Field Trip – Las Vegas – Shark Reef

Place: Shark Reef, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas
Date: July 17, 2008
Time: 9:30-11:45 am

Cost: $5 per kid. $12.95 per adult any adult registering 4 or more
children on one order will get a $10 rebate off their admission*.

Details:

This is an educational fieldtrip that consists of a one hour guided
tour and a one hour private classroom session. Pre-teaching
materials are available and I will be holding an online pre-
teaching session using a virtual classroom – where attendees can
participate from the comfort of their computer. More information
about the online pre-teach will be sent to those enrolled closer to
the date.

This fieldtrip is for ages 5-17. The Shark Reef asks that we limit
the number of adults so this is the perfect opportunity to give a
fellow mom a little break and team up to take kids in small groups.
Adults that are chaperoning 4 or more children will get a $10 rebate
off their admission*. In order to get the rebate, you must register
at least one adult and 4 kids (or more) on one order. Kids under 5
and strollers are not allowed due to space in the classroom. The
paying adult will be responsible for all children on their order.

This event is PREPAID and NOT REFUNDABLE. In order to facilitate the
online pre-teaching event, sales for this fieldtrip end July 1st.
There is a very limited amount of tickets and this will sell out
quickly. Regular admission is $10.95-$15.95 so this is a GREAT deal
and a wonderful educational experience. Kids are often (though not
guaranteed) given a free ticket to return another day so this makes
it an INCREDIBLE deal.

*Rebates will be given after we receive the order and verify that
there is at least one paying adult and at least four paying
children. You will receive the rebate via the same method you paid
(paypal, credit card, e-check).

Las Vegas Fieldtrip: Lasers and Mazes

Event Details:

Our Henderson Area Leader for SHEA, has scheduled a fantastic field trip for homeschoolers for Thursday, May 8th at Laser Quest! The fieldtrip is open to all Homeschoolers in our area. Feel free to forward the information on to other groups/people that may want to attend.

Lasers and Mazes is designed for Grades 4-9. Obviously that is a loose
guideline for us homeschoolers. You know your kids the best.

It is a two hour event. They start by playing a 20 minute game. Then they have a demonstration of the inner workings of a laser and they conduct an experiment on the property of light. They also discuss history of mazes and see the actual design of the maze they played on. A 12 minute video is shown that talks about how lasers and mazes are used in everyday life. The last part lets everyone play another 20 minute game. This lets them try out all their newfound knowledge.

Here is a link to their video which shows the event:

http://www.laserquest.com//videos/lq-qfk.mpg

The event will be at 12:30. It is $13 per participant, plus a small handling fee for paypal and bank fees of $1.50 per ticket. A participant is defined as anyone who plays laser tag. We need to pay as a group so this event is PREPAID ONLY!!! You can bring in snacks or lunch and drinks.

This rate is subject to a minimum of 20 participants – YOU MAY NOT PAY THE GROUP RATE AT THE DOOR – all tickets are non-refundable. Sign up for the event here!

Here is the location info:

Laser Quest Las Vegas

7361 W. Lake Mead Blvd. Suite 100
Las Vegas, Nevada
USA 89128-1003
(702) 243-8881

Here are the educational objectives:

Lasers:
. A history of lasers.
. Lasers as a form of light.
. The characteristics and properties of lasers.
. How lasers are used in out society.
Mazes:

. A history of mazes.
. The different type of mazes.
. How mazes are a part of everyday life.

For more information, please leave a comment.

LAS VEGAS & HENDERSON HOMESCHOOLERS

There is a great new resource available to new homeschoolers in the Las Vegas and Henderson, NV areas. The website was designed to walk families through the process of starting to homeschool. The site is, also, a great help to those homeschool families just moving to the Las Vegas area. The site breaks the process of getting oriented down into 5 steps-from how to file in the state of Nevada to field trips, finding social groups and city wide homeschool events. Check it out if you are new to homeschooling or to the Vegas area. Even if you are a Las Vegas Homeschool ‘oldie’ you may find some new resources available to you. I know I did!

Follow Up to NV Ed. Budget Cuts

I wrote about the Governer’s plan to cut 96 million dollars out of the K-12 Education budget last month. There is a town hall planned to discuss this issue. My concern is that the first thing to be cut will be the few extras that homeschoolers enjoy. Here is the information if you would like to attend or pass it on:

TOWN HALL MEETING
Moderated by: Jon Ralston
January 16, 2007
4:30pm
Spring Valley High School
3750 Buffalo Drive

Hear what the experts have to say about
The Governor’s plan to cut
Over 96 million dollars from K-12 education

BEGINNING ASTRONOMER’S CLINIC & STAR PARTY

SPONSORED BY THE RED ROCK PARK VISTOR CENTER AND THE LAS VEGAS ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

WHO: For beginning astronomers of all ages. This event is free and for the public.

WHEN: Saturday, twelve January beginning at 5:00 p.m. (Entrance gate to the Visitor Center closes at 5:30 p.m.)

