A Net in Time

Curriculum and book reviews, faith, homeschooling and more!

Science

We are All Greta

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Raincoast FTC

Valentia Giannella wants to inspire us to take action just like Greta has.  Together we can work to save the world.   Therefore she put together a book called We are All Greta. I took the time to read it back when I was really sick for a week.  Today I take the time offer my review for you. 

we are all Greta book review

Who Is Greta?

Greta is a 16 year old girl from Sweden.  She was an ordinary girl, enjoying life until she was 8.  At that time she noticed her parents disliked waste of electricity, food and water.  She learned about climate change and how it was affecting the planet.  By 11 years old she became depressed and was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and selective mutism.   She became very focused on climate change, so much so that she did a Ted Talk on the topic. 

What I am Reviewing

We are all Greta: Be inspired to save the world, written by Valentina Giannella is 128 pages long, written with middle schoolers in mind.   It is filled with infographics, charts, illustrations and treaties to encourage us to treat the world better in a variety of ways. 18 chapters round out We are Greta along with references and a bibliography. 

we are all Greta table of contents

The Details about We Are All Greta

18 chapters round out the pages of this stiff paperback book.

Chapter 1 tells us who Greta is and why we should care about her words.

Chapters 2-16 talk about different aspects of living the world and how they relate to climate change.   Topics include such things as living in cities, fossil fuels, water, plastic and more.  No specific action is suggested in these chapters. 

Chapter 17 gives ideas about specific things a person can do.

Chapter 18 defines words and gives links to sites. 

we are all Greta
we are all Greta
we are all Greta
we are all Greta

Pages that are coloured are ones that are encouraging action.   Turning of lights and appliances you don’t need.  Not replacing things if you don’t have to and other such advice. 

we are all Greta

Thoughts

We are all Greta is a thought-provoking book, guaranteed to get youth thinking about the world we live in and how to a thoughtful part of it.  We do need to not be wasteful or thoughtless about what we do.

My problem with the book is this.  I don’t believe in climate change.  I just don’t. So when I read books like this an inner part of me scoffs at the poor science and the fear-mongering it provides. But that said, I appreciate books that work to create thinking individuals.  People who can look at how to create sustainable agriculture with open eyes.  Individuals who can better ways of handling the waste we produce… from reducing the amount we make to better utilizing the remains of society. 

With that thought in mind, yes, please do read We are all Greta.  Stop and think about what is being talked about. Then go read some opposing opinions.  Do some indepth research.  Come to your own conclusions. And think.  Just think. 

disclosure

Gather Resources for High School Science

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We’ve talked Elementary School science and middle school science, how about today we tackle resources for high school science?   Might as well eh?  It only makes sense to finish the series!  Today I thought I would Gather Resources for High School Science.

Gather Resources for High School Science

What we are doing

Some of you may know that one of my jobs is marking papers for Tree of Life.  It’s a great organization to work for. Over the past couple of years I’ve grown to appreciate the Exploring Creation with Biology textbook. I picked up the student workbook for him and that’s what he is doing for Grade Nine Science this year. 

If we didn’t have this resource on hand, I would have looked more closely at some of the resources I will share with you today. 

Physical Resources

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention G.L.O.  In real life, group classes for highschool kids.  Located in the nearby big city.  I keep wanting to teach a class with them as I’ve got the know-how.  They teach a variety of classes, depending on the teachers they get in. 

Textbooks can be picked up from a variety of sources.  Locally we have The Learning House which provides textbooks for homeschoolers.  I could also order from different companies and have them shipped out.  Just a matter of doing your research and finding companies to work with. Companies such as:  Bob Jones, Apologia, Pearson, Glencoe, or Steck-Vaughn.  What others would you suggest?

Carl Sagan quote

On-Line Sources

In interactive unit studies I introduced to you Kristen Moon Science.  She makes some great science based unit studies.   You should check them out. 

