Friday, November 25, 2011

The Magic that Exists In Us

These are the words that the mathematician, Alexander Tsiaras from Yale, used to describe fetal development and the marvel that it truly is to behold. He created a video showing conception of the egg and sperm and then the initial development of a fetus. He describes it with such awe and marvel, that regardless of your spiritual beliefs, there is no denying that creation is beyond human understanding. It is also a wonderful video to use with children in visualizing conception, which can be possibly awkward, this video is simply beautiful.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Museums Galore!

There is an upcoming event on September 24, 2011 where you can obtain free admission through Smithsonian Magazine. Just choose from a list of participating museums and receive 2 free tickets. Don't forget other great museums that offer free admission on certain days of the week. Check out those links below and enjoy a museum with your child! free tickets.



Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
Northeast 45th Street
Seattle, WA 98195
(206) 543-5590
www.washington.edu
When: First Thursdays are free, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

The Burke Museum of History and Culture features numerous exhibits covering a wide range of subjects, including animal life, plant life and traditional and contemporary cultures. There are also a variety of lectures, events and workshops held throughout the year at the Burke Museum of Natural and Cultural History, which is located on the University of Washington campus.


Frye Art Museum


704 Terry Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98104
(206) 622-9250
www.fryemuseum.org
When: Tuesday – Sunday, 11 a.m – 5 p.m. (7 p.m. Thursday)
Admission: Parking and admission are always free.

The Frye Art Museum houses late-nineteenth and early-twentieth-century paintings and sculpture from European artists in their permanent collections, but also features exhibits works from internationally famous and emerging artists. The Frye Art Museum also hosts a variety of public events, programs, lectures, and more.


Experience Music Project and Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame


325 5th Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 770-2702
www.empsfm.org‎
When: Free on the first Thursday of each month, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. (in winter only)

Architecture, science fiction, and music — that’s the Experience Music Project and Sci-Fi Museum in a nut shell. Housed in a Frank Gehry-designed building and located at the Seattle Center, the museums allow visitors to browse interactive exhibits on popular music and sci-fi literature and media. Visit the first Thursday of every month for a free live music show.




SAM - Seattle Art Museum

Seattle Art Museum Downtown
1300 First Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101-2003
206.654.3100
TTY 206.654.3137

All free day programs include access to special exhibitions as well as all SAM collections and installations.

* First Thursdays: Free to all
* First Friday: Free to seniors (age 62+)
* Second Fridays, 5–9 pm: Free to teens (ages 13–19) with ID

Reason #38 - Why We Homeschool: Teachers' Strikes

One reason that we choose to homeschool our two boys is to avoid teachers' strikes, such as the one taking place in Washington State. Why let others dictate when and where your child can learn?


I have an issue with striking teachers in general. I understand the need for negotiations to obtain good working conditions, pay, and benefits. It is when they allow their need for control to interfere with the education of children. Tacoma teachers in Washington are now striking despite a court order calling for them to return to work. There was even one teacher interviewed who said that he is doing this to "model to our students what correct behavior looks like..." Hmmm, sounds hypocritical to me but what do I know, I homeschool my children!

Here's the audio if you want to hear it for yourself.
More audio at MyNorthwest.com

If that's not enough to get your blood boiling, just take a peek at this short video of a child being told that he won't be going to school because of the teacher's strike. Poor little guy!

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Nathan's Native American Button Blanket

Nathan's Native American Button Blanket
Eagle patterned button blanket designed for beauty and warmth. To see more pictures of how he made this click on the picture above.