Some things don't change, some things spark new ideas, some remind of old ideas, some just mark a place in time worth remembering.  For that reason I have kept so many of these old newsletters.  I have weeded out a few things, especially if I found the link no longer available.  

 

Shortcuts to Newsletters:

 

January 6, 2005 (back to index)

HOMESCHOOL ARTICLES
1.) "Homeschooling Gives Mason Honors Students Unique Perspective"
2.) "Spelling: The Alphabetic Code"

4.) Online Homeschooling Book: "Okay Kids, Time for Bedlam"
5.) Online Excerpt: "Easy Homeschooling Techniques and Easy Homeschooling Companion"
GENERAL INTEREST ITEMS

8.) Online Teacher Resources: Learner.org
9.) Make Your Own Snowflake Online
10.) Timeline Resources
11.)"Great Books of the Western World" List Starting - January 2005
12.) National Homeschool Olympics - Cocoa Beach, FL - May 19-26, 2005
13.) Home Educators Resource Directory
14.) Online History Resources
15.) Online Math Resource
16.) Patuxent Research Refuge, National Wildlife Visitor Center
17.) New Testament One Year Challenge
 FOR SALE
18.) Prayer Journals
19.)Christian French curriculum
NEEDS
20.) Help for Chris Klicka
21.) Source for Used A Beka Books Sought
22.) Cell Phone Donations
 QUOTE

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HOMESCHOOL ARTICLES
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1.) "Homeschooling Gives Mason Honors Students Unique Perspective"
    "While dorm life might give many Mason students a home at school for the
first time, eight General Honors Program students are used to taking tests
and learning subjects at home. With various degrees of homeschooling under
their belts, Margaret Giragosian, Anna Maurer, Julie Moscato, Eleni Vagias,
Mary Gamble, Angela Panayotopulos, Stephen Smith, and Heather Thompson have
learned that sometimes parents are the best teachers.
    Now freshmen at George Mason, these students have a little hindsight on
their home-school educations and say they appreciate the choices their
parents made. With hometowns from Fairfax, Va., to Las Cruces, N.M., several
of the students were educated at home their entire lives, others for a year
or two. Many have brothers and sisters who were also homeschooled, and
family life and education intermingled so much that it was hard to tell when
the learning stopped."
    Read the entire article by Tara Laskowski online at
http://gazette.gmu.edu/articles/index.php?id=6244

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2.) "Spelling: The Alphabetic Code"
    This article follows the previous column regarding the spelling rules. In
this you will learn: the simple Code; the advanced Code; and the six
syllable types to assist you in improving reading, spelling, and writing.
   Too often schools, if they teach any Code at all, teach only an incidental
version of the simple Code. But to be a skilled speller, writer, and reader,
one needs to methodically learn the entire Code and the rules for its usage.
We use the letters of the alphabet, often alone; often in two's: in some
instances in groups of three or four, to represent the speech sounds. These
pieces of the Code are called phonograms - a word containing the Greek roots
for 'sound' and 'written down'. So...we use phonograms to record
sound...i.e., to spell. When a phonogram represents two or more sounds, the
sounds are in the descending order of frequency in the English language
Read the entire article by Linda Schrock Taylor at
http://www.lewrockwell.com/taylor/taylor81.html
[Our thanks to Phil K.]
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4.) Online Homeschooling Book: "Okay Kids, Time for Bedlam"
    Debbie Harbeson, a homeschool mom in Indiana, has written a short humor book about her family's early homeschooling experiences and wants to share it freely with other homeschoolers and anyone else interested.
Read it at http://bedlam.ihen.org/
[Our thanks to Ann Lahrson, Home Education Magazine http://www.homeedmag.com.]

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5.) Online Excerpt: "Easy Homeschooling Techniques and Easy Homeschooling Companion"
    Lorraine Curry is offering a 7-page online excerpt of her "Easy Homeschooling Techniques and Easy Homeschooling Companion" book. This is in PDF format, so you will need the free Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view.
Web site: http://www.easyhomeschooling.net/ebook-easy-tips.pdf

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GENERAL INTEREST ITEMS
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6.) Engineering Day for Girls - Nationwide - February 24, 2005

The goal for 2005, the fifth year for the National Engineers Week "Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day," is to have 125 organizations mobilize as many women in engineering as possible - a target of 11,000 - who, along with their male colleagues, will reach more than one million girls.
Visit their Web site for information on local opportunities: http://www.eweek.org/site/News/Eweek/girlsday.shtml

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7.) National Poetry Contest for Grades 5-12 - Deadline: March 1, 2005
    Students in grades 5-12 during the 2004-2005 academic year are invited to
submit up to three poems to the Love-A-Teen Day National Poetry Contest.
Awards for the national winners will be $50 U.S. Savings Bonds. Deadline is
March 1, 2005.
   Last year's contest winners included at least one Virginia homeschooler.
Poetry winners from last year have now been published in a book available
for purchase on the Web site.
Web site: http://www.loveateenday.com

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8.) Online Teacher Resources: Learner.org
    Annenberg/CPB uses media and telecommunications to advance excellent
teaching in American schools. This mandate is carried out chiefly by the
funding and broad distribution of educational video programs with
coordinated Web and print materials for the professional development of K-12
teachers. It is part of the Annenberg Foundation and advances the
Foundation's goal of encouraging the development of more effective ways to
share ideas and knowledge.
   Among the offerings are Amusement Park Physics
(http://www.learner.org/exhibits/parkphysics), The Mechanical Universe
(http://www.learner.org/resources/series42.html), and more.
Main Web site: http://www.learner.org

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9.) Make Your Own Snowflake
    Design your own snowflake online, or look at what others have made. Requires
free Macromedia Flash player.
Web site: http://snowflakes.lookandfeel.com/
[Our thanks to the HEART newsletter, Mary Blunt, editor.]

