eIditarod 2010

Surfaquarium is hosting the e-Iditarod again this year for students in K-8. (Students learn about the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, follow a team, and as many of the posted activities as their own teacher wants. Sewing booties for the huskies? creating maps? estimating times or distances?)

Registration opens 1/9/2010. The Iditarod runs in March, starting March 6th in 2010 - and certificates for students are usually ready for you to print by the end of March.

In order to participate in the project, you must

• be willing to post to checkpoint blogs
• have Internet access to the official Iditarod website in your classroom
• commit to participating in the project through the end of the Iditarod Race

To register:

Go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eiditarod/

Click on the button on that page

Use your Yahoo ID or get a free Yahoo ID to login

Follow the directions to join

Once you join the eIditarod YahooGroup you are registered for the project

It's that easy!

Math contests

There are quire a few very organized competitions including:

Algebra in Action
http://www.colstate.edu/mathcontest/problem.php?CategoryID=1&LinkID=Current

Middle School Madness
http://www.colstate.edu/mathcontest/problem.php?CategoryID=2&LinkID=Current

As far as I know, homeschoolers are accepted, although I know that is *some* competitions, homeschoolers may need to find a team to join. The only other "homeschool caution" is that sometimes there are strict grade definitions, and sometimes they care about things like the number of community college courses one has taken, etc. so do look at each contests rules. I suspect that one may want to keep the came grade level for all competitions

Annual Contests

last updated 2009:

At least these all seem to be annual.

• No Name-Calling Week's Creative Expression Contest :
  No Name-Calling Week: January (January 26- 30, 2009. )
  Deadline has varied November - February, February 13, 2009.
  The contest is an opportunity for students to submit essays, poetry, music, original artwork, or other pieces that convey their experiences and feelings about name-calling, and their ideas for putting a stop to verbal bullying in their schools and communities. Prizes will be awarded in two categories: individual students - primary (ages 5-10) and secondary (ages 11-15).
  
  
• Jeopardy! Kids Challenge: Registration usually opens in December for their annual pre-screening test: Starting 12/2008, it's for those born between 3/31/96 and 3/30/99. Passing their online test does not make your kid eligible to appear on Jeopardy! or guarantee him or her a spot for a tryout on Jeopardy! This is a preliminary screening only. The rest of the audition procedure is described on the Test Information page. Before registering to take the online test, please review the eligibility & technical requirements online. 12/30/08: Registration has started. www.jeopardy.com/onlinetests/kids2009/index.php The test is:
  

  Test date:	Tuesday, January 13th, 2009
  Login opens:	7:30PM ET / 6:30PM CT / 4:30PM PT
  Test starts:	8:00PM ET / 7:00PM CT / 5:00PM PT

• The First Freedom Student Competition
  Registration & entries due in November.
  National essay contest, offering high-school students an opportunity to compete for a $3,000, $1,500 and $750 award, as they examine religious freedom, its history, current importance, and relevance in their lives. The competition is open to students in the continental United States and U.S. territories, and to American schools and American home-schooled students worldwide. We invite 9th - 12th grade students at all levels of academic placement to participate.
  
  
• Team America Rocketry Challenge
  Registration for 6th annual was September 5 - November 30. Final entries to be postmarked by 1 December 2008. The objective was to design and build a safe and stable one-stage model rocket that reaches an altitude of 750 feet, stays aloft for 45 seconds, and returns 1 raw egg unbroken. The egg must be placed in the rocket perpendicular to the direction of flight! Scores were based on how close the portion of the entry containing the eggs comes to the designated target duration of 45 seconds and the designated target altitude of 750 feet.
  
  
• annually in October- National Chemistry Week sponsors a poster contest for grades K-12. Local deadlines vary, but usually precede or coincide with the celebrated week, October 21-27, 2007. Prizes range up to $250. Read the rules in this pdf (In North Jersey, the deadline is October 13, 2007.) Contact Jeannette E. Brown, NJACS Poster Contest Coordinator, at (908) 239-1515 or visit www.njacs.org)
  
  
• Annually, Earth Science Week (October 14-20, 2007)
  To learn more, visit Earth Science Week Contests or http://www.agiweb.org/direct/.
  
  
• Portraits of Learning 2008: Digital photography contest for students in grades K - 12. How does the photo reflect their photo of view? Submissions usually accepted between January and mid-October. The competition challenges the K-12 students to capture - and share - their unique vision of the world. The best digitally enhanced photo wins a special prize from Adobe. Other prizes include a digital camera, Adobe Photoshop Elements and more.
  
  
• Compete in ThinkQuest. Topic usually posted in August. Students, ages 9-19, form a team and recruit a teacher to act as coach. Once the coach enrolls the team, students work together to create an innovative website on any topic within a broad range of educational categories. Diverse teams and globally relevant themes are encouraged.
  
  
• Mandelbrot competition - closed for this year. Register by August next year for a round by round math competition for students. (no calculus)
  
  
• Portraits of Learning 2008: Digital photography contest for students in grades K - 12. How does the photo reflect their photo of view? Dates not yet announced, but usually submissions are accepted between January and mid-October.
  
  
• Let's Get Real™ is a competition that gives young students the opportunity to solve real-life issues faced by the sponsoring corporations and provides the corporate sponsors the opportunity to meet talented students. For questions or comments, contact your State Coordinator or Program Coordinator. (In December 2008, for New Jersey it was: Ms. Jennifer Liss at jliss@mansfieldschool.com
  Let's Get Real has 3 business challenges for students in grades 6 - 12 - adult coordinator of at least 21 is needed. Proposals due January 25.
  
  1. How can The Hershey Company measure and reduce/offset its current CO2 footprint?
  2. Component Reel Traceability- develop tracking system to allow us to locate every reel of parts in our surface mount manufacturing area.
  3. PPL Challenge: Clean, Renewable and Alternative Energy at PPL (aside: They have energy cells already in PA & NJ)
     
     
• January and February registration for Math League Math Contests for Grades 4 through 8, and Algebra 1 students. Over 1 million students from the United States and Canada participate in Math League Contests each year. Every contest has questions from different areas of mathematics. The goal is to encourage student interest and confidence in mathematics through solving worthwhile problems. Many students first develop an interest in mathematics through problem-solving activities such as these contests. Schools compete in statewide or multistate league competitions.(annual, High school registrations were due October 15, 2007) Contest problem books, $12.95 each; contest registration ~$30 per grade.
  