Cross-wired Science (reviewed them this past year) does a good science program. Currently they have a free program called Mighty Feathers so you can get a good taste of how they do their program. If you decide you like it and want to purchase Sound & Fluid Dynamics you can use the discount code (intime29) to takes $5 off.

MIT has open courseware.  Search for the program you want, and then run through list. From what I can tell the courses are free but you may need to buy the textbook from Amazon. 

If you want to supplement what your students are learning Exploratorium has a number of videos, activities and experiments to delight the learner.

There are some interesting science lessons at Science Net Links. It would be easy to just set a student loose to learn what they’d like here. 

Learning about the weather?  Sci Jinks has you covered.  Videos and well-written essays. 

Khan Academy has science and engineering classes for highschool. 

If you are learning about the periodic table you might find this site helpful.

 ACLS has an educational page on human body systems. 

In highschool, most any course you might want to take as an adult a highschool student could potentially take as well (depending on interest and ability).  Check out this post on wanting to learn anything for some excellent on-line resources. 

What resources would you gather for high school science?

31 days of free writes

Today’s Free Write word is Gather.  See all the write 31 days posts. 

Gather

How to Teach Elementary Science

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Wanting to do science with your students?  I love science, I find it very easy to teach, particularly in the younger years, but not everyone has a natural love of science.  The question arises: How to teach elementary science.  Let’s walk through some of the options you have for teaching science to elementary aged students.

how to teach elementary science

Nature Study

Honestly, I find nature study to be easiest way of teaching science to elementary students.   There is so much to explore and learn just be observing the world around you. 

Observe Animals

Observed the animals around you.  These can be the squirrels in your local park or the spiders and bugs inside your house.  You can visit the animals at the local zoo or at a wildlife rescue centre.   You might want to visit a friend with a rabbit/guinea pig/dog or maybe go to a dog/cat/rabbit show.

Perhaps your co-op will offer an animal class or your local library offer a photo series of animals around the world.

You might want to sit down in your own backyard, block off a section of 1 or two feet and have your children count all the animals they find.  Then you could walk down to the local stream or park and look for ducks, water striders, bugs, spiders etc.

You could easily do a  bird study by setting up a bird feeder in your backyard.  Find animals and take time to watch them, you’ll be amazed at what you learn.  

If you can, bring along your phone, or a nature study guide, or a note pad (to write down questions for later) so you can answer questions that your children have.  

An example of Nature Study

 We have three squirrels in our back yard… grey (new youngster) white and black.  Just by watching them we know that grey is a bold as brass and will probably cause trouble in the rabbitry this winter.   White is easy going and knows to stay out of our way.  She’s been around for the past two years and doesn’t cause any fuss for us.  Black will get into mischief in the summer and if I leave a bowl of grain out for him in the winter he’ll get into that but won’t bother with anything else.   Bold as brass grey is starting to chase black around but so far hasn’t ousted him from the backyard maple tree. Grey is still confined to the front yard… he is pushing hard though.   By watching them we are able to learn so much about them, what they eat (did you know they will eat green tomatoes?), how they defend their territory (or to challenge for more), and all the sounds they make.   

observing nature

Unit Studies/LapBooks

Other than getting out in nature, or alongside of getting out in nature are unit studies and lapbooks. 

You take your child to the zoo and they get fascinated by tigers, or chimpanzees, or maybe the dwarf goats.   You can find a unit study or lapbook on them. My son has long been fascinated by ants and spiders and his youth I commissioned an amazing ant unit study for him.  He LOVED it.  Learned so much.  Now he raises ants and gains additional learning. 

Some places you can go for materials.

  • Amanda Bennett Unit Studies. Horses, tigers, dolphins, geckos, insects, oceans, volcanoes, seashells, caves and so much more.  Go explore, and then come home and learn some more!  (pay)
  • Homeschool Share has all sorts of unit studies and lapbooks.  (free)
  • Lapbook Lessons – Animals and science to learn and do. (free)
  • SchoolhouseTeachers.com – a variety of lessons, so many options, bug science, world of animals, curious science, disgusting creatures etc.  with over 400 lessons there’s sure to be nature studies for you! (paid)
Schoolhouse teachers

Pay Attention to Landforms, Soils and Plants

When you are out and about pay attention to landforms.  Notice the pond, the creek, the hill, the way stones stick out of the ground.  As you travel around pay attention to different trees and terrain.