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10.) Timeline Resources
> Timeline Helps from Homeschool in the Woods
> http://www.homeschoolinthewoods.com
>
> Resources for Timeline Creation, from LatinTeach.com
> http://www.latinteach.com/timelines.html
>
> Discussion of why TL's are good at J & K Schooling
> http://www.jkschooling.com/teaching.cfm
>
> Timeline posts
> http://www.fortunecity.com/millennium/plumpton/1141/timelines.html
>
> How to make history timelines
> http://www.bright.net/~double/timelin1.htm
>
> Photo of timeline using figures
> http://www.geocities.com/laurabeanct/Timeline.html?966195779460
>
> History and timeline links
> http://www.homeschoolchristian.com/Links/History/index.html
>
> Extensive list of timeline links
> http://www.teacheroz.com/Maps_Flags_Timelines.htm
>
> Map and timeline links
> http://home.rochester.rr.com/inwoods/weblinks-mapstimelines.htm
>
> Timelines and links, with emphasis on media
> http://www.mediahistory.com/time/timeline.html
>
> Timeline master list site
> http://www.canisius.edu/~emeryg/time.html
>
> Hyper History, timelines and maps
> http://www.hyperhistory.com/online_n2/History_n2/a.html
>
> Timelines by decades
> http://www.Decades.com
>
> Personalized timelines
> http://www.ourtimelines.com/create_tl_2.html
>
> dMarie Time Capsule - a date in history (1900s)
> http://www.dmarie.com/asp/history.asp
>
> Bible Timeline
> http://www.wordsight.org/btl/000_btl-fp.htm
>
> "Timeline of the American Revolutionary War"
> http://www.everingham.com/family/data2/timeline.html
>
> TimeLine of Medieval History, University of Kansas, History 108
> http://kuhttp.cc.ukans.edu/kansas/medieval/timeline.html
>
> World Magazine, A historical timeline
> http://www.worldmag.com/world/issue/07-31-99/cover_1.asp
>
> Colonial Era Timeline
> http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/revolution/index.html
>
> WebChron: The WebChronology Project
> http://campus.northpark.edu/history/WebChron/
 [Our thanks to "Homeschooling with the Trivium," Harvey and Laurie
Bluedorn. Web site: http://www.triviumpursuit.com.

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11.)"Great Books of the Western World" List Starting - January 2005
    If you are interested in the Britannica Great Books of the Western World (GBWW), or if you want to enhance your education through history, philosophy, literature, and science, free membership in the Great Conversation Yahoo group may be for you. This page is designed to help you decide whether you want to join, and to give you a mechanism by which to join.
    The Great Conversation group is devoted to following the 10-year course of reading as outlined in volume 1 of the GBWW. It is intended for members who are committed to following the plan, though occasional additional reading may be requested. Members should have access to the GBWW 54-volume first edition, though the required texts are generally available in libraries or online.
    Web site: http://www.angelfire.com/art/megathink/greatbooks/join.html
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12.) National Homeschool Olympics - Cocoa Beach, FL - May 19-26, 2005
    All Sports and Event Management announces the first-ever National Homeschool Olympics. This event will take place May 19, through May 26, 2005, in Cocoa Beach, Florida. The purpose of this event is to provide a national platform for the homeschool student/athlete to compete.
    The events that have been selected will allow the student/athletes from three age divisions to compete. The ages will be determined by a September 1, 2004, cut-off date. The three age divisions are 12-under, 15-under, and 18-under. No participant who turns 19 before September 1, 2004, will be eligible to compete.
    For more information, visit http://www.asem16.com (click on the "Nat. Homeschool Olympics" navigation link on the left-hand side of the page).
[Our thanks to Rose M.]

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13.) Home Educators Resource Directory
Home Educators Resource Directory offers a comprehensive listing of resources for the Home Educator, including international and national resources, homeschool classes, services, individual homeschool directories, homeschool suppliers, homeschool support groups and much more. Homeschool resources are listed by subject, geographical location, and by search. The directory is updated monthly with subscribers receiving updates and timely information via e-mail. A CD version is available any time of the year, with an easy-to-use format that includes print capabilities. Bulk purchase discounts are available for support groups and qualifying organizations.
    To use this resource, visit http://www.homeeddirectory.com.
[Our thanks to Mindy L.]
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14.) Online History Resources
    The United States' National Archives Web site offers many resources for teachers. One, which shows how to use source documents for teaching, is available at http://www.archives.gov/publications/teaching_aids.html.
    The Avalon Project at Yale Law School offers online documents in law, history and diplomacy at http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/avalon.htm.
[Our thanks to Sherry G.]
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15.) Online Math Resource
Includes pre-made fact sheets and discussion forum.
Web site: http://www.mathfactcafe.com
[Our thanks to Caroline B.]
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16.) Patuxent Research Refuge, National Wildlife Visitor Center

>Water Cycle Resources -  For a new and updated information about water
cycles, contact the U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS) at http://ga.water.usgs.gove/edu/watercycle.html

> Fish and Wildlife Educational Resources - For EE resources including
teacher and student activities dealing with endangered species, go to
www.fws.gov and link on to kids or endangered species.
    If you have any questions about workshops or programs offered at the
Patuxent Research Refuge,.
National Wildlife Visitor Center, please contact
Dennis Hartnett
Acting Environmental Education Coordinator
Patuxent Research Refuge
dennis_hartnett@fws.gov  or call 301-497-5898

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17.) New Testament One Year Challenge
Dear homeschool friends,
    I trust you had a wonderful, blessed Christmas with family and friends,
    I would like to invite you to an exhilarating challenge with eternal benefits:  the New Testament
One Year Challenge
    A group of us from around the world are committing to memorizing one key verse from each chapter of the New Testament.  (260 in all) in one year.  This works out to about one a day with a few review days at the end of each month.
    The first 10 key verses (Matthew 1-10) have been chosen, however if you join us, you can be involved in nominating the key verses from other chapters that our group will memorize.
    For more information please check out our website www.scripturememorychallenge.org or contact Phil Walker at (845)416-8010 or philjohn1558@yahoo.com
    Those interested in the Old Testament can join HAKOTS - Hearts After Key Old Testament Scripture. (We are doing Psalms through Lamentations this year.)
Have a glorious God honoring 2005!  In Christ, Phil Walker

