Earth Science

So, today in Science we started a unit on Earth Science. We started by talking about what we know about Earth Science, what we wanted to know and will end the unit with what we have learned. 
When you start a unit on Earth, the first thing you need to do, is examine the layers, or what makes up the earth. 
Who needs a projector when you have a window? If you need a laugh, try to explain to your kids what an overhead projector is! I know mine have seen them, but it has been so long since they have, that they don't remember what they look like.  Anyway, after discussing the layers of Earth, which include the inner and outer core, lower mantle, upper mantle,and the crust, we made a model, painting the layers, which Kayla and Elijah really enjoyed doing.  
This project got me to thinking. If someone peeled off our layers, what would they find at the core? I know a lot of people like to say "what you see is what you get." Just like that's not true with the earth (we can't see all the layers), it's not true with people either. We are many layers. You have the first layer, which you see in the mirror. But, it's different from the image that others see when they look at us. We are so much more critical when we look at our outer layer, than others are (typically!). Then you have the layer that your family sees, which is a very different picture from what your friends and strangers see. How many layers do we have? I don't know, but I hope that if I was to be taken apart, layer by layer, that at my very core, people would find a heart that longs to be like Jesus. I know I am not perfect, I am a sinner, saved by grace. I stumble each and every day, but I would hope that my core would show how much I am trying to do everything right. I would like to say what you see is what you get, but we are so complex, what is at your core? Have you ever thought about it? What are you striving to be?  "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:21

 

Career Choices

See my previous post Paralyzed if you get confused and can't quite follow this post.

 

Once I figured out what my problem was with making any decisions regarding Kayla's school for next year and letting my fears go, God got my creative juices flowing.

 

I decided I would find books on Careers and have her read them, to help her get some idea on what she would like to be when she grows up. Right now she loves to read and isn't very concerned with her future. When I asked her what she wanted to do when she grows up she said "I'd kind of like to keep my violin and teach my best friends music." That's it. I don't think she realizes that just teaching her friends isn't going to pay the bills.

 

So, I thought it would be a great idea for her to learn more about what's out that and see what interests her. Please understand me here, I am not wanting her to make a decision today. I understand that she is only 11 and in the 6th grade. I understand that things that interest her today might not interest her tomorrow. However, by reading about the different things out there, it will help her to understand her interests more.
 

Once I started thinking about it and talking to Matt about it, more ideas started to flow. I decided not only would I have her read about it I would also have her write about each career, things that interested her and things that didn't.

 

A few hours later, I decided to take it further. I will have her read each book, write three things she learned about the career, what subjects she would need to study should she decide she wants to pursue the career, some things she learned about it, what she liked and didn't like about it. I may even have her write anything that would prevent her from pursuing that career.

 

I am still brainstorming ideas and will come up with a rubric to follow, so I don't forget what I want her to do. I am thankful that I am no longer consumed by fear and am able to get my creativity flowing again.

 

I am also very thankful that we do home school and we can spend some time on this!

 

I hope that through this project Kayla will have a better understanding of herself and things that interest her and things that don't. In that way, I will better understand her academic needs. If she decides she wants to become a Marine Biologist I will know that she will need a lot of Science and we need to get serious in middle school. If she wants to become a Vet, she will need lots of Science and Math. If she wants to become a Chef then I know she will need to study consumer Science, emphasizing cooking or nutrition, business Math, Business administration, but maybe she won't need to be so serious in seventh grade!

Paralyzed

I realized recently that I have been paralyzed by fear and it has rendered me unable to make decisions! I am trying to figure out what curriculum I am going to use next school year for the kids. (I know it's early, but we have a lot going on, including a major move across the world, which is going to spin things out of control for a while!) Also, I hate waiting for summer to make these kinds of decisions because then I don't get to enjoy my summer. So, I like to try and make decisions early, enjoy my summer and know what I am going to do.

 

Anyway, it hit me that I was letting me fear control me and it had made me unable to decide on anything. Admitting you have a problem is the first step in fixing the problem, right?

 

So, why the fear...

 

Two words that strike terror in any parent...

 

Middle School....

 

Shudder.

 

Yes, I know. Kayla is 6th grade this year, so technically she is middle school. But, when I was growing up, middle school was 7th grade, so that's what I have always considered middle school.

 

So, why now? Well, I feel like it is time to get more serious about her schooling and she needs to take real Science. I will no longer be able to teach her and Elijah together. She needs more serious Science...stuff like Life Science, Physical Science or Earth Science. I shudder again. I hated Science and making a decision about Science alone scared me too.

 

So, once I realized I was letting fear paralyze me, I also realized I needed to get over it and start making some decisions. If I don't, the move will be upon us, I'll still not have any decisions made and it will be summer in a blink and I won't be enjoying my summer and exploring our new country. I will be working on lesson plans. Sigh. I can't let that happen.

 

So, this is what I have figured out and am fairly confident that it won't be changed:

I will do Bible and History with both kids together, like we have always done. I may also do Cracking the Greek Alphabet with them both, as that will be helpful for where we are going to be living. They will both do teaching textbooks, but on their own level. I love this math program because it is completely on the computer, it teaches and grades.

 

I am still researching and trying to figure out a way that I can do more with them together, but for now, this works.

 

"I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4

 

"...Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27b