When you are working out in your garden show your children what good soil looks and feels like.  Have them experiments with sandy soil, clay and good loam.   Does it make a difference if you add fertilizer?  

Help them grow a row, or start a bean plant in a container, or maybe grow some cat grass for a loved family pet.  Have your children test out if a plant will grow in the dark or what happens if light is far away from it.  Learn about phototropism and more.

When you walk through a forest pay attention to the mosses, fungi, ferns and trees.   Help your students see the different levels of a forest and then take an excursion on line and learn about the rainforest and its different levels. Expand their learning naturally. 

Additional Online Sites

There are numerous places on-line if you need more of a curriculum, or places to learn or see experiments done.  

  • Mystery Science – has open and go science lessons. Sign up for a free year of science lessons.  They have a limited number of spaces open. 
  • cK-12 – has an elementary division that you might find useful.  These are flexbooks that you can use online or download as a PDF. 
  • In the Lab of Mr. Q you will find downloadable classic science texts.  Provide a well-rounded science education. 
  •  The Canadian Wildlife Federation has put together education units to help teachers. 
  •  Nature Canada doesn’t have lessons but they are a wealth of information. 
  •  PBS learning has a number of experiments to watch and maybe do. 
  •  Canadian Geographic has a great kids area, and as an educator you can sign up for the cangeo education newsletter.  They put together some great resources!
  •  Project Gutenberg has put together an elementary geography program.
  •  Easy Peasy has an all in one science curriculum. An excellent resource for your science needs.  
  •  Guesthollow has a science and literature course. 
Online sources for teaching elementary science

Don’t forget other sources

Don’t forget to 

  • go to the library and raid their shelves for all things nature study-ish
  • Watch youtube videos
  • search websites with good information on whatever your children are interested in.
  • Easy science experiment books…. there are lots on the market.  

There is so much information available, make use of it. 

For instance, I am hopeful to get my lad into a Biodiversity weekend.   That might not work for your younger children, but I know in London we have groups that do forest school, another that takes regular walks in the local swamp, my son spent time with friends and family looking for minnows, crayfish and clams in our local streams, and of another group that does scavenger hunts in various local playgrounds.  Make use of the world around us, and do science the easy way!    Enjoy your explorations.

A book that might help you is the family adventure journal, or these nature cards.   You might want to make some crafts from the things you discover making the crafty nature journal just what you need.  I’ve pinned loads of ideas over on my nature study pinterest board.  Give it a boo, you might be delighted by what you find. 

Into the Blizzard

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Wow!   I read this book yesterday afternoon, and wow.   I’m still trying to imagine a storm as fierce as this storm of 1978.  Into the Blizzard drove me to youtube to learn more. 

Can you imagine snow deep enough to cover houses?  Waves high enough to wash houses away?   This was just a MASSIVE storm.  Into the Blizzard is the storm of men who aimed to help, heroes doing what they do, at threat to their own lives.  This is indeed their story. 

Into the Blizzard

What I am Reviewing

Into the Blizzard.
Michael J. Tougias.
Adaptation of “Ten Hours Until Dawn: the true story of Heroism and Tragedy about the Can Do.
Christy Ottaviano Books
True Rescue Series
9-14 years, trade paperback, 288 pages
Reviewed for Raincoast Books.