******************** 
Tips for Memorizing
********************

1) Pray - Ask God (the Author) to impress deep into your heart what He thinks you should do with His Word!
- Ask God (the Creator of your mind) to enable you to memorize and keep His Word in your heart.  ( I recently met a 62 year old man who was memorizing and keeping new Scripture!!  What an encouragement to me!  "With God all things are possible!")
2)  Find a friend -  Even though I am thrilled with the opportunity to link thousands worldwide in a Scripture Memory program, and am committed to encouraging and enabling each and every one as best as I can over the internet, there is still no substiture for face-to-face encouragement.  Try to find a friend who is willing to join you in your Scripture Memory projects, or at least will enjoy quizzing you, and discussing Scriptural insights with you. 
3) Review-  Realize the treasure you have in memorized Scripture and commit to keeping it.  I once heard of brothers who memorized several entire books of Scripture for a Bible quizzing program, but within a few years forgot every word and didn't think that was strange or sad.  My heart was broken! To be given $1,000,000 and then misplace the entire amount would be a less significant event.
There are many Scripture review programs out there.
The one I like is:
    A) Learn the verse word perfect.
    B) Say it once a day for 7 days, and then once a week for 7 weeks, and then once a month for 7 months.  It should be yours for life!
4) Experiment to find which learning style is best for you.  Many find it helpful always reading the Scripture from the same Bible, seeing the words on the page in their minds. 
 For myself, Scripture Memory took off when I started listening to the Bible on tape.   Others find it helpful to write the verse out several times.
    May God bless you, as you commit to knowing Him through His Word, in whatever way He leads you.
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FOR SALE
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18.) Prayer Journals
If you find it hard or impossible to have the intimate and rewarding prayer life you've always longed for, give the new Month-by-Month Prayer Journal a try. Created by a busy Richmond homeschooling mom, this journal is filled with lots of helpful hints to get you started, and an easy-to-use plan to keep you going. You can come to know the joy of asking, as well as the relief of receiving.
Unfortunately, there are no online images available for viewing. But if you send Debra Broughear an e-mail (Broughearc@aol.com) she can probably send you some images. It looks beautiful.
These beautiful and functional Prayer Journals are available for $15. A companion Sermon Journal, with pages designed for note taking each Sunday and Wednesday, is also available for $10. Or select one of each for $20. Shipping is $3.50 each set or single book.
Make checks payable to:
Debra Broughear
923 Glenhaven Road
Richmond, VA 23236

++++++++++++++  ++++++++++++++++++  ++++++++++++++++++
19.)Christian French curriculum
I have developed a new and innovative Christian French curriculum.  The following link (www.theeasyfrench.com/article.htm)   has an article that I prepared for another homeschooling organization.  I hope that it will help you to understand how much research and preparation went into the development of Le Francais Facile.  I would like you to consider including the article in your next newsletter.  Looking forward to hearing from you in the New Year.
It is also flexible enough to be taught in a co-op or Christian school environment.  Please contact me for details.
Marie Filion
www.theeasyfrench.com  PS I am also offering a 20% discount for your subscribers for the month of Febuary.  Please contact me for details.


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QUOTE
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"Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil."
-- C.S. Lewis (1898-1963, English author)
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The items listed in this Update are for informational purposes and are to be utilized at the discretion of the recipient. Many thanks to HEAV for many things listed here.

 

 

December 7, 2004 (back to index)

GENERAL INTEREST
1. Update on Duby Fire (Tobin's Lab)
2. "Homeschooling's Best" Nominees Wanted - Deadline: December 3, 2004
3. Talent Search Programs - February 15, 2005
4. Wildlife Essay Contest - Deadline: February 18, 2005
5. U.S. Department of Education Homeschooling Study
6. Foreign Exchange Student Host Family Needed
7. Community Service Project Resources
8. Have a Creative Way of Spending Time With Your Spouse?
9. Group Ideas
ONLINE RESOURCES
10. Paris Review
11.Textbook Resource
12. Ask the Everyday Scientist
13. Civics and History
14. the Solar System
15.  Virtual Heart Surgery
GOOD READING
16.  Article: PREJUDICE IN BLACK AND WHITE
17.  PARTING THOUGHT: "Thanksgiving Turkeys"
WORTH REPEATING 
- Pres. Abraham Lincoln
- C.S. Lewis

GENERAL INTEREST
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1. Update on Duby Fire (Tobin's Lab)
This updated information comes via Stephen E. Mouring. We will keep you
posted as we learn more.
This e-mail comes as a result of a three-hour meeting with Tammy Duby (November 19), and supercedes previous instructions and suggestions about
ways to help.

Dear Friends,
    Mike and Tammy Duby lost their home and business, Tobin's Lab (supplying
science and history resources to the homeschooling community and beyond for
10 years) in a fire this week. There was no loss of human life nor injury,
and the Dubys are glorifying God with their steadfast and faithful
attitudes, words, and actions during this time. Megan, age 11, and Tobin (a
freshman at Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, VA) are doing well and
are grateful for all the emotional and prayer support they have been shown.
    There was, however, a complete devastation of Tobin's Lab, and most of their
personal belongings are gone as well. A few special things were preserved,
but most were lost, including some 40-50 boxes of unit study materials and a
wealth of lapbooks collected over Tammy's 20+ years of teaching. The family
dog has not yet been found. The salvage project has not yet been completed,
but it would appear that most of the Tobin's Lab records were lost, with the
exception of one computer hard-drive that is in the process of possible data
retrieval efforts. Although there is some insurance money available, there
is a significant need for capital to rebuild the Tobin's Lab inventory and
to replace equipment.
    We have outlined below some ways that you may help, should God so burden you
to do so. The Dubys have been deeply appreciative of and touched by the
outpouring of love and prayer on their behalf, and they feel very sustained
by the community of Christians and homeschoolers. Please continue your
prayers, as God guides you. Ministering to this family has been a joy,
especially in light of the countless ways they have given of themselves to
the homeschooling community throughout the years at conventions, on the
phone, with their writings and tapes, and by their daily example of
godliness.
Financial contributions, including gift cards to Wal-Mart, Lowes, or Best
Buy, may be sent to:
David Dark
7487 Kirtley Trail
Culpeper, VA  22701-7436
Checks may be made out to "Mike Duby." If you wish to remain anonymous in
your giving, please make the check payable to "David Dark," and indicate in
the memo line your wish to have the gift anonymous. If you are giving a gift
card and wish to remain anonymous, please indicate this somehow in your
correspondence
If you wish to send an e-mail of encouragement, please send them to Stephen
E. Mouring (mourings@erols.com) who will print them off and pass them along
to the Dubys.