  
• National Peace Essay Contest: 2007-2008 Topic: Natural Resources and Conflict. The deadline for the 2007-2008 National Peace Essay Contest is February 1, 2008. (Annual competition). For grades 9 - 12, see site for details.
  
  
• KIDS PHILOSOPHY SLAM. 2008 Topic: Is global warming the greatest challenge facing humankind? Postmark Deadline for all entries: February 1, 2008. Entering the Kids Philosophy Slam is easy! Since everyone has experiences in life, the Kids Philosophy Slam asks kids to write, create poetry, music or create artwork about their personal experiences regarding a philosophical question posed each year. Any student from Kindergarten through 12th grade can enter, including special education students, there is a $25 entry fee for schools and a $2 entry fee for home school students per household.
  
  
• (entries postmarked by February 15, 2008) Girls Going Places^® Entrepreneurship Award Program is Guardian's annual initiative designed to reward the enterprising spirits of girls ages 12 to 18. Guardian awards prizes to 15 girls who demonstrate budding entrepreneurship; are taking the first steps toward financial independence; and make a difference in their schools and communities. (annual)
  
  
• The U. S. Department of State sponsors the "Doors to Diplomacy" educational challenge - to encourage middle school and high school students around the world to produce web projects that teach others about the importance of international affairs and diplomacy. Each student team member of the winning "Doors to Diplomacy" Award team receives a $2,000 scholarship, and the winning coaches' schools each receive a $500 cash award. Additional prizes may be provided by sponsors. Homeschooled students 12 - 19 years old are welcome. Registration ends Feb. 28, 2008. (annual)
  

  Projects must be completed by March 15, 2008, and winners will be announced in May 2008. Every team that enters a project will receive a special "Doors to Diplomacy" certificate recognizing their achievement. Each student member of the two winning teams – one American and one international – will also receive a $2,000 scholarship, and the winning coaches’ schools will each receive a $500 cash award. For a complete description and information about eligibility and judging criteria, visit http://globalschoolnet.org/gsndoors/.

• In partnership with the World Future Society, the theme for CyberFair 2008 is "Learn and Unite!" International Schools CyberFair is an award-winning authentic learning program used by schools and youth organizations around the world. Youth conduct research and publish their findings on the Web. Recognition is given to the best projects in each of eight categories. This White House-endorsed program encourages youth to become community ambassadors by working collaboratively and using technology to share what they have learned. Students evaluate each other's projects by using a unique online evaluation tool. Registration ends Feb. 28, 2008. (annual)
  
  
• Annual - 2009 guidelines expected in late summer or early fall? Young environmentalists (ages 13 to 16) may enter the competition for the Volvo Adventure award. Teams of two to five young people work on a practical action project that will improve their school or community environment. Many winners have registered one year and entered the following year. Topics (with suggestions) can touch on biodiversity (plants and animals), waste (reduce waste or recycle), water (improve its quality), energy (reductions or sustainability), transport (reduce traffic congestion), or any other environmental area. The best entries will be asked to join an international conference to present their ideas in Sweden and compete for the final prizes. All of the ideas and action plans will be published and presented to the United Nations Environment Programme.
  
  
• April? 2008 Holocaust Remembrance Project Essay Contest - Upload entry by April 30, 2008. Students responding to this year’s writing contest should study the Holocaust and then, in an essay of no more than 1,200 words: (a) analyze why it is so vital that the remembrance, history and lessons of the Holocaust be passed to a new generation; and (b) suggest what they, as students, can do to combat and prevent prejudice, discrimination and violence in our world today. See contest rules below for complete details and submission requirements. (Annual competition.)
  
  
• NASA is usually running something for the school year. In 2007-2008 it was the NASA Engineering Design Challenge: Lunar Plant Growth Chamber. K-12 students will designed, analyzed, built and assessed plant growth chambers that could be used on the moon. Registrants received a packet of cinnamon basil seeds that flew on the STS-118 space shuttle mission and a control packet of seeds that have not flown. The seeds were available to the first 100,000 registrants.
  
  
• Invent Your World Scholarship from the Lemelson Foundation: The Lemelson Foundation is offering a $20K scholarship for inventions that create a positive change. Good or bad, small or big, inventions have defined our modern world. Just think what life would be like without light bulbs, telephones, cars, airplanes, and computers!
  What's next? That's up to you! Ask yourself: What can you invent to make life easier, the planet greener, and the world better?
  Come up with an invention -- a new or adapted technology -- and enter the Invent Your World Challenge.
  Ashoka GenV and the Lemelson Foundation will support 50 young inventors in using their inventions to create positive change -- by providing mentorship, seed funding, networking opportunities, and even a $20,000 scholarship. Invent Your World! Enter today! Ideas are reviewed on an on-going basis and projects can be launched anytime. Do not wait until Round One's deadline - December 31, 2008 - to submit your idea.
  

Medieval Times

Resources: (lesson plans & curriculum)
Excaliber (for grades 9 - 12)
In King Arthur: Man or Legend?, students compare King Arthur's persona from the legendary and historic perspectives, and craft an outline for a theater piece featuring the symbolism, characterization, and context they have learned. In Castles and Cornerstones, students will explore the historic importance and function of castles in King Arthur's time, and create a castle of their own design in three dimensions, using found materials. In Chivalry and Courtly Love, students will examine the way the Arthurian ideals of chivalry and courtly love have influenced our modern concepts of love, inspiring students' execution of a short thematic play.


King Arthur: Man or Legend? (esp good for 7th grade)
Writing: The Middle Ages: Twelve Activities Take Students Back in Time! Learn how a unit on the Middle Ages inspired great writing among fourth and fifth graders in Chandler, Arizona. Included: 12 great activities for teaching about the Middle Ages.

Read The Door in the Wall, Marguerite de Angeli's Newbery Award-winning book about a boy growing up in medieval Europe.

Life in the Middle Ages This site includes a list of more than 20 possible projects on the Middle Ages. The activities are appropriate for middle school students and above.

The Middle Ages Global Studies Project This site contains ideas for two individual and one group project on the Middle Ages, appropriate for middle school students and above.

