Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

*This post was originally written in 3-17-2008. I wanted to re-post it for those of you looking for a fun way to celebrate this year My kiddos still talk about it.

Those tricky leprechauns somehow turned all the water in our faucets green this AM! The toilets flushed green water, too! It was a big mystery for a while but then the boys started to figure bits and pieces of it out. They guessed that the Leprechauns must have put green paint or something in the faucets. After a lot of fun and teasing I brought out the fizzy tablets from Steve Spangler that does this. They had fun mixing the colors…Carter did not know that yellow and blue make green…I just assumed he learned that in Kindergarten (maybe he was absent that day, lol). Connor remembered back to 4th grade where I taught him chromatography and made black with the primary colors. Thank you Leprechauns for the fun color reminder and for leaving us extra fizzy tabs to play with!

5 Educational Apps For iPhone

I love my iPhone. From it I can rule my kingdom (or at least pretend to) but apps on my phone have been really good for my kids as well. I have loaded a ton in the last two years and here are the 5 we happen to love the most right now. The really great thing about this is that you can squeeze a little learning time into the 5 minutes you are waiting here and there.

1. Dinosaurs-The American Museum of Natural History Collections: This starts out as a mosiac of a t-rex which breaks down into thousands of gorgeous photos of dinosaurs. This is a really extensive collection and I find the boys hopping around from one thing to another on it. Best part is ITS FREE!
2. iKnow Math Dojo-my kids have been playing this on iKnowThat.com for a really long time so it was a natural app to get when it came out. Kids can practice their math facts (there are an addition-subtraction and multiplication-division versions) by helping Leon the turtle practice his karate kicking skills. The app works just like the online game and we have been pleased with its performance. $1.99.
3. b&n eReader-I may be partial to this one because anything we buy for the Nook can be transferred over to my sons iPhone. Saves me a ton of time when something comes up on his K12 reading list. No more “but mom I am waiting for you to go get the book” and since he is so addicted to his phone he can never tell me that he doesn’t have a book to read. The app is free, the book downloads are not.
4. Space Images-This free app comes from NASA. Like Dinosaurs, the photos are amazing. You can view all the latest images sent from the JPL spacecraft. They have some very cool images that I have not seen anywhere else.
5. Rush Hour-This is the same puzzle game that many of us (or our kids) played when they were younger except you don’t have to put up with all the lost cars that come with the plastic version Strangely addicting little puzzle game that takes the plastic version to new levels. Gives hints and strategies with it. $.99

Bonus: This one is not educational. It is just bizarrely fun and addicting. The whole object is to make the Doodle Jump. That’s it. Just make him keep bouncing up. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

What about you? What are your favorite educational apps? What am I missing?

PS….My friend, Lori, wrote a post on Fun Websites To Enhance Your Child’s Learning so if you don’t have an iPhone (or even if you do) head over there and find some other cool resources. She is a new blogger so give her some love

Answers From Jeff Corwin

I had a nice chat yesterday with Jeff Corwin via skype. My webcam was acting really wonky so you don’t get to see me here. Jeff answered a few of the questions that our cyberschooling friends asked. He was really excited about the opportunities that we have available to us here in Denver and tells us a few of his favorite Colorado experiences. It is 11 mins long so make it a part of your kiddos learning day and watch!

Jeff Corwin Answers Your Questions!

As part of the Lunch, Roar & Score Sweepstakes for Lunchables Lunch Combinations I will have the chance to interview Jeff Corwin Wednesday afternoon. I know how much homeschool kids (and moms) love Corwin Quest on Animal Planet so what I would like to do is ask the kids for their questions!

Have your kids leave me their questions in the comments area and I will ask Jeff as many as I have time for. The interview is being taped so check back on Friday to see what his answers are!

As part of this campaign kids can also enter the Lunchables Animal Planet Sweepstakes!

Through May 3, 2010, kids can enter for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Boston with their family where they‘ll spend three days with Jeff Corwin, learning about their favorite animals. Entering is easy – simply log onto www.lunchables.com and answer an animal-themed trivia question. Ten lucky winners and their families will get a behind-the-scenes tour of the New England Aquarium and Franklin Park Zoo as well as an exclusive welcome dinner with Jeff Corwin.

