A brief refresher:
A dozen questions to help you decide for yourself how to best evaluate claims about
everything from the 'perfect' class or curriculum or parenting style to the 'perfect' new diet:
1) Why is the person/claimant telling you what they are? Are they making a profit?
2) What group is being targeted? Why?
3) What about the claim leads you to a conclusion?
4) Is there a subtext that matches or is different than the text?
5) What kind of culture(s) does the text create?
6) What value(s) is reinforced?
7) What techniques of persuasion are used?
8) What is not told? What stories are missing?
9) How does the example try to move emotions? Is it logical?
10) Is it closer to fantasy or reality?
11) Does it use stereotypes?
12) In what ways does it promote a lifestyle that is healthy or unhealthy?
Jan 26, 2011
Jan 25, 2011
Designer RNA at your command!
Another Fold-It like game!
"Scientists at Carnegie Mellon University and Stanford University are attempting
to harness the wisdom of crowds with the creation of an online video game that
challenges players to design new ways to fold RNA molecules....The game,
EteRNA, is accessible at eterna.cmu.edu/content/EteRNA. It allows non-biologists
to design complex new ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules, as well as to receive
quick feedback on the biological function of their designs. "
Full text article can be found here
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/11/science/11rna.html?_r=1&ref=science
"Scientists at Carnegie Mellon University and Stanford University are attempting
to harness the wisdom of crowds with the creation of an online video game that
challenges players to design new ways to fold RNA molecules....
EteRNA, is accessible at eterna.cmu.edu/content/EteRNA. It allows non-biologists
to design complex new ribonucleic acid (RNA) molecules, as well as to receive
quick feedback on the biological function of their designs. "
Full text article can be found here
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/11/science/11rna.html?_r=1&ref=science
Jan 24, 2011
West Point Bridge Design Contest
Design a Virtual Bridge... Learn About Engineering!
Who: U.S. students age 13 through grade 12 are eligible for prizes. Anyone else may enter our Open Competition. More about eligibility...
When: The 2011 contest began on January 10, 2011, and the Qualifying Round will end on February 25. More about the contest schedule...
Prizes: Each member of the first-place team earns a $10,000 scholarship. Each finalist wins a notebook computer.
Who: U.S. students age 13 through grade 12 are eligible for prizes. Anyone else may enter our Open Competition. More about eligibility...
When: The 2011 contest began on January 10, 2011, and the Qualifying Round will end on February 25. More about the contest schedule...
Prizes: Each member of the first-place team earns a $10,000 scholarship. Each finalist wins a notebook computer.
Jan 23, 2011
12 Dozen Places To Educate Yourself Online For Free
Too good not to share!
Check out this blogger's post for sites to visit to help you educate yourself!
Check out this blogger's post for sites to visit to help you educate yourself!
Jan 22, 2011
Free Access to 900 Animated Books for a Year!
All homeschoolers have been granted One Year Free Access to an online library of 900 interactive children's books for ages 2-13!
Houston, Texas - January 10, 2011 - "We saw a story about a company called Tom's Shoes where for every pair of shoes purchased they give away a pair to a child in need. We thought that was a pretty great idea so we decided to give away free subscriptions to our entire catalog of books to home schoolers
across the country with the hope that they will see why thousands of teachers subscribe to our theory that learning to read should be fun," says president Cliff Dew.
All home schoolers are being given a one year free subscription to their catalog of 900 animated books, lesson plans, quizzes, story songs, games and puzzles that inspire early childhood literacy for ages 2-13 free of charge now through 12/31/2011.
It¹s an award winning safe and secure “Kid's Friendly” website that helps kids discover the joys of learning to read. MightyBookjr.com is ideal for English as a Second Language and English Immersion. There's even a whole library of books for kids with special needs.
Simply log on to their home page http://www.mightybookjr.com/
and click on, ³SUBSCRIBE NOW² and use this as your COUPON CODE:
FREE COUPON CODE: learntoread (lower case letters)
Houston, Texas - January 10, 2011 - "We saw a story about a company called Tom's Shoes where for every pair of shoes purchased they give away a pair to a child in need. We thought that was a pretty great idea so we decided to give away free subscriptions to our entire catalog of books to home schoolers
across the country with the hope that they will see why thousands of teachers subscribe to our theory that learning to read should be fun," says president Cliff Dew.
All home schoolers are being given a one year free subscription to their catalog of 900 animated books, lesson plans, quizzes, story songs, games and puzzles that inspire early childhood literacy for ages 2-13 free of charge now through 12/31/2011.
It¹s an award winning safe and secure “Kid's Friendly” website that helps kids discover the joys of learning to read. MightyBookjr.com is ideal for English as a Second Language and English Immersion. There's even a whole library of books for kids with special needs.
Simply log on to their home page http://www.mightybookjr.com/
and click on, ³SUBSCRIBE NOW² and use this as your COUPON CODE:
FREE COUPON CODE: learntoread (lower case letters)
Jan 20, 2011
Civics Games for Kids!
