GIFT registration is now open!
I will be teaching the following classes:
Math & Science Club (for ages 6-11):
Each week we will explore a math or science topic with a hands-on game or activity deigned to help students explore a wide variety of topics in a fun way while improving vocabulary and memorization skills. Math topics will include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, percents, charts and graphs, and geometry. Science topics will include a wide variety of physical science topics including the properties of matter, Newtonian mechanics, electricity and magnetism, the physics of fluids and air, the periodic table, chromatography, and more. There will be weekly hand outs offering suggestions of activities, books to read, documentaries to watch, or games to play at home provided.
The Cure for the Math Curse: Intro to Algebra (for ages 11 and up):
This series of classes introduces a visual and hands-on system for learning beginning algebraic concepts using building blocks and dice and follows these concepts through Algebra I concepts. We will cover pre-algebra, linear equations including both positive and negative integers and variables, continue on through graphing linear equations, graphing parabolas and multiplying polynomials. Homework is both assigned and is required and should be expected to take 15 minutes a day.
Prerequisite: Students need to be comfortable with both multiplication and division, but do not need to have memorized all their math facts. If they are not comfortable with both multiplication and division a calculator will be required.
Biology (for ages 12 and up):
We will explore the beauty and complexities of life through a variety of laboratory and hands-on activities as well as related discussions stressing vocabulary and comprehension of higher concepts. Four units will be covered: microscopic life, genetics, organ systems, and the diversity of life. Students who have access to a microscope with at least 100X are encouraged to bring their microscopes in throughout the fall months. Homework (in the form of vocabulary words and questions to research and discuss) will be assigned.
Please Note: Dissections will be included only if all the students agree that they want to do them. If dissections are to be included there will be an additional supplies fee.
Physical Sciences (for ages 12 and up):
Physics and Chemistry are the foundation of all other sciences and are vital to understanding all others. This course consists of introductory lab work that will include lessons in metric measurements, properties of matter, density, Newtonian motion, heat, sound, light, electricity, magnetism, periodic table, elements and compounds, acids and bases, precipitates, chromatography, balancing equations and more. Many labs during the fall and spring will be done outside so topics will vary somewhat depending on the weather. Homework (in the form of vocabulary words and questions to research and discuss) will be assigned.
Please visit www.gifthomeschool.org and download both registration and enrollment forms.
May 22, 2010
Johnsburg Library Open House and Used Curriculum Flea Market
(set-up for the Flea Market begins at 8:30 when the library opens!
10:00 - 12:00 Used Curriculum Flea Market
Sell some stuff, buy some stuff, ask lots of questions!
A limited number of tables and parking spaces are available by advance reservation only.
Those who do not register in advance may bring a blanket and use the lawn to sell.
Each seller is responsible for pricing and selling his/her own materials.
To reserve a space (free!) to sell at the used curriculum flea market please fill out the form below.
Answers to all questions are REQUIRED.
12:00 - 1:00 Eat, Meet and Greet
Bring a lunch or purchase a boxed lunch ($10 each) and join us!
You must reserve boxed lunches in advance (see below).
1:00 - 4:00 Open Forum Panel Discussion Q&A
Ask questions and hear real answers about the different homeschooling styles, curriculum choices, what has worked (and what hasn't!), legal information, where to find resources, and much more!
Children are, of course, invited to attend but we do not have room for child care and any noise must be kept to a minimum in the library.
Homeschool Resource Center at the Johnsburg Public Library
3000 N Johnsburg Rd, Johnsburg, IL 60051
(located on Johnsburg/Wilmot Rd. - 2 blocks north of Chapel Hill Rd.)
To register, please visit: http://sites.google.com/site/hrcopenhouse/
Apr 19, 2010
Summer Science Classes
June 14 - 18th - Environmental Science
Learn about the biomes and environmental health of the Chicago area by hiking 2 unique locations in our area as well as conducting a variety of hands-on lab projects designed to help students understand how our environment effects us and how we effect our environment.
Please plan on packing a ‘picnic’ lunch and plenty of water each day. Good hiking shoes and jeans/long pants are highly recommended each day. Plan on getting dirty! Families are welcome to join us when appropriate.
Who: students aged 10-16
When: 10-3:00 June 14 - 18th
Where: the primary location will be 5004 N Westwood Dr., Johnsburg, IL but we will also visit at Volo Bog, State Natural Area and Glacial Park in Ringwood.