Sworn to Serve In this WebQuest, students in middle school and above explore the feudal system in medieval England.

Kids in the Castle: virtual tours, etc.

Life in a Medieval Castle: Five Art Activities for an Integrated Medieval Unit This site provides art activities involving stained glass, tapestry, and heraldic shields. The activities are designed for students in middle school and above but can be adapted for almost any age-group.

Cardboard Box Castle Enchanted Learning Software provides complete illustrated directions for building a cardboard box castle. Students in elementary school and above can complete the project, although younger students will need adult assistance with some of the cutting.

KinderCastles Nancy Yost, a kindergarten teacher at Indiana University of Pennsylvania's lab school, provides a variety of resources for teaching about the Middle Ages. Sections include literature, integrated activities, songs and poetry, software, recipes, armor, teacher resources, and links. Most activities are appropriate for students in kindergarten and above.

Days and Days of Knights: A Unit on the Middle Ages
Science-
Make your own paper. Although it's believed that the Chinese invented paper before the first century A.D., it wasn't introduced in Europe until the tenth century. Introduce your students to the science of paper making by sharing An Adventure in Paper Making, created by middle school students from Mancos, Colorado.

And do check out the list o f"Greta sites" / "Sites to see" at :
http://www.education-world.com/a_sites/sites001.shtml


Costumes:
Archer's Simple Hood
Knight's Med. Shirt
Teutonic Knights Ensemble
Child's knightly tunic and shirt
Child's Swordsman Shirt
Velvet Fighting Cape

(Renaissance Costume: renaissance-boy-costume-brown )

More medieval resources online

• Early Middle Ages http://homepages.udayton.edu/~schuerwc/study%20guide%205.htm
• (I think that year 7 in the UK is usually ~12 years old) http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/year7links/
• Castles http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/year7links/castles.shtml
• Medieval Life http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/year7links/life.shtml

Last updated: 2/5/2010

Patriot's Week in Trenton?

The last week of the year is Patriot's Week in Trenton. Some of the events sound really interesting.

Site tours & ongoing events. Site tours in past years have included:

• First Presbyterian Church, 120 East State Street: whose congregation was founded in 1712 and has been attended by Presidents John Adams and James Monroe, as well as the Marquis de Lafayette and Daniel Webster. Pamphlets are available for self-guided tours of the artwork throughout the building and for the historic burial grounds. Re-enactors will also be available to answer any questions. There will also be historic displays of artifacts from the Church and from the City of Trenton. Comfort facilities are always available.
• Masonic Temple Site Tours (Front & Barrack St.)
• Visitors Center Site Tours (102 Barrack St. Next door to the Masonic Temple.)
• State House Civics Tours (Tours occur at the top of every hour) 125 West State Street: Explore the New Jersey State House, where the laws that affect all New Jersey residents are made. This tour takes visitors through this beautifully restored historic building—listed on both the national and state registers of historic places. For more information, please call the New Jersey State House Tour Office at (609) 633-2709.
• Hidden Treasures (State House, 125 West State Street Entrance): the second-oldest continuously operating State capitol building in the nation. From timbers that date back to 1792 to contemporary art rarely seen by visitors, this tour will take you from the basement to the attic and everywhere in between.
• Old Barracks Museum Tours (101 Barrack Street, (609)396-1776): State and National Historic Landmark built in 1758 by the colony of New Jersey as winter quarters for British “regulars” returning from fighting in the frontier regions in the French & Indian War. During the American Revolution, the Barracks was occupied at different times by British/Hessian Forces or the Continental Forces. Following the Battles of Trenton in 1776, the Barracks was steadily controlled by the Continental Army and used as an army hospital for small pox inoculations. The Old Barracks is a “living history” museum portraying the year 1777 with historical interpreters guiding visitors through the infirmary to learn about mandatory small pox inoculations and surgeries performed on soldiers in the Continental Army; into the squad rooms that soldiers occupied as living quarters; through the Officers House; and exhibits. Admission is $8/adult, $6/child, $6/senior. Children age 5 and under are free.

Prehistoric American Food

It was harder to find information than I had expected.

My favorite site was Prehistoric Texas food.

Also worth checking:
http://www.answers.com/topic/food-producers-in-prehistoric-societies

This might help:
http://www.beanbible.com/

Theatre List

Theatres offering "school time" shows

Or go straight to the few New York theatres listed.

New Jersey

Keane Stage at Keane State University in Union County offers "on school time" shows, mostly at their Wilkins Theatre. Much of the 2009-10 schedule was for elementary school age.

Ramapo College also offers quite a few shows listed online and on Field Trip Lists.

State Theatre of NJ in New Brunswick has school-time performances for students through high school. They will only accept ticket requests from groups/schools - so get your friends together and perhaps make up a name. (At the same time I heard a rumor that maybe if you call the day before for a couple of seats and they have them. . .).

Mayo Community Theatre in Morristown has released their “school year” schedule. For more detail on their & other shows, see Community Theatre's Explorations Through the Arts at http://www.mayoarts.org/genre_explorations.htm. Make your show reservations now. For details and information on theatre policy, contact them directly.

Bickford Theatre, Morris Museum in Morristown has "Intermission Programs", Educator Programs, and (every spring) discussions with Holocaust Survivors. Not all of their shows are listed on Gryphon Academy.

Growing Stage Theatre (Netcong, NJ) : Lyle The Crocodile (February 19 to March 28, 2010, Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 4:00pm). Peter & The Wolf (APril 17 - May 23, 2010). Call (973) 347-4946 for advance Group and School Matinee information. They offered 4 shows for "on school time" performances during the 2007 - 2008 season. (It was 3 shows for pre-K - 4th grade and a "history show" for recommended for grades 3 - 8.)

Paper Mill Playhouse (http://www.Paper Mill.org/visit/directions.php , Millburn, NJ) has “on school time” information. Their 2009-10 events were all for elementary students. Tickets $7.50 and $8.50 ,depending on seating. Shows at 10 am and 12:30 pm. Study guides will be available. Shows approximately 1 hour in length. There are lunch places and a Coldstone Creamery nearby for after the show. Tickets for their Fall series were on sale from September 5^th, and their Spring series usually goes on sale in November. They also have Children's Programming on selected weekends throughout the year (http://www.Paper Mill.org/stage/childrenstheatre.php ).

