Fun Science Experiments

One of our first chapters in science was on cells.  Now, science is not my great love. Nor do I like messes.  So messy science experiments tend to fall by the wayside.  (I do so love history, though!)  So I tend to wimp out on science experiments.  My big commitment this year in teaching my children is to do the science experiments.  All of them.  Especially the ooey, gooey ones.  To smile, be a good sport and to enjoy it!  We sure have been enjoying our science lessons.  We have done some really cool science experiments.  

The first cool thing we learned was what a cell consists of.  We replicated a cell using candy and jello. 

Making the cytoplasm from yellow jello and gelatin.  We greased the bowls for easier removal.

Here are the parts of the cell: nucleus, mitochondria, lysosomes, ER,, golgi bodies, centrioles and ribosomes

the nucleus

Another fun thing we did was to learn about nerve cells (neurons).  We created them out of play-do.

This is science I could grow to love!

2011-2012 School Year

Way back in April, I went to the MACHE conference to prepare and purchase things for our next school year.  We normally do school year round, ending in late April then starting in about late April/early May, that is my normal time to get ready, however...the past year of school dragged out a bit and we ended in early June.  Then we took our trip... then we needed to recover... then it was so dang hot... then we wanted to have some summer fun... so....  We are now starting.  The thing I love about homeschooling (well, one of the many) is our flexibility. 

So we FINALLY kicked off our 5th, 3rd, 1st grade year about a week ago.  And I might add, we actually got in 5 FULL DAYS OF SCHOOL ~ IN A ROW!  Go us!  Because the dearest Daddy works 6 days a week and his day off is mid-week, our schooling can get a bit choppy.  We aim for 4 days of school a week, going longer and year round.  Don't worry, we get all our days in!

This year we are using My Father's World ~Rome to Reformation package.  I use it as my backbone and add in where I need or want to.  I am using Apologia's Anatomy and Physiology and Astronomy for science.  I have to say, I love the accompanying notebook journal.  It is fantastic and worth every penny.  I could do it myself, but it makes it so much easier!  Plus they break it down and plan it out in the front for what to do what days.  Loving it!  Math is still the same, Singapore and Miquon.   All in all, off to a great start!

Simple Lives Thursday