First Week!

I knew we were in for a wild ride teaching 4 kids ages pre-k through junior high. We jumped right into learning. 

First off, history from great grandpa's very own history book. We also created a model to show how volcanic activity formed our local mountains.

We buried a balloon, connected to a straw, under a flat pile of dirt. We then slowly inflated the balloon to represent how magma would push up the earth above it. Erosion from wind and water then rounds off the top of the mountains. If the magma does break through the surface it can leave a crater, like pictured below. 

Another example of a volcanic mound, this time in sand.

For health, we learned about germs and I was happy to see the kids wash their hands more thoroughly. https://youtu.be/z6n-37RTKRo?feature=shared

Science we explored basic coding.

K built a MEL science kit microscope.

Pond Water

And A started to hatch some creatures whose ancestors have been around for a 100 million years.

In both science and history, we discussed what creates a salty lake, such as the kind our prehistoric pets naturally thrive in and how it's not so good for other species. Did you know the Dead Sea is around 34 percent salt while the ocean is only 3 percent salt? According to Guinness world records, Gaet'ale Pond in Ethiopia is the saltiest body of water on earth- 43.3 percent salt!   Gaet'ale pond has no inlet or outlet. It's just a salty spring.

For art, the kids painted dragons while the littlest one painted the wall.

Our faithful PE teacher took us kayaking this week.  

Our PE coach

We kayaked to an island- where the kids got a lesson on land formations- and explored the area.

Found deer tracks on the island.
Did you know deer can swim?
But in this case, they probably just walked across when the water was lower.

The two oldest also went and shot their new bows at the archery course with Dad and Grandpa. The photographer (I) did not go, therefore, there are not pictures of the event.

Our garden is also paying off. We enjoyed harvesting some corn with more to come over the next few weeks. A2 was so excited about her new garden gloves, she decided some of our carrots were ready to harvest as well. We got a handful of those and some tomatoes this week, too.

In all, it was a busy, but good week.

BONUS

Books the kids are currently reading:

J- Emily Windsnap series

A- Dragon Masters series and Minecraft guidebooks

K- The Princess in Black series