at our Blogging For Fun group. It is a Yahoo group, and you can join by using the sign up box, in the side bar of this blog. Today I have to do a quicky post, so I apologize in advance. I am doing the Sun. I love the sun, I really do. I am one of those lucky people who tan very easy, and get a nice summer glow. Though I look rather putrid in the winter. Come March I start sitting in the sun, and building my base tan, so when the real hot stuff gets here, I won't burn as easy. I was going to do the lovely Springs that we have here in Florida, but I have covered them before, and you can see all the beautiful videos, by paying a visit to my archives, on the sidebar. The two videos below are cool, and will help explain the Sun, much better than I ever could. There is basic sun info, how to made a sundial, and how to make your own solar panels, very hot if you ask me. Now I am going to get some sun, since it has been freezing here yet again.