A Net in Time

Curriculum and book reviews, faith, homeschooling and more!

Homeschooling

Learning about the Sun

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Did you know that I grade highschool papers?  I work for a company that does online courses and I am one of the people who grade their sciences courses.   One of the topics that students are graded on is the sun.  They need to answer questions such as “give three facts about the sun” and “what fuses in the sun and what does that fusion create?”  It got me thinking it might be fun to do a post on learning about the sun.  It’s such an integral part of life on earth, it’s so worth learning about don’t you think?   

Afflilate links will be used in this post, thank you for the encouragement this offers me.  🙂 

Learning about the sun

Hands On Learning

Make Sun Bread!  I have to admit, when I looked up the recipe I thought it might be for making bread out in the sun, but rather it’s for making bread in the shape of the sun.  It’s still fun to do!  And just as hydrogen is fused to make helium, you could roughly compare that to how flour, sugar and yeast fuse to make dough which then becomes bread.    Sorta.  🙂 

Turn hydrogen atoms into helium atoms. You could try this online program or buy an atom modeling kit and build some hydrogen models and fuse them into helium atoms.  I also found this other atom builder. It allows you to test your knowledge and see atoms in action. 

There are a number experiments you can to to help you better understand the sun.   

  • Solar oven
  • ScienceNetLinks. understand sun spots, magnetic fields, and solar flares better.
  • Understand the Sun as a Star with this NASA PDF guide. 
  • Build a Sundial
  • Make Tea or Dried fruit

Resources To Consider

You could head over to SchoolhouseTeachers and take in one of their courses on the sun.   Earth Science covers the sun, and with hooked on science you can experiment with glue sticks to better understand the sunset. If you are in the mood to learn a silly song about the sun, which will teach various facts, you’ll need to check out silly songs! 🙂 

SchoolhouseTeachers.com has a sale right now, $30/quarter for preK-12, code BUMBLEBEE  End June 30.

schoolhouseteachers earth science

UnitStudy.com has a discount on their astronomy set that you might want to check out.   These unit studies are cery well done and we always learned a lot more from them that I expected.  For other astronomy books you can check out all these books! 🙂 

June 2021 Social Media Challenge Graphic

Oh My Gods!

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Oh My Gods) through Raincoast Books.

When I first saw this title I thought, I can’t review something called Oh My Gods!  Then I realized what this graphic novel was all about and saw it for the humour-filled story that it was.  I still can’t say I like the title or the OMG’s used throughout the book, but the story itself is rather fun. 

Affiliate links will be used in this review.  No cost to you and helps to support my blog.  Thank you. 🙂

oh my gods!

Learning the facts about Oh my Gods!

Stephanie Cooke who also wrote ParaNorthern gives us Oh My Gods!   This book is a quirky, and unexpectedly fun read.  A bit of mystery, myth and fantasy tied up into one graphic novel.   Produced by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and running at 208, youth aged 8-12 will find this graphic novel a quick fun read. 

Written by Stephanie Cooke and Insha Fitzpatrick, and illustrated by Juliana Moon.  Stephanie Cooke has written a large number of books particularly focused for ages 8-12.  She uses humour in every book I have read. 

From the cover:

Karen is just an average thirteen-year-old from New Jersey who loves to play video games with her friends and watch movies with her mom. But when she moves to Greece to live with her eccentric, mysterious father, Zed, suddenly everything she thought about herself-about life-is up in the air.

Starting a new school can be difficult, but starting school at Mt. Olympus Junior High, where students are gods and goddesses, just might take the cake. Especially when fellow classmates start getting turned to stone. Greek mythology . . . a little less myth, a little more eek! And if Karen’s classmates are immortal beings, who does that make her?

Looking Deeper

I love the brilliant colours found throughout. Juliana Moon has done an excellent job of bringing this book to life, showcasing the work of Ms Cook and Ms Fitzpatrick.  The cement colour of the victims is startling against the vivid colours of the rest of the characters. 

You’ll find the text easily read, with clear printing that follows along in a good story like fashion.  Karen’s dad is a bit “out there” in mannerisms and style.  A bit behind the times so Karen needs to help him update a bit. 

Themes of friendship and problem-solving are found throughout as we watch Karen adapt to her new school. It’s a fairly straight forward story with Karen struggling in the new school, helpful people go assist her and a growing mystery.   What’s with all the stone people?  Is Karen to blame? 

