Homeschooler Savvy

NASA teaching your kids science

The Educational Materials section of NASA's Web site offers classroom activities, educator guides, posters and other types of resources that are available for use in the classroom. Materials are listed by type, grade level and subject. The following items are now available for downloading.

 

Rockets Educators Guide -- Grades K-12

Few classroom topics generate as much excitement as rockets. The scientific, technological, engineering and mathematical foundations of rocketry provide exciting classroom opportunities for authentic hands-on, minds-on experimentation. The activities and lesson plans contained in this educator guide emphasize hands-on science, prediction, data collection and interpretation, teamwork, and problem solving. The guide also contains background information about the history of rockets and basic rocket science. The rocket activities in this guide support national curriculum standards for science, mathematics and technology.

The Rockets Educator Guide is available as a complete guide or can be downloaded in easy-to-use individual lesson plans.

http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Rockets.html

 

Spacesuits Bookmark -- All Grades

Mark your place and learn about spacesuits. This downloadable bookmark has the Web address for the educational spacesuit site.

http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Spacesuits_Bookmark.html

 

Space Faring: The Radiation Challenge Unit -- Grades 6-12

Space radiation can be an obstacle to exploration. In this teaching unit, students learn about the types of radiation, the types of damage to DNA caused by radiation and how to prevent exposure. The lesson plans in these units of study are hands-on investigations that encourage the use of science, mathematics, engineering, technology, problem solving and inquiry skills. The activities provide a general framework that can be modified based on student needs and classroom resources.

http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Space_Faring_Radiation.html

 

Meteorology: An Educator’s Resource for Inquiry-Based Learning -- Grades 5-9

Supplement your existing curricula with this guide. Many of the activities build upon each other. They use the inquiry from the previous activity to assist in the activity that follows. Thus, this publication enhances the understanding of meteorology by beginning with basic and essential parameters of weather and then moving through mind-engaging interactions with complex meteorological systems. Students will build and use weather instruments; then they will build a weather station. Students will collect weather information and combine it with existing information about cloud systems. They can then apply their knowledge to predict weather systems.

http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Meteorology_Guide.html

Ceres and Pluto: Dwarf Planets as a New Way of Thinking about an Old Solar System Teacher Guide -- Grades 5-8

In 2006, the International Astronomical Union defined the terms “planet” and “dwarf planet.” The IAU's decision created an opportunity for students to understand the solar system better by considering the definitions of planet, dwarf planet and asteroid. New discoveries in the solar system require a change in the language used to discuss it. This activity uses direct vocabulary instruction to help students learn these new definitions.

http://www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/topnav/materials/listbytype/Ceres_and_Pluto_Dwarf_Planets.html

 

 

Happy Educating!!

Life of Fred - homeschooling fractions, decimals and percentages (Grade 6/7)

So we just finished up Grade 5 Singapore Math which I think is a wonderful curriculum (equivalent to about Saxon Grade 6/7- prealgebra).  Downside is that the kid wanted something they could teach themselves with.  You know...... a book never gets tired of repeating the same instructions over and over.......So after many late nights of surfing the web, I decided to try Life of Fred.  The reviews I read said that it was very good for kids that read well (yep) and they could teach themselves from it (yep). 

So we are 2 weeks down the track of using it.  Every 5 lessons there is a short test that you need to get 9 or 10 out of 10 correct (you can keep attempting for 5 different tests - at which point you need to go back and do the 5 lessons again).  Once you pass these you go onto the next part. 

My 10 (almost 11) is loving it.  She keeps sharing the funny things with her brother (a year behind in math), he keeps asking me when he can do Life of Fred.    She is breezing through it - probably thanks to covering alot of this material in Singapore Math.  But I am ok with that as it means she will REALLY know this stuff well before going into algebra.  Some days she chooses to do 2 or even (gasp) 3 lessons.

Here is a quote from inside the first book (Fractions):

YOUR FUTURE

After this book, there are six more Life of Fred books

Decimals and Percents

    Beginning Algebra

        Advanced Algebra

            Geometry

                Trigonometry

                    Calculus

after which, you can transfer to any university as a junior and declare a major in mathematics.

