Construction Toys

LEGO & LEGO Bionicles & LEGO Technic

K'nex - (love their kits for "simple machines", and "bridges" and ...) of for infinite storage space & the $$ to fill it.
K'nex Rube Goldberg machine video

Zome - for geometry & moecules & ... they have lesson plans and books like Zome Geometry book by George Hart

and what can fit them all together? Uberstix
The best prices in July 2008 seemed to be uberstix.com and fatbrain.com. There are some neat videos on Uberstix on UTube.
1: Think Outside the box
utube 2: Danes dream on NY
utube 3: Amazing sailboat
utube 4: How to build a uberstix rocket
utube 5: landshark (scavenger set)
utube 6: uberstix v. LEGO
with K'nex

My only relationsip with any of these companies/producuts is a consumer.

SAT dates 2008 - 2009

The PSAT can only be taken at a high school & not a test center. It needs to be taken in the "junior year" to qualify for PSAT/National Merit scholarships.


SAT test dates...

2008-09 Test Dates	Test	U.S. Registration Deadlines*		International Registration Deadlines**
		Regular	Late (a fee applies)	Early (International only)	Regular
October 4, 2008	SAT & Subject Tests	September 9, 2008	September 16, 2008	August 26, 2008	September 9, 2008
November 1, 2008	SAT & Subject Tests	September 26, 2008	October 10, 2008	September 10, 2008	September 26, 2008
December 6, 2008	SAT & Subject Tests	November 5, 2008	November 18, 2008	October 15, 2008	November 5, 2008

FREE Physics Quest

Have a child or "class" that can do middle school level work? Consider Physics Quest but register soon - kits are only free to the first ~7,5000 classrooms to register (and I request that you only sign up if you are willing to do it, I'd love to homeschoolers to have a great name with other organizations, especially those giving out free stuff.) The last 2 years' instructions were posted online even if you don't register in time to get an official kit.

PhysicsQuest 2008: Nikola Tesla and the White City

Born in 1856 in Smiljan Croatia, Nikola Tesla was a true genius. A close friend of Mark Twain and bitter rival of Thomas Edison, he invented such things as the remote control and the AC generator. In 1893 he was charged with lighting the Chicago Worlds Fair, the first electric fair in the world, nicknamed The White City.

Come help Tesla light the great White City this fall by participating in PhysicsQuest 2008. Your middle school classes will learn about light, magnetism, and electricity in a quest to help Tesla light Chicago’s fair.

Sign up for this project and receive a FREE kit with all the materials you need as well as instructions on how to use your answers to light the fair. Each class that successfully completes the challenge will be eligible for fantastic prizes!

2007: Marie Curie's Floating Classroom was 4 physical science challenges centering on heat, temperature, and energy.


There is also a Web Quest on Physics called Physics Quest - but that's something different. I have not yet checked that out.

Do Hard Things

Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations (Hardcover) by Alex and Brett Harris sounds like a book I should read -- or have some in my house read.

or at least if yesterday's Washington Times article by Michael Smith is at all true.
HOME-SCHOOLING: Teens challenged to do hard things. Although it sounds like it is about (American) teens and not just HS teens.

F.I.L.M. curricula

I just heard about youth film project ("FILM"), a curricula for youth that uses movies to promote literacy, learning and service. I have notused any (yet?) myself, but I trust the folks who mentioned them to me! Their latest is "Journey to the Center of the Earth" but they also have free downloadable curricula for "Kitt Kitridge: An American Girl", "Prince Caspian", "Happy Feet", "Because of Winn Dixie", "Charlotte's Web", and others - for ages from 6 - 18! I do like that they say to read the book and see the movie -- and recommend Project Gutenberg as a way to read books.

Journey to the Center of the Earth

Based on the classic novel by Jules Verne!

In this family adventure, Brendan Fraser, Josh Hutcherson and Anita Briem star as three explorers that plunge deep into a strange new realm beneath the earth's surface where they embark on an amazing voyage and find awe-inspiring sites amidst grave danger.

With spectacular photo-real environments and revolutionary new filmmaking techniques, this movie is an epic adventure that takes audiences directly into the heart of our heroes’ voyage, bringing them along for a wild, visceral ride.

