Homeschooling

Today was one of those days when interests and supplies fell right in line. Eamon has been mentioning an interest in the periodic table and elements lately. With this in mind, I picked up a few books on the topic from the library. That was a few weeks ago. They have been sitting relatively undisturbed in our book basket.

Then the topic came up again today. I reminded Eamon of the book, and he came back a bit later with a big book tucked under his arm. He carried The Elements: A Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe around for the rest of the day (a big thanks to Roberta and her blogs for the recommendation). While I worked in the kitchen, he quizzed me on the symbols, and was quite impressed with my recall. Aine joined him, and the two reviewed chemical properties trying to stump each other with their knowledge.

As they were talking I remembered a PBS special on the elements. We headed into the other room and after a quick search of PBS were watching Hunting the Elements. When this initially aired, neither were interested. This time around all three kiddos sat mesmerized by the dialogue (note to other parents, there is a discussion of a chemical bomb and a few photos of the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing). There was even talk about watching it again.

At dinner, we again talked about the periodic table. The recounted many parts of the PBS special and again the book was brought out. I think it may be time to pull out some more of our experiment supplies. I think the elements will be the topic of much discussion for the weeks to come.

Weekend Wandering

Weekend wandering downtown took us past The White House and around the grounds. The kiddos played in a fountain nearby as little sparrows took turns getting drinks and a bath. We headed to The Mall and the Math Alive exhibit. Several hours were spent playing (literally) with all the exhibits. Learning lots and remembering things we have done in the past. Metro ride home and a dinner out. Topped off with new library books and an evening of stories. How was your weekend?

Opportunities

While in the metropolitan D.C. area, we are trying to soak up all we can. This past week, the kids and I had an opportunity to learn aboard a buyboat on the Anacostia River. Through an organization called Living Classrooms, children are shown the world hands on. I was told about the opportunity while at one of the local park days. We couldn't pass it up.

With several other children and three staff, we learned about our current environment. The kiddos threw in a net working together with a call and response system. They figured out how the net worked and found it once it was in the water. Hoisting it back into the boat, they found several fish trapped within its confines. The fish were then deposited into a holding tank for further exploration. Everyone was able to hold and examine the fish. The children identified them, classified them and recorded the number of each type (white perch, pumpkinseed sunfish and striper). The fish were then returned to the river.

Another finer net was thrown overboard to capture a few smaller river creatures. These zooplankton and phytoplankton wiggled and swam under the lens of a microscope for the kiddos to see. The staff told them all about the microscopic organisms found in the river. They discussed the environment and pollutants as well as our responsibility to the world around us.

A chance to man the boat was a big hit. Under the careful eye of the captain each of the kiddos had a chance to steer. It was almost as much fun as ringing the bell to let the staff know it was getting time to switch focus.

We were so glad to have found out about this opportunity. This area has a lot of fantastic places to explore and things to do. We are only scratching the surface, but we are having such fun doing it.

The Strangest of Places

My friend Karen sent her daughter on a school trip to Washington D.C. this week. She expressed some unease and fear about the trip to our mama tribe. I admit to laughing a bit when someone suggested that I might see this young girl I have know since she was two (Sorry, Nancy). This city is large and covers multiple states. I figured I would keep my eyes open, but we would never see her. Imagine our surprise when a little voice called my name while we were visiting the National Air and Space Museum. There was my friend's daughter with the biggest grin. I grabbed her and gave an embarrassingly big hug. She even humored me when I requested a photo. Aine was so pleased to see a friend from home. It was so funny seeing her here - the strangest of happenings for us.

In addition to the delight of seeing a familiar face, the day was filled with a whole lot of joy and fun. We took the metro into the city and explored. Our goal was the National Air and Space Museum. We spent a long time in the How Things Fly exhibit enjoying all the hands on displays. The kiddos each took a turn flying a plane watching how the wheel and pedals controlled everything. Each stop had something new to try and test. From there we walked through models of spacecraft and learned how to urinate in space. This elicited a load of questions, giggles and queries about other bodily functions. 

At this point everyone was hungry, so Benton suggested a picnic lunch on the lawn outside. As we ate, we watched excavation work being down on the mall. We walked over to the fencing, chatted with the workers and noticed the U.S. Capitol building to our right. Everyone decided to wait to return to the museum; we wanted to see the Capitol. Walking along the path to the Capitol for a better look, we were passed by so many runners and joggers. One big lesson of this trip is always stay to the right! After playing a bit at the pool, we climbed up to the Capitol. Literally. The kiddos walked along the walls and ran on the grass. They loved it. We said hello to the many police officers keeping watch, who seemed to appreciate the kiddos youth and exhurberance. 