My Favorite Science Gifts

Oh my! I am such a slacker! A few weeks ago (ok, maybe more than a few) I received another AWESOME package from Steve Spangler Science full of goodies from their holiday gift guide.

Here is what was in my box when I opened it:

Galileo Thermometer & Barometer

I absolutely, positively love this. We have it set up in the living room. It came with great instructions on how to set it up. The kids are having a lot of fun comparing this to the digital weather station we have. I was really excited about it because we have long called Carter our little barometer as the weather change often sets off a shunt headache for him. We are using this to compare the changes with his headaches. Plus, it just looks so cool!

Mentos Geyser Tube

Steve also sent me over the new depth charge for the mentos geyser as well as the traditional release contraption he first came out with. We had a lot of fun with both but prefer the new depth charge one. It essentially sinks the mentos to the bottom for the explosion to start.

Air Burst Rockets

Incredibly high shooting rocket. It can fly 600 feet in the air. Need I say more? If there is a more perfect toy for boys, I don’t what it would be. We had to take it to the park around the corner. I didn’t get video of my kiddos with it but this one from the boys at Steve’s office is pretty amazing:

Boom Splat Kablooey – Klutz Book

This one is under the tree. Shhhh…….

Disclosure: As noted Steve Spangler Science provided me with these products to review at no charge. I do truly, truly love Steve Spangler Science which is why I write about them as I often as I do:)

Steve Spangler Science

OK, I admit that I am a total science geek. Kid science though. Guess that explains the whole stint as a 4th grade science teacher So, I was beyond geeked when I found out that one of my twitter pals @colosciencemom worked for Steve Spangler Science. I was even more geeked when Steve and Susan asked me to come in and talk homeschool science with them last week.

I tried to play it cool but come on, the offices are so freakin’ fun I was like a kid in a candy shop. I mean where else can you go to work, get paid to blow things up, mail mannequin body parts to people for fun and decorate your space like this?

Steve is known as a “teacher’s teacher” and we had a very interesting conversation about teaching homeschool parents to be “cluster leaders”. Building off the theory that by teaching teachers and parents HOW TO TEACH science we are able to give our kids a much better experience, we brainstormed how best to reach out into the homeschool world. Steve had a great point that sometimes we do these really great little science tricks with the kids but they don’t really walk away with the lesson of how to use the scientific method- how to be curious about their world, test their hypothesis, learn that failing and retrying is not only OK but sometimes preferred.

Steve gave me some awesome experiments to do with the boys. We just did Jelly Marbles and Water Cubes and really worked through the scientific method with them. I will be posting that soon along with lots more in my homeschool science section.

One of the things I really like about Steve Spangler is that he truly loves what he does and is passionate about reaching the next generation of scientists.   His teacher training classes look amazing and are pretty break even for them. Apparently you leave with so many take home items. But I wonder even at a break even price, would YOU go to a one day bootcamp for around $200? I probably would, but am I in the minority here? What do you think? and did you know that you can sign up to get an email for the experiment of the week which USUALLY is stuff that you have in the house? Pretty cool, free way to get some fun science in your week.

Steve also asked me about the money we get from the state for homeschooling. I know that Nevada did not give any funds directly to parents and I am pretty sure that Colorado does not either (PLEASE correct me if I am wrong and tell me how to get it). Does your state? If they do, what do you spend it on?

I really want to know what you think so lets get the dialogue rolling!

Fraboom LIVE!

Last January I told you about an up and coming company developing online programs for kids, Flying Rhinoceros. I enjoyed my experience reviewing PrezQuest for them so I was thrilled to hear that they have expanded their offerings to include three new experiences.

Carter and I jumped in for the Insects class last week and yesterday my 81 year old mom did the Presidents experience with him. We all found it really it easy and fun to use. The character in the Insects kinda freaked Carter out though (in a funny way). He kept telling me that “That is NOT a kid it is a creepy old man”. I kinda have to agree. He found the ‘boy’ hysterical. Next week we are looking forward to the How To Draw Cartoons class. He actually has this one marked on the calendar so he doesn’t forget.

