U.S. History Question of the Day!

History teacher Greg Feldmeth's 2010-11 U.S. history "question of the day"
began this week. You can sign up to receive the question by e-mail every
day or you can go to his website, where the questions are archived.

To sign up for the question of the day, find the archived questions, or see
the rest of Mr. Feldmeth's teaching website, go to
http://faculty.polytechnic.org//gfeldmeth/USHistory.html

This is a terrific resource for anyone 'into' history or studying for the A.P. History exam!

Wednesday Classes in Cary

High School Chemistry
Based on Apologia's Exploring Creation with Chemistry, 2nd edition, this class will cover the topics covered in the text using discussion, problem sets and experimentation. Algebra 1 is a required prerequisite as Algebra is used throughout this course and we will spend a fair amount of time covering and explaining the problems. Homework will be assigned but we will not take up class time administering and correcting tests. If a family wants those given I encourage you to administer them at home. Please note: Some of the experiments listed in the book will differ from those offered through this class. Also, students need to provide their own safety glasses/goggles as I can not properly sterilize them weekly between students. Care will be taken throughout to discuss current scientific theories and methods from a Christian perspective.

Prerequisites: Students must have had Algebra I or be concurrently taking Algebra, be able to understand a high school level text, be willing to commit to several hours of homework each week, and be able to work cooperatively and safely in a lab situation with other students.

Classes will be on Wednesday afternoons from 10:30-12:00 beginning Sept. 15th, 2010.

Cost: The cost of the entire year (30 class dates) will be $375 plus $25 for lab supplies. The cost will be payable in three installments. If you need to make special payment arrangements (such as paying by credit card or making smaller, but more frequent payments) please contact Kathy Wentz directly.

Certificate: Students who successfully compete the entire year will receive a certificate indicating that they have earned one high school credit in a laboratory science at this McHenry County High School program. Grades will be given for those families who want grades. Grades will not be given for families who do not want a grade.


The Cure for the Math Curse: Algebra
Kathy Wentz will introduce her visual and hands-on teaching system for learning beginning algebraic concepts using building blocks and dice and follow these concepts through Algebra I concepts. We will cover Pre-Algebra, graphing linear equations and parabolas, multiplying polynomials and factoring polynomials and algebraic fractions. Students need to be comfortable with both multiplication and division. Homework will be assigned.

Classes will be on Wednesdays from 1:00-2:20 beginning Sept. 15th, 2010.
Cost: The cost of the entire year (30 class dates) will be $300. The cost will be payable in three installments. If you need to make special payment arrangements (such as paying by credit card or making smaller, but more frequent payments) please contact Kathy Wentz directly.


General Science

Designed for students in grades 6-8, this course will cover Apologia's Exploring Creation with General Science (either 1st or 2nd edition). We will spend 1-3 weeks per chapter and cover concepts covered in the text through discussion and experimentation. Homework will be assigned but we will not take up class time administering and correcting tests. If a family wants those given I encourage you to administer them at home. Please note: Some of the experiments listed in the book will differ from those offered through this class.

Classes will be on Wednesday afternoons from 2:30-4:00 beginning Sept. 15th, 2010.
Cost: The cost of the entire year (30 class dates) will be $300 plus $25 for lab supplies. The cost will be payable in three installments. If you need to make special payment arrangements (such as paying by credit card or making smaller, but more frequent payments) please contact Kathy Wentz directly.



Please contact Kathy for questions and Lori Anne at loriannestanger @ comcast.net (please remove the spaces - I am trying to protect her from spammers!) to register for one or more of these classes.

JPL Homeschool Resource Center Open House and Used Curriculum Flea Market

Well, the countdown has begun! The Open House is this Saturday. Is everyone ready???

http://sites.google.com/site/hrcopenhouse/

There are a dozen folks on the wait list for sale spaces. Be sure to cancel with me if you find you can't sell after all.

Also, there are loads of us staying for the lunch and wonderful guest speakers. Let us know if you will be joining us!

The Cure for the Math Curse Workshops

The Cure for the Math Curse

Math, the subject most of us freak out about the fastest. How can we ensure our children LOVE math and are good at it when we don't like it ourselves? Learn how to break the mold of math anxiety by breaking the bad teaching habits that create it, and learn new ways of approaching math to replace the old fear-inducing habits.
(Note: Because of it's length, the workshop packet for this is distributed as a .pdf file unless requested otherwise.)

Math Classes!

The Cure for the Math Curse: Intro to Algebra


(for grades 4 and up)

This series of classes will introduce a fun way (using LEGOs and dice) to learn beginning algebraic concepts from 2x = 8 and ending with -4(5 - x) = 3x - 12. Students need a foundation in both multiplication and division, but do not need to have memorized all their math facts.

There are two additional levels: "Polynomials" and "Factors and More". These three levels combined comprise the majority of Algebra 1.



The Cure for the Math Curse: Math Club

These are sets of four - 90 minute classes on a specific topic. Each class begins with quality math literature and a wide variety of games that all reinforce the topic. Each class is designed to help your student enjoy math, gain a stronger conceptual understanding of the topic, as well as introduce memorization skills. Club topics to choose from are:

Charts and Graphs

Addition and Subtraction

Logic and Strategy

Geometry

Multiplication

Division's Many Faces

Consumer Math

Mathematical Mystery Tour

**Arithmetic Review (8 classes that include a bit of all of the above))

Wednesday classes

I will once again be teaching for BAHE on Wednesdays in Cary! I will be teaching Algebra 1(beginning with linear algebra), High School Chemistry using Apologia's "Exploring Creation with Chemistry", and a Junior High general science class with a proposed spine of Beginnings Publishing's, "Rainbow".

For specific details please contact Lori Anne at and get on the mailing list!

GIFT Registration for 2010-2011 has begun

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.

Johnsburg Library Open House and Used Curriculum Flea Market

July 10th from 10:00 - 4:00

(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!

This year's featured panel members are:
Barbara Frank,
author of The Imperfect Homeschooler's Guide to Homeschooling and LifePrep for Homeschool Teenagers
&
Alison McKee,
author of From Homeschool to College and Work: Turning Your Homeschooled Experiences into College and Job Portfolios and Homeschooling Ourselves, Unschooling our Children.

This event is FREE.

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/

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

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.