Heroism, Tragedy, Hurricane, Storm, Natural Disaster, True, Rescue, Ocean, USA history,

In the midst of the Blizzard of 1978, the tanker Global Hope floundered on the shoals in Salem Sound off the Massachusetts coast. When the Coast Guard heard the Mayday calls, they immediately dispatched a patrol rescue boat. But within an hour, the Coast Guard rescue boat was in as much trouble as the tanker – both paralyzed in unrelenting seas. Enter Captain Frank Quirk who was compelled to act. Gathering his crew of four, Quirk plunged his forty-nine-foot steel boat, the Can Do, into the blizzard.
Perfect for fans of the I Survived series ready for a longer form account, this middle-grade adaptation of an adult nonfiction book chronicles the harrowing journey between Captain Quirk and the Coast Guard as they struggled in the holds of a radical storm. It’s an epic tale of heroism and bravery at sea.

table of contents

The Details of Into the Blizzard

Three parts, 24 pages, 288 pages.  16 pages in the middle of the book with historical photos.   I received an advanced reader copy so I don’t know if these pictures will be in colour or in the black/white that I received. 

Into the Blizzard

Each part was highlighted with a photo of waves.  Either a one or two page photo spread.   I would be hopeful these would be in full colour as they are marvellous pictures don’t you think?  To me they show the beauty and dangers that a high sea would possess. 

Into the Blizzard cover

I found the text very easy to read, with enough technical information to teach me something, and yet simple enough to follow along well.  The men, the heroes of the story were well-defined, interesting men.   We were brought into the mind-set of just who these men were. Who they were, was an inspiration.  Men determined to do what needed to be done. 

At the beginning of the book we are shown the vessels involved in this event. 

into the blizzard

Thoughts/Recommendations

You know that Natural Disasters unit I reviewed a bit back?  This book would be a perfect complement to unit study.  It would also be a great addition to a study on oceans, heroes, or hurricanes.   It’s also a great stand-alone book, but for those looking for a living book to bring the heroes and harshness of life into reality…this book will do that job well.   I found it a good solid read.  The end result for some of the men wasn’t good, but understanding the harshness of the oceans and weather, and still they went out.   That mind-set is worth exploring and trying to understand. 

This book reminded me of just how small we are compared to the forces of the earth, and how brave people stand up regardless. 

disclosure

Space On Earth

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Did you know that space technologies don’t cost as much money as you might think? And they create lots of spill off jobs?  I know… that last was a shocker to me. How would space tech affect earth?  That’s the question that Space on Earth answers.

Space on Earth review

What I am Reviewing

Space on Earth: intergalactic facts about the world around you!
Dr. Sheila Kanani
Del Thorpe (illustrator)
Alma Junior
128 pages, trade paperback,
Grades 3-4
Reviewed for Raincoast books.

Have you ever looked up into the sky and wondered about space, astronomy and the universe? Perhaps you have. But you’ve probably never looked around you – at the sunglasses you wear or the selfies people take – and thought about space. The truth is, there is more of space on earth than you realize. . . 
Full of amazing facts about everyday innovations inspired by space travel and sections on the people who brought them to us, Space on Earth is an entertaining and fascinating look at space and the untold relationship with the planet we live on, helping children not only to feel the awe and wonder of the universe, but also to understand the reasons why space is relevant to us here on Earth.

table of contents

Details on Space on Earth

Three categories are discussed on how space tech interacts with the world at large.   Technology, health and fashion. 

One example of technology is solar power.  This was used for space travel.  Fuel weighs a lot so if they had to haul batteries up to space as well… the load would be too heavy.  Solar panels are a lot lighter and let the space craft create electricity.   Over many years the technology was adapted for use by anyone. 

Space on Earth

As you learn about the different technologies such as cochlear implants you also get to meet scientists and learn amazing facts.  Each example comes with a short biography on the scientist involved. Since there are all these details, I find this a great book. 

You’ll find simple black and white illustrations throughout.  You will find these illustrations work well with the text.

Space on Earth

Thoughts/Recommendations

I’m told that Space to Earth is for children 8 and up.  I think it would be great for students from grade 3-6.   To discover the wonderful things that space exploration has given us.  Who would have thought baby blankets for premmies would be developed, or that patients with dementia be helped, or our sound systems be improved.   Space tech making our lives better, creating jobs for people that wouldn’t have existed otherwise. 