Cost: $80.00 per student
Boy Scouts - Yes, this is an Eagle required merit badge. You will NOT finish this in one week because your observations should be further apart. The reports can be done during the week or afterward. We need to get blue cards filled out and signed before the first day of class.
June 21 - 25th - Field Geology
Learn about the geologic past, present and future of the Chicago area by actually hiking 3 unique geological locations in our area and seeing the wonderful moraines, kettles, bogs and unique drainage systems (lakes and streams) of our area. We will meet at a variety of sites so that we can hike and experience a whole new terrain, as well as learn to appreciate how the local geologic features directly influence the biologic health and diversity of the area. A list of recommended resources will be provided the first day of class.
Please plan on packing a ‘picnic’ lunch and plenty of water each day. Good hiking shoes and jeans/long pants are highly recommended each day. Plan on getting dirty!
Families are welcome to join us when appropriate. Most of the sites have nature centers and areas for younger children to play.
Who: students aged 10-16
When: 10-3:00 each day - June 21 - 25th
Where: locations will including Volo Bog (Ingleside), Moraine Hills State Park (McHenry), and Glacial Park (Ringwood). and my home at 5004 N Westwood Dr., Johnsburg IL
Cost: $80.00 per student
Boy Scouts - You will finish this in one week. We will create your collection during the week if you do not have one already. We need to get blue cards filled out and signed before the first day of class.
July 12 - 16 - Fresh Water Ecology (Limnology)
Join us as we learn about the geological, biological, chemical and physical features we take for granted here in the ‘lakes’ region of Illinois. Weather permitting we will meet to make field collections at several locations in the lakes region and bring some of these collections back to Mrs. Wentz’s home to analyze the variety of microscopic life and the chemical composition of the water and compare and contrast our findings from location to location. A list of recommended resources will be provided the first day of class.
Please plan on packing a ‘picnic’ lunch and water each day. Good hiking shoes and jeans/long pants are highly recommended each day. Plan on getting dirty!
Families are welcome to join us when appropriate. Most of the sites we will be visiting have areas for children to play. Bowling and playgrounds are a short drive away from the Wentz’s home.
Who: students aged 10 - 16
When: from 10 - 3:00 July 12 - 16th
Where: Locations include Volo Bog (Ingleside), McHenry Dam (McHenry), Nippersink Creek (Ringwood), and Lake Defiance (inside Moraine Hills State Park, McHenry)
Afternoon lab work will be completed at 5004 N Westwood Dr., Johnsburg
(2 miles north of the Johnsburg Library)
Cost: $80.00 per student
Learn about the biomes and environmental health of the Chicago area by hiking 2 unique locations in our area as well as conducting a variety of hands-on lab projects designed to help students understand how our environment effects us and how we effect our environment.
Please plan on packing a ‘picnic’ lunch and plenty of water each day. Good hiking shoes and jeans/long pants are highly recommended each day. Plan on getting dirty! Families are welcome to join us when appropriate.
Who: students aged 10-16
When: 10-3:00 June 14 - 18th
Where: the primary location will be 5004 N Westwood Dr., Johnsburg, IL but we will also visit at Volo Bog, State Natural Area and Glacial Park in Ringwood.
Cost: $80.00 per student
Boy Scouts - Yes, this is an Eagle required merit badge. You will NOT finish this in one week because your observations should be further apart. The reports can be done during the week or afterward. We need to get blue cards filled out and signed before the first day of class.
June 21 - 25th - Field Geology
Learn about the geologic past, present and future of the Chicago area by actually hiking 3 unique geological locations in our area and seeing the wonderful moraines, kettles, bogs and unique drainage systems (lakes and streams) of our area. We will meet at a variety of sites so that we can hike and experience a whole new terrain, as well as learn to appreciate how the local geologic features directly influence the biologic health and diversity of the area. A list of recommended resources will be provided the first day of class.
Please plan on packing a ‘picnic’ lunch and plenty of water each day. Good hiking shoes and jeans/long pants are highly recommended each day. Plan on getting dirty!
Families are welcome to join us when appropriate. Most of the sites have nature centers and areas for younger children to play.