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2. "Homeschooling's Best" Nominees Wanted - Deadline: December 3, 2004
Calvert School is seeking nominations for its Third Annual "Homeschooling's
Best Awards," which recognize people whose efforts have improved
homeschooling.
In its first two years, Homeschooling's Best recipients were honored for
starting a homeschool honor society, providing homeschoolers with curriculum
after wildfires, establishing regional homeschooling organizations, and
promoting homeschooling to and through the media.
Calvert School welcomes suggestions of people who you think are
Homeschooling's Best. To learn more about the awards and to submit nominees,
visit http://www.calvertschool.org/best. The deadline for nominations is
Friday, December 3, 2004.
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3. Talent Search Programs - February 15, 2005
Enrollment deadlines are imminent for the Talent Search programs offered for
highly gifted young people by Johns Hopkins, Northwestern, Duke, and the
University of Denver.
Taking the tests through the Talent Searches gives families additional
information about a child's math and verbal reasoning abilities, leads to
recognition, and links gifted students to special programs that help them
develop their special abilities.
Program: Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY)
For students in AK, AZ, CA, CT, DE, HI, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, OR, PA, RI,
VA, VT, WA, WV, DC
Web site:  http://www.cty.jhu.edu
Second through 4th graders: no deadline, but test before February 15 for
summer courses
Online application at http://cty.jhu.edu/ts/registeronline.html
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4. Wildlife Essay Contest - Deadline: February 18, 2005
Mutual of Omaha is now accepting one-page entries to its 2005 Kids' Summit
essay contest. The contest is open to children ages 9-12. One child from
each state and the District of Columbia will win an all-expense-paid trip
for two to Los Angeles to participate in Mutual of Omaha's Kids' Summit, and
get "up close and personal" with animals at the Los Angeles Zoo. The
deadline for submissions is February 18, 2005.
For contest details and more information, visit http://www.wildkingdom.com .
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5. U.S. Department of Education Homeschooling Study
In July 2004, the National Center for Education Statistics released their
three-page summary report on homeschooling. It is available for reading
online at http://www.nces.ed.gov/pubs2004/2004115.pdf .
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6. Foreign Exchange Student Host Family Needed
Forte International Exchange Association is an independent non-profit
organization designated by the State Department as an "Exchange Visitor
Program." They have a group of five teenagers from Mongolia coming to the
United States to study during the second semester (late December 2004
through June 2005).
For more information, contact Vanessa Xiao at Forte (Group) International
(202-628-8226 or vanessa@forteintl.com) or visit their Web site at
http://www.forteexchange.org.

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7. Community Service Project Resources

Many homeschooling parents like to find community service projects for their
children to participate in for a variety of reasons, including educational
purposes. At this time of year, homeless shelters, food banks, church
projects, and many others are very popular.
If you are interested in a community service project for your children, but
do not know where to start, some online resources include:
Discussion Groups
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Homeschoolersfightinghunger/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AHA-HEARTS/
Website
http://www.h-e-a-r-t-s.org

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8. Have a Creative Way of Spending Time With Your Spouse?

Do you and your spouse have a creative way of making time to be together?
"Marriage Connection" would like to hear about it. E-mail your idea to
marriage@christianitytoday.com for a chance to have your idea published in
Marriage Partnership. Be sure to include your full name and state.

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9. Group Ideas
Whether you need ideas for how to stimulate interaction in a small group of
homeschoolers, or a Sunday School class, or a social event at home, Group
Publishing offers a wide assortment of ideas and resources to help
facilitate group interaction.
Web site: http://www.grouppublishing.com

------------------  -----------------  ------------------  ---------------
ONLINE RESOURCES
------------------  -----------------  ------------------  ---------------
10. Paris Review
Welcome to the DNA of literature--over 50 years of literary wisdom rolled up
in 300+ Writers-at-Work interviews, now available online  for free. Founder
and former Editor George Plimpton dreamed of a day when anyone--a struggling
writer in Texas, an English teacher in Amsterdam, even a subscriber in
Central Asia--could easily access this vast literary resource; with the
establishment of this online archive that day has finally come. Now, for the
first time, you can read, search and download any or all of over three
hundred in-depth interviews with poets, novelists, playwrights, essayists,
critics, musicians, and more, whose work set the compass of
twentieth-century writing, and continues to do so into the twenty-first
century.  Web site: http://www.parisreview.org/literature.php

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11.Textbook Resource
The goal of this non-profit service provided by INSIGHTS is to collect all
out-of-adoption curriculum no longer needed by area school systems and make
it available, free of charge, to those that support home-taught students,
tutoring programs, children's shelters, etc.
By offering this recycling service, they hope to provide quality educational
material to our children and eliminate space ordinarily taken up in
landfills.

Web site: http://www.emcd.net
-------------------  ------------------  --------------------  ------------------
12. Ask the Everyday Scientist
 Ask the Everyday Scientist – This item comes from our good friend, Tom, who has a Ph.D. in physics from MIT.  “For over a year now, I’ve been writing a column for my weekly newspaper called ‘Ask the Everyday Scientist’, where people write in to the paper with questions they have about science, and I then answer selected questions.  It occurs to me that children in the home-schooling community could well have lots of such questions.  So I invite you to send them along to me.”  Be sure to include in your email subject line something like “Homeschool science question.”  Tom Sheahen,  tsheahen@alum.mit.edu,  301 387 2522.
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13. Civics and History

CHOICES for the 21st Century is an educational program of the Watson
Institute for International Studies at Brown University. Through its
curricular resources, professional development workshops, and special
projects, CHOICES engages secondary level students in international issues
and contributes to a renewal of civic engagement among young people in the
United States.  Web site: http://www.choices.edu/index.cfm