NJ PAC (Newark, NJ) has "school time" performances listed at: http://www.njpac.org/load_screen.asp?screen=education_schooltime0607

Shakespeare Theatre (Madison, NJ) has their 2010 schedule posted.

• The Taming of the Shrew June 2 - 27,
• Arms and the Man, July 7 - August 1
• The Servant of Two Masters, June 23 - August 1
• The Caretaker, August 11 - 29
• All's Well That Ends Well, September 15 - October 10
• The Lion in Winter, October 20 - November 14
• I Capture the Castle, December 1 - January 2

Peak Performances at Montclair State, $15/seat
Prudential Center, Newark
McCarter Theatre, Princeton
IZOD Center (Continental Airlines Arena) (Meadowlands?)
Bergen Performing Arts Center
South Orange Performing Arts Center also has "on school time" performances. Look under "education".
PNC Bank Arts Center,
Two Rivers
Berrie Center at Ramapo College
Shea Center at William Paterson University
Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank

New York
Only a few of the shows from Brooklyn College or New Victory in NYC are listed in the main Field trip list. Check them out yourself for more.

Brooklyn College Schooltime schedule. Advance sales (payment due 6 weeks before the show) $6 per seat, $7 for day of the show. If you have any questions or to purchase tickets call 718-951-4600 x25, Monday - Friday, 10am to 4pm. Study Guides should be posted on their site before the shows. Getting to Brooklyn College Performing Arts Center

NYC's New Victory has wonderful shows (http://www.newvictory.org/shows.m), and has welcomed homeschool groups for years. I have heard only good about their workshops http://www.newvictory.org/events.m - you may want to pick a show day so you can do that as well.

Carnegie Hall
Avery Fisher Hall
New York State Theatre
Broadway Theatre In Manhattan
Off-Broadway Theatre in Manhattan
Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM)
Joyce Theatre
Dance Theatre Workshop
P.S. 122
New York City Center

and in PA:
Limmel Center, Philadelphia
Keswick Theatre, Philadelphia

To return to New Jersey theatres with school time performances listed.

Books Arts Bash: HS novelists?

Book Arts Bash is a writing contest for homeschooled authors, celebrating untrammeled creativity, and promotes the integration of writing across the curriculum. They put homeschooled students' best work on the desks of literary agents, best-selling authors, and other industry professionals, to encourage young writers and connect great minds.

Our first Book Arts Bash happened in fall of 2008. You can visit the contest site here to view the winners and take a look at our impressive list of judges.

Our next Bash is underway. Find details and the latest updates in the box at the right. What's new this time?

1. All digital
2. All novels
3. All free

Submissions begin: November 1, 2009

Deadline for entries: January 1, 2010

Finalists announced: February 14, 2010

Winners announced: April 1, 2010

Novels will be accepted in ten separate age groups:

K-1st	8th
2nd-3rd	9th
4th-5th	10th
6th	11th
7th	12th

All entries must be between 1000 and 10,000 words. Novels that exceed this word count should be excerpted. You may submit more than one novel.

Entries must be submitted as .txt files along with the author's name, email address, grade level, phone number, home address, and a parent's name. Each entry must be accompanied by a 300 word synopsis of the entire novel, even if the entry is an excerpt.

What is Gravestone Art?

Washington Township residents (perhaps some "908" folks on a space-available basis).
Or if you love this, perhaps your library or other organization could hire them to do a workshop for you?

Come and discover for yourself as you find out how cemeteries were, and still are, types of art galleries. You will be introduced to the symbolism seen on gravestones, and find out their hidden meanings. We do all this through games, stories, visual presentations and hands on activities.

For further details and to find out what others have said about this workshop-
http://www.freeunionschoolhouse.com/workshops/

This is a free event, but the library requires that you reserve your places online in advance. They also require that you are a Washington Township resident. If you live out of the area I believe you can register with a 908 area code, but they will only contact you if Washington Township residents don't take up the spots. You may wish to call them and discuss this. The workshop is aimed at ages 7-13 years. The organizers are happy for older children to attend, as long as they understand the age range it is aimed for, and that it is probably best to discuss the situation with the library in advance.

Registration starts Thursday October 22nd.

http://www.washingtontwplibrary.org/

Do You "Dig“ Prehistoric USA?

Geoff “Big Dog” Purcell, a professional archaeologist turned educator, is running a 4 day “dig” for us. Some general questions about the dig are answered in "Do the (next) dig". To read more about what we've done at past hoemschool digs, read older Gryphon Academy posts with the topic "dig". (To learn about how Geof does it in the summer, visit: http://www.dothedig.net/)

What: DIG on Northeast Archaic and Woodland peoples of this area into the Colonial period

Who: Students from 4 or 5 years old to ...14?

When: Tuesday, October 20th to Friday, October 23rd
Full Day: 10am -4pm (cost $170)
Half Day (Mornings for younger students, about 5 - 7 years old): 10am-1pm (cost $120)

Where: at a private property in Warren County, just off of route 80

Children will "dig" mornings Tuesday through Thursday, with breaks for discussion, and their bag lunch. Afternoons are devoted to discussion, slide shows & games which re-enforce the concepts presented. They might trade resources using a board game, or strategize which expedition to fund in a card game. Friday they will set up a "museum", thinking about what they have seen & found, and the stories they built in their heads.

Family and friends are invited for the Friday themed-potluck. (RSVPS required!)

new Educator courses 2009-10

Teacher Training with the Morris County Park Commission

Educators from all facets of teaching can gain experience and knowledge of the natural world and learn how to teach about it in their classrooms, after-school programs, scout programs and conservation projects! The Morris County Park Commission is offering a variety of courses at the Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center in Chatham Twp. and at

Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area in Montville Twp. Participants will earn 6 Professional Development Credits for each workshop. All workshops run from 9 a.m.—3 p.m. and costs $30 (includes curriculum guide and a continental breakfast).

Bring a bag lunch and dress appropriately as

all workshops will have outdoor components.

Project WILD

This award winning environmental education program has been used by over 1,000,000 educators worldwide to develop students’ understanding of wildlife, natural resources, and the environment. Through firsthand interaction with the natural world, interdisciplinary connections, and hands-on learning, students learn to value wildlife, make informed decisions and take positive steps to help the environment. Appropriate for grade levels K—12.

