Science Fair Winner

Jacob participated in the Homeschool Science Fair at MOSI today. His project was to make a battery out of nickels and pennies and experiment with the different number of coins. His hypothesis was that the more coins he used, the higher the voltage the battery would produce.

He had to mix vinegar and salt to make an electrolyte solution that would enable the electrolytes to pass through. He did 3 stacks - 4 of each coin, 8 of each, and 12 of each. And he was correct, the stack with 24 total coins produced the highest voltage. He used daddy's multimeter to measure the voltage. And just for fun, Papa gave us a small low voltage LED light to experiment with and see if we could get it to light up.

We ran two trials, well a few more really, but only two that we reported, and the data was different. Jacob learned, with some help from one of daddy's co-workers, that the difference in voltage readings could be due to the current not flowing exactly the same since the coins are not completely flat. If they don't make a good connection, the voltage won't be as high.

For the fair today, Jacob built another coin battery (we couldn't save the old one because the electrolyte solution dries and it stops working) to show the judges and have on display. I helped him get everything set up and made sure he had the multimeter and the LED light working. Then parents have to leave. The kids are left to face the judges completely alone. They are questioned by 3 judges, are expected to be able to explain their project and answer any questions. I took the two others and we went to waste an hour or so playing at the museum.

After the judging was over, I reclaimed Jacob and we headed for a quick lunch break. That was when he broke the news that the multimeter's batteries died. Great, I thought, there went his chance of winning. He told me one judge got to see it working, then they found some batteries to let him use to show the other two judges. Whew, crisis avoided and I felt much better. He said that he was able to show the judges the voltage, the LED light, and explain about why his experiment had different data for the two trials.

On to the awards! There were not as many participants this year, probably less than half of what there was last year. There were five in his age group, ages 6 to 9 years. Out of those five kids, Jacob won first place!!! He was so proud of himself and we were both proud of him!! He decided all the hard work and effort was worth it.

Jacob mixing the salt for the electrolyte solution.

Wetting the paper towel pieces that go in between the coins

Helping Daddy measure the voltage

Yea, it lights up!

The finished project - Money Power

At the fair setting up

Testing to make sure it's working

The winners for ages 6 - 9 years

First Place!!!

Creative writing, turkeys, and more

Instead of copy work today, Jacob wrote a story about Joshua's hamster, Hammie. He wrote two pages and illustrated them both. I'm always very proud of the creative writing that he does. He has a great imagination and it really comes out in his writing. He also usually enjoys creative writing much more than just copying something.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Leanna made a pine cone turkey! Great practice for her fine motor skills and a craft project always makes her happy.

We also got quite a bit of other things accomplished today. Quid agis? Jacob knows that means how are you? in Latin. Today I think he would answer with Sum bene, which means I am good. We also read about Abraham, Lot and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah; Miles Standish and the Pilgrims and Indians; and both boys practiced their new math concepts. Joshua is doing well with phonics and today he worked on writing a lowercase g. He confuses it with e which makes his work very difficult to read. We did an experiment with water to show how some things float and some sink.

We're on the way out the door to MOSI for even more science! Our days are jam-packed with learning, even if it's not a formal school setting.

first week done!

We made it through our first week of school!

It was a very busy week. Besides just getting started, all 3 kids had science classes on Tuesday at the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI). Thursday we had reading group, PE, then our monthly homeschool meeting. Lots going on!

MOSI classes went pretty well. Joshua cried and screamed about getting left there, but was able to calm down and enjoy the class. Leanna had a great time making clouds from cotton balls, touching a cloud, and making a weather chart.

PE went great this week. Jacob participated and did very well at kickball. He needs some practice on stretching though. LOL

Reading groups also went well. I am leading the youngest group and have Leanna, Joshua and one other little girl. We had a great time with the book Harry the Dirty Dog this month and I can't wait to pick my selection for next month. Jacob's group is reading The Boxcar Children and he seems excited.

We had a few challenges this week with attitudes and my getting sick, but still managed to get everything I had planned done. I get complaints about doing some of the things, but once we get started they all seem to enjoy it.


Jacob's tall tale

Leanna's handwriting


Joshua's cursive handwriting

First week

Monday was our first day of school! Joshua and Leanna were very excited to get started. Jacob needed a lot of persuasion. But we managed to get the day finished.

We're starting each day with history which so far has just been reading from the Bible. It's been a nice way to transition into our school day and seems to be working to get the kids ready to start.

Science is another favorite. So far, we've read through the Creation story in Genesis and started our Creation notebooks. I have a lot of fun stuff planned for the year and we're all excited about finally starting.

Joshua is starting cursive and doing very well. He's also ahead in Phonics because of last year so we're just doing some review to start.

Leanna has impressed me with her writing and how much she remembers of her letter sounds. She's doing 2-3 pages from her books a day and at this rate, I'm going to run out of stuff for her by the end of the month!

Jacob isn't impressed with Latin, but we've only done one day. He's doing well with spelling. He tested at a 4.8 grade level on his survey test. He's also enjoying the grammar book he's starting.

We're reading Pippi Longstocking as a family and although the kids say they don't like it, they all seem to listen and enjoy it. Yesterday we walked backwards just like Pippi does! Jacob is doing a unit study about the book that has vocab, comprehension, spelling, and grammar. The first day of it was rough, but yesterday went better.

Our new math curriculum is going very well. We're starting slow to get an idea of where the boys are at and the best place to start. Today we did a few practice problems and played Rummy-kub and that was math! They enjoyed that.

We're participating in quite a few extra activities this year. Jacob is doing weekly PE at the local YMCA. Last Thursday was the first class and didn't go very well. I"m hoping for a better attitude tomorrow. Tomorrow is also the start of our monthly reading group with the homeschool group. Yesterday was the first of monthly MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry) classes. Tonight is the beginning of Awana for everyone at church. And next week Leanna starts ballet! We're very busy this year!!