Explore science, taking your own journeys, conquering fears and so much more in this fun new curriculum. Download it today!

http://www.youthfilmproject.org/documents/journey_guide_FINAL.pdf

Knoebels Amusement Resort

An amusement park where you can still pay per ride and they pride themselves on short lines. There is a water park next door (or within 3 miles), at least 2 wooden roller coasters, and they have a campsite too.

Their schedule and rates (you can pay by the day).

Quiet Valley

Quiet Valley Living Historical Farm is a non-profit, educational corporation dedicated to the preservation and presentation of Pennsylvania's agricultural heritage. 150 years ago, located just outside Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, less than two hours from the New York City Metropolitan area, Open to the general public from June 20 to Labor Day from 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday and 1pm to 5pm Sundays. Closed Mondays. They conduct school and special tours in the fall, winter and spring. Period-dressed "family" members reenact the life of the original Pennsylvania German family who lived on the farm from the 1760s to 1913. The farm also hosts a number of special events throughout the year.

Programs periodically offered include these. You can also schedule these for a group of your own. (Prices are Spring 2008 prices.) For their complete calendar including special events and workshops, visit their website: http://www.quietvalley.org/.

• Farm Tours (Grades 3 and up): 1/2 - 2 hours. $5/student.
  
  
• Farm Hand Adventure (Grades 3 and up): This program lasts 3 1/2 to 4 hours. $10.
  
  
• 1893 One Room School House (Grades 3 and up). This program lasts 3 1/2 to 4 hours. $6.50/person.
  
  
• Molly/One Room School House (Grades 1 and 2). This program lasts 3 1/2 to 4 hours. $5/person. $100 minimum.
  
  
• School House Program: Learn more about what a typical day of school was like in 1893 and why it was such a big part of the community. 10am to 2pm, (with about a ½ hour for lunch). Cost: $5.00 each person per session, with a maximum cost of $30.00 per family. Maximum group size: 12.
  

All materials will be provided. Please bring your own lunch. Dress in appropriate attire and be ready to have fun.

For more information or to register please call the Farm at 570-992-6161 or E-mail farm@quietvalley.org

Homeschool Program

In the spring, from April through mid June, Quiet Valley’s Homeschool Program is an educationally meaningful and enjoyable program for children ages 10 and up. Students will have the opportunity to learn about Pennsylvania German history by experiencing it first hand through a variety of seminars, demonstrations, and projects. In addition, they will become an integral part of our spring School Tour Program by working closely with our staff members in a variety of activities. The homeschool participants will bring the farm to life by coming one day per week (for either 5 weeks, or the full 10 weeks) in authentic costume for a period of 4 to 6 hours. Each day will begin with an educational seminar on a variety of topics related to life as it would have been during the 19th century. These may include: large and small animals, social customs, gardening, wool dying, and much more.

Children will then assist our guides on the actual tour, helping with animals, weaving on the loom, cooking on an open hearth, assisting in a one room school “lesson” or helping during the barn/smokehouse portion of the tour. Students may even be given the opportunity to conduct a portion of the tour under supervision.

??? Questions or Information ???
Please contact the Office: by phone at (570) 992-6161 or e-mail farm@quietvalley.org The Office is available Monday through Friday from 8:30 to 4 (or leave a message and they'll will get back to you)

Organized "Mayhem Poets", 12/09/08

Payment was due in August for my trip. If you come the same day, maybe we'll see you?

Mayhem Poets, Tuesday, December 09, 2008, 10:00am, at the State Theatre, New Brunswick,
$8/seat.
10:00 curtain. Plan to be at the lobby by 9:40 a.m.
Admission: Lobby doors open one hour prior to the announced time of each performance. Theater doors open at least 15 minutes prior to curtain. Latecomers are seated at the discretion of the management.

Mayhem Poets, Program Length: 1 hour.
Recommended For Students in Grades: 7-12.
With words, humor, and extreme hip-hop energy, the Mayhem Poets raise poetry to a playful and powerful new level. Witty and wise, they boldly engage the audience with the issues that rock our world—from Dr. Seuss to school to fast food. Their clever, eclectic riffs are as much Mad Magazine and the Simpsons as Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou. Home-grown in New Jersey but rapidly gaining international recognition, these beat-boxing bards keep the rapid-fire rhythms flying in a clever concert of words that will inspire students with the power of poetic/theatrical expression.

Study Guide available.

Those who paid will be confirmed when I hear from the theatre. They will not confirm seats or hold reservations without payment. I have not worked with the State Theatre before & I have no idea whether they will let me "add on" later.