Sat, October 17 @ Great Swamp OEC

Wed, February 24 @ Pyramid Mountain NHA (Winter Focus)

Project Learning Tree

Project Learning Tree isn’t just about trees! This award-winning environmental education program includes 96

interdisciplinary lessons on a wide range of topics including: energy and resources, animals and plants, water, soil, native cultures, population, pollution, transportation, recycling, land use, composting, and much more! Through cooperative

learning and critical thinking, teachers and students gain an awareness and knowledge of the natural world and use the outdoors as their classroom. Appropriate for grade levels K—8.

Tues, October 27 @ Great Swamp OEC

Tues, March 16 @ Pyramid Mountain NHA

(Spring Focus)

Aquatic WILD

The waters of the earth, in some form, are within walking distance from anywhere on the planet. The Project WILD Aquatic curriculum serves as an invitation to explore and understand the fascinating world of water and the aquatic habitats it supports. Through these interdisciplinary activities, students will learn that water is one of the basic components of habitat for people and wildlife and that aquatic species and ecosystems give humans early and clear warning about the quality of the water environment upon which we all depend. Appropriate for grade levels K—12.

Thurs, October 29 @ Pyramid Mountain NHA

Flying WILD

This new and exciting program introduces students to bird conservation through classroom activities and school-wide bird festivals. This collection of interdisciplinary activities will enrich your science curriculum and engage students in real-world learning using one of the most readily viewed forms of wildlife: migratory birds.

Appropriate for grade levels K—8.

Fri, November 20 @ Pyramid Mountain NHA

Project WET

Understanding and valuing our water resources is crucial for all of today’s students. This comprehensive set of nearly 100 interactive lessons examines water’s properties, quantity and quality issues, water conservation, aquatic wildlife and

ecosystems, and more through a variety of innovative, interdisciplinary activities.

Appropriate for grade levels K—12.

Fri, January 22 @ Great Swamp OEC

Thurs, April 22 @ Pyramid Mountain NHA

Population Connection

This unique curriculum teaches students about the impacts our growing population have on our planet and explores how we can balance Earth’s people, resources, and environment By combining math, science, social studies and environmental

education, these lessons are powerful educational tools to help children better understand their world and their impact on it.

Appropriate for grade levels K—8.

Wed, February 3 @ Great Swamp OEC

Wonders of Wetlands

WOW! provides a resourceful and creative collection of wetland activities, information, and ideas. Participants will receive over 50 hands-on multidisciplinary activities, background information on wetlands, ideas for student action plans, and a wetlands resource guide. Appropriate for grade levels K—12.

Wed, March 24 @ Great Swamp OEC

Exploring Environmental Issues:

Municipal Solid Waste

Through curriculum, students begin to understand waste management issues and options. The module uses hands-on

experiences to show the interrelationships among waste generation, natural resource use, and disposal. The activities guide students through waste management strategies and solutions while providing the necessary tools to make informed decisions and choices on waste management issues. Appropriate for grade levels 6—12.

Tues, May 4 @ Great Swamp OEC

Great Swamp Outdoor Education Center

247 Southern Blvd.

Chatham, NJ 07928

973-635-6629

Pyramid Mountain Natural Historic Area

472A Boonton Ave.

Boonton, NJ 07005

973-334-3130

REGISTRATION FORM

Name: ____________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________

Phone: ______________________________ Email: _____________________________

Workshop/date: _______________________ Grades taught: ______________________

School: ______________________________ School Address & Phone #: ________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________

Cut out and mail registration form, with check made out to MCPC, to the site where the

workshop is being offered.

If anyone needs directions we can always send them out to them via email or over the phone when they call to register.

Jennifer Brine

Office Administrator and

Volunteer Coordinator

Great Swamp OEC & Pyramid Mountain NHA

973-635-6629

PA Ren. Faire

Weekends August 8 - October 25th (10:00 A.M. -
weekends including Friday, 10/09/2009
Mt. Hope Estate and Winery
2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim PA, 17545
(NY state also has a Ren Faire which may be closer for some of you.)

PA REn Fair: There are "school days" in October for groups of at least 10 students from 9 am - 3pm. (Different days for grades 3 - 12). Or see "Poe Evermore" there in early November.

Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, 12 weekends dedicated to a 32-acre re-creation of a 16th century village and marketplace. Join hundreds of colorfully costumed merriemakers including the Queen, Knights on horseback, Jesters, Jugglers, Musicians, hundreds of craftsmen, merchants and artisans, 13 stages, over 25 royal kitchen, and a whole lot more as we sing, dance, perform, cook and create our way into your hearts. Visit soon and visit often!

During August and September the Mansion opens up for Friday Knights at the Improv in which the cast of the Renaissance Faire gather together to bring you some of the funniest improv comedy games you will ever witness tickling your funny bone all the way.

See Ticket prices online. Children 5 - 11 get the children's rate. (Group rate: approx. $14.00 per person. For group admissions, the adult admission may be less, depending on group size. )

You can download student activities, and study guide (after mid-August) at: www.parenfaire.com/ Youth Day was July 30th, but the 2009 Youth Day study guide is still up - with bits on juggling, crests & more.

(Mostly) Theatre in 2009-10

Planning schedules? how about organizing a trip? Committing to a trip now? These theatre schedules are already online:

• Shakespeare Theatre (Madison)
• Community Theatre (Morristown; Mathemagic, CSI Live, etc.)
• NJ Theatre Alliance(around the state)
  
• State Theatre (New Brunswick; 2009-10 season includes: Mayhem Poets, The Nutcracker, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Harold and the Purple Crayon, The Grapes of Wrath, Room on the Broom, African Children’s Choir™, and Tom Chapin & Friends and many others. )

NJPAC (Newark, FamilyTime & SchoolTime performances) schedule is out - but not yet online.

Morris Museum (town) & Papermill Theatre (town), traditionally have "on school time" shows but I have not seen their schedules yet. And you may want to mark your calendar now to look for the March "theatre week" that has all kinds of special shows & pricing. Some of those fill up very fast.