The books cost $19 for the first two and $29 for the rest.  Some also have a home companion book ($14) or for the last two books an answer key ($6).  Great value for money.  The books look like they will last through many siblings.

We'll keep you posted, but so far so good.  The tradeoff for the kid doing their own math is that I don't feel it is as diversified as she would get in Singapore Math, but it does seem fairly good at getting the kids to think for themselves, and really understand the concepts.

Life of Fred website.  Go checkout some sample pages from the books.

History ALIVE and in your ear....itune history IN!

Want your kids to hear historical battles as if it is a report from Afghanistan today?  Then go to this website and download this audio (podiobook)book to your ipod (or mp3 player).  I love the British accent in this, and the battle sounds in the background.  Your boys will get a real kick out of it!  Here is the text with this audio book.  You can also listen through your computer (assuming a good internet link!).  The website operates on donations, so contribute what you think it is worth!   Enjoy these podcasts!

Episode 1: Greek-Persian Wars

This recording allows you to charge with the Athenians at Marathon; die with the Spartan 300 at the tragedy of Thermopylae; and thrill to the final Greek victory at Plataea. Important insights are also to be learned about the quarrelsome nature of the Greeks.

 

Episode 2: Assassination of Caesar

Far from causing the fall of the Roman Republic as his enemies charged, it was Caesar's genius to attempt a solution to Rome's problems: poverty, unemployment, ignorance. It is all here, Caesar's program, his treacherous assassination, and the solemn speculation of shocked newsmen about the impact on Rome of Caesar's death.

Episode 3: Death of Socrates

More than anything else, we remember Socrates for insisting on his right to speak freely, even at the cost of his own life. Now, you can hear Socrates plead for the freedom to speak his mind and experience his wisdom and razor wit. Come to know that grand old man, and he will touch your mind across a thousand years.

Episode 4: Battle of Hastings

From the first heroic charge to the bizarre victory, you are at Hastings, reliving that most famous of all battles. King Harold of England and William the Conqueror highlight the succession dispute that can only be settled on the field of combat. Don't miss the battle that changed England forever!

Episode 5: Defeat of the Spanish Armada

King Phillip II, Sir Francis Drake, Queen Elizabeth -- again they meet in the climactic struggle. Return to 1588 as Spanish ships sail out upon the ebb of empire!

Episode 6: King Philip's War

Although you may never have heard of this event in history, it is an excellent vehicle for exposing the era of Puritan America in 1675. It was the most desperate and bloody Indian War ever fought in America. Here, the positions of both Indian and White are presented against a background of savagery on both sides.

Episode 7: The Salem Witch Trials

Always current, the witch trials at Salem remind us of how easily men can become a mob. The emotions of fear and hysteria have always branched forth the poisoned fruit of injustice.

 

Episode 8: Road to Revolution: 1775

Listen to a heated debate as Benjamin Franklin, a Tory, a British official, and a member of the Sons of Liberty discuss law and order, political violence, and representation for minorities. We also hear the Boston Massacre, and march with the British Army to Lexington and Concord.

Episode 9: Yorktown: Victor and Vanquished

The American Revolution is reviewed, culminating in the Battle of Yorktown. We hear Washington, Burgoyne, Von Steuben, Clinton, DeGrasse, and Cornwallis. There is nothing as dramatic as a tiny nation struggling for national independence.

Episode 10: 1812: Jackson at New Orleans

The War of 1812 is not one of the brighter spots in American history; our motives for declaring it were mixed at best, our capital was burned, our navy driven from the sea. While reviewing the war, this emotion-packed recording centers on the Battle of New Orleans --- less an American triumph than a British blunder.

Secrets of the Pharaohs...History comes alive

We are studying Ancient Egypt at the moment (using The Story of the World as posted about earlier).  Needless to say we had to have the obligatory trip to the library to immerse ourselves in Ancient Egypt.  A number of the references indicated videos and dvd's on Egypt.  We have just watched the PBS special "Secrets of the Pharaohs" and I highly recommend it.  It is split up into about 15 half hour mini series, or you can do as we did, and just watch it in two sittings.