Our plan was to walk around the building and then explore inside. A quick energy assessment told me that we were better served going back to the museum and saving the Capitol for another day. It was a good thing we changed our minds, since we passed a sign with rules about visiting. You cannot take knitting needles or snacks inside! Crazy, I tell you. That sign ruled us out! 

Back at the museum I really wanted to see Amelia Earhart's plane, so we headed to that exhibit. We talked about the vastness of the ocean, solo flights, races and a whole host of other things as we looked at the older planes. More mockups were explored as well as balloon baskets.  A paper airplane demonstration was just missed, so we made plans to visit another day with Daddy. Eamon hopes he can try out the simulators with Dave.

The trip was definitely a success. Aine loved creating planes on a computer, Eamon enjoyed the How Things Fly exhibit and Benton was satisfied after seeing the digger.

Behind the Scenes

Have you ever been behind the scenes at the airport? Driven on the tarmac in a bus? Toured the airport fire station? Spent time with the airport police watching their canine and handler locate something? Slid down a firepole? Watched a specialty fire engine spray with three different nozzles? Learned all about the airport? 

New light rail bridge over the runway (purposely built high enough for a tipped place to fit under)

Modeling the high heat clothing the firefighters must wear (withstands much higher temps compared to the typical brown outfit)

Miss Aine taking her second trip down. Eamon and I did it also.

 We did.

As part of the Arizona SciTech Fest we toured the airport. After a bit of a mixup involving the help of a kind police Lieutenant, we joined the tour. The kiddos and I spent two hours visiting the airport and learning about this city within a city. It was very cool. If you are local, you should check out the upcoming events the festival is hosting.

Getting There is Half the Fun

Probably the biggest thing I have learned from my children is slowing down to notice the small things. They remind me to not rush through something to achieve the end result, but rather to enjoy each moment. Every day they take time to stop. They do not worry about time or the calendar or obligations. Yesterday was no different.

Our trip downtown to our local science center was a delightful mix of wandering and noticing. I try to take our local mass transit train(PhART) whenever I get the opportunity. Yes, it often takes longer. Yes, it can be crowded on the way home. Yes, we have to wait and practice patience. However, the benefits are great. While riding to our destination, Benton and Aine remarked on all the wonders of the train. They noticed people riding with us and landmarks that we passed. Benton and I discussed what emergencies would justify pressing the red call button. We counted stops, wondered if we should get off at other stops and surmised on how far we could walk comfortably if we did get off at those stops. Eamon was able to read, and I knit as we rode. It was fantastic, and only cost $3.50 - much less than fuel and parking!

The kiddos remembered that there are bronze sculptures along our walk to the center. Eamon and Aine thought they might be a temporary thing and were so delighted to discover the statues are permanent. I stopped with them for quite a long while as they played. At first I wanted to move us along as we were meeting a group of friends. Instead I remembered to relax and notice with them. I pulled out my knitting and looked around the area. Our city can be so beautiful this time of year even in its urban setting. We discovered little people without pants in the scorpion's pinchers. We remarked on the pill bug's mismatched shoes. Each of the kiddos tried to figure out what the round discs by the bug's toes were. We just really soaked up the moment without worry about schedules or commitments.

Their exploration continued when we arrived. We spent a lot of time watching demonstrations and talking to staff. Most of our time was spent in one area really testing out the displays. When most of our group went to the current pirate exhibit, we declined (part of my recommitment to a budget). Instead of worrying about missing something, we found other areas to explore. It was a great afternoon, and no one wanted to leave.

Testing out the bed of nails

Watching the ball move through her track

Spinning and spinning until you cannot stand

Leave we must, though, as the museum is not open all hours. Aine suggested we sit outside for a bit and eat the rest of our snacks. For a bit, I sat as they ran around. Their giggles and laughter carried me as I looked at the sky, our belongings and the area. They ran into me laughing as they played chase. Each climbed on a large rock to sit. As we walked back to the PhART station, we discovered some carvings atop a gate. Each of us stopped in our own way to check them out. We talked about Egyptian phrases, good weather, friends and food. As we neared home, we planned our next trip hoping for more adventure and noticing.