Search Results for: blog a unit study starter on backyard astronomy

A Unit Study Starter on the Vikings

The Vikings are a very interesting people to study in part because so much of their history is related to them pillaging and thieving from other peoples. They were particularly fond of picking on monasteries–presumably because monks were not so feisty. However, if you read extensively on the Vikings, what you discover is that they were a deeply family oriented people. They were also fairly religious although it’s notable that they stopped raiding surrounding areas when they converted to Christianity. Here are a few ideas for studying the Vikings. Geography Vikings, as you probably are aware are from the Northern … Continue reading →

A Unit Study Starter on the New 7 Wonders of the World

Before I gave up home school blogging to move to the baby and food blogs, on occasion I would post a unit study starter. A unit study starter can be used as a ‘diving board’ to jump start your unit. I generally include links and resources for each subject area and of course you are free to add your own as needed. To get more details on planning a unit study see this blog. Critical Thinking An organization called The New 7 Wonders began by holding a world wide vote to elect 7 ‘new’ wonders of the world. Begin the … Continue reading →

2006 in Review: Homeschooling Blog at a Glance

As a new homeschooling blogger at Families.com, I wanted to know everything that has been discussed to date. In response to my own curiosity, and in an effort to make perusing our articles easier for you, our readers, I have compiled all of the blogs for the year 2006. Deciding to Homeschool Why homeschool Am I qualified for this? Reasons that Homeschooling Works! My Most Important Advice for Homeschoolers. The Cost of Homeschooling Instead of standing up for their own kids, why not stand up for all kids? Disclaimer: I am hardly an expert in education. Did You Know? ‘Empirical … Continue reading →

A Unit Study Starter on Backyard Astronomy

Here is a list of resources to use to plan a unit study on astronomy. I should note that one reason I chose astronomy for this month’s Unit Study Starter, is because the Perseids meteor shower will be most visible during the weekend of August 12th & 13th. The Perseids is supposed to be one of the most active meteor showers and therefore one of the easiest to observe on a clear night. Add a few more resources to this list to make a complete Unit Study or pick and choose from this list to augment what you’re already doing … Continue reading →

When Was the Last Time You Enjoyed a Shower Together?

I’m not talking about the kind of shower you take in your bathroom, but, rather, a meteor shower. The Perseids The question of when was the last time you enjoyed a shower together came to me because earlier this morning was supposedly the peak time for best viewing of the Perseids meteor shower. However, the shower activity period spans from July 17 through August 24. Depending on where you live, tonight might also be a prime viewing night, but even until August 24 there’s still a chance you can spot a “shooting star” or two. (In doing research for this … Continue reading →

Google Earth and the Universe – Space Travel Fun

A few months ago, Jeff talked about Google Earth and how much fun it was to explore the program in one of his blogs. Now, with their latest version, Google Earth has gone into space. Now, not only can you type in San Francisco, you can type in Andromeda, Horsehead Nebula, or Orion. Google and NASA have compiled over a million Hubble Space Telescope and satellite images into a map of space. The project is mind boggling. And so is traveling through the universe! It’s so fun! You can type in an address and view the night sky from that … Continue reading →

Amazing Meteor Showers

The Perseid meteor shower is coming! Best viewing times are supposed to be near midnight, or right before dawn. The Earth will be cutting through the densest part of the debris stream this Sunday night, August 12th. So break out your lawn chairs and let the kids stay up late, or plan on waking them up for this magical sight. This meteor shower has an amazing one or two meteors per minute during peak hours, so you won’t have to wait long to see one. Viewing this year is supposed to be extra good because the new moon will not … Continue reading →

Planets & Stars

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When I was young, I slept under dozens of small glow-in-the-dark star stickers. I loved staring up at my faux-night sky and dreaming of all the far away places I would visit and all the zany adventures I would have, as I grew taller and older. It goes without saying then that I was in heaven as my little gal gleefully expressed her desire to affix illuminating stars above her bed. She received a solar system mobile for her 3rd birthday and once her new big girl room was complete, she helped build it and hung it up in the … Continue reading →

More College Courses for High Schoolers

Yesterday I wrote about FEMA’s Emergency Preparedness classes, and the ability to convert the independent study to college credit. Today’s tip is a little different. It’s only for high school juniors and seniors. California State University Dominguez Hills has a young scholars program. For $3.50 each (yes, that’s $3.50, not $350), your highschooler can take distance-learning courses from a fully accredited California State University. Two classes are offered each semester. That’s the only real downside. You get what you get. The two that just ended were Critical Reasoning and Television, Film & Theater. They’re three credit classes each. Six credits … Continue reading →

The Homeschoolers’ Advent Calendar: The North Pole

While your kids are writing those wish lists out for Santa, take some time to visit the North Pole. . .via the web that is. Go ahead–make your hot chocolate, sit back, relax, and spend some time learning about the very interesting Arctic circle. I have to tell you that as I was writing this article, I was so fascinated by the things I found that it took me twice as long to write it. I kept stopping and reading and stopping some more. I hope you find it as fascinating as I did. Our first stop in our Arctic … Continue reading →