Science in the Garden update

We make better use of our time in the music room than in the garden.



Back in March, we undertook the grand challenge of growing vegetables from seeds as part of our study of biology. (I have often said that I only grow children. No plants. No pets.) We killed the first round of seedlings by over-watering, but the second batch survived. Unfortunately by the time the second batch started growing into nice little plants, the heat wave hit. When the school year officially ended on August 5, 2011, the majority of plants were dead or near dead from the extreme heat. Since it was over 100 degrees from the end of June until the present, nothing was produced besides frustration. To continue the experiment, I have brought the few living plants indoors to see if we might harvest something. The plants perked up immediately. We'll see...

Our composting barrels that we made ourselves were soon filled to overflowing and started to smell. They were moved to the far corner of the backyard and haven't been moved. The kids were so hopeful that we could make our own dirt in time to plant our seeds this spring, but even with the addition of some special worms, we didn't make our deadline. We probably have great dirt in there now, but I'm done.

Right now, I'm hopeful for our new science curriculum that will begin with our new school year on Sept. 12, 2011. We're studying astronomy this year and there is absolutely no growing involved in any of the experiments! Yahoo! I'm looking forward to some stargazing in the clear skies of northern Texas. We should have much better visibility than we did in southeast Michigan and warmer evening temperatures.

Lincoln fishing, age 2 1/2 at Gallup Park, Ann Arbor, MI

Here is another video from a few years ago when Lincoln was 2 1/2. He is fishing at Gallup Park in Ann Arbor, MI with Rob. I love his expressions. He didn't need words! It was all written on his face.

Lincoln's Sword, age 2 1/2

Here is video of Lincoln around 2 1/2 years of age. He fully communicated with a wide variety of facial expressions, signs, and a few words. I just want to hug him!

Seguidilla, Stella, harp

The A Poem, recited by Lincoln

Lincoln did a fine job of reciting "The A Poem" by Jessie Wise, adapted from "The Ordinary Parent's Guide to Teaching Your Child How to Read." His verbal ability and memory has literally taken off like a rocket from age 3 to 5. He's gone from making rocket sounds to talking non-stop about rockets and how to build them.

The video is a bit soft. Here is the poem:

A is first letter we will say
'a' is the short-vowel sound of A.

Loud applause. :)

Perpetual Motion by K. Bohm, Isaac, violin

Isaac did a fantastic job playing Perpetual Motion by K. Bohm for our family recital on June 11, 2011. He really enjoys this piece and it is fun to play with him. As his mama, I sometimes have a difficult time being his accompanist because I just want to sit back and listen to him play while I sniff and wipe the proud tears away. I did my best to focus for the recital!

He's grown up so much and is so tall, so healthy, and such a pleasure to be with. I praise God for the miracles that took place with his health and that we are now able to focus on music and education more than medical and sensory needs. It is a true gift.

Lincoln's Debut Bass Performance

Lincoln made his debut on bass at our family recital on June 11, 2011. He played 3 short pieces. We were all so proud! Lincoln liked the drama near the end of the GDG Song as he moved his bass.

Ecossaise by Hummel, Isaac Siebelink, piano

Isaac performed in his first Suzuki Piano of North Texas piano recital on Saturday, June 11, 2011 in Denton, TX. I was so proud! It was our first studio piano recital and our first homeschool family recital (Adventures in Learning Academy) in Texas. It's been a good year. I feel like we have learned and accomplished a good deal, in addition to the entire relocation adjustment.

Stella's jazz dance dress rehearsal, June 2011

Stella also took a jazz dance class this year for the first time. Her dress rehearsal performance was last night as well. She did a fantastic job and we're so proud of her!

Stella's ballet dress rehearsal, June 2011

Stella did a beautiful job last night at her ballet dress rehearsal. At the beginning of the dance, she is in the back row, 3rd from the right. We're so proud of her! She enjoyed every moment of the dance!