Planetariums/Observatories

• Robert A. Schommer Astronomical Observatory, Rutgers has public open nights on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. The times vary depending on the time of the year (later in the summer and earlier in the winter). Go to: http://www.physics.rutgers.edu/ast/group-ast.html to get details on times and what celestrial objects are expected to be viewed.
  
  
• Remodeling in July 2009: CCM Planetarium, Randolph usually offers monthly shows & is available for special events (clubs & birthday parties, etc.) Admission: $5 for adults, $4 for CCM students/faculty/staff and seniors, $3 for kids 12 and under. Pre-registration suggested - especially for any "Jazz Under the Stars" programs.
  
  
• Sheep Hill Observatory, Boonton, NJ. Public observing 3rd Friday of every month. Beginning at dusk, weather permitting.
  
  
• Every Friday night (weather permitting) in the Spring and Summer, the Amateur Astronomy Association of Princeton has an open house at their observatory at Washington Crossing Park. The observatory houses two decent telescopes (a computer controlled 14" Schmidt-Cassegrain and a 6" refractor) that visitors can look through. Also, members often bring their own scopes and will share the views with onlookers. Details can be found at: http://www.princetonastronomy.org

• United Astronomy Clubs of New Jersey operates an observatory in Jenny Jump State Forest off Far View Road in Independence Township. Public programs are offered every Saturday evening from April through October. These programs begin at 8 PM with a lecture on an astronomy-related topic and include observing with the 16” Greenwood telescope if the weather cooperates. Lectures are held rain or shine.

  The next public programs are:

• August 15 – “Solar and Lunar Eclipses” presented by George Bottarini
• August 22 – “SOHO and STEREO” presented by Laura Venner of the Meadowlands Center
• August 29 – “The Big Bang” presented by George Bottarini
  For more information, see www.uacnj.org or contact Diane at jefferfamily@gmail.com.
  

Partial list of NJ Astronomical Societies:

• New Jersey Astronomical Group(NJAG) at Montclair State.
  Website – www.njastro.org
  Meetings- 2nd Wednesdays of the month. Telescope nights Thursdays Fall and Spring. At Richardson Hall, room 202 and outside. Observations at Riker Hill Park.
  
  
• Morris Museum Astronomical Society (MMAS) Morristown, NJ
  Website - http://members.tripod.com/nmastrosociety/
  Meetings at 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ. 2nd Thursday each month 7:30PM at the museum. phones 973 971 3700 and 973 386 1848. I have heard good reviews of their Annual Astronomy Day.
  
  
• Astronomy Day - annually - around March 10 - 4 pm & ~7 p.m.
  With the Morris Museum Astronomical Society. Night Sky Observing (weather permitting) Activities usually include things like:
  
  • Family friendly lectures Planetarium shows ($2 per person)
    
  • Children's Starry Night Scratchboard workshop,
    
  • And more!
    
  For more information call 973.971.3720.

---

Planetarium Show: The Grand Tour
November 4, 6:30 pm — Hayden Planetarium Space Theater, American Museum of Natural History, entrance on 77th St., New York City. The Hayden Planetarium has assembled the world's largest cosmic atlas, extending from Earth to the greatest distances yet charted by astronomers. Join us on the first Tuesday of each month for a fully interactive tour of the universe that surrounds us—the longest trip you can take while staying in New York. Tickets cost $15 for the general public; $13.50 for members, seniors, and students. Advance registration encouraged. Register online or by calling 212-769-5200.

Summer Reading 2008

Some summer reading programs started on June 1!

While I know that children will eat more peas if they are just on a plate than if they are paid/bribed to eat peas (no I don't have the citation for that research) -- I have no problem letting my kids get things for the reading they would do anyway.

1. About.com has a 2008 summer reading program just for homeschoolers! costs $1. . . for details, click.
   
   
2. From June 1 - July 31, children can participate in a "Pawsome" reading program with Build-a-Bear. Check out their booklet, complete the activities under reading, return the signed form to your local Build-A-Bear and receive a Pawsome Collectibear pin.http://www.buildabear.com/BABW/US/Pages/LP/BePawsome/Q4_booklet.pdf
   
   
3. Scholastic's Summer Reading Buzz is "Read for Service": Online registration for each student required - looks like through middle school? Read 4 books, log your books and a book will be donated to a child in need:
   http://www.scholastic.com/summerreading/index.asp
   
   
4. Click to go off-site to Enter today for a chance to win a copy of The Dangerous Alphabet and a Full color poster signed by Neil Gaiman and Gris Grimly! They will want your email & birthdate.
   