WHERE: Red Rock Visitor Center (take W. Charleston into Red Rock and follow signs)

PURPOSE: To aid new astronomers in the operation of telescopes and help them in choosing a suitable telescope.

PROGRAM: A 50 minute lecture program in the Visitor Center (rain or shine) followed by telescope viewing (weather permitting). Dress
warmly.

CONTACT: Rob Lambert 461-1390 www.lvastronomy.com

Please..If your bringing a new telescope, get there early so it can be assembled while it’s still light out.

Las Vegas Homeschoolers Holiday Outings

In case you are not busy enough this holiday season, here are two more ideas for some homeschool fieldtrips.

THE MAGICAL FOREST

Located at 6300 W. Oakey Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89146
Open November 22 – December 30, Nightly 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Adult General Admission $9, Child General Admission $7 (age 12 and under)
Adult Passport $14, Child Passport $12 (age 12 and under)
(Passports include entry to the Magical Forest and Unlimited Rides)

Tickets to the Magical Forest can be purchased at all area CVS Locations beginning NOVMBER 1st. Tickets can also be purchased at the Magical Forest.

For additional information call 225-XMAS

CALENDAR OF NIGHTLY EVENTS

Santa Claus arrives at the Forest, 6 p.m. nightly through Dec. 24th Nightly parades of holiday and Forest characters Every Sunday is Seniors’ Night! Seniors, 55+ receive $2 off admission*.

Every Wednesday in December is UNION NIGHT! Show your active Union Membership
Card and receive $2.00 off your admission*.
Start your night at the Forest off right with a complimentary sample of a
Starbucks holiday drink – Nov. 22, 24 and Dec. 1, 8, 18, and 24th
Meet the Men and Women of the North Las Vegas Fire Department at the Pulte Homes Northern Lights Firehouse Display, of Las Vegas Metropolitan Police at the Pulte Homes Snow Village Police Department, and check out the American Medical Response Ambulance and the Clark County Fire Department Fire Engine – appearing nightly.
Check out the Fabulous Gingerbread House And Gift Basket Display and Raffle -
Enter to win your favorite – winners will be notified on December 21st.
*Tickets for the Magical Forest can be purchased at all area CVS locations,
however, to participate in Union Night, Seniors night and other special discount
offers, tickets must be purchased at the Magical Forest on the night of the
promotion.

CHECK OUT THESE OTHER GREAT FOREST HAPPENINGS!
Nov. 22 Opening Night – Welcome SANTA
Nov. 23 – Special Tree Lighting Ceremony with Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman 5:30
pm
Nov. 24 – The Animal Foundation will be at the Forest with loveable dogs who are
looking for a great home and a family to call their own!
Nov. 24 – Enjoy the sounds of the Vegas Valley Concert Band 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Nov. 25 – The first 100 kids will receive a free gift from our Corporate Host
the Las Vegas Review Journal
Nov. 27 – Sunny 106.5 will broadcast LIVE from the Forest 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Nov. 29 – Boyd Gaming will be on hand with a free gift to the first 100 kids
under 12.
Nov 30 – Military Appreciation Night – Show your Military ID card at the Magical
Forest and receive $2.00 off admission.
Dec. 1 – The Animal Foundation will be at the Forest with loveable dogs who are
looking for a great home and a family to call their own!
Dec. 1 – Enjoy the sounds of the Vegas Valley Concert Band 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Dec. 3 – Attention all LAS VEGAS Great Santa Run and Las Vegas Marathon
participants, show your race bib at the ticket booth at the Magical Forest and
receive $1.00 off admission tonight.
Dec. 5 – Kids will be delighted with a holiday gift from our Corporate Sponsor
the Southern Nevada Human Resources Association. For the first 100 kids in the
Forest.
Dec. 6 – Harrah’s Entertainment is back again with another Free Gift Giveaway
this time to the first 50 kids and the first 50 adults in the Magical Forest.
Dec. 8 – Join us in the Magical Forest to receive your free gift from Corporate
Host Wells Fargo, this offer is for the first 500 guests at the Forest.
Dec. 8 – Get into the SWING of things with the Vegas Valley Swing Band 7:00 -
9:00 pm
Dec. 8 – Haven’t adopted a new best friend yet? Then meet the adorable dogs of
The Animal Foundation who need your love.
Dec. 11 – Another great giveaway courtesy of our friends at Harrah’s
Entertainment – a free gift to the first 100 kids at the Magical Forest.
Dec. 11 – Enjoy the holiday sounds as we have Sunny 106.5 back for another live
remote from 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Dec. 14 – EMBARQ will hand out gifts to the first 100 guests at the Magical
Forest.
Dec. 15 – Enjoy a special performance by the cast of “Joey & Marias Wedding” and
“The Sopranos Last Supper” at 9:00 pm
Dec. 16 – A Magical treat from Corporate host the Tropicana Resort for the first
100 adults in the Magical Forest.
Dec. 16 – SWING again with the Vegas Valley Swing Band 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Dec. 17 – If you get a new car for the holidays you will be set as Desert
Automotive Group will host a gift of a free key chain for the first 100 guests
at the Magical Forest
Dec. 18 – Sunny 106.5 keeps the holiday spirit alive with another live remote at
the Forest.
Dec. 21 – Get ready for High-energy fun as Las Vegas’ IT COUPLE Zowie Bowie of
Red Rock Resort take to the stage at the Magical Forest for a special live
performance at 8:00 pm
Dec. 22 – Another special performance, Ventriloquist Ronn Lucas at 7:00 pm -
Don’t miss the fun as Ronn and some of his friends perform live at the Magical
Forest. Ronn Lucas regularly appears at the Luxor.
Dec. 22 – Our friends at Pulte Home will be on hand with a free gift as
tonight’s Corporate Sponsor.
Dec. 23 – Enjoy the sounds of the Vegas Valley Swing Band 7:00 – 9:00pm
Dec. 27 – Sunny 106.5 helps you wind down the holiday season with their last
live remote from the Magical Forest.
There will be many surprises along the way, including chances to meet your
favorite local TV and Radio Personalities, performances by various local choirs
and musical groups, appearances by special costumed characters and of course
fabulous holiday shopping in our Gift Cabin. For more information please call
225-XMAS