Should You Get Oh My Gods!?

 Hmmm… okay, Oh My Gods! is a fun read!  It’s an interesting take on the expletive OMG, and while I dislike encouraging people to use God’s name in vain, this book isn’t about GOD, it’s about Greek gods.  And imagining those gods as highschool students!

Just like in the Greek myths these gods are self-absorbed and quick to figure humans are to blame.  It was great to find a quick synopsis of the gods at the close of this read.   

I look at Oh My Gods! and think it would be either a good introduction to a study on the Greek gods or as a close to the study to see if the gods characteristics can be picked out.   At the close of Oh My Gods! we are given a teaser for the next book in the series entitled In the Maze. 

Lift Me Up

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As soon as I heard this prompt Lift (provided by Miss Kate) I thought of this song.  And thus I’m sharing it with you today.  It’s a nice song isn’t it?  Even though in the song the phrase Raise me up is the repeated phrase, I often sing as you lift me up.  I don’t know why I do that, and it’s the first song that came up on youtube when I put in the phrase Lift me up.  I wonder why that is?   They have slightly different connotations don’t they?  Yet, are often used interchangeably.    So let’s see what I do with the phrase lift me up.

Lift Me Up

Lift Me Up
Up momma, up!
Comes the demand
Me UP!

Lifting a wee one up
Suddenly they can see
Pointing at the elephant
Far in the distance.

A comfort to see
A joy to point out
Moments to share of
happiness and delight.

Lift Me Up!
Please, someone, notice
I’m struggling
Mom sick, Dad can’t cope

Stopping for a moment
a meal provided,
a listening ear or
an email sent.

Suddenly dad’s
Lack of coping
Mom’s illness bad
Is a burdened shared.

A bunny,
A delivery
Ever so hot
Struggling, not well.

Water on ears
A slight misting
with wet feet
Babes cared for.

Thinking maybe
The doe will be gone
By morning.
But perkiness instead!

Sharing a load
Easing of heat
A lifting of abilities
and suddenly spark returns.

Gah, stupid bumblebees!
You’re supposed to be nice
Calm things
Not easily offended!

But too many
Coming and Going
Not a picture taking spot
Anymore…angry bees. Run!

Night comes
Darkness falls
A nest filled, then lifted
A nest relocated safely.

Morning, bees flying
No more anger
Picture taking spot back
Spirits raised.

So many ways
To lift me up
To protect and comfort
People, animals, burdens

lift me up, bumblebee nest

Further thoughts

Those bumblebees yesterday.  I’ve been nurturing a nest of them in an old rabbit nestbox that momma took over in the spring.  I’ve kept them safe from the weather.  But now… now there are too many bees coming and going.  I suppose it was just a matter of time that my picture-taking spot (for the bunnies) would be compromised.  You can’t keep that many bees happy all the time. 

I fled.  Did you know that bumblebees can sting more than once and if they land on your head it’s with the intent to crawl in and sting you? 

Waited until evening when all bees would be in bed and relocated them 20 feet away.  A spot with less traffic and still very protected from wind, weather and picture-taking people.   Bees protected, nature pollinators survive. And no more bunnies (or people) to annoy accidentally, and get stung. 

Scriptural Insights

Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. – Philippians 2:4

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2

Be hospitable to one another without complaining. – 1 Peter 4:9

And let us watch out for one another to provoke love and good works. – Hebrews 10:24

Dads Teach Teens Important Skills

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The TOS crew has given us a challenge to do a post about fathers.  I have to admit, this is a tough one for me.  Don’t misunderstand me, I loved my dad, but we didn’t have the easiest relationship.  Therefore when I think of dads, that relational difficulty sometimes gets in the way.   I got to thinking though about how my dad affected me as a teen, and what lessons he taught me in those important years.   Dads are so important in the lives of teens, we mustn’t forget that!  Dads teach teens important skills! 

