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Sunday, December 11, 2011 at 1:35PM
Merry Christmas!
Friday, December 9, 2011 at 1:54PM Today was an awesome science day! For the past few days, we have been studying about atoms. Our oldest daughter had read that elements can be identified by their spectral "fingerprint". What exactly is this? In short, an element releases energy when it moves from a higher energy level to a lower one. The energy released comes out as different colors of light. More specifically, the different colors of light correspond to the differences in energy between the energy levels. For example, red light corresponds to a fall from the 3rd to the 2nd energy level. Check out the following diagram from CPO Physical Science for more details.
Hydrogen
ArgonYou can view a full slideshow here.
This was a wonderful opportunity for our kids to do "real science" at a very young age. Our kids vary in age from 5 to 11. Every one of them was engaged and having fun!! For more resources check out these great materials:
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at 5:48PM 
Our family spends a great deal of time in the car. Like any neurotic mom, I find "car time" to be the perfect place to practice basic facts. I am always calling out capitals, math facts and spelling words. Our kids seem to love it and it adds some fun to the tedious task of learning these basics.
Last week, I had a rare moment alone with our Kindergartner. On our way to soccer practice he asked me to play a math game with him. Music to my ears! We began with basic addition and subtraction facts. After a few minutes, he asked me if we could learn something new. Again, music to my ears! So, I thought I would push the envelope, negative numbers. Here's how the conversation went:
Mom: Andrew, let's pretend we live in Barrow, Alaska. Okay?
Andrew: Ooooh, it's really cold up there! I'll need my fuzzy hat.
Mom: Yes, you will! I am so glad you brought up the weather. I want to ask you some questions regarding temperature. Let's pretend the temperature outside is four degrees Fahrenheit.
Andrew: That is so cold! I bet it's snowing. I wish it would snow here!
Mom: Me too! After the sun went down, though, the temperature dropped five degrees. What is the new temperature?
Andrew: Let's see. I start at four and go back five places. (Note: I teach addition and subtraction using a number line.) So, that would be three, two, one, zero. Zero! Is it zero?
Mom: Well, let's see. If we start at four and go back to zero that's only four places. Remember, the temperature dropped five degrees.
Andrew: Oh yeah, that's right. Well, three, two, one, zero, negative zero. No, no. You can't have a negative zero. Negative one. Mom, is it negative one?
Mom: Wow, very good! Yes, it is! How did you decide on the answer negative one?
Andrew: Well, it can't be zero. I knew it had to be below zero. So, I thought about negative one. Can we do another one? I like this negative weather math game!
Like any good mother we continued to do several more problems. Andrew was so excited and proud of himself! He knew he was doing "big boy math" and couldn't wait to share the good news with his older brother and sisters. As a math teacher, I was excited because a door has been opened.
As I worked through several weather examples with our five year old, I began to wonder why we wait so long to introduce the concept of negative numbers. Sure, he may not have an expert understanding, however, a foundation as been laid. During our conversation, he mentioned that he had heard of negative temperatures on television. When trying to solve the original problem, he was able to draw upon that prior knowledge and apply it to a new situation. Very exciting! As someone who works with many Pre Algebra and Algebra students, I know negative numbers can be a stumbling block causing hours of anguish. With our children, I have chosen to introduce the idea early fending off future fears. Hopefully, the forecast will be sunny and bright!
PS I am currently creating K-4 materials centered around our "negative weather math." I'll share when finished.
Monday, October 31, 2011 at 1:07PM School is out and the kids are crazy because tonight is H-A-L-L-O-W-E-E-N!! Dusk can not get here soon enough! The candy cravings are taking over their senses. What do you do with them for the next couple of hours? Someone help! Never fear, check out these boredom busters! To quote Professor Snape, "They are sure to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses."
Happy Halloween!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 2:03PM 
Science is so much fun! Around our house, we are deep in exploring the states of matter. Trying to move beyond the classic "three states of matter" discussion, I want to provide lots of hands-on activities for our children so they can discover the various properties for themselves. I am currently compiling several activities to post, but couldn't wait to share our latest lab, homemade ice cream.
In this experiment, simple household ingredients are gathered to explore the phase change of water. The goal is for kids to see that NaCl (aka table salt) lowers the freezing point of ice making the ice "colder." Obviously, this is what makes the ice cream freeze. I have included a lab activity sheet in which you can record your observations and conclusions.
Enjoy!
