Camp Mystic Lake: Car Crazy Week

This week's projects were all about movement.  Here's a somewhat fuzzy shot (apologies) of Tate working on a homemade marble run:

Camp Mystic Lake: Crystallized Rocks

Looking back, I didn't think Nature Week was going to be as photogenic as it ultimately was. Or maybe the kids were so involved in their activities that Nicole had a moment to snap some photos.  Either way more photos for you, our Loyal Readers.

Today's post covers crystallized rocks. A simple enough activity, but completely engaging:

Camp Mystic Lake: Volcanoes

Next up during Nature Week?  Create-your-own volcanoes.  Watching things explode appeals to the kids.  It's also a fun way to make a dent in our Costco-sized supply of baking soda.

Bounty of Knowledge

Ahh... what they teach in school, but at home (remotely) these days:

Homeschooling Lesson #38: Microscopy

Look what Tate found in the basement storage area:  MLM's compound microscope!

The A-team showed zero interest, but this kept Tate engaged for quite a while.  What was even more exciting?  MLM finally figured out how to get enough light into the microscope to use the higher magnification levels.

Homeschooling Lesson #37: Magnetism

Before the official homeschooling regimen began, we were looking for creative ways to stimulate the minds of these youngsters.

Magnetism seemed like a good way to go.  Activities could be self-directed, easily completed, educational and entertaining.

There is a reason why I am not a teacher.

One thing to notice over the course of these next posts:  our collective hair lines.  No one has had a haircut since March 13 (when these videos were captured).

To the Moon!

To the Moon!

Kids today are being prepped at a young age for life in space.  After all, this generation might even make it to Mars.

Well, that's if we're allowed to end the coronavirus quarantine and leave our homes.  But hey!  We can all dream, right?

Here are photos of Tate and his classmates preparing for the future:

Jet pack

Tate modeling his jet pack

Safety first!  Wearing his space helmet in case there's a rough landing.

Capt T announces it's time to get back on the ship.

Museum of Science

When in doubt, visit the Museum of Science!  It's guaranteed to entertain kids of all ages.

Latex Gloves

I was wondering why Tate kept asking to play with latex gloves.  That's all he wanted.  And to play with them in the bath, no less.  So when this photo arrived in my inbox from his Drumlin teachers, it all made sense:

Ribbit! Ribbit!

Our house was overtaken by frogs one evening:

Vanderful Vanda

A few months ago I purchased two Vanda orchids.  Imagine my surprise when one of them started to bloom again!  Here are the photos w/ the dates so you can get a sense of how long this took:

March 01

March 29

April 01

Hands on Learning

Laura takes Tate on wonderful trips to the Museum of Science.  Along the way, she snaps some beautiful (and easily captionable!) photos:

Shh!  Don't tell Adam and Ashley we're having fun while they're in school!

Oh... these are way bigger than the ones we have at home.

The world through Laura's eyes ;)

Boo!  We scared you!

That dude is too big.  I'm not going near it.

Whee!  Why don't we have one of these in the basement?

Checking to see if this guy has brushed his teeth?

Rocket Man

Rocket Man blasted off in his time capsule at the Museum of Science. 

It took a while to find the right button to set the time warp.

Tate turned the clock back over 1,000,000 years in time.

My, my, Mr. Dinosaur.  That's one big scarf you have!

Old Sturbridge Village

We had one of those mornings where the kids were whining and didn't want to do anything, least of all leave the house?  So MLD and I did what any parent would do:  bundle them up and take a long car ride to a historical site from the 1830's.  OK, maybe not every parent would do this, but it seemed like a good idea.

Complaining turned into compliments within 10 minutes of our arrival.  I think the water pump played a huge role in turning around attitudes:

Adam learned about old-fashioned horsepower:

Ashley learned how to throw a pot:

And then both Tate and Adam refined their wheelbarrow handling skills:

We even got to drive a team of oxen!

We had so much fun that we went back a week later!  This time we took family:

Can't wait to visit again to see how the early Americans fared in other seasons.