Who: students aged 10-16
When: 10-3:00 each day - June 21 - 25th
Where: locations will including Volo Bog (Ingleside), Moraine Hills State Park (McHenry), and Glacial Park (Ringwood). and my home at 5004 N Westwood Dr., Johnsburg IL
Cost: $80.00 per student
Boy Scouts - You will finish this in one week. We will create your collection during the week if you do not have one already. We need to get blue cards filled out and signed before the first day of class.
July 12 - 16 - Fresh Water Ecology (Limnology)
Join us as we learn about the geological, biological, chemical and physical features we take for granted here in the ‘lakes’ region of Illinois. Weather permitting we will meet to make field collections at several locations in the lakes region and bring some of these collections back to Mrs. Wentz’s home to analyze the variety of microscopic life and the chemical composition of the water and compare and contrast our findings from location to location. A list of recommended resources will be provided the first day of class.
Please plan on packing a ‘picnic’ lunch and water each day. Good hiking shoes and jeans/long pants are highly recommended each day. Plan on getting dirty!
Families are welcome to join us when appropriate. Most of the sites we will be visiting have areas for children to play. Bowling and playgrounds are a short drive away from the Wentz’s home.
Who: students aged 10 - 16
When: from 10 - 3:00 July 12 - 16th
Where: Locations include Volo Bog (Ingleside), McHenry Dam (McHenry), Nippersink Creek (Ringwood), and Lake Defiance (inside Moraine Hills State Park, McHenry)
Afternoon lab work will be completed at 5004 N Westwood Dr., Johnsburg
(2 miles north of the Johnsburg Library)
Cost: $80.00 per student
Apr 4, 2010
Consumer Math Class
The Cure for the Math Curse: Consumer Math
(designed to meet the needs of junior high and high school students)
When: Wednesdays 10:30-noon from April 21st - May 19th
Where: a private home in Cary (please contact me for the address.... due to privacy concerns I don't want to publish it here for obvious reasons!)
We tend to worry a lot about what our student's ACT or SAT scores will be, but the only score that will matter in their lives after they are 21 is their FICO score. Let's make sure they have the knowledge they need to not ruin it early on! Using a variety of materials and activities, learn the basics necessary to understand the ins and outs of:
opening bank accounts (savings, checking, what is a NOW account? ROTH vs a traditional IRAs, etc),
borrowing money (including credit cards and mortgages),
insurance (the different types of insurance, home, car, whole life vs term life, how to pick the right plan),
utility bills and household expenses (how much is your family paying? budget plans and more),
and taxes (do I really need to file? Who pays quarterly? Who gets money back?).
Students will need a calculator in class and will be assigned homework that will include using some of the amortization calculators on bankrate.com.
Cost: The cost of this 5 week class will be $50 and is payable to Kathy Wentz the first day of class.
Credit card payments through paypal are accepted in advance.
(designed to meet the needs of junior high and high school students)
When: Wednesdays 10:30-noon from April 21st - May 19th
Where: a private home in Cary (please contact me for the address.... due to privacy concerns I don't want to publish it here for obvious reasons!)
We tend to worry a lot about what our student's ACT or SAT scores will be, but the only score that will matter in their lives after they are 21 is their FICO score. Let's make sure they have the knowledge they need to not ruin it early on! Using a variety of materials and activities, learn the basics necessary to understand the ins and outs of:
opening bank accounts (savings, checking, what is a NOW account? ROTH vs a traditional IRAs, etc),
borrowing money (including credit cards and mortgages),
insurance (the different types of insurance, home, car, whole life vs term life, how to pick the right plan),
utility bills and household expenses (how much is your family paying? budget plans and more),
and taxes (do I really need to file? Who pays quarterly? Who gets money back?).
Students will need a calculator in class and will be assigned homework that will include using some of the amortization calculators on bankrate.com.
Cost: The cost of this 5 week class will be $50 and is payable to Kathy Wentz the first day of class.
Credit card payments through paypal are accepted in advance.
Mar 8, 2010
The Cure for the Algebra Curse: Pre-Algebra
Is your student prepared for Algebra? This series of classes is designed to help your student understand many of the basic concepts needed for Algebra and provide you with a wide variety of games that will reinforce the topics without boring work book pages. Topics to be covered include positive and negative integers, fractions, order of operations, graphing, and single variables.
