2013/2014 Mathematics Curriculum

OK, so normally every year I document on this blog my curriculum specifics, for both kids, for the year. Last year I didn't do it. Guess I just didn't want to take the time. So, now that I need it to do our portfolios it is literally no where to be found. So, I had to find and print it again, and fill it all in for what we did and did not do. What a pain. So, this year I am doing it again here on the blog. I am doing it a bit different though. I am breaking it down by subject for each child. There will be supplemental websites at the bottom of each post. These are websites we already use, or I have tested and will be using. Since I adapt a curriculum from a typical course of study, it really does not cost me anything, except time. I use a baseline curriculum found at about.com/homeschool and adapt it to suit my needs. This curriculum is only what we will cover, not how it will be covered.  DJ will be doing FLVS for Math, but not until January, and will be doing other Math exercises until then.  Caitlin will be finishing Saxon 3, using EP and a variety of other Math websites and games.

Caitlin- 4th Grade Mathematics:

Reading and writing numbers
Numeration systems
Subsets
Decimals and fraction equivalents
Addition and subtraction facts to 7 places
Multiplication and division to 144
1 and 2 number multiplication problems
2 and 3 digit dividend and 1 digit divisor problems
Meaning of mixed numbers
Finding simple averages
Geometric concepts
Customary and metric measurements
Time to second
Problem solving methods
Charts and graphs

these are maybes
Prime numbers less than 100
Prime factoring

DJ- 8th Grade Mathematics:

Maintain skills and fundamental operations
Fractions and products
Sets and simple sentences
Numeration systems
Ratio proportions and percent
Inequalities and equalities
Simple formulas and equations
Graphing an equation
Powers and roots of rational numbers
Polynomials
Metric and non metric geometry
Probability and statistics
Statistical terms
Mathematical of insurance banking and taxes

these are maybes
Pythagorean Theorem
Scale drawing
Right triangle trigonometry
Permutations


Extra Math Resources:
http://www.purplemath.com this website is a personal favorite of mine for Math
http://easypeasyhomeschool.com
http://funbrain.com
http://www.coolmathgames.com
http://www.factmonster.com
http://wwwmathplayground.com
http://www.mathdrills.com this is another personal favorite

Weather Station

In the coming up blog posts, I will be sharing some fun Summer Science experiments we have been doing, as well as items and websites we will be using in the upcoming school year. I have found tons of new sites that I love and can not wait to use. This year, I am going to be even more specific when I make our curriculum as to what website or activity will go specifically to that item. That way, I don't have to wonder why I checked something off as to wanting to complete but then can't remember what I was going to use with it. This will save me a ton of time in the long run, though time consuming to do.

We are doing a series of weather learning experiences over the summer.  Today, we did an activity on learning about Photosynthesis. Of course Photosynthesis is the process by which plants take in carbon dioxide, make food, then give off oxygen into the atmosphere for all of us to use and breathe. So to do this, it is real easy, first ask the kids if they know what photosynthesis is. Then in glass quart jar fill it with water, add some leaves, set outside in the sun, and ask the kids to hypothesize what they think will happen in one hour. After they have answered, set the timer, and in one hour go back to check the leaves. What do they see?

My Little Man Turns 13!

OH NO say it isn't so!!!! My little man is 13 today~! I really do find it hard to believe that I now have a teenager in the house. I am not sure I have been prepared properly for this momentous occasion. He has already asked for a FB page. Ugh! While I love Facebook I really don't think it is for kids. I will have to think long and hard, though I knew this was coming.

We continue with our math lessons, and our evaluations are set for August 6th. So, now I really have to buckle down and start making portfolios. DJ's should be quite easy because I get to print the transcript from the FLVS classes he took. Caitlin's will take a little more time.

I have tons of cool things I want to share with you. I think next week will be a bit quieter and can get some of them in. I finally finished the one butterfly feeder we did, and it is hanging quite nicely. I have not seen butterflies, but it has rained every day for the past two weeks. Not real happy about that either.

Last night, we took the kids to see Despicable Me 2. My husband does not care for kids movies, but he actually wanted to see this one. It was definitely worth the 62 dollars. Yes 62 dollars for 4 people to go to the movies and have a little popcorn and soda. I love Redbox!!!!! I also have Netflix, but that is streaming live, and you get tons of options but not really new movies. I use it a lot for school with the kids. I wish I could convince my husband we don't need DTV, I am so tired of their ridiculous prices. Do they really think they are worth all that? But, he won't budge. Then we went to fireworks. Sorry only one good picture. I get distracted too easy, lol!

Fun With Clouds

Yesterday morning, on my way home from work, I saw some interesting things in the clouds. I know it could have been from sleep deprivation, but I am not thinking so. I often see things in the clouds, and ask my kids what they see. They are even more imaganitive than me. I stopped to snap these two cloud pictures. There was a rainbow and some deer also but I couldn't pull over fast enough to catch them. Anyway the first image looks like a woman praying to me. I asked Caitlin what she saw and she said you, LOL! The second one also got a vote for me, LOL! That one looks like a woman with really wild hair. Do you see things in the clouds?