Day 1A nice sized hole! But who dug it up?
Day 1A close up shot of the lovely honey filled combs.
Day 2Scat. Racoon scat. I guess we know who dunit now.
Day 2The comb, broken and sucked dry. Poor bees.
Sep 27, 2010
Sep 1, 2010
A good deal on a great Constitution resource!
I very rarely do this, so I hope I am forgiven. This is an offer for a good deal (from a very nice man) on an excellent movie about the Constitution. Many of the speeches in the movie were actually taken pretty much word for word from the minutes taken by James Madison during the Constitutional Convention. It is an amazing find and a great way of introducing first-person accounts to your visual students.
Plus - here it is for a pretty good deal. Seeing as the copy that is in the Johnsburg Library's Homeschool Resource Center is out most of the time I thought I would pass on this deal.
The study guide can be downloaded for fre at:
http://www.nccs.net/constitution-week/teacher_guide_book.pdf
Plus - here it is for a pretty good deal. Seeing as the copy that is in the Johnsburg Library's Homeschool Resource Center is out most of the time I thought I would pass on this deal.
The study guide can be downloaded for fre at:
http://www.nccs.net/constitution-week/teacher_guide_book.pdf
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!
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!
Jul 29, 2010
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.
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.
Jul 6, 2010
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!
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!
Jun 26, 2010
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, 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))
(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))
Jun 9, 2010
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!
For specific details please contact Lori Anne at
Jun 1, 2010
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.
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/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)