The live teacher really is an ingenius way to grab the kids attention. The first day of whatever series you choose, the class is live and interactive. There is an actual ‘teacher’ there to guide you through the activities. You sign in on the top of the hour any time between 10am-7pm MST. My son LOVES asking questions just to make sure that the person is real and not a set up They are. The teacher calls your child by name and interacts with them one on one. The remaining days of the series are activities that you work on with your child. Fraboom provides a very well done activity guide for you to download and print (my only complaint is that it uses a TON of ink so I don’t print the first page).

Seriously, you all really need to check this company out. I absolutely love them. The series of three classes is $9.99. They were nice enough to offer 5 memberships though for me to give away to my readers.

Would you like one of the memberships? Here is your chance to win!

REQUIRED Initial Entry: Just leave a comment on what you think your child might like about Fraboom. You can go to the Fraboom site for more ideas. This company is all about listening to us parents, so honestly tell them what you think!

Optional Bonus Entries. If you already do these, that counts too, just tell me in separate comments:

* Receive 1 Entry for following @chaotic_barb on Twitter (Leave your Twitter ID.)

* Receive 1 Entry for following @fraboom on Twitter (Leave your Twitter ID.)

* Receive 1 Entry for adding me to your blog roll (leave a link to where)

* Receive 1 Entry by Faving me on Mom Faves (Leave your Mom Faves ID)

* Receive 1 Entry – (You may do this one time per day) for tweeting about this giveaway. Copy and paste this —–>@chaotic_barb has a great giveaway going on for @fraboom & I want to win http://bit.ly/Rq2dZ

*Receive 1 Entry- (leave your ID)

*Bookmark the http://elementaryspirits.com on delicious

*Subscribe to my  feed

Please leave a separate comment for each entry.  Must be 18 years of age or older. We reserve the right to remove any entry from this giveaway that doesn’t have the requested information. This giveaway ends Sept 4, 2009 11:59 pm EST. Please allow up to 4 weeks to receive your item. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours another winner will be chosen.

Find some more cool giveaways in the Blog Hop:



and don’t forget to add yours to my weekly giveaway linky!

Homeschool Conventions 2009

Looking for a homeschool convention? There are some fun homeschool and unschool conventions that I have heard about coming up. If you have any others to share, leave the information in a comment. Hope you get to go to at least one this year!

Good Vibrations Unschooling Conference

SEPTEMBER 10-13, 2009 – SAN DIEGO, CA

Have several friends making it to this one. I would have loved to go but choose the Disney one.

Read more about this great convention at Good Vibrations Unschooling Conference. Be registered by August 14!

Not near California? Here is another great unschooling conference:

Unschoolers Winter Waterpark Gathering in Ohio

Where can you surf indoors, play carnival games, and chat with John Taylor Gatto all in the same day?

At the 3rd Annual Unschoolers Winter Waterpark Gathering in Ohio, that’s where!

February 8-12, 2010 Kalahari Indoor Waterpark Resort in Sandusky, Ohio

Registration is Open! Visit our website at http://www.ugo.unschoolgathering.com/

Fun abounds in this week-long gathering of unschoolers at the world’s largest indoor waterpark!  Our 2010 UWWG is bigger and better than last year – we’ve doubled the size of the conference area.  More room for Funshops, Talks and Special Events!

And…  guess what?

NO Registration or Conference Fees!

That’s right – all you pay for is your room registration – at our group’s super discounted room rates – and your family receives a week of waterpark fun and unschooling camaraderie!

In addition to John Taylor Gatto, this year’s UWWG features some of the best unschooling voices around:

·        Ben & Kelly Lovejoy
·        Gail & Broc Higgins
·        Dayna Martin
·        Heather Burditt & T.J. Phillips
·        And more

Stay in Touch and Learn More by joining our yahoo discussion group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UWWG/join.

Ask questions, share plans, get excited!