THE NEVADA SOUTHERN RAILWAY PRESENTS:ANNUAL SANTA TRAINRIDE THE RAILS WITH SANTA & MRS CLAUS
DECEMBER 1 & 2 and 8 & 9$2.00 PER PERSONTRAIN DEPARTS THE DEPOT AT THE TOP OF EACH HOUR FROM 10:00 AM TO 2:00

Nevada State Railroad Museum/Boulder City600 Yucca StreetBoulder City, Nevada
89005Tel: (702) 486-5933 Fax: (702) 486-5901

REGULAR TRAIN HOURS AS WELL:2007 TRAIN SCHEDULE
EXCURSION train rides depart from the Nevada Southern Railway Museum, Boulder
City Depot (off Yucca Street) and travels 7 miles along the revitalized historic
Boulder Branch Line to Railroad Pass located within the River Mountain Range.
The trip is approximately forty-five minutes in duration. Passengers will be
able to ride in newly refurbished enclosed air conditioned Pullman Coaches which
date back to 1911. For the more adventurous passengers who wish to be closer to
nature we offer an open-air coach and for our passengers who need assistance
boarding the train we have an ADA/Handicapped coach with a lift for wheelchairs
or passengers needing additional assistance.
Trains depart from the Depot every Saturday and Sunday at:10:00 am, 11:30 am,
1:00 pm, and 2:30 pm
FARES
Adults $8Seniors (65 and older) $7Child (11 and younger) $4
Last Day for our 2007 Season will be December 9, 2007The 2008 Season will open
February 2, 2008
The Museum Store is open each Saturday and Sunday9:00 am to 3:30 pm

Nevada Project

When I was a 4th grade teacher in CCSD we covered Nevada State History. I believe that this rubric would be a good start for a homeschool project on Nevada. I always took my students to the Nevada State Museum and Historical Society as part of our studies. Feel free to adapt the project rubric however it fits your needs!

Nevada State History Project Rubric

Civil War Reenactment

I am excited to go to this event this weekend. The Civil War Reenactment will be held at Spring Mountain Ranch this Saturday and Sunday, October 27 and 28th. It also happens to be Nevada Day Weekend! The event is part of the Nevada Parks Living History Program. Living history programs bring the past back to life for a brief moment, giving visitors an opportunity to view life at the ranch as it might have been. These programs, which began in 1992, include costumed role playing, demonstrations and re-enactments of historic events. Each spring and fall a series of living history programs are presented depicting the lives of early settlers such as Old Bill Williams, Jim Wilson, Olive Lake and other prominent Las Vegas pioneers. Programs are presented in the first person as seen through the eyes of the character, or are narrated descriptions of events in the lives of early pioneers. Demonstrations of pioneering skills are also presented, and visitors are encouraged to participate.They have some great events coming up this winter. You can see the schedule here.

Our review after going today:

We just got back from this and had a great time. I was surprised by how many people there were dressed in ‘character’. We met a great librarian who took the time to tell us all about the different versions of The Night Before Christmas. Abraham Lincoln dropped by the battle. Both of the boys had a great time. The younger one, who has high functioning autism, really enjoyed it but needed to stay a good distance from the cannons. It was an incredible ‘living history lesson’ and I am so glad that we took the time to go! Everything was very accessible for a wheelchair for those of you who might need that info.

Red Rock Star Party Today!

The monthly Red Rock Star Party will be held this Saturday, 20 Oct.
The presentation “Wonders of the Milky Way” will begin at 6:00 p.m. in
the Visitor Center followed by telescope viewing, weather permitting.
The event is free and open to the public. Students are especially
welcome. Members setting up scopes are asked to park vehicles in the
visitor parking lot after setup. Handicapped members and those needing
car battery power may use handicapped parking. Entrance gates close at
6:30 p.m.