Middle School Science Experiment on Friction, End of 2nd Quarter and Returning to Work

We are officially halfway through our school year, as of Friday. So, Caitlin and I will be able to do some of her many Science experiments that came with her Science book. This first one was on Friction, but could easily be a physics lesson as well. We did it with the table cloth on, and off, just to see the difference. Without the table cloth, the bag of coins only needed 27 coins to pull the box of sand to the edge of the table. With the table cloth on, it was over 60 to pull the box of sand to the edge of the table. To do this very easy experiment yourself you will need: a matchbox, pebbles or sand, string, plastic bag and coins. Fill the box with pebbles, or sand, and tie the string around it, letting the rest of the string dangle over the opposite edge of the table. Then one by one add a coin to the bag, that you attached the rest of the string to. When the box reaches the edge of the table, count how many coins was needed. I should have had her do it with an empty box too, to really see the difference of weight on friction as well.

Third quarter already, that means report cards. Caitlin doesn't officially get one until next year, but she continues to improve in all areas. Math is still a bit of a struggle, mostly because she is stubborn. Gee I wonder who she got that from, lol.

I will be returning to work in April, after over two years off. I think we are all ready for this, and we can continue to homeschool with no difficulties. We will see how it goes.

For my own record keeping purposes we volunteered at the Spring yard sale on Sat the 11th.

Final Writing Tests Determined

As we finish up the year, some subjects I do my own test format.  Both kids will be doing the California standardized test this year.  I just haven't picked when, but it will be sometime in July.  For the end of year writing test, I have picked the topic for both kids.  DJ, end of 9th grade, is finishing up Marine Biology.  It is his life goal to be a Marine Biologist someday.  So, his final writing exam will be to explain what Marine Biology is, and why he has chosen that as a career path.

Caitlin, end of 5th grade, has accomplished a lot in her writing this year.  She, and I will continue to work on her writing over the Summer.  Her final writing exam will be to write a tutorial on proper care of a rabbit.  She has had a pet rabbit for many years now.  She will do a rough draft, then fixes, then write her final paper. 

Both kids will post to their blogs.  I still have to determine a test for Japanese 1, and Music. 

Fun Friday, Me Through The Years

Tes, from our Blogging For Fun group, had a wonderful topic idea. To show each of us in our younger years. The youngest picture of me, I had here at my house, was the fifth grade. I am the one with the stars all around it. I also have one from the year we got our nursing caps, I was 16, I am circled in the back. Then about 20 yrs old, and then when I just had Caitlin at age 35. I didn't look so hot in that pic, not a whole lot of sleep going on. So here they are, don't laugh too loud now. I look forward to seeing all of my Blogging For Fun friends, through the years. If you would like to join in Fun Friday, then join by clicking the green sign up box, in the left hand column. The forwards I complained about on Entrecard were removed on most of the blogs, so I am doing limited drops for now, but very limited at sites I trust.

Wanted Guest Blogger For Education Topic

At the beginning of this year, I made some goals for this blog. I have met most of them, but forgot all about wanting to have guest bloggers. It is already July, and I have not had one yet. So now, I am looking for one. I am not fussy, but it should be an educational topic It can be an educational topic, supplies, issue, or other area. You do not have to be a homeschooler to qualify. I would like it to be at least 200 words, and knowledgeable. If anyone is interested I am offering 1 yr of free advertising on each of my three blogs, either text, banner, or widget. If you are interested you can comment to this post, or email me at darien04@gmail.com

Gilchrist County Friends, Art Classes, Obama and McCain Views On Homeschooling

I have a lot to blog about today. I could post all of these as individual posts, but I always have more to say lol.

First, I would like to just mention a yahoo group I just started. It is called Gilchrist County Friends, and it is not just a homeschool group. If you live in the Gilchrist County area, and have children under the age of 12, that need some extra friends, then come on and join. I am new to this, and it has just started, to sign up go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gilchristcountyfriends/ I am hoping to get at least 5 or 6 children, interested in the group. I will be making a button to put on this blog, to advertise it.