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14. the Solar System
You are looking at a view of the solar system from a distance of 4,560
million miles (7,950 million kilometers). Your tour of the solar system
begins with this dramatic overview. The sun, which contains 99.85 percent of
all matter in the solar system, dominates the planets, which are seen
rotating precisely in proportion to one another—Jupiter fastest, Venus
slowest. Their relative orbital speeds are also accurately reproduced, with
Mercury—closest to the sun—rounding that star every 14.5 seconds,
corresponding with its actual 88-day orbit.
You might start by clicking the sun and working outward or you can create
your own planet-skipping itinerary. With each planetary visit -- and on side
trips to the asteroids or a passing comet -- you will discover the latest
information about our cosmic neighbors.
Note: This Web site utilizes Active-X, so you need to use a browser that
supports Active-X, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer.
Web site: http://www.nationalgeographic.com/solarsystem/ax/high.html

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15.  Virtual Heart Surgery
Virtual open heart surgery: http://www.abc.net.au/science/lcs/heart.htm
Heart transplant: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/eheart/transplantwave.html
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GOOD READING
.....................  .....................  ..........................   ........................   ....................
PREJUDICE IN BLACK AND WHITE
    Remembering what it was like when we first began teaching our children at
home 13 years ago, I sometimes think things are easier. Thirteen years ago,
when you saw someone in a public setting during the day and they asked why
your children were not in school, you had to give a five-minute explanation
as to what homeschooling was. Now, people either don't ask, or you can give
a two-second answer, "We homeschool!" and then use the other four minutes
and 58 seconds to talk about more important things.
    But every once in a while, prejudice--and let us call it by its rightful
name--raises its ugly head again and you begin to doubt that anything has
been accomplished in the past dozen years at all.
    Such is the case in the recent round of print articles in the Akron (Ohio)
Beacon Journal (ABJ) where homeschoolers have been accused of being white
supremacists, child kidnappers, slackers, and religious nuts. We overstate
test results, lie to ourselves about socialization, chain our children to
their beds so they can die in house fires, distrust government, and have no
interest in our children's education. Sigh.
    Of course, the main and direct impact of this attack goes more to the
homeschoolers in Ohio and Pennsylvania, since that is the geographic region
of their coverage. But, when the Associated Press, or someone else, picks it
up it can reach much further. As the Akron Beacon Journal reminds us,
prejudice is always a hydra.
    So gird your loins and sharpen your pencils, homeschooling is once more in
the crosshairs of the American press. Begin to prepare now to wage the war
of words in defense of homeschooling. Because the first shot has been fired.
[Addendum: On a bright note, the gun may have misfired! The ABJ Public
Editor Mike Needs, questions whether anyone has actually read the entire
series (it took him 63 minutes to read just one day's segment).
http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/columnists/mike_needs/10237937.htm].
And Vox Day of WorldNet Daily offers the perfect antidote in his
well-reasoned (and researched) rebuttal to the series.
http://wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=41577

PARTING THOUGHT: "Thanksgiving Turkeys"
.... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....
An elderly man in Phoenix calls his son in New York and says, "I hate to
ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing;
forty-five years of misery is enough."

"Pop, what are you talking about?" the son screams.

"We can't stand the sight of each other any longer," the old man says.
"We're sick and tired of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so
you call your sister in Chicago and tell her." And he hangs up.

Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. "Like heck
they're getting a divorce," she shouts.  "I'll take care of this." She calls
Phoenix immediately, and screams at the old man, "You are NOT getting
divorced!  Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother
back and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then don't do a thing, DO YOU
HEAR ME?" And she hangs up.

The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife.

"They're coming for Thanksgiving and paying their own way."

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 WORTH REPEATING
 - Pres. Abraham Lincoln
"The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the
blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which
are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which
they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature,
that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is
habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God."
-- 1863 Thanksgiving Proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865,
16th President of the United States: 1861-1865)
- C.S. Lewis
"It's she that makes it always winter. Always winter and never Christmas;
think of that!"
-- Mr. Tumnus, explaining the White Witch to Lucy (from "The Lion, The Witch
and The Wardrobe" by C.S. Lewis, 1898-1963, English author)

 

November 21, 2004 (back to index)

HOMESCHOOL ITEMS
1. Credit Where Credit Is Due
2. Article: "In Beslan's Wake, Eastern Europeans Consider Home Schooling"
3. TOYchallenge Contest - Registration Deadline: December 15, 2004
4. Christian Classical Blog
5.  Extending Homeschool Into Home College
6.  Free Online Video Resource
7.  Free Project for Your Homeschool Teen
8.  Free Stuff!
9.  High School Graduation Ceremony - Purcellville - May or June, 2005
10. Online Resource for Dolch Words
11. Online Resource for Geography
12. Wounded Soldiers Project
13. Ravi Zacharias: "For All The Saints"
14. Washington National Cathedral
15.  Subject: Electronic Field Trip About Bats!
16.  Model Railroad Show in Richmond  (included because I wish I could go)
17.  Scholastic Book Fairs - December 2004
18.  Programming Contest
19.  Cool Web Site: Children's Books Online
UNITED STATES of AMERICA
 
20.  Online Resource for American History
21. "Roanoke Colony: America's First Mystery"
22.  The President Who Wasn't
23. Online American History Resource: Restoring America Project
24.  Three Branches of Government
25.  American Presidents: Life Portraits

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 HOMESCHOOL ITEMS
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1. Credit Where Credit Is Due
In our October 4, 2004, HEAV Update, we included an item entitled "Timeline
Resources" (item 2.11). We gave what we thought was proper attribution for
this item. As it turned out this information originated from a different
source: Paula's Archives.
HEAV regrets this error and is grateful to Paula for letting us know of this
oversight so we may correct it. You may view her Timelines page at
http://www.redshift.com/~bonajo/timeline.htm#links and her Web site at
http://www.PaulasArchives.com.

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2. Article: "In Beslan's Wake, Eastern Europeans Consider Home Schooling"
"More Russian families are turning to home schooling in the wake of the
three-day Beslan school hostage crisis, during which armed attackers stormed
a middle school and took more than a thousand parents, teachers, and
children captive. The violent end to that siege left hundreds of hostages
dead, and a devastated public desperate to ensure their own children's
safety."
Read the full article, by Jim Brown and Jenni Parker, at
http://www.crosswalk.com/family/home_school/1292843.html.