Last year State Theatre's "Mayhem Poets" & Mayo's "Mathemagic" & "CSI live" and everything at Shakespeare Thretre got the best reviews. "Everyone" is also impressed by the Holocaust survivor discussions at Morris Museum in the spring. I also recommend visiting a sculpture garden - Storm King has some free days. For longer programs I highly recommend "Big Dog's" Archaeology Digs, many local Nature Center programs & the "Lost Arts Camp" in New ENgland, and Colonial Williamsburgh's Homeschool Week.

Here are some more ideas: (should also be on the "field trip" list):

• Rennaissance Fairs - in PA & NY (Tuxedo Junction, NY. Weekends only through September. They no longer offer their "school days" in May.)
  
  
• Poe Evermore
  
  
• in NYC:
  
• Avery Fisher Hall, Lincoln Center, NYC. Happy Concerts for Young People.
• New Victory Theatre (although the adult: child ratio may make it harder for homeschoolers to attend?)

NJ Resources

• WheatonArts 1501 Glasstown Road, Millville, NJ 08332, 800-998-4552
  email: mail@wheatonarts.org
  
  Artists at The Wheaton Arts & Cultural Center are creating work unlike any imagined by the first glassblowers – contemporary art using glass in unexpected and often marvelous ways. New Glass at Wheaton explores the world of the Creative Glass Center of America at WheatonArts, where fellowship artists live and work together as they pursue their creative visions. Their Education Page
  
  
• Living History Farm http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/learnerresources.html Site's Age Range: 8-11 (~4th grade) From a farm in Nebraska - but some of it is applicable to so many other sites. Fosterfields in Morristown may be the closest living history farm for many of us.
  
  
  
  "Learner Resources" include FREE lesson plans tied to the stories about farming in the 1920s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and so on. They were written by teachers for classroom use, they can be modified for homeschool use.
  

Mayo Theatre "on school time" 2009-10

Mayo Community Theatre (Morristown) 2009-2010 EVENTS

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND: CSI: Live and Mathemagic (plus more: from Baseball's Jackie Robinson to Dancing Dinosaurs to Classic Shakespeare)

MANY SHOWS SELL OUT EARLY. This is an easy HS field trip to run. Special School Pricing: 1 FREE ticket for every 15 purchased. Click here to download an order form

Mad Science Presents CSI: Live - Cool science!
Monday, January 25, 2010 at 10 am & 12:15 pm - Grades 3-8 - $8/ticket
Click here for study guide

The Last, The Very Last...Butterfly - Holocaust remembrance
Tuesday, March 9, 2010 at 10 am & 12:15 pm - Grades 4 & up - $7/ticket
Click here for study guide

Most Valuable Player - The Jackie Robinson Story
Monday, March 22, 2010 at 10 am & 12:15 pm - Grades 4 and up - $7/ticket
Click here for study guide

Mathemagic - Math made fun!
Tuesday-Wednesday, March 23-24, 2010 at 10 am & 12:15 pm - $8/ticket
March 23: Grades K-3; March 24: Grades 4-7
Click here for study guide

Mammoth Follies - Featuring amazing dinosaurs
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 10 am & 12:15 pm - Grades K-4 - $6/ticket
Click here for study guide

Julius Caesar - Shakespeare's historic tragedy
Wednesday, April 21, 2010 at 10 am - Grades 9-12 - $10/ticket
Click here for study guide

Lord of the Flies - William Golding's classic novel
Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 10 am - Grades 7-12 - $10/ticket

Order by phone - (973) 539-0345, ext. 6517

• All performances meet NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards
• Study Guides Available for all show
• Click here for more show descriptions, running times and prices
  

The Community Theatre at Mayo Center for the Performing Arts
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ 07960
www.mayoarts.org

College Prof critiques homeschoolers

This article may be published on web sites and in publications as long as it's reproduced in its entirety, including the resource box at the end of the article. Thanks!

College Professor Critiques Homeschoolers
copyright 2009 by Greg Landry, M.S.

I teach sophomore through senior level college students - most of them are "pre-professional" students. They are preparing to go to medical school, dental school, physical therapy school, etc. As a generalization, I've noticed certain characteristics common in my students who were homeschooled. Some of these are desirable, some not.

Desirable characteristics:
1. They are independent learners and do a great job of taking initiative and being responsible for learning. They don't have to be "spoon fed" as many students do. This gives them an advantage at two specific points in their education; early in college and in graduate education.

2. They handle classroom social situations (interactions with their peers and professors) very well. In general, my homeschooled students are a pleasure to have in class. They greet me when the enter the class, initiate conversations when appropriate, and they don't hesitate to ask good questions. Most of my students do none of these.

3. They are serious about their education and that's very obvious in their attitude, preparedness, and grades.

Areas where homeschooled students can improve:
1. They come to college less prepared in the sciences than their schooled counterparts - sometimes far less prepared. This can be especially troublesome for pre-professional students who need to maintain a high grade point average from the very beginning.

2. They come to college without sufficient test-taking experience, particularly with timed tests. Many homeschooled students have a high level of anxiety when it comes to taking timed tests.

3. Many homeschooled students have problems meeting deadlines and have to adjust to that in college. That adjustment time in their freshman year can be costly in terms of the way it affects their grades.

My advice to homeschooling parents:
1. If your child is even possibly college bound and interested in the sciences, make sure that they have a solid foundation of science in the high school years.

2. Begin giving timed tests by 7th or 8th grade. I'm referring to all tests that students take, not just national, standardized tests. I think it is a disservice to not give students timed tests. They tend to focus better and score higher on timed tests, and, they are far better prepared for college and graduate education if they've taken timed tests throughout the high school years.

In the earlier years the timed tests should allow ample time to complete the test as long as the student is working steadily. The objective is for them to know it's timed yet not to feel a time pressure. This helps students to be comfortable
taking timed tests and develops confidence in their test-taking abilities.

3. Give your students real deadlines to meet in the high school years. If it's difficult for students to meet these deadlines because they're coming from mom or dad, have them take "outside" classes; online, co-op, or community college.

Greg Landry is a 14 year veteran homeschool dad and college professor. He also teaches one and two semester online science classes, and offers free 45 minute online seminars.
http://www.homeschoolscienceacademy.com/

HS week: Rocking Horse Ranch

Rocking Horse Ranch Homeschool Week
(600 Rt 44/55, Highland NY)
Monday, November 9 - Friday, November 13th

$149/adult and $70/child, per night. (regularly $330 and $109). The rate goes down the longer you stay.