What a fantastic set of games about the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, Legislative, Judicial and Executive branches of government - and (most importantly) our role as citizens in it.
Jan 14, 2011
Teacher's Discounts Aplenty!
Who knew there were this many????
Some apply to homeschoolers and some do not. Either way, be sure to bring your ID card!
Some apply to homeschoolers and some do not. Either way, be sure to bring your ID card!
Jan 13, 2011
Last Call! Classes start tomorrow!
Conceptual Physics Lab
9th-12th grade The perfect first high school lab course! This course consists of 8 introductory high school level Physics labroratory exercises and related discussions. Lab work will include lesssons in lab safety, properties of matter, Newtonian motion, heat, sound, light, electricity and magnetism, and even some quantum theory. Students will need a working knowledge of linear algebra and should be currentl studying Physics or be prepared to do some reading in between classes.
Register with credit card and class ID by calling 815-455-8588.
Problems or Questions? Please call Marie at 815-479-7559
Time: 10:00 - 11:50
Dates: Jan. 14th - March 4
Cost: $99
Course ID# - NKC SO5-001
Genetics Lab
9th-12th grades This course consists of 8 introductory high school level Genetics laboratory exercises and related discussions. Lab work will include lessons in classical (Mendelian) genetics beginning with meiosis, punnett squares, DNA extraction, DNA fingerprinting, bacterial mutation, and modern discoveries of molecular biology and epigenetics and their application in today's world. Students should be currently studying Biology or be prepared to do some reading in between classes.
Register with credit card and class ID by calling 815-455-8588.
Problems or Questions? Please call Marie at 815-479-7559
Time: 1:00 - 2:50
Dates: Jan. 14th - March 4
Cost: $99
Course ID# - NKC SO5-002
9th-12th grade The perfect first high school lab course! This course consists of 8 introductory high school level Physics labroratory exercises and related discussions. Lab work will include lesssons in lab safety, properties of matter, Newtonian motion, heat, sound, light, electricity and magnetism, and even some quantum theory. Students will need a working knowledge of linear algebra and should be currentl studying Physics or be prepared to do some reading in between classes.
Register with credit card and class ID by calling 815-455-8588.
Problems or Questions? Please call Marie at 815-479-7559
Time: 10:00 - 11:50
Dates: Jan. 14th - March 4
Cost: $99
Course ID# - NKC SO5-001
Genetics Lab
9th-12th grades This course consists of 8 introductory high school level Genetics laboratory exercises and related discussions. Lab work will include lessons in classical (Mendelian) genetics beginning with meiosis, punnett squares, DNA extraction, DNA fingerprinting, bacterial mutation, and modern discoveries of molecular biology and epigenetics and their application in today's world. Students should be currently studying Biology or be prepared to do some reading in between classes.
Register with credit card and class ID by calling 815-455-8588.
Problems or Questions? Please call Marie at 815-479-7559
Time: 1:00 - 2:50
Dates: Jan. 14th - March 4
Cost: $99
Course ID# - NKC SO5-002
Jan 11, 2011
Another Adventure, Another Schedule Change
A few days ago I accepted a job teaching Chemistry for Heritage Homeschool Workshops in Elgin on Monday mornings! This means that my volunteer hours at the Johnsburg Library's Homeschool Resource Center are being changed. I am now going to be there on Wednesday nights from 7-9 p.m..
I am hoping that after almost ten years of offering a limited but free consultation services on weekday mornings that this will, at the very least, allow more dads to come in (or folks to find a babysitter so they can visit without the, um, help, of their curious twin 2 year olds!).
I am hoping that after almost ten years of offering a limited but free consultation services on weekday mornings that this will, at the very least, allow more dads to come in (or folks to find a babysitter so they can visit without the, um, help, of their curious twin 2 year olds!).
Jan 8, 2011
A Mathematician’s Lament
Why do I want students to really understand what they are doing and not just memorizing a series of steps?
Why do I think that arithmetic should take a back seat to real mathematics and completely reject the idea that you have to memorize your multiplication tables before looking at real math?
Paul Lockhart has explained it brilliantly here!
Read it. Yes, it will take 15 minutes. Print it out and take it with you. It will make a difference in how you see those piles worksheets.
Why do I think that arithmetic should take a back seat to real mathematics and completely reject the idea that you have to memorize your multiplication tables before looking at real math?
Paul Lockhart has explained it brilliantly here!
Read it. Yes, it will take 15 minutes. Print it out and take it with you. It will make a difference in how you see those piles worksheets.
Jan 7, 2011
Chicago Museum Free Days for 2011
Want to go on a lot of field trips! Good!
Here is how to plan many of them for free!
Here is how to plan many of them for free!
Jan 6, 2011
Crystal Lake Park District Winter Classes Start Jan. 20th!
Crystal Lake Park District winter classes start Jan. 20th!