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3. TOYchallenge Contest - Registration Deadline: December 15, 2004
This contest is open to girls and boys in grades 5 through 8. The program is
flexible enough that it can be used in school, after school, in a
homeschool, with a neighborhood group, or as part of any youth-based
organization. A team consists of a three to eight members; at least half
must be girls. One adult is the team coach.
The deadline to register your team is December 15, 2004.
For more information, including prize details, visit
http://www.toychallenge.com/index.shtml.

------------------------------------------------------
4. Christian Classical Blog
Read of the daily meanderings of another Christian classical home-learning
family in this sacred pilgrimage. Think of it as a cup of daily
encouragement and inspiration on the holy journey of educating God's next
actors in the drama of His Story.
Web site: http://holyexperience.blogspot.com

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5.  Extending Homeschool Into Home College
As one component of the Family University Network, a Christian business
incubator with Family Business Network (FBN) is being developed in the
Turtle Mountains of North Dakota. In order to help to prosper families and
improve the culture, this business incubator offers local and Web-based
seminars, courses, curriculum, experiences, and peer groups to support the
development of businesses based on biblical principles.
Is Manufacturing Engineering--the first full curriculum available --learners
develop their own manufacturing enterprise. Faculty are being recruited to
develop other Bible-based entrepreneurial curriculum for the various trades,
liberal arts, business, economics, science, mathematics, engineering,
technology, and legal and medical fields. All teachers operate as
independent free agents.
Interested homeschool families, groups, Christian school groups, church
groups, and others can learn more about the Family University Network at
http://www.bartlettuniversity.com.
Questions may be addressed to Dr. James Bartlett (800-477-8626 or
info@bartlettuniversity.com). The first 100 families to join will be given
free membership in exchange for helping prime the network for operation.

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6. Free Online Video Resource
YourOtherTeacher.com has online video tutoring for various subjects that
they want to adapt for homeschoolers. If you would be willing to take a look
at some of their lessons and answer a 10-minute survey, they will give you
two months of free tutoring as a thank you. In the Member Login area on the
top left, enter [homeschoolers@Homeschool.com] (without the brackets) for
the e-mail address. For the passcode enter [free] (without the brackets).
Web site: http://www.YourOtherTeacher.com
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7.  Free Project for Your Homeschool Teen

It is just a matter of time before your teen falls out of love with driving
the family van and in love with a car he has no idea he can't afford. Be
ready for that day with this free project from Cardamom Publishers.
Web site: http://www.cardamompublishers.com/free-life-prep-project-01.htm.
Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader.
-----------------------------------------------------
8.  Free Stuff!

This is the website that  Leslie D. was talking about in the last
meeting. It is really a neat place to grab a worksheet here and there, also
free CD's and Fun Kits !
http://www.homeschoolfreestuff.com/issues/45/45.html

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9. High School Graduation Ceremony - Purcellville - May or June, 2005
Kathy Weitz and Jeanne Domenech are planning a high school graduation
ceremony for their homeschool seniors this spring, to be held in
Purcellville, Virginia (Western Loudoun County), in late May or early June
of 2005. This would be a Christ-honoring, formal ceremony. They want to get
a feel for the level of interest and how many participants they could count
on. Contact them as soon as possible (by November 15) at
greengables@weitz.us, with the following information: name (parents), name
(student), e-mail address, county and state of residence, level of interest
(maybe, interested, definitely), plus any comments.

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10. Online Resource for Dolch Words
The Dolch words are the 220 most frequently found words. Students who learn
these words have a good base for beginning reading. Many of these words
cannot be sounded out because they do not follow decoding rules. These words
must be learned as sight words.
One such online resource for these words may be found at
http://www.janbrett.com/games/jan_brett_dolch_word_list_main.htm.

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11. Online Resource for Geography
The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) publishes an annual World Factbook,
which includes, among other things, geographic information on each country.
While the book is printed only once per year, the information is available
online and updated regularly. You may find this to be a good source of
supplemental information for geography or other subjects.
Web site: http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/re.html

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12. Wounded Soldiers Project
The Azalea Charities Aid to Wounded Soldiers project provides comfort and
relief items for soldiers and Marines who are sick, injured, or wounded from
service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Donated items are distributed to soldiers
and Marines at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval
Medical Center, Bethesda, each week. Many of the soldiers and Marines are
grievously wounded and will require long hospitalization and rehabilitation.
The purpose of the program is to enhance the morale and welfare of the
wounded by contributing quality-of-life items. All donations are tax
deductible.
Their Web site lists all current needs, plus drop-off locations in the
northern Virginia area. If you are unable to donate specific items, you may
also make an online donation for this relief effort.
Web site: http://www.azaleacharities.org.
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13. Ravi Zacharias: "For All The Saints"
(This man's writings are incredible, full of understanding.  I've just begun reading "Can Man Live Without God?")
Ravi Zacharias, noted Christian apologist, offers a daily e-mail newsletter
that I have found to be consistently challenging and encouraging. In honor
of All Saints Day (November 1), they offered a series of biographical
portraits. You may read these entries online, as well as subscribe to the
newsletter or hear audio streaming of some of his talks on college campuses.