Where: The Johnsburg Public Library, 3000 N Johnsburg Rd., Johnsburg
When: Tuesdays 1:00 - 2:30 April 6 - May 18th
Cost: $45.00 total
Parents are strongly encouraged to attend for free.
Students should be comfortable with adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing but do not need to have memorized all their facts.
Please register in advance with the library at 815-344-0077.
Where: The Johnsburg Public Library, 3000 N Johnsburg Rd., Johnsburg
When: Tuesdays 1:00 - 2:30 April 6 - May 18th
Cost: $45.00 total
Parents are strongly encouraged to attend for free.
Students should be comfortable with adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing but do not need to have memorized all their facts.
Please register in advance with the library at 815-344-0077.
Mar 1, 2010
World Math Day is March 3rd!
Celebrate World Math Day by playing with math! Visit the link and get plenty of ideas including the chance to play a totally free and safe online math contest on March 3rd?
Students play at home and at school against other students around the world in live games of mental arithmetic. Each game lasts for 60 seconds and students can play up to 500 games during the official event, earning points for each correct question.
(Don't forget that Pi Day is 3.14, er, March 14th either!)
http://blog.worldmathsday.com/?p=32
Students play at home and at school against other students around the world in live games of mental arithmetic. Each game lasts for 60 seconds and students can play up to 500 games during the official event, earning points for each correct question.
(Don't forget that Pi Day is 3.14, er, March 14th either!)
http://blog.worldmathsday.com/?p=32
Feb 16, 2010
Time to renew that Nature Journal!
For those of you who keep a nature journal and... well.... kind of dropped it when it got COLD....
it is time to pick it up again! This is also the perfect time of the year - the beginning of the year - to start one!
The squirrels, for those of you that were watching, are done with their annual courtship chasing and chittering and have gone back to sleep for a week or two. Baby hawks are about to hatch and soon the skies will again fill with circling mom and dad hawks looking for a tasty meal for their hungry babies. Buds on trees are beginning to swell (measuring the buds on the same 'adopted' tree each week is a great exercise!). Which birds wil visit your bird feeder this month and which will visit next month are different!
For those new to journaling in winter, I highly recommend the book "Guide to Nature in Winter" by Stokes. http://tinyurl.com/yj2o6zv Stokes will help you learn to identify trees by their bark and bud patterns, identify animal tracks, learn about the many different kinds of snow, and much, much more. He also does a great job of showing what a great journal can look like, with loads of sketches and captions and observations doodled here and there among the text.
it is time to pick it up again! This is also the perfect time of the year - the beginning of the year - to start one!
The squirrels, for those of you that were watching, are done with their annual courtship chasing and chittering and have gone back to sleep for a week or two. Baby hawks are about to hatch and soon the skies will again fill with circling mom and dad hawks looking for a tasty meal for their hungry babies. Buds on trees are beginning to swell (measuring the buds on the same 'adopted' tree each week is a great exercise!). Which birds wil visit your bird feeder this month and which will visit next month are different!
For those new to journaling in winter, I highly recommend the book "Guide to Nature in Winter" by Stokes. http://tinyurl.com/yj2o6zv Stokes will help you learn to identify trees by their bark and bud patterns, identify animal tracks, learn about the many different kinds of snow, and much, much more. He also does a great job of showing what a great journal can look like, with loads of sketches and captions and observations doodled here and there among the text.
Feb 14, 2010
Environmental Chemistry and Anatomical Survey classes!
Environmental Chemistry Lab II
This course consists of 7 high school level Chemistry laborarotory exercises and related discussions while stressing the Chemistry of Earth's environment. Students are expected to have had prior Chemistry laboratory experience including titrations and chromatography, possibly by having taken Environmental Chemistry I from Mrs. Wentz. Students should be currently studying Chemistry or be prepared to do some reading in between classes.
NKC S05-005, 10:00-11:50, Fridays April 9-May 21st A224, $87 (for seven sessions)
Register with credit card by calling 815-455-8588. Questions? Marie 815-479-7559.
Biology Lab II – Anatomical Survey
This course consists of 7 high school level Biology laboratory exercises and related discussions. Work will
include lessons in lab safety, as well as dissections and experiments designed to encourage a study of the structures, organization, and function of various organisms and how they relate to the human body.
Students should be currently studying Biology or Health or be prepared to do some reading in between classes.