Second I would like to share with everyone, a great Art class, that is offered for a minimal fee to Homeschool children. Here are the details for the class

Title:

Art Classes for Homeschool Families

Date:

Monday October 6, 2008
Time:

10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Repeats:

This event repeats every week until Tuesday June 2, 2009.
Next reminder:

The next reminder for this event will be sent in 2 days, 1 minute.
Location:

Gainesville, Florida
Notes:

Discover and Create With the Visual Language of Art” Come discover the wonder of art and artists throughout time. Explore where artists get ideas and how they make them personally meaningful. Create artwork from your own imagination using the visual language of art: line, shape, color, balance, symmetry, etc. Learn to investigate artworks; looking carefully, describing and relating them to what you already know so that you can make informed judgments about the works. Projects include drawing, painting, collage, printmaking, sculpture, hand building with clay, and more! New this year is a reflective writing component for each lesson recorded in a personal sketchbook/journal.Mondays beginning August 25th Ages 4-7 (10-11am) and Ages 7-older (11:30-12:30) All classes are $10/student or $15/2 students and include sketchbook, supplies and an informational handout about the media, process, and artist studied. Email or call for location, class descriptions, and to answer any questions!Jane Gravoisflcreate@yahoo.com 352-595-3071

Third, is a topic that should concern all Homeschoolers. Where does each Presidential candidate, stand on Homeschooling. This information, was shared at one of the Homeschool groups I belong to. One Homeschooling mom, called Obamas local campaign offices to try to get his specific views on Homeschooling. Not only did they not know, but they told her to buy his book, to see if the information, was in the book. They gave lots of indicators for what he wants to do for Public education, but could not give a view on Homeschooling. A second Homeschooling parent, provided this information from Obamas book: On page 344 of The Audacity of Hope, he writes: “none of these policies need
discourage families from deciding to keep a parent at home…For some
families, that may mean doing without certain material comforts. For others it may
mean home schooling….Whatever the case may be, such decisions should be honored

Now I am not certain what he was referencing there, but it was not Homeschooling directly. So there is still no clear, and concise point of view from Obama as to how he feels about Homeschooling. I find this very disturbing, his ambivalence, and vagueness, when getting to the point of any questions.

McCains views on Homeschooling are very clear, he supports Homeschooling, as does Sarah Palin. Sarah Palin, has a daughter that has been doing virtual schooling, for some time. This is an exerpt from a fellow Homeschoolers email sent to me, stating information about McCain's view on Homeschooling: McCain has said in several speeches, forums and interviews he believes homeschooling works. He believes it's a family's decision.

Of course as a Mom, who Homeschools her children, I find this to be of much importance, when choosing who I will vote for. I will have to hear more definitive responses from Obama, to even consider that he is for Homeschooling.

Bloggerwave Europe's New Media Outlet for Bloggers

Ok I am sure you are thinking, what does this have to do with homeschooling. Well Bloggerwave is a way to make extra money via blogging. I like to write, but sometimes my skills are lacking. Especially in the areas of grammar, and sentence construction. At Bloggerwave, your posts will only be accepted by Administration, after review. So, as I post topics for Bloggerwave, I get to tweek my writing skills, which in turn can only help me teach my children better. Bloggerwave, once you have signed up and been accepted, will pay you to post topics on your blog. You get paid, via your paypal account, once your assignment has been accepted. Bloggerwave, is a new company, based in Europe. As more and more people sign up, and word gets around, more opputunities to make money will come along. If you would like to sign up at Bloggerwave go to http://www.bloggerwave.com/ and follow the simple sign up procedure. Once you have added your blog, you will hear from Bloggerwave in about 3 days, on whether you were accepted or not. It is simple, and only takes a couple of minutes. So go on over to Bloggerwave, and start getting paid to do what you do anyway.