INCLUDES food, entertainment, horseback riding, miniature golf, tennis, games, etc. They have music, magicians, etc. performing every night.

They will be opening the new indoor water park this year, too.

They currently have the following activities planned: cooking, horse shoeing demonstration, and juggling demonstration. If there are any other activities that you would like them to plan, please let me know, and I will pass it along to the general manager. We can make this week anything that we want it to be!

To get their flyer or If you have any questions, please e-mail Cynthia at amazzingpet @ aol.com (no spaces).

For more info about the ranch in general: visit http://rhranch.com/

To reserve your spot, call (800) 647-2624 Don't miss out on this great opportunity.

Here are some answers to some common questions:

1) Do we have to stay the whole week

No. You can stay for just one day if you would like. We have been up there a ton of times, and I would say that it would be best to stay a minimum of 2-3 nights, to fully enjoy the experience.

2) Do I have to like horses to go?

There is fun to be had all day long and all night long. You can do there scheduled activities all day (crafts, games, workshops, etc) and/or go riding. There is miniature golf, tennis, rock climbing walls, trails to walk on, water park, pool, volleyball (indoor if it rains), game room, etc, etc. You do not have to ride horses to enjoy the experience. You can just chose to go for a walk on a horse. They will have a "how to ride" demonstration in the morning, so that you feel comfortable before you get on the horse.

There are different entertainers every night from music, to magicians, to comedians, etc. The indoor pool is so relaxing and fun to throw balls in the dumping buckets. There is tons to do!

Fall HS conference

"Class is cancelled" fall conference in Lancaster, PA, October 1st-3rd

If you want to learn more about the conference and what is going to be offered, please check out the website at:
http://classiscancelledforever.weebly.com
Or join the yahoo group;
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/classiscancelled/

METC Kids' Club (Madison)

Kids' Club

3:30pm - 5:00pm

Museum of Early Trades & Crafts, 9 Main Street, Madison NJ 07940 <www.metc.org>

Kids' Club is a bimonthly after-school activities program for children ages 6-11. Each session is different and includes tours of relevant areas of the Museum, mini-history lessons and a craft to take home. Space is limited. Advance registration required. Call for more information, 973-377-2982 x12.

Members: $18 for any 1 session and $40 for any 3.
Non-Members: $20 for any 1 session and $50 for any 3.

Session Schedule:

October
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Early American 3 R's -Tuesday, October 6th
Learn how Colonials didn't waste a thing, reusing supplies efficiently. Create a unique wastebasket.

Boo! -Wednesday, October 21st
Get into the Halloween mood and make spooky masks.

November
Picture Perfect -Tuesday, November 3rd
Explore the art of silhouette making and create some of your own.

Giving Thanks -Tuesday, November 17th
Get ready for Turkey Day with a pine cone turkey craft project. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, bring in a food item to donate to the local food bank.

December
Happy Holidays - Wednesday, December 2nd
Start off the holiday season with some festive Christmas and Hanukkah crafts.

Decembrrrrrrrrrrr! - Wednesday, December 17th
Welcome winter with a sled craft project.

January
Happy New Year -Tuesday, January 12th
Begin the new year on a high note with a home-made calendar craft activity.

February
Be My Valentine -Thursday, February 4th
Make old-fashioned Valentines and share them with someone you love.

Hail to the Chief -Wednesday, February 17th
Learn about our Nation's Presidents and design an Abraham Lincoln Bank to
take home.

March
Here's Lookin' at You! -Wednesday, March 3rd
Make a pair of wacky glasses to take home. Participants are encouraged to bring in a pair of old glasses to donate to New Eyes for the Needy.

Spring Holidays -Thursday, March 18th
Create festive spring placemats to set the table for Easter or Passover.

April
Fabulous Fabric -Wednesday, April 7th
View METC's textile collection and make a fabric collage craft project.

Food Art -Tuesday, April 20th
Learn about how food can be used in art and make a unique dried bean box.

May
Mother's Day -Thursday, May 6th
Honor Mom with a Mother's Day theme craft activity.

Treasure Discoveries -Tuesday, May 18th
Be a treasure detective and learn how to use found objects to create art.

June
You've been Framed -Wednesday, June 2nd
Learn how frames enhance a picture, especially a picture of you as you decorate a frame to take home.

Father's Day -Thursday, June 17th
Honor Dad with a Father's Day theme craft activity.

Poe Evermore

Poe Evermore at the Mt. Hope Winery (same place as Renaissance Faire)

2775 Lebanon Road * Manheim, PA 17545

11/09/2009 - 1:00 PM

students/chaperones @ $14.00

To learn more about Poe Evermore, please go to;

www.PaRenFaire.com

If this sparks interest, there is also the Edgar Allan Poe house in Philadelphia.

Kennedy Space Center - Homeschool Days 2009

45 minutes from Orlando theme parks, but a world away. . . Homeschool students, families and teachers: be our honored guests for full-day access to Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex shows and exhibits. You'll get the chance to take a bus tour of KSC, participate in special hands-on activities, learn about the latest NASA accomplishments, strap in to the NEW Shuttle Launch Experience and even come face-to-face with an actual astronaut. Homeschool teachers, pick up a packet of NASA education materials and help your students reach for the stars.

Florida Homeschool Field Trip 2009 Dates:

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Times: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

2009 Tuition: $31.50 per person (plus tax)

To plan your trip or request more information, click here or call 321-449-4400.

Thanks to Mary Lee for spotting this one!

State Theatre 2009-10 - Sneak Peek!

State Theatre (New Brunswick, 2009-10 season includes: Mayhem Poets, The Nutcracker, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Harold and the Purple Crayon, The Grapes of Wrath and many others.)

Educators: Get a Sneak Peek!
Calling all teachers, school administrators, curriculum specialists, and PTO/PTA representatives! Be our guest at the State Theatre for a multimedia preview of our 2009-2010 Performances for Schools. The event is free and includes a backstage tour, prize drawing, and light refreshments.