All classes are on Thursdays at the Crystal Lake Park District's Rotary Building and run for 6 weeks starting January 20th. Registration is happening now at http://www.crystallakeparks.org/
The third session of Crystal Lake Park District homeschool classes is open for registration.
Open registration will close Jan. 17th!
10:00 - 11:30 Nature Study
taught by Jess Day at the Nature Center. In this totally interactive class, the children will be exploring plant and animal life at the park, seasonal changes and much more. Ages 6-10, cost $36. Contact: leah.mikkelson@gmail.com to register.
10:00 - 11:00 Pen and Mouse Drawing
with Julie Kukreja. Come blast off using your imagination and learn how to draw in 3D! Club House Artists will learn the basic fundamentals of drawing using "tool box" word such as: horizon line,shading, shadows, and much more. These 3D drawing techniques will help pop theirdrawings off the page. By the end of each session, Club House Artists will have the enthusiasm to draw anything and will be able to see their artwork displayed on our virtualart showroom at www.penandmousedesign. com/clubhouse.htm. Each session covers new material, so be sure to sign up for multiple sessions and increase your drawing skills. A one time $12 material fee is due to the instructor at the beginning of class. Ages 6 and up.Cost:$75 in district / $90 out of district. Class code: 4495-7
11:00 - 12:30 Algebra - Cure for the Algebra Curse
taught by the always popular Kathy Wentz. This series of classes uses a visual and hands-on system for learning Algebraic concepts. This winter session will cover graphing linear equations and introduce polynomials. Ages 12 and up. Cost: $51 in district / $66 out of district. Class code: 4495-1 *I am aware that this description does not match the one in the catalog that was published last summer. I was asked to offer this class instead. The description here is the correct description.
12:00 - 1:00 Karate
taught by Patric Murphy of Kon Jo Karate Club in Fox River Grove. Mr. Murphy is a third degree black belt in Shotokan Karate and is a wonderful, warm instructor who encourages each of his students to do their best. Ages 3-16yrs. Cost: $50 in district / $65 out of district. Class code: 4494-0
1:00 - 2:00 Math and Science Club
with Kathy Wentz. This is the same class which filled up with a filled wait list at the GIFT co-op! Each week students will explore a math or science topic with hands-on games and activities designed to spark interest, improve memorization skills, and increase vocabulary. Class will also include hand outs offering ways to further explore the topics at home. Ages 6-11. Cost: $51 in district / $66 out of district. Class code: 4495-0
All classes are on Thursdays at the Crystal Lake Park District's Rotary Building and run for 6 weeks starting January 20th. Registration is happening now at http://www.crystallakeparks.org/
The third session of Crystal Lake Park District homeschool classes is open for registration.
Open registration will close Jan. 17th!
10:00 - 11:30 Nature Study
taught by Jess Day at the Nature Center. In this totally interactive class, the children will be exploring plant and animal life at the park, seasonal changes and much more. Ages 6-10, cost $36. Contact: leah.mikkelson@gmail.com to register.
10:00 - 11:00 Pen and Mouse Drawing
with Julie Kukreja. Come blast off using your imagination and learn how to draw in 3D! Club House Artists will learn the basic fundamentals of drawing using "tool box" word such as: horizon line,shading, shadows, and much more. These 3D drawing techniques will help pop theirdrawings off the page. By the end of each session, Club House Artists will have the enthusiasm to draw anything and will be able to see their artwork displayed on our virtualart showroom at www.penandmousedesign. com/clubhouse.htm. Each session covers new material, so be sure to sign up for multiple sessions and increase your drawing skills. A one time $12 material fee is due to the instructor at the beginning of class. Ages 6 and up.Cost:$75 in district / $90 out of district. Class code: 4495-7
11:00 - 12:30 Algebra - Cure for the Algebra Curse
taught by the always popular Kathy Wentz. This series of classes uses a visual and hands-on system for learning Algebraic concepts. This winter session will cover graphing linear equations and introduce polynomials. Ages 12 and up. Cost: $51 in district / $66 out of district. Class code: 4495-1 *I am aware that this description does not match the one in the catalog that was published last summer. I was asked to offer this class instead. The description here is the correct description.
12:00 - 1:00 Karate
taught by Patric Murphy of Kon Jo Karate Club in Fox River Grove. Mr. Murphy is a third degree black belt in Shotokan Karate and is a wonderful, warm instructor who encourages each of his students to do their best. Ages 3-16yrs. Cost: $50 in district / $65 out of district. Class code: 4494-0
1:00 - 2:00 Math and Science Club
with Kathy Wentz. This is the same class which filled up with a filled wait list at the GIFT co-op! Each week students will explore a math or science topic with hands-on games and activities designed to spark interest, improve memorization skills, and increase vocabulary. Class will also include hand outs offering ways to further explore the topics at home. Ages 6-11. Cost: $51 in district / $66 out of district. Class code: 4495-0
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