Dad taught me

  • Devotion to God doesn’t have to be perfect.  My dad had a firm faith in the Lord but it wasn’t a perfect faith and he let his children know that.  He served the Lord faithfully, but admittedly was short-tempered, lacking in patience, and more.  YET through that… he served the Lord and taught us how to pray. 
  • To parent better than you were parented.  My dad did not have a good upbringing.  Some would call it abusive.  He made a CHOICE that he would not raise his children the way he was.  The older I got the more understand the choices he made. As I have parented my son I have shown him more grace and patience than I was shown as a child growing up.  In turn, I hope that my son will meld discipline and grace better than I did, with I hope, my eventual grandchildren.  This is a biblical principle as well as seen in Deuteronomy 5. 
  • Work hard!  At whatever it is that you do … do it well and work hard to accomplish the tasks set before you.   It doesn’t matter the job you do as long as you do it well. 
  • Be kind to the critters under your care.  Try to not be impatient with them, be careful with pregnant animals, be mindful of bulls as they can do serious damage, feed the best food you can, and don’t make your animals into soft pets or they will be useless as working animals. 
Dads teach teens important skills

You see, I saw my dad doing all this as a child, but as a teen is when it really started to impact me.  As I starting putting all the pieces together and seeing the choices he made, it made an impact.  Did it make our relationship easier?  No.  In fact we went through tough years, but in the end we came out okay. 

But you know what? 

Teens do this.  They look at their parents critically during their teens years.  They analyze how they were parented, they learn to ask questions, and formulate ideas for their future.  Teens examine, it seems, everything as they push toward being adults.  Dads help in this process as they answer their sons questions and show they how to be stand-up people.  How to live out their faith and how to care for those that surround you.  Even those men of few words!  🙂 

It got me to thinking, what things are there for dads teach their teens? 

Additional Dad taught Skills

  • How to fix things, or to jury-rig a solution, or simply how to use tools. 
  • Confidence in one’s abilities
  • Being fiscally responsible.
  • The importance of a firm handshake
  • Make plans, double-check them, follow through.  Be prepared for glitches along the way.
  • Have a reputation worth having.  If you say you’ll do something, follow through.  Be honest in your dealings. 
  • Learn the basics of taking care of your automobile.  Changing the oil, driving a stick shift and learning what different noises a car makes and what they mean.
  • Learn the fundamentals of math, it’ll serve you well in every aspect of life. 
  • Be willing to change your mind if the situation warrants it. 
June 2021 Social Media Challenge Graphic

NOW… Lest anyone take offense!  Moms have a big role in raising their teens as well and can teach all these skill sets as well… but dads do it in their own way don’t they?  And sometimes, we need each other to reinforce the behaviours needed right?  Two examples are better than one eh?  🙂   Besides… we don’t all have the same set of skills, so having help, broadens the horizons of these pre-adults and that’s not a bad thing right? 

Can you think of anything that I missed? Dads teach teens important skills… but I couldn’t possibly have thought of them all.  What skills did you learn from your Father?   What skills do you see your spouse teaching your teenagers? 

As the Deer Pants for the Water

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I think I grew up singing this song, did you?   As the deer panteth for the water is how I learned it first, but later the language changed in it a wee bit. Today we’ll learn a bit about who the author is and how this song was created. 

as the deer pants for the water

Lyrics

As the deer pants for the water
so my soul longs after you
you alone are my hearts desire
and I long to worship you.

You alone are my heart’s desire
To you alone my my spirit yield.
you alone are my heart’s desire
and I long to worship you.

You’re my friend and you are my brother
even though you are my king.
I want you more than any other
So much more than anything.

Author and History

American born Martin J. Nystrom wrote As the Deer Pants for the Water in 1984.  He wrote the song after fasting for a spell.  He happened to read Psalm 42 and found himself bursting into song. Sharing the song with one friend led it to being shared with a group of young believers who then popularized it.  You can learn more about Mr. Nystrom on his website. 

Pondering On As the Deer Pants for the Water

Psalm 42:1 is the basis for this quiet song of praise. 

As a deer pants for flowing streams,
    so pants my soul for you, O God.

Lately, I’ve been feeling a dearth of panting for the Lord.  I think I’ve been feeling the lack of being able to meet in church for a real service.  

This song reminds me of my first real love.  God minds me so much.  Cares for me deeply, it’s all I can do to return that love. I shouldn’t be letting the circumstances of life beat that down.  Part of me wants to say I need to pull myself up by my bootstraps, but I think this is something that I need to lean on the Lord with.  To let him remind me of how he is indeed my heart’s desire.  Letting him renew the depth of my love for him.. 

Unleashed

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Unleashed) through Raincoast Books.

Jinxed, which I have not read and now wish to, is the prequel to Unleashed by Amy McCulloch. Imagine a world where humans and machinery/technology are linked together.  Baku come in different levels with a variety of capabilities to be used for good.  The question is… what happens if someone programs them for personal gain?  Therein lies the story behind Unleashed.  Can Jinx (the baku) along with his human friends keep people safe? 