When: Monday, September 14, 2009, 4:30-5:45 pm
Where: State Theatre, Heldrich Room (upstairs lobby)
RSVP: Jennifer Cunha - jcunha@statetheatrenj.org • 732-246-SHOW (7469), ext.545

The Growing Stage, 2009-10 classes

Fall Classes at the Growing Stage in Netcong:

• CREATIVE DRAMATICS  September 19 - December 12 (12 Weeks): Creative Dramatics serves young people pre-school through 3rd grade with an exposure and participation program in the performing arts. Through theatre, children sharpen their creativity, improve their self-confidence and learn the importance of teamwork. Above all, children enjoy being part of the magic that they create on the stage. This program is designed to offer an introduction to many aspects of theatre arts through creative games, story dramatization and improvisation. The pre-school program requires that the children are kindergarten eligible in the Fall of 2010.
  
  
• PERFORMING ARTS WORKSHOP  September 19 - December 12 (12 Weeks): Performing Arts Workshop is for young people in grades 4 through 8 who have either experience on the stage and have a strong interest in improving their skills, or who simply have a desire to participate in the performing arts. For grades 4 - 6, students learn the basics of acting for the stage, including warm-up techniques for both voice and body, improvisation, theatre games, stage direction, and solo and group scene work. For grades 7 - 8, young performers continue to hone their stage skills with in-depth scene study, character development and line memorization. While more intense, this program still offers significant opportunity for the first time student.
  
  
• THE ACTOR SPEAKS  September 19 - December 12 (12 Weeks): The Actor Speaks offers students in grades 7 through 9 an opportunity to express themselves and to grow as writers and performers. They study the basic elements of playwriting: setting, plot, and character de-velopment. They explore and hone their acting skills as they rehearse and prepare to perform their origi-nal work for guests during the final class session.
  
  
• MUSICAL PERFORMANCE LAB  September 19 - December 12 (12 Weeks): Musical Performance Lab is designed for students interested in musical performance. Students will focus on technique, including breathing, warm-up and vocal production as well as song interpretation, move-ment and performance. The lab will culminate in a ‘show and tell’ lab where parents will be invited to attend, giving students the opportunity to perform before a live audience. The lab is offered to stu-dents 4th through 6th, and 7th through 9th grade.
  
  
• BLACK LIGHT PUPPETRY  September 19 - November 21 (10 Weeks): During the course of this class, students will adapt a piece of mythology into script form,create a storyboard, construct two-dimensional puppets of cardboard painted with fluorescent paint, and learn how to operate the puppets. This ninety-minute class for students 9th through 12th grade will culminate in a presentation of the created work for invited family and friends.
  
  
• YOGA & ME  September 19 - December 12 (11 Weeks): Whether you are new to yoga or have already been practicing, this multi-level Vinyasa yoga class will focus on postural alignment, breathing techniques and meditations to focus on relaxation. Yoga is a great way to strengthen and stretch muscles in a positive, safe, and relaxing environment. This program is taught by our certified Yoga Instructor, Lea Antolini-Lid. Registrations available for the entire 11 week program at $ 150 or you can drop in for a per class fee of $ 20. This program is for adults only and will coincide with our programs for students. So now you can truly stretch out and relax while your children are in class.
  
  
• YOGA & ME Sept. 19 - Dec. 5 (11 Weeks) : Adults Only! :9:30 - 10:30 am : $150

For more info, or to register online, register online at: www.growingstage.com Questions?
Call Lori B. Lawrence, Education Director at (973) 347-4946 or email her at eddir@growingstage.com

National Aviation Day

National Aviation Day is August 19th.

Certainly there have to be dozens of interesting ways to combine fun and the science of aviation!

Darwin

In this Year of Darwin, the world celebrates the bicentennial of the birth of English naturalist and author Charles Darwin, and the 150th anniversary of his most famous work, The Origin of Species.

Homeschool Days - New England

Plimoth Homeschool Day (Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth, MA):

Friday, September 18, 2009
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Are you a Homeschool family? Join us for an open house at Plimoth Plantation to learn more about our Colonial and Wampanoag educational programs and explore our museum’s sites. Homeschooling families receive reduced admission for the day. Enjoy hands-on activities on our Wampanoag and Colonial education sites and take advantage of discounts on membership and in the museum shop.

Admission is offered at the group rate of $19.60 for adults, $11.50 for children 6-17, and under 5 are free. This combination rate includes admission to all sites, including Mayflower II.

The 2009 program may be similar to the 2007 schedule. For more information, call 508-746-1622 ext. 8359 or email programservices@plimoth.org.

Museum of Natural History and Planetarium (Providence, RI) seems to have a homeschool adventure almost every month. Advance registration required.

Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center (Mystic, CT) has homeschool classes sometimes. Check for them in the Mystic Events listing or call (860) 536-1216 for pricing and to register. Example:

• Thursday, September 4, 2008, 1:00 - 3:00 PM, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center.
  Homeschool Class – Insects. Designed for children ages 5 – 7.
  Learn about the characteristics that define insects, and how scientists group them. We will head out to the field to see which ones we can catch.
• Date: Thursday, September 4, 2008, 1:00 - 3:00 PM, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
  Homeschool Class – Map & Compass Reading. Designed for children ages 8 – 12.
  Learn the basics on how to read a map and use a compass to find your way around the Nature Center. If you have your own compass please bring it.
• Saturday, September 20, 2008, 1:00 - 3:00 PM, Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
  Homeschool Class - Insect Field Day
  Spend the afternoon catching insects with your family and friends. We'll take a closer look at the unique adaptations and see how many different species we can find before releasing them back into the wild.
  

Mystic Seaport Educators' Weekend: usually in April - Educators and their families (up to four people total) are admitted free to Mystic Seaport – The Museum of America and the Sea – as part of Educators' Weekend sponsored by the Museum. Teachers, administrators and support staff are welcome. Free admission will be granted upon presentation of a school or union ID card or a copy of school letterhead.

and from the seller of Christian homeschool curriculum, some nice lists of Museums:

• Museums in Rhode Island for Homeschoolers
  http://www.thejubileeacademy.org/articles/museums_in_rhode_island_for_homeschoolers.html
  
  
• Museums in Massachusetts for Homeschoolers
  http://www.thejubileeacademy.org/articles/museums_in_massachusetts__for_homeschoolers.html
  
  
• Museums in Connecticut for Homeschoolers
  http://www.thejubileeacademy.org/articles/museums_in_connecticut_for_homeschoolers.html