Get Up and Explore Science Spectacular 2009

 

So last week Keona participated in his first science fair.  The Get Up and Explore Science Spectacular (GUESS) was put together by two homeschooling moms, Lydia Netzer and Sherene Silverberg, so that homeschoolers would have a chance to show off their scientific know how and compete for fun and prizes.  It WAS a spectacular day and I am so glad that Keona had the opportunity to participate.  It was made extra special in that the creators were able to snag the Virginia Air and Space Center for the venue.  Just Great!

   Now due to limited attention span, we kept it to a one day project.  My goal for him this time was to complete a project, have some idea about what he was doing, begin to get a handle on the scientific method, and present something he has done to someone other than the family.  He did a great job on all counts…and them some.  Since he has a tendency to obsess about all things new, I decided not to tell him that the judges may talk to him.  Smart move on my part.  He had no time to worry, so he actually accomplished the task.  I told him to only tell them what he knows about, to say, “I don’t know” if he doesn’t, and to not act silly.  I didn’t get to hear a word, but could see that he was interacting with the judges well…and I was so tickled and proud of him.  His project was to test the strength of varying legnths of pencil resistors.  A simple electrical experiment, which he loves to do.

    The K-2 Category is non-competitive to allow them to enjoy the day and their projects.  In fact, they all received  medals and  really nice puppets.  Go figure though!  While Keona was willing and capable to talk to the judges, picking up his award was quite another thing.  Have you ever seen a child REJECT awards?!  I saw it; it was my very own child.  LOL  We did manage to bring them home though and he is quite taken with his medal and puppet, showing them off quite proudly.  Perhaps next time he can graciously accept from his seat?  Anyway, here are a few shots from the day.  A good homeschooling day in my book!

Keona quite proud at set-up.

Showing his stuff to his friends....

More GUESS shots…

Talking to the judges!

Lighting up for the judges....

Lydia Jenkins and Sherene Silverberg, creators of the GUESS Fair. Thank you!

All the excitement from above....

Receiving his medal from Sherene...

 

Beat me, whip me, but, whatever you do, DON'T GIVE ME A MEDAL!

 

 

 

 

Pride in doing one's best!

Baltimore

On our way to Philidelphia, we stopped in Baltimore to show the boys the National Aquarium.  What a wonderful visit!  We stayed at the Mount Vernon Hotel, which was very near the Inner Harbor.  Not only was it reasonably priced, but the staff was friendly and helpful.  It was located in a historic part of town, surrounded by several museums which I would’ve loved to visit but, sadly, did not have enough time.  Another place we’ll just have to return to! 

While the Aquarium was on the a bit pricey, the dolphin show was great.  We all loved it!  I marvel at those wonderful creatures and relish any chance to get close to them.  I look forward to having a real dolphin experience when the boys are older.  We also used our reciprocal membership with the Virginia Living Museum to get into the Maryland Science Center.  The most popular exhibit there was the interactive dinosaur exhibit.  The boys were able to measure true to life dino footprints and even sat in some! What a nice addition to the trip!

 

 

 

 

 

More Baltimore

Philidelphia

We recently took a trip to Philidelphia to visit my stepsister and her husband.  What a great time!  The city is an interesting mix of old and new.  I wasn’t always comfortable in Historical Philidelphia because it wasn’t wrapped in a nice neat little package like historically preserved Williamsburg (which I also love).  The historical sites in Philly are hidden all over the city between what has grown up around it.  We walked and walked and walked, surrounded by contemporaries in the flesh and the spirits of the past.  At the end of the day I was happy to have seen the original Liberty Bell and many of Ben Franklins haunts– one of the boys’ chunky board books come to life!  I was also left a little disatisfied because there was so much left undiscovered. Obviously more trips north will be needed!  The boys really didn’t care about any of the fantastic historical sites in their own right, but they found many ways to enjoy our jaunt around town, including the wild ride provided by Daddy and Uncle Jim.  Who needs Busch Gardens or Kings Dominion?

This was one of my favorite sites. I can't remember what particular historic building this was, but I it seemed to be a once much wider house that was somehow squshed down to size to make room for the new.

Walking down the streets with sister, Barb.

Real cobblestone street. Loved it-- though not too comfy to walk on!

I couldn’t help thinking about all our founders and their peers accomplished.  Their many, many talents.  What stops us today?  Is it that we are all plastered in front of the TV and other modern entertainment?  Who has time to think?  For sure, these men and women did not have constant media blaring other people’s thoughts constantly in their brains. ….and so their wheels had time and space for their own creation.  Another reason to hit that off button more often!

The Indepence Hall clock tower.

The Train Ride

The highlight of Kalani’s trip to Philidelphia was definitely the hour long train ride from Doylestown to Philidelphia…almost all above ground!

More Pictures from Philly

A Philly Break

The Uncle Jim ride.

The Dad ride.The Uncle ride. Who needs Busch Gardens?

The Boy Mummy

Mummy!

So, of course, when one studies Egypt, one must study mummies.  And the only way to really understand a mummy is to be a mummy!  Here is Keona getting into the spirit!

Kalani’s Picture

Kalani doesn’t draw a lot, but when he does he dives right in and the most delightful stuff comes out.  On this day, giraffes were the order of the day and I was allowed to take part in this collaborative drawing.  I was instructed to draw trees and grass.  Kalani drew a daddy giraffe and a baby.  There is a definite influence by Keona as the giraffes are playing with toy TORNADOS.  Go figure!