I love that we told about the scientists and doctors who helped develop the technology. It’s a great way to expand the learning you know?  Learn about the tech, research the developer. 

disclosure

50 Things to See in the Sky

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What with all the information floating about because the 50th anniversary of the moonlanding, people are interested in sky above us.  There are so many interesting phenomena to observe.  Today I have book for you called 50 Things to see in the Sky. 

50 Things to see in the Sky

What I am Reviewing

50 Things to See in the Sky: (illustrated beginner’s guide to stargazing with step by step instructions and diagrams, glow in the dark cover)
Sarah Baker.
Maria Nilsson, illustrator
Princeton Architectural Press
Hardcover, glow in the dark cover, non-fiction
144 pages, all ages
Astronomy, Star-gazing, astrophysics, space science, science, Space, Sky, constellations,

Reviewed for Raincoast Books. 

This hip and handy guide helps you learn the science behind blue skies, sun dogs, and the solar eclipse, and shows you how to observe nocturnal wonders such as lunar halos, Martian ice caps, and far-off galaxies. Fifty celestial phenomena come to life with expert tips from astrophysicist Sarah Barker and stylish illustrations by Maria Nilsson. Any explorer can become an adept observer with their guidance, and more ambitious stargazers will be able to discover more distant sights with the help of binoculars, a telescope, or a local astronomy group. 

50 Things to see in the Sky

Details on 50 Things to See in the Sky

Do you want to learn about constellations and other unique space phenomena?   50 Things to see the sky is just the book for you.

With simply drawing and concise text you can discover fascinating things about the sky above us. 

50 Things to see in the Sky

This non-fiction read first explains some basics about astronomy.  We learn about the equipment needed, the best time to observe and how to navigate the skies. 

From there we move on to space things we can see with the naked eye.  These include items such as the milk way, various constellations, shooting stars, coments, sun dogs, dog star and supermoons.   24 in all. 

50 Things to see in the Sky

Moving a bit further afield we will discover the andromeda galaxy, Saturn’s ears, the Swan nebula and pulsars.   There are 14 phenomena in this section.  You’ll need a telescope to see most of these. 

50 Things to see in the Sky

The sky isn’t limited to just the near and a bit further, you can also, with the right equipment see far, far away.  Objects such as a white flag, quasars, an ice volcano, and a baby solar system.  12 destinations to explore. 

Warnings are given … such as not to look directly at the sun, it’s rather dangerous to your retinas. Directions are provided to help locate relatively static destinations like constellations.  Advice is given such as looking for places on the moon when it is not full.. A dimmer moon affords a better chance to see what you are looking for. 

Thoughts/Recommendations

50 Things to see in the sky is a helpful little book to have around if you want to do some sky-gazing.  Bring it along on the next clear night and look at the world above us.  Spot those constellations, be amazed at the milky way, marvel at the auroras, and realize the world is so much bigger than we tend to think on. 

I loved the tidbits of information thrown out… like Mars is covered in dry ice (a new factoid for me).  Or that space phenomena have often been mislabeled until they are seen by a more powerful telescope, This shows better definition enabling them to be to better classified. 

It does talk about the earth being really old, and other non-creationist ideas, just so you are aware.   It’s a fascinating book and makes me wish I had a really powerful telescope so I could see some of what’s up there better.  🙂

disclosure

Interactive unit studies

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Being who I am I love to find things that will be helpful to others.  Years ago someone turned me on to the dragonlady (who no longer exists) who did these AMAZING unit studies.  They had printable templates for doing great builds of pyramids, or lizards or just whatever have you.  Fantastic units that thoroughly engaged the student (and their teacher) in learning.  I thought they were fantastic and since then have looked for other interactive unit studies. 

Interactive Unit Studies

Through the Homeschool Review Crew I discovered  Home School in the Woods … which has some interesting builds such as this World War 2 game.  And we’ll be using them as a spine for our WW2 Study.  They do some simply amazing unit studies. My search continues for the immersive experience. I have found some more that intrigue me. 

home school in the woods

First off Why Unit Studies?