Affiliate Links will be used in this post with no cost to you, it just helps to support my blog.

Unleashed

Unleashed is the second in a series by Amy McCulloch.  Produced by Sourcebooks, This non-fiction read runs at 352 page and is written for youth 8-12 years of age.  It’s a good introduction in to the world of science fiction, and who couldn’t love a book where one of the main characters is a cat!  In this world humans are paired with “baku”―a customizable “pet” with all the capabilities of a smartphone.  These Baku are available ability levels 1-4. 

I am reviewing Unleashed on behalf of Raincoast Books. 

Before I get too far into this review can I talk about the cover?  Wow… draw a person in!  As soon as I saw the cover I was intrigued!  I just love the colours used and the implication of action.  My curiosity was piqued by the animals (that didn’t look quite right) running alongside the youth.  

Digging into Unleashed

Amy McCulloch brings her characters to life with keen descriptions and real-life dialogue.  Quick-pacing draws you into the story wanting to know just what will happen next.  The only slow-feeling bits are when she’s worried over her mom, and I would expect that section to feel slower, out of concern you know? 

This hardcover novel is easy to hold in your hands with a font size that is comfortable for reading. I appreciated the font type difference between internal thoughts, baku thoughts, and the rest of the book.  Helped with keeping everything straight. 

The artwork within is very simple. Each of the 43 chapters starts with this logo.  The five sections are simply labeled with an overall theme. 

Should you get Unleashed?

If your teens have a fondness for science fiction or are just branching out in this genre, Unleashed is a well-written tome.  With a visually compelling cover, well-developed characters, and a storyline that makes sense you’ll find it a good read (or at least your middle-schoolers should!)  Mind, you might want to read Jinxed first! It will fill in some of the gaps that I felt while reading. 

The themes about using technology to force an ideology could make for an interesting discussion.  Was Eric wrong in what he wanted for people and his method wrong?  Or was his ideology just plain wrong?   Only you can truly decide that based on your paradigm of thinking.  Thought-compelling to consider both the positive and negative implications of having a talking, interactive, cellphone smart pet at your beck and call.   But overall, a good read. 

Something’s Wrong!

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Disclosure: I received this complimentary product (Something’s Wrong) through Raincoast Books

 I love the full name of this book: Something’s Wrong! A Bear, a hare and some underwear.  Doesn’t that just intrigue you right off the start?  I can well imagine that youngsters would be curious indeed.  A fun read, friendship reigns supreme in this cute picture book. 

Affiliate links will be used in this review. No cost to you, helps support my blog. 

Something's Wrong

The details for Something’s Wrong!

Jory John brings us a highly relatable book for 3-6-year-olds in Something’s Wrong! A Bear, A Hare, and Some Underwear.  Erin Kroon does a wonderful job of providing forest-themed colours to tell the story of Bear and Hare, and of course…that underwear!  The publisher of this 40-page book is Farrar Straus Giroux this is a Junior Library Selection.  This hardcover picture is easy to hold and share with a group of children. 

I am reviewing on behalf of Raincoast Books. 

A nice sized text fills the pages of this fun picture book.  What is a bear to do when he’s certain he’s forgetting something but just can’t remember what!??!?!  He’s such a friendly bear even is his problem is weighing on his mind.

I can just see children chortling with delight as bear goes through his day trying to figure out what is wrong.  And all his friends were too polite to tell him!  Then his best friend Hare comes to the rescue! Isn’t that what friends are supposed to do?   Not only telling the truth to his friend Bear, but also helping him out of a touchy situation.

Do you think Bear might start a new fashion trend? 

I would love to read this with a group children and then stop along the way asking questions.  So why do you think his friends didn’t say anything?  Do you think his friend Hare will be able to help?  How could Bear forget such a thing?  What would you have done? 

Should you get Something’s Wrong?

If I were a teacher I’d add it to my stash of books to read with my children every year.  I wouldn’t hesitate to add it my library or go borrow from the library.  I found nothing objectionable, unless…you are a person who believes undergarments should not be spoken of.   

The Tale of friendship and the colours used to tell the story fit the scenes so well, and I loved it.   As a bonus, it’s a fun read.  The ending of Something’s Wrong made me laugh!   You’ll find it a good book to add to a unit study on being a good friend and learning empathy.

Well done Jory and Erin.