   
5. As usual, Barnes & Noble is running a program for elementary school children. The theme of the 2008 Summer Reading program is based on books by the popular children’s author, Andrew Clements. Click for a program brochure or more details. Click here for just the sheet to write their titles on.
   
   
6. Commerce Bank has been willing to give $10 to child-customers who read 10 books & write the titles down. It may be worth opening an account? Click to find their brochure. Offer valid through September 30, 2008.
   
   
7. Reading Planet's Summer 2008 Reading Olympics is coming. No prizes that I could see - but book suggestions and Olympic tie-ins.
   
   
8. I assume that there will be Summer Reading Thing from Callapidder Days. You'll need a blog or web entry to the list of books you plan/hope to read this season, and include a link back to the Callapidder Days Summer Reading Thing post. I have heard no promises, just assuming here. Reading other participants lists & writing reviews are optional. The winner has so far been selected randomly. At the end you'll also need to post about your challenge experience, saying whether you reached your goals and how the Summer Reading Thing went for you.
   
   
9. From about.com: From June 30- August 15 children ages 5-18 can participate in RIF's Summer Reading Contest for a chance to win cool prizes. Prize packages include a $20 gift card to be used towards the purchase of books, a DVD or VHS copy of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, a Riffington Frisbee, and a RIF book light. To participate, children should select a book from the summer reading booklist, categorized by age level, posted on the Reading Planet. After they read the book, children should submit a review. Children who submit a book review will be automatically entered into a weekly prize drawing. Each Friday during the contest, three children will be selected at random to receive prizes. or their ideas for Summer reading olympics and "the world's most athletic book list".
   
   
10. Check in with your local library! Sign-ups are usually at the end of June. All of Morris County shares the same theme each summer.
    
    
11. Pizza Hut Book It! has a drawing/contest for children who were in K - 6th in 2007 - 2008. I don't know how they view homeschoolers without grades. It looks like they are offering 10 prizes -- for the whole US. Click to go off-site for Entry form. Or click here for the full details.
    
    
12. Feed Your Brain: For kids 10 & under, June 1st - August 2nd, half price books (halfpricebooks.com) and Cici's pizza have a program. Click for more information off-site.
    
    
13. Sylvan Learning Book Adventures: check out the details yourself.
    

14. Autism Asperger Publishing Company: They have a log for keeping track of the books that the child completes. For early elementary and elementary students, submit the completed reading log at the end of the program with at least one photo of the child with his/her craft project or favorite book to receive a certificate of completion, AAPC Team Gear and a $25 AAPC gift certificate. For middle school and high school students, students should submit a completed reading log with at least two book reports to receive a certificate, AAPC Team Gear and a $25 AAPC gift certificate. Just click on the registration link to sign up!
    

15. National Amusements: Free movie for a book report (but only 2 locations in NJ): BOOKWORM WEDNESDAY is an annual fun and rewarding summer reading program developed to encourage young children to read during the summer months.

    BOOKWORM WEDNESDAYS entitles kids to free admission to a select children's film every Wednesday at 10:00 AM during the summer months when they present a book report at participating theatres. Children under six who accompany a participant and adults who accompany a participant receive free admission to the Bookworm Wednesdays movie and do not need to submit a book report.
    
    BookWorm Wednesdays, 10:00AM, June 25 - August 13, 2008. View BookWorm Film Schedule.

16. There seems to be NO Read to Fly! NJ contest his year. Sorry!
    

Their rules RULE over anything written here, no liability accepted, etc.

Websites for the GS leader in me

volunteer mileage petition


http://www.wagggsworldconference.org/en/news
I want this "100 year" graphic:
http://www.wagggsworldconference.org/en/news/903

http://www.onlivingbylearning.com/2008/06/26/art-activism-can-it-change-our-world/
http://www.onlivingbylearning.com/2008/06/02/mission-possible-girl-scouts-lead-change/
Silver Project Ideas:
http://gsleaders.org/files/a_silver.htm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xZtzFh3g0A

who could/would make a page like this for us locally:
http://www.ilcrossroads.org/downloads/1/2008_Adventures_May.pdf