Allegro by Haydn, Stella at American Harp Society of Dallas recital

Lisa...

has one very excited little boy with a new 1/16 size bass. Lincoln was grinning from ear to ear! He could barely contain himself and was so full of affection for his new instrument. Every feature and detail was of the highest interest to him and he talked non-stop about it. Hopefully Rob caught his expression with the camera when Lincoln first pulled the bow across and the string rang out nice and deep. Lessons start on Thursday.

Science in the Garden

I took 4 very excited children to Organic Garden and Feed in Denton yesterday. We are now fully outfitted with organic seeds, organic potting soil complete with bat guano and worm castings, lots of little trays with covered lids, and organic cloth containers. I am already in favor of the cloth containers as it is impossible to over-water. The extra water just drains out! This is great with my young watering enthusiasts.

We planted corn last night by the light of the moon and Lincoln's wind-up flashlight. He had to crank continually to keep the light going while Isaac, Stella, and Ava poked corn seeds into the pots. He was sweating so much by the time we were done, but he didn't care. The kids are extremely emotionally invested in the corn. I've never grown corn in a pot. I hope it works! They planted 4 corn seeds per 5 gallon pot with dreams of at least 2 corn plants surviving and producing.

Tonight we planted the rest of the seeds by a full moon and a desk lap. Isaac measured the depth and seed placing very precisely, while Stella documented the seeds with a seed map. Both are writing up full lab reports on their experiment, including all the special materials used, such as bat guano and worm castings. They are rather excited as this is the longest on-going experiment we have done so far. The results and conclusion will not be know for awhile.

Our biology studies started with Isaac, Lincoln, and Rob constructing our own compost bin. Kids read, researched, reported on how to build a compost bin and how to make organic dirt. Unfortunately, we haven't found worms yet, and so our compost has not turned into dirt yet, thus the purchase of the organic potting soil. The kids daily make trips out to the compost bin (aka a converted 5 gallon bucket) and roll it around to turn the material. Everyone, especially me, has been briefed as to what can go into the compost bin and what may not! Today the boys made a second compost bin out of a 5 gallon bucket since the first one was filled.

Isaac kept a sun journal today noting the position of the sun on the front porch. We decided that the backyard had better sun exposure for the plants.

The next building project is a rain barrel. The boys have the plans laid out already.

I sure hope the seeds sprout and produce! I have put off gardening for years until now. This is our biology year in our 4 year science rotation and the big kids are finally big enough to take charge while I keep Ava out of the way. Only in the name of science and education does this hold any appeal for me! I know it is a TON of work, but I am looking forward to some organic fresh produce.

All of this transpired after a full day of practicing, lunch, school, dinner, an after dinner run, and then finally the planting!

Next project: grow cucumbers year around indoors with a grow light! We go through one cucumber an afternoon during school as a snack. Kids are confident that we can grow our own...

The best part is that it is 80 degrees warm already in Texas and it is only March! We are going to try at least 3 different planting schedules to see how long we can keep the plants producing.

Lisa

Science Saturday with Daddy

Beginning on January 1, 2011, Rob has taken over the role as lead science teacher. I provide the instructions, supplies, and materials while he supplies the direct teaching and experimenting direction. Usually I also keep Ava busy so that she does not purposely allow the specimens to escape. This year we are studying Biology and began with an experiment using rollie pollies, otherwise known as pill bugs. With the aid of our new Brock Magiscope, we investigated the rollie pollies up close and experimented to see if they preferred wet or dry surfaces, open or closed areas, and hot or cold temperatures.

Ava's winter hat

Ava is dressed for the unusually cold day in Texas. We went for a walk around the lake and picked icicles off the edge of the grass near the shoreline. We were the only ones out picking icicles on a cold, January day in Texas. The 3 big kids stayed warm, but Ava was ready to be bundled in the blanket and go home.

Ava's favorite shirt

Her shirt says, "Cute as it gets." She is also sporting her favorite tall, sparkle boots.

Stella performing Greensleeves on harp

Stella decorated her harp and herself with winter hats to perform Greensleeves. This video was taken in December 2010, as Stella prepared for the holiday concerts. She was mildly annoyed by her little sister's interruption, but still managed to play beautifully through the disturbance.