Lego Math

These Lego base 10 blocks represent the number 2,236.

This month we used Legos to practice pattern recognition/extension and to make base 10 blocks for learning place value (ones, tens, hundreds, and thousands).  Ian is also using the base 10 blocks to practice addition and subtraction. 

This month Ian tried out the Khan Academy.  He watched the videos and completed the practice problems on representing numbers and number lines.  Ian liked the videos but seems to prefer doing practice problems on Starfall, which uses cartoons and games.  On Starfall, Ian is practicing addition/subtraction, word problems, and using calendars.

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day Cards

We made valentine cards with potato stamps this year.  I carved potatoes into various heart shapes and then we stamped them with Tempura paint.  Eric just wanted to paint with a paintbrush so I cut his paintings into heart shapes. 

The boys like to mix all the paint colors together, so I've started limiting the color choices to prevent their art projects from always being brownish/grayish.  For example, for these valentines the color choices were white, red, and blue, which mix into pink and purple.

The boys made decorated valentine bags and exchanged valentines at Thursday homeschool co-op.  At co-op, they also graphed conversation heats by color and played heart bingo.

All About Matter

Eric and Ian using a balance scale to compare the mass of different objects.

This year we are learning about matter, atoms, electrons, magnetic charge, static electricity, and electricity.  We reviewed the three states of matter and went into more detail about how air takes up space and how vacuums are created.  While ice fishing, we discussed why the properties of water are vital to life on Earth.  For example, the density of frozen water allows fish to live in lakes in cold climates.

On a regular basis, we practice estimating and measuring lengths, volumes, mass, and temperatures of matter in various units/scales.  Ian and Eric especially enjoy measuring their height with a tape measure and using their balances to find the largest cookies.  Recently, Ian started reading our outside thermometer himself and using the temperature to dress appropriately.

Related activities include: making a compass with magnets, observing static electricity in wool socks from the dryer, and experimenting with warm/cold water, salt, and baking soda.

Books:  Switch On, Switch Off by Berger;  Electricity by Walker;  What Is the World Made Of? All About Solids, Liquids, and Gases by Zoehfeld;  Air is All Around You by Branley;  Measuring Penny by Leedy

Snow

Ian and Mac used an inclined plane to lift the snowman's middle section.

Snow activities from Hands-On Nature by Lingelbach and Purcell:

• Snow Melt - We collected snow in clear plastic cups and estimated the water level of the melted snow. 
• Make A Flake - We made six-sided paper snowflakes.
• Flakes Up Close - We collected falling snowflakes and looked at them with a magnifying glass.

The kids have also had fun sledding, making snow angels, shoveling snow, spraying snow with colored water, and intentionally getting the wagon stuck in the snow. 

Books:  The Snowman by Briggs;  Snow is Falling by Branley;  The Mitten by Brett;  The Snowy Day by Keats;  A Hat for Minerva Louise by Stoeke;  The Jacket I Wear in the Snow by Neitzel