Our Space Mission

Back in February, while my husband was basking in the semi-warm sun in Del Rio, Texas and we were dodging record snowstorms here in Ohio, Neal, Allie and I checked Google Maps and ventured out to the Challenger Center in downtown Dayton.

The Challenger Center is one of 50 learning centers in over 30 states and a few foreign countries. Homeschool groups, Scout troops, school classes, and such can make reservations to take part in a simulated space mission. Allie and Neal's mission involved studying a comet, but other ones include visits to Mars and the Moon.

Kids are given various jobs on their chosen mission, and guided in performing them. Allie was in medical, and Neal was in communications. They had a really good time, and enjoyed working with the other homeschooled kids. The adults who led the program were very enthusiastic and communicated well with the kids.

We'll be looking forward to visiting the Final Frontier again soon!

My Mad, Mad Love for The Teaching Company

When kids make the transition into True Teenhood, it can be hard to satisfy their innate curiosity without boring them to tears : that is, the format in which they learn may bore them excruciatingly.


For instance, while Neal may love to read, he finds that most textbooks are mentally anesthetic. They give stock answers to unenticingly-asked questions, then proceed to make it sound as if all the answers have been found. This make subjects like science, which are intrinsically  fascinating, into Butt-blasting Boredom with a capital 'B' or two.


Happily, Neal has taken quite well to dvds and such from The Teaching Company (no $$ or free products have exchanged hands here, : we have really, honestly used and enjoyed them after paying with our own hard-earned monies.) We've used ones on Algebra, history (we're currently using The Early Middle Ages set), World History (the ones for High school are great fun and very memorable) and science (cosmology and more.) Neal gets college-level teaching that respects his curiosity and caters a bit to his need for a bit of entertainment and variety. It works well all around.


The DVDs are pricey, but watch the site for sales. All of the sets go on sale quite regularly at amazing discounts. Occasionally, used ones are available on Amazon or Ebay. They have a great resale value also!

Free Science Lessons-Earth Science

Google Earth

All ages. A program that allows you to see all over the world...by satellite! Amazing!! Take a tour of the Grand Canyon, visit Mount Saint Helens, see Victoria Falls...and find your house!!


NASA all ages

Wonderful Resources for teaching, including lesson plans, printable worksheets, and games...all free!!

Also check out their kids' page. It has introductions to air, water and land, along with games and puzzles.


Exploratorium

Older children and teens. An online exhibit about Earthquakes, including activities.


NOAA Jetstream

Older children and teens. A school for weather, from the US National Weather Service. Includes review questions.


NOAA Ocean Explorer

Older children and teens. News, photos, video, curriculum about the ocean worldwide. Truly fascinating!


How Volcanoes Work

Older children and teens. A site with good explanations, photos and charts, to make a very good


Volcano World

All ages. Great Photos and news about volcanic activity the world over! Be sure to check out the 'Kids Door' section for activities for the younger ones. Kids can even submit their Volcanic Art!!!


Extreme Science

Does you child love world records, extreme sports, believe-it-or-not type information? They will love this site..and you will to! It's full of pictures and media of the extremes of the world. A good way to get a child out of the doldrums, or feed their need for interesting facts. Also a good site to suggest when they're bored....

Science with me

A cheery, colorful website with games, animations, worksheets and coloring pages for preschool to about age 10. Subscription required, but it's free!