For All The Saints:
http://www.rzim.org/publications/slicetran.php?sliceid=757
William Wilberforce (Faith and the Public Life):
http://www.rzim.org/publications/slicetran.php?sliceid=758
Susanna Wesley (A Faith Unobscured):
http://www.rzim.org/publications/slicetran.php?sliceid=759
John Chrysostom (An Unavoidable Calling):
http://www.rzim.org/publications/slicetran.php?sliceid=760
Augustine of Hippo (The Restless Heart):
http://www.rzim.org/publications/slicetran.php?sliceid=761
Hien Pham (A Man Set Apart):
http://www.rzim.org/publications/slicetran.php?sliceid=762

Main Web site: http://www.rzim.org
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14. Washington National Cathedral

            Washington National Cathedral would like to extend an invitation
to the families involved in HERITAGE to come and participate in our school
programs.  We have four different programs to meet different needs and
interests of home schoolers; and our goal is to provide interactive and
exciting learning opportunities for elementary and middle school aged
children.  Washington National Cathedral is an ideal setting to come and
explore architecture, math, art, and history, and our staff and corps of
volunteers makes it possible for us to work with visiting children in small
groups.
Allison Elder
Manager of School and Family Programs
Washington National Cathedral
(202) 537-2184
www.cathedral.org
++++++++   +++++++++++++++    ++++++++
15.   Subject: Electronic Field Trip About Bats!
Why are bats classified as mammals?  What do bats eat?  Do bats migrate?
Are bats beneficial to people? Would you like to take your class on a field
trip to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park and get the answers to these
questions?  You may not be able to physically go there, but Carlsbad
Caverns National Park is sponsoring a FREE electronic field trip,
eFieldTrip, that your class can participate in.
During November through December 2004, Carlsbad Caverns National Park will
offer schools nationwide the opportunity to participate in an eFieldTrip
titled, "Bats! Fantastic Mammals of Flight."

The eFieldTrip has four major components -
1.  Virtual Visit.  An interactive multi-media web experience that your
students can complete at their own pace anytime.  The Virtual Visit will
premiere November 8, 2004 and will be available through the end of the
school year.
2.  Trip Journal.  A short worksheet that students fill-in as they complete
the Virtual Visit.
3.  Ask the Experts.  Students may post questions via the eFieldTrips web
site.  Within 1-2 days, the experts at Carlsbad Caverns National Park will
post the answers to their questions.
4.  Live Web Chat.  A live web chat will allow your students to ask
questions of the experts at Carlsbad Caverns National Park and receive
their answers during the chat.
What do you need to participate?  If you have access to the Internet at
your school or in your classroom, you can participate!  The students access
the eFieldTrip using a web browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape
Navigator.
There is no cost for your school or students to participate.  This program
is offered as an educational outreach opportunity by Carlsbad Caverns
National Park.
For more information, or to register your school to participate, please go
to  www.eFieldTrips.org and click on the banner "Bats! Fantastic Mammals of
Flight."  We look forward to having your students join us on this amazing
eFieldTrip!

----------------------------------------------------------------------
16.  Model Railroad Show in Richmond  - November 26-28, 2004
Virginia Science Museum
2500 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Friday, November 26, 2004, through Sunday, November 28, 2004.
Relive your favorite childhood hobby at the 27th Annual Model Railroad Show.
Z, N, HO, S, Lionel and Standard gauge trains travel through elaborate
layouts. Sponsored by the Richmond Freelance and Prototype Model Railroaders
Club.
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17. Scholastic Book Fairs - December 2004
Scholastic Warehouse sales are exclusive to book-fair chairmen and
volunteers; registered homeschoolers; and school personnel (principals,
administrators, faculty, teachers, librarians, and media specialists).
Visit their Web site for locations, dates, and times:
http://teacher.scholastic.com/fairs/warehouse/states/va.htm

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18.  Programming Contest
USACO (USA Computing Olympiad) has announced the schedule for their
2004-2005 Internet contests. The first round was this past weekend. The most
noticeable change from last year is that there are now four divisions, so
everyone from novice to expert programmer can compete. Languages include
C/C++, Pascal, and Java. They have also recently expanded the interactive
training pages to support all three languages.
 For high school or junior high school student interested in competing in the USA Computing Olympiad. It's easy to get involved; you only need to do these two things:
  • sign up for the email list; every 2-3 months throughout the school year we run competitions which are announced and distributed over this list
     
  • register for the training pages and start working through the material to hone your competition computing skills 

When a contest starts you will receive the tasks by email; to participate all you need to do is write programs to solve any of the tasks and submit it over the Internet; there are no registration fees. It's that easy! Link to Contest: http://ace.delos.com/contestgate    Web site: http://www.usaco.org
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19.  Cool Web Site: Children's Books Online

This children's library is a volunteer-driven project offering the largest
collection of illustrated antique children's books online. It has grown
slowly over an eight-year period, from the work of a single man and a
handful of books, to a vibrant volunteer-powered organization and a growing
library of books and translations, and now contains well over 10,000 pages.
Web site: http://www.childrensbooksonline.org

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America
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20.  Online Resource for American History
This American History Web site is a free, non-commercial site for students
from grade seven and up. It provides over 500 entries for events from
Columbus' voyage through the 1950's Cold War. The site gives accurate
history, original quotes, and a chance for Christian values to be applied to
everyday life. Teachers can use this site for lesson preparation and short
essays.  http://www.4america.com

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21. "Roanoke Colony: America's First Mystery,"
I am a special education teacher in Gloucester, Va, and recently had a book
published in August. It's entitled, "Roanoke Colony: America's First
Mystery," and tells the story of the Roanoke Colony. This is a subject that
has slowly been lost in our curriculums, both in the classroom and in the
home. The book is written with word choice suitable for an adolescent, but
content suitable for a child and up. I have found that many teachers agree
this short book is a great supplement for any teaching environment. I am
very interested in getting information out regarding this book.
 The book can be purchased through your local bookstore, Barnes&Noble.com,
Amazon.com, or PublishAmerica.com.
 Thanks,
Tracey Esplin
4288 Cato Drive
Gloucester, VA 23061
vpoobear@aol.com
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22.  The President Who Wasn't
 "Living Books for the Ears" offers the fascinating, true story of the
President who decided -- right smack in the middle of his re-election
campaign -- to resign from office because the United States faced a war.
Which Mr. President was it? Well, you will have to listen to the story (part
history, part civics lesson, and part mystery) and see if you can figure out
who he was -- his identity isn't revealed until the end of the program. This
first-rate episode of "Mr. President" was first broadcast July 17, 1947.
 