Well.. why NOT unit studies.   Look at the benefits of a unit study.

  • Focused attention.
  • Incorporates more than one field of study
  • Hands on elements
  • Involves more of the senses 
  • Caters to a variety of learning styles
  • Leads to rabbit trails which increases the learning potential
  • Fun and enjoyable.
John Lubbock quote

Totally Online interactive unit studies

Techie Homeschool Mom has wonderful online unit studies.  Beth has pulled together some great unit studies.  I (and my lad) have worked through a couple of them.   Good questions, interesting facts, with no need to print things out.   History, people, holidays, and more.  Prices for individual units run from $8-24, she also does some group deals.  I first ran into her units through the Homeschool Giveaways site, and then again through a conference I think…. Anyways, I’ve always been pleasantly surprised by their thoroughness, I suspect you will be too. 

Oh.. what grade are they good for?  I’d say grades 3-8. 

interactive unit studies

You get questions, projects (like the one below), videos, thought-provoking discussions, and more.  Give them a boo won’t you?

techie homeschool mom

Kristin Moon makes unit studies for older students.  I’ve looked at some of them for my rising 9th grader. 

From Kristin: The courses contain videos, hands-on activities, instructions for experiments, online quizzes, and links to sites for more information. The content is geared for upper middle school and high school. While I do plan to offer courses for middle school, it’s been my experience that moms can start feeling frightened about teaching science at the higher levels. In fact, that’s typically one reason why folks put their kids back in school in high school. My goal in creating these courses is to provide quality science resources for families who wish to continue to homeschool throughout high school.

Kristen Moon Science

Kristin currently has five online courses

  • Science of Autumn Leaves
  • Microbiology
  • Genetics and Heredity
  • Prokaryotes
  • DNA basics….
kristin moon science

Lisa Marie Fletcher of The Canadian Homeschooler has her mostly online Canadian History course.   The Canadian Time Capsule is rather neat series for up through middle school.   This is predominately done on-line with hands-on elements, reports to right, activities to do etc. 

canadian time capsule

Every month you get a new historical event to work through.  The capsules don’t come in chronological order.  Good books are suggested for various age ranges.   You should check them out if you have any interest in Canadian History (trust me, it’s WAY more interesting than you may think).

Canadian time capsule

Print off unit studies

Of course, you can follow the more traditional method of unit studies.   Down load them, print them off, and have a lovely book that you can show off to others.  Some of these unit studies will have hands on activities, and others will basically be workbooks. 

I was introduced recently to Love at Home Education which is looking to created multi-age unit studies for K-12.   In reviewing Natural Disasters I found them excellent for K-8.    You can learn about presidents of the United States, Penguins, Polar Bears and so much more. Have your whole family learn about the same thing together. 

Natural Disasters

Then of course there are Amanda Bennett’s unit studies.  I used to review these unit studies and we thoroughly enjoyed them.  We learned so much!   They aren’t geared for high school, bring primarily for elementary school.  You could do them as a family and supplement the material to make it suitable for your middle and high school students. 

Just so you know they’ll be having some sales this month if you are at all interested.

For August 12 – Animal Science DNG bundle 30% off the reduced bundle price
And August 19 – American History DNG bundle 30% off the reduced bundle price
August 26 – Kitchen Science DNG bundle 30% off the reduced bundle price
unit study

I know if you search on-line you can find lapbooks (which are like mini unit studies with visual elements) for free, and a whole host of small unit studies.  You can use them as a basis for a large study. 

Other Options

I was told to check out Google Classroom and that if I had trouble figuring out what to do, to watch pocketful of primary on YouTube. She apparently has posted a walk through of the basics on her channel for google classroom.  So that might be an option for doing up your own unit study, appropriate to your student. 

Interactive Unit Studies

In Conclusion

Finding interactive unit studies for high school students is harder then finding them for elementary students or middle school.  It is possible.  They tend to be more focused.  Give a look, use what you can, and help your students learn.