Today could be referred to as "Science Day." We ran our chemistry experiment on chemical reactions - "Steel Wool Wonder". That was such an easy experiment. We just took a steel wool pad (no soap) and soaked it in vinegar. Then wrapped it around a small thermometer and stuck it in a jar w/lid. Five minutes later (or just enough time to read the sections in her chemistry book on chemical reactions) we checked to see if the temperature had increased compared to the base temp we had taken earlier in the jar. And, it had.
We left the steel wool pad out for the rest of the day to see what would continue to happen, and came home to find it extremely oxidized this evening.
This afternoon, Mary also had her second Wildlife class of the semester. This month it was on 'Insect Investigations', and I wasn't very sure what they would be doing as their activity. It turns out that they taught the children how to begin their very own mounted insect collection. Complete with directions of how to soak the live insects in polish remover. I can't make up my mind how I quite feel about this. On one hand, I tend towards the position to observe only and do no harm. But, then again there are about a billion insects (in my yard) and it is a good way to study and learn about insects for my budding entomologist. That was only part of the class, they also taught them how to identify various insects and label - always good skills to have. She brought home a pair of mounted crickets. Apparently when she caught them they were 'mounted' and would not come apart until the dip in the acetone.
We also completed: one section of math for each of the girls, chapters 2-3 of Genesis, free play with magnetic letters (Emily), rhyming bingo (Katie), nature hike (all). And, Mary on her own has completed the first seven lessons of her typing program. During all our driving time today we finished listening to God's Troubadour: The Story of St. Francis of Assisi that I had downloaded from Librivox.
We just ran out of time, and energy, before we got to copywork, reading, literature and geography today. That is why there is always a tomorrow. And, speaking of, I better finish my to-do list for tomorrow and get some sleep.
Peace,
Amy
1 comment:
If I Think about it, putting insects in polish remover doesn't sound very nice. On the other hand, I have no problem flicking Japanese beetles into a cup of water to drown -- I just don't think of their experience, I think about my poor plants. I say that you should just focus on the science she is learning. Sounds like a neat class!
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