NKC S05-006, 1:00-2:50, Fridays April 9-May 21, A224, $87 (for seven sessions)
Register with credit card by calling 815-455-8588. Questions? Marie 815-479-7559.
This course consists of 7 high school level Chemistry laborarotory exercises and related discussions while stressing the Chemistry of Earth's environment. Students are expected to have had prior Chemistry laboratory experience including titrations and chromatography, possibly by having taken Environmental Chemistry I from Mrs. Wentz. Students should be currently studying Chemistry or be prepared to do some reading in between classes.
NKC S05-005, 10:00-11:50, Fridays April 9-May 21st A224, $87 (for seven sessions)
Register with credit card by calling 815-455-8588. Questions? Marie 815-479-7559.
Biology Lab II – Anatomical Survey
This course consists of 7 high school level Biology laboratory exercises and related discussions. Work will
include lessons in lab safety, as well as dissections and experiments designed to encourage a study of the structures, organization, and function of various organisms and how they relate to the human body.
Students should be currently studying Biology or Health or be prepared to do some reading in between classes.
NKC S05-006, 1:00-2:50, Fridays April 9-May 21, A224, $87 (for seven sessions)
Register with credit card by calling 815-455-8588. Questions? Marie 815-479-7559.
Feb 5, 2010
Johnsburg Public Library's April Food for Fines Program
I have had several requests for info about the annual 'Food for Fines" at the Johnsburg Public Library (and, of course, their Homeschool Resource Center!). I can't imagine why - as homeschoolers would NEVER bring an item back late or lose a book........ but here is the information:
JPL's Food For Fines program is celebrated on National Library Week each year. This year that is April 11-17th.
Donate one non-perishable food item for each separate fine (as in each item). (Food cannot be used to pay for lost or damaged items, or for collection agency fees.)
More Answers: Let's face it - the reality is that the library just wants their stuff back. If you bring it back NOW you CAN pay the fine with food later. If you have already been taken to collection - return the item NOW and during food for fines you can pay the $10 agency collection fee and bring in a can of food to pay off the rest. Obviously, the best thing is to avoid the collection agency in the first place because once you are sent to them you can't get away from that $10 fee
Lastly, the donated food will all be given to the F.I.S.H. Food Pantry which assists McHenry area families in need. Yes, extra donations are always very cheerfully accepted.
JPL's Food For Fines program is celebrated on National Library Week each year. This year that is April 11-17th.
Donate one non-perishable food item for each separate fine (as in each item). (Food cannot be used to pay for lost or damaged items, or for collection agency fees.)
More Answers: Let's face it - the reality is that the library just wants their stuff back. If you bring it back NOW you CAN pay the fine with food later. If you have already been taken to collection - return the item NOW and during food for fines you can pay the $10 agency collection fee and bring in a can of food to pay off the rest. Obviously, the best thing is to avoid the collection agency in the first place because once you are sent to them you can't get away from that $10 fee
Lastly, the donated food will all be given to the F.I.S.H. Food Pantry which assists McHenry area families in need. Yes, extra donations are always very cheerfully accepted.
Feb 2, 2010
Charts and Graphs Math Class in Cary
The Cure for the Math Curse: Charts & Graphs Math Club
Wednesdays from March 3rd through to March 24th, 2010 10:30-12:0 am
This series of four classes will concentrate on getting a better working knowledge and conceptual understanding of how to structure and organize data. Learning how to read charts and graphs is a vital tool to understand consumer economics, statistics and almost every science - and is used extensively on the science portion of the ACT and on the SAT. We will use quality math literature and a wide variety of games and activities to encourage your child to play their way to a love of math.
Cost: $40 Final day for registration is March 1st, 2010.
These classes will be held in a private home in Cary. If you are interested please contact me for further information.
Wednesdays from March 3rd through to March 24th, 2010 10:30-12:0 am
This series of four classes will concentrate on getting a better working knowledge and conceptual understanding of how to structure and organize data. Learning how to read charts and graphs is a vital tool to understand consumer economics, statistics and almost every science - and is used extensively on the science portion of the ACT and on the SAT. We will use quality math literature and a wide variety of games and activities to encourage your child to play their way to a love of math.
Cost: $40 Final day for registration is March 1st, 2010.
These classes will be held in a private home in Cary. If you are interested please contact me for further information.
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