The added bonus?  They have a website with lots of cool links.  A timeline that matches what you have watched, complete with pictures, dates and maps....perfect for the kids to construct their own timeline.  This is a great way to reinforce the dates and sequence of events that occured in this civilisation.  They also have a place where you can explore King Tut's tomb, explore a 3d version of Khufu's tomb and a site on how mummies are made.

Got an older child interested in scientific research on these archeological finds?  They also have a link on the mass spectrometry, taking DNA from mummies and deciphering ancient diseases...did King Tut not eat all his veges, or was he murdered by a blow to his head?

This is a very painless way to have history come alive, trust us! 

Aussie Kim and Louisiana Sue

Over 16? Design your own dream trip to NASA at Florida or Houston!

If you have a budding aerospace engineer, or are just wanting a trip to see NASA at Houston or Florida, then get your little homeschoolers writing for this contest.  What's in it for you as the ever encouraging home schooling mum or dad......the "educator/sponsor" gets to go as well.  I can see those little umbrellas now...

"Your NASA Dream Experience" Contest

"Your NASA Dream Experience" is a nationwide contest as seen in Seventeen Magazine. A team of two students (ages 16-20) and an educator/sponsor will earn the chance to spend three days at either Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, or Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This opportunity will include job shadowing and behind the scenes experiences during the spring of 2009.

The deadline for entries for the contest is Dec. 15, 2008.

For more information about the contest, visit http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/education/seventeen.html.

Teaching Mitosis

If you are teaching the little darlings biology and have reached mitosis, check out this site: cellsalive.com. Really, it's great for teaching cells in general, but I love the animated demonstration of the stages of mitosis.

I think you'll find it helpful.

Sue

NASA educating your child...

I've been involved in a couple of NASA competitions before, and they are very well run, educate your child in a very integrated way (sort of an unschooling way), and overall I recommend this (the Fall 2008 Cassini Scientist for a Day Contest) as a worth your time mini science project..... 

Want some more FREE educators stuff from NASA?  Feast your eyes here.

 

Fall 2008 Cassini Scientist for a Day Contest

The Cassini Scientist for a Day contest challenges students to become NASA scientists studying Saturn. Participants are challenged to examine three target images taken by Cassini and choose the one that they think will yield the best scientific results. This choice must then be explained in a 500-word essay.

The contest is open to all students in the United States from grades 5-12, working alone or in groups of up to four students. The essays will be divided into three groups: grades 5-6, 7-8 and 9-12. All submissions must be students' original work. Each student can submit only one entry.

Deadline for submission is Oct. 30, 2008. For more information, visit here. If you have questions about this contest, please e-mail your inquiries to scientistforaday@jpl.nasa.gov.

Brighten up your children's food

Teach sculpting with vegetables?  Yep, here it is again, recieved in one of those continuously forwarded emails...more food art.  The creativity is awesome, the carving is great!  Enjoy!

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Want to see more fun food art?  Go see the other posts on this topic of art, and check out the many links in the side bars on cheap art materials.

History On Tape

 When is history irresistible?  When The Story of the World is on CD and the child is in control of the CD player.  Aussie Kim showed up with a CD for my Tiger a couple of weeks ago and he hasn't stopped listening to it since. I don't have to remind him to complete his history now. HE REMINDS ME! This CD has brought him hours of listening pleasure (and me, his mother, HOURS of blissful silence - which can not be underrated!).

Aussie Kim here - I have used this CD in our many drives to our afternoon activities, the downside is that the kids complain when we stop the CD (so we can keep up with map, timeline and biographies for the related chapters).  It is a major hit with both my 9 year old boy and 11 year old daughter.  It is much more fun than Radio Disney for me....

We both highly recommend these CDs as a history companion!  Below is a photo of the Ancient Times Volume. It is the first in a series of four that take the child from Ancient History to the Modern Era.

This is the life....

Here you are, 11 years old, lying in a hammock, swinging in the warm autumn breeze, reading Chinese Myths and Fantasies, and occasionally sipping iced water, at 10:30 am on a weekday.  What is this?  This is a snapshot of a homeschooled child in September.  Of course, she got up at 8am and helped with the cooking, cleaning, animals and clothes washing (it was her day), and then did 30 minutes work on Greek and an hour on Maths.  And all without a hitch (in my dreams). Every now and then, things do work out like this, and at that stage you say: "Wow, this is the life..."