2009 Getaway Stone Mountain Georgia

The School’s Out Forever Homeschool Getaway

October 8-11, 2009

Stone Mountain Park, Atlanta Georgia

We invite all homeschoolers, who have left school and the idea of school in the past, to join us for an exciting, family supported getaway at the beautiful Stone Mountain Park, in Atlanta Georgia.  Are you and your family moving forward to create a new path?  Come join us and others on this same journey.

and last but not least the one we are making it to this year:

Disneyland Homeschool Convention in Sept

This is in conjunction with Disney Youth Education Series classes. Click the link for more info.

Wherever you choose to go, just GO! Get some support, make new friends and enjoy your homeschooling freedom!

Disneyland Homeschool Convention in Sept

Just booked us! WOOHOO! So excited to be staying at the Grand California. I have ALWAYS wanted to. We went to this two years ago and it was by far one of our favorite homeschool experiences ever. This is the last year they plan to organize it so go if you can! My kids LOVED taking classes from the Disney staff!

Join thousands of homeschoolers at the Not Back to School Days Rally and Conference as we celebrate our freedom to homeschool, network with new friends, and be examples for the growth of homeschooling! This conference will be held September 14-17, 2009 at Disneyland in Anaheim, California.

WHAT IS THIS?

FIELD TRIP: Kids ages 8 and up can take a Y.E.S. (Youth in Education Series) class, taught in the theme parks by Disney staff. These can only be reserved in advance through a booked group, no walk up registrations for YES classes.

CONFERENCE: Exhibit hall and workshops – a carefully selected program, with something for everyone. Walk up registrations welcome, advance registration appreciated.

RALLY: Celebrate our freedom to educate our children as we feel best. Cheer with special guests who are homeschoolers and work hard to preserve your rights.

NETWORK: This is a priority with our organizers, so expect to meet new friends as you interact in scheduled group activities. Talent show, homecoming dance, more.

VACATION: You won’t find a less expensive trip to Disneyland, from the park hoppers to the hotel rooms, seriously. Your family will thank you over and over again. Send them off to the theme parks, while you soak up some conference action – it’s a win, win solution to past dilemmas of what to do with the kids. Bring the skeptical inlaws – they will get a first hand glimpse of the benefits of homeschooling.

There is so much to do, just download the updated complete conference packet and see for yourself – most of your questions can be answered in the packet: www.notbacktoschooldays.com

Walk up rates are now in effect, but we have added more vendors and more classes, so for those who have procrastinated, here’s a 5-day coupon to save 50% on your conference passes – put in code LATE3 at the bottom of the first page of registration. The coupon will expire on July 24th.

Membership in the sponsoring organization is not required to attend this conference, it is open to all home educators, and especially inquisitive and skeptical inlaws and neighbors. Bring them and show the real fruits of freedom in education!

Hope to see you!
Contact (not me!): Dianne McLean
fieldtrips@sw-home-edu.com

Valkyrie: Lessons To Be Learned?

This post is going to prompt a new category around here called “tv doesn’t always rot your brain”. In fact, I use so many movies to spark interest and provide background knowledge on historical topics. Of course, you have to do your research and that is why I think I will continue to post more about the movies we have watched and what we gained from them.

The other night we rented Valkyrie with Tom Cruise. I have been wanting to see this for a while but the boys were less than thrilled. I finally won out the other night and I have to say we all learned something from it. In case you did not know the film is set in Nazi Germany (called Hitler’s Germany throughout the movie) during WWII and follows history fairly closely.

The main lesson we walked away with was a better understanding of the German Resistance movement. I had no idea that numerous attempts were made on Hitlers life by Germans. The line in the movie: “we were not all like him” was a key element the Resistance wanted people in the outside world to know. It was also the most important “take out” piece of the movie for us in talking to the kids after. It sparked a great discussion on racism, being a follower, standing up for what you believe in and not making mass assumptions.

I really think this is a great perspective to lend to your kids background knowledge of this era. As always, the film is not for everyone and you should read detailed reviews on the appropriateness of it for your family. Both of my kids were fine watching it at 10 and 13 but both Carter and I were grossed out by the eye. If you do decide to read about it, get some background knowledge so it makes more sense. We had to stop it several times in the beginning to fill the boys in on important information.

As always, let me know what you think or if you have another movie suggestion, fill me in below! *pass the popcorn please*

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