weather or not

Before Little Science heads out to explore other planets I thought we would spend some time on earth. And since Utah is currently having no weather of its own I figured we could make some. We start with an introduction to atmosphere and temperature.  Breeze through air cells and land in the clouds.   

 Air Serpents

The idea is to see the rising warmed air.  The serpent spins when placed in a stream of moving air.

Supplies: paper, pen, scissors, tape, & thread.  Directions: Cut out a paper circle then beginning with one edge (this will be the tail) start cutting a continuous spiral until you reach the middle of the paper (this will be the head).  Attach the thread to the head and let hang.  Don't fooled by the smiles they like them because they are snakes not because they can see the air move them!      

Cloud Making

Supplies: wide mouth clear plastic jar, an inch of warm water, a strainer with ice.

 or instead of a strainer you can us a baking tray.

In case you were wondering this is the book/kit the crafts/experiments came from today.  I found mine unopened for $2.00 at a local thrift store, it retails for $14.95 but amazon has them starting at a buck! Worth every penny!!!  I was so impressed by the clarity & depth of science in this book I actually wrote the weather unit into our science lessons just so I could use it.

moon monday

We have hit a strange new land.  Today in the home school swap with our besties from Joyful Liberation we had some earthly politics to handle before we could take off to the moon. 

Fair & Not Fair had invaded our day.  The Little Scientists couldn't sort it out.  Our lesson was threatening to be a failure to launch sort of project.  The little squabbles which happen now and again were not resolving themselves as they usually did.  Step in the Mom holding the last straw which was the pot of pasta in question.  "We can't divide it evenly. We have tried twice and it still isn't fair..."

Oh really?  Not Fair?  Let's settle this.  "Fair is extinct.  The living ancestors of Fair is the basic common Want and the more evolved Need."  I dished out about a 1/4 of the pasta to each kids bowl leaving half in the pot.  "You both need lunch.  You may want it to be equal but one of you may need more.  If you eat what you have and you need more please go get it.  And when you are done with lunch ladies we can go to the moon."

 

Peace on Earth was restored, well until they ate it.

Some days homeschooling is more complicated than astrophysics. 

Some days you just have to mix it up & make moon milk shakes!

little science takes a little vacation

We headed off to Crystal Hot Springs in Honeywille, Utah.  Two moms and two kids, perfect! 

The owner  of the springs did the honors of teaching class today giving us a 25 minute over view of the history of the spring, the minerals in the pools, geology of the springs/valley, the crystal formations and how each hot springs has a unique crystal shape.  Told you I was on vacation!   The prices are Family Affordable!

Crystal Hot Springs History (taken w/ permission from their web page):

Crystal Hot Springs, originally named Madsen Hot Springs, was used by the Native Americans as a campsite during the winter. Located along the Northern part of the Wasatch Mountain range, it provided a natural windbreak from the bitter winter winds. The hot springs also provided a much needed heating source. It is rumored that an Indian burial ground is located on the premises.

As the Transcontinental Railroad was being built, the Chinese railroad workers learned of the hot springs, made tubs out of cedar wood and allowed the refreshing waters to flow into them.

As the Transcontinental Railroad was being built, the Chinese railroad workers learned of the hot springs, made tubs out of cedar wood and allowed the refreshing waters to flow into them.

This provided a relaxing and muscle-soothing mineral bath.

Soon the area around the hot springs became occupied with more and more settlers. With their coming, the hot springs grew in popularity. Around this period of growth, Abraham Hunsaker, a local bee keeper, was instrumental in establishing the town of Honeyville.

According to some of the locals' memories and recollections, the town was originally called "Hunsakerville". But Abraham was a humble man and asked that it be given another name. In honor, then, of Abraham's profession, it was renamed "Honeyville."

Crystal Hot Springs became a business enterprise in 1901. Because of its exceptional crystal clear waters, it is not surprising it was given this name. Crystal Hot Springs' uniqueness derives from the fact that it has a hot spring and a cold spring which come together within 50 feet of each other. By mixing the water temperatures from each spring, they create optimal relaxing conditions in each of the pools. These wonderful healthful waters offer families, campers, and guests year round enjoyment. http://www.crystalhotsprings.net/about/history/



Oh we'll be back this whole hot mineral water needs further study. 

Special thanks to my partner in crime at Joyful Liberation

please don't lick the glass: a visit to the UMNH

When Beach was little, a 2 yrs old Beach-Bum, we would gather up our things packing them into two back packs one for me the other for her because we had to go to College.  Five days a week we would drive to the train station hop an inbound train to the center of town where we would join the crowd of students transferring to the University Line on the platform in the middle of Main Street in the shadow of two huge city buildings.  Beach would look up and point at each towering mass of glass and steel saying, "Don't fall on me!"  in her most serious 2 yr old voice. 

After getting on & off the University train we would walk from the Stadium Stop across the south west corner of campus.  Beach, no matter the season in little red rubbers walking by herself carrying her own bag the whole way.   We named the buildings as we passed: Chemistry One, Chemistry Two, Anthropology, Algae (aka Biology), Consumer Studies, the last being her building.  We lived on campus for 12-16 hours a day for one and a half years. 

There is a lot to remember about our time in college together.  Naps in the library, reading in the quad, how she used to sing Opera style Operettas to the passing students, eating from the bookstore...Between lectures I would wave to the Director of the daycare reach over the play yard fence and scoop her up taking her with me to study and to nurse.  What an unusual kid, so adaptable. 

What I remember the most was the time we spent in the Museum.  It was the closest place to a natural environment for a mother and child campus had to offer.  It had cozy nooks, and puzzles, there were books, and an old sofa, the hall of man had soft benches and more books, it even smelled right like wet mittens & steam. 

So although the new building, respectively the NEW museum is breath taking and it is about to become a familiar backdrop to this chapter of our lives.  I have a secret little wish for one last chance to visit the old building, to see it stripped down & empty, to say good-bye. 

 

 

 

 I suppose like Beach the museum had to grow up.  

In the vastness of the new museum I want to whisper 'don't fall on me.'