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23. Online American History Resource: Restoring America Project
 The vision of the Restoring America Project involves reaching young
Americans and helping them to discover the core values on which this nation
was founded. Designed as a tool to aid junior and senior high school
teachers, students, and homeschooling parents, the Restoring America Project
features a daily incident from the lives of the men and women who formed
America.  Web site: http://www.4america.com
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24.  Three Branches of Government
This C-span site has lesson plans and activities for covering the three branches of government and other points on US history.  It has video clips as well and is very up to date/
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25.  American Presidents: Life Portraits
 This web site, created for the television series, contains a complete video archive of all American Presidents: Life Portraits programming, plus these additional resources:

• Biographical facts
• Key events of each presidency
• Presidential places
• Reference material

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----------------------------------------------------------------------

 

November 2, 2004  (back to index)

HOMESCHOOL ITEMS     
1. Colonial Williamsburg Homeschoolers Discount
2.Total Lunar Eclipse - Look Up - October 27, 2004
3. World's Largest Model Rocket Contest - Deadline: November 30, 2004

 
 ONLINE
4.  PBS: Interactive Electoral College Map
5.  Scientific Calculators and the SAT
6.  Highschool at Home
7.  Online Resource: Test Preparation
8.  Cool Radio Programs Web Site #1: Mercury Theatre On The Air
9.  Cool Radio Programs Web Site #2: RadioLovers.com
10.  Electronic Field Trip to the Wetlands of Watsonville, CA 
11. Election magazine for the younger grades?

 WORTH REPEATING     


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1) HOMESCHOOL ITEMS     
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1. Colonial Williamsburg Homeschoolers Discount
Visit Colonial Williamsburg from now until November 1, 2004, or January 1 through March 15, 2005, or July 1 through September 30, 2005, at the reduced cost of just $5 per person (excludes Governor's Palace or museums). Minimum group requirements is 15 people.

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2.Total Lunar Eclipse - Look Up - October 27, 2004
October 27, 2004, from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. (approximate). Peak viewing is at 11:04pm
The last eclipse of 2004 occurs on the evening of Wednesday, October 27 (in Europe, the eclipse occurs during the early morning hours of Thursday, October 28). This event is a total eclipse of the moon, which will be visible from North and South America as well as Europe, Africa, and Antarctica. During such an eclipse, the moon's disk can take on a dramatically colorful appearance from bright orange to blood red to dark brown and (rarely) very dark gray.
An eclipse of the moon can only take place at full moon, and only if the moon passes through some portion of earth's shadow. The shadow is actually composed of two cone-shaped parts, one nested inside the other. The outer shadow or penumbra is a zone where earth blocks some (but not all) of the sun's rays. In contrast, the inner shadow or umbra is a region where earth blocks all direct sunlight from reaching the moon.
If the moon passes through only part on the umbra, a partial eclipse is seen. However, if the entire moon passes through the umbral shadow, then a total eclipse of the moon occurs.
Please contact local resources in your area (museums, schools, amateur astronomy clubs, etc.) for group watching opportunities.
Web site: http://sunearth.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse/LEmono/TLE2004Oct28/TLE2004Oct28.html
   
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3. World's Largest Model Rocket Contest - Deadline: November 30, 2004
The Team America Rocketry Challenge is open to all students in grades 7-12 (homeschooler requirements appear below).
Requires students to design, build, and fly a model rocket carrying a raw egg and return it safely to the ground while staying aloft for exactly 60 seconds. This gives students experience in designing a flying aerospace vehicle that meets a specified set of mission and performance requirements.
Sponsored by AIA, the National Association of Rocketry (NAR), NASA, the American Association of Physics Teachers, and Honeywell.
Rules and application are available at http://www.rocketcontest.org. Deadline is November 30, 2004.
Note for homeschoolers from the Web site's FAQ: Homeschoolers can enter as part of a school team with permission of that school's principal, or they can enter by being part of a local chapter of a non-profit organization (Scouts, etc., but not an NAR or TRA club) outside of the school context. If there is a local organization specifically for homeschoolers (which is true in some regions, not all), and the kids are members of this, this counts as a "non-profit organization" as well. We are not looking for ways to exclude homeschoolers, we just want entries to be under the name of an incorporated organization of some kind, and not entered as the "Smith Family Team."

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2) ONLINE
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4.  PBS: Interactive Electoral College Map
Use the interactive map to chart a winning strategy for President George W. Bush or Senator John Kerry.
The map begins with state-by-state results from the 2000 election. Red states indicate a win by the Republican candidate, while blue states indicate a win by the Democratic candidate.
The number of electoral votes indicated for each state, and in the tally boxes below the map, reflect the re-allocation that took place after the 2000 census.
Click on each state to see how a win or loss there will affect the overall outcome of the 2004 election and to formulate winning combinations.
Web site: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/vote2004/politics101/politics101_ecmap.html

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5.  Scientific Calculators and the SAT
Scientific calculators can be used when taking the SAT, but Saxon and some other curriculums do not teach the use of the calculator to the extent the public schools do. This puts homeschool students at a disadvantage. Although they can manually work the problems, using the calculator is much faster for testing. The scientific calculator most used is Texas Instruments T1-83 Calculator. WatchMeWare has a downloadable application that explains all the uses of this scientific calculator in advanced math. You can download this information at http://www.WatchMeWare.com for $14.95. The support address is csterner1@adelphia.net if you have any questions. The developer is very helpful and considerate of the needs of homeschoolers.
[Our thanks to Karen M.]
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6.  Highschool at Home
www.everydayeducation.com is a helpful website about doing high school at home, high school transcripts and essay writing.   Check it out!
 (Thanks to  Karen T)
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7.  Online Resource: Test Preparation
TestPrepReview.com is a free service of a nonprofit group of educators. Their Web site was created to provide free practice test questions for students in a variety of career situations. The site contains a modular approach to learning the content on these exams. They include information that will help you get maximum value from your testing experience.  Web site: http://www.testprepreview.com

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8.  Cool Radio Programs Web Site #1: Mercury Theatre On The Air
The finest radio drama of the 1930s was the "Mercury Theatre on the Air," a show featuring the acclaimed New York drama company founded by Orson Welles and John Houseman. In its brief run, it featured an impressive array of talents, including Agnes Moorehead, Bernard Herrmann, and George Coulouris. The show is famous for its notorious "War of the Worlds" broadcast, but the other shows in the series are relatively unknown. This site has many of the surviving shows, and will eventually have all of them.
The show first broadcast on CBS and CBC in July 1938. It ran without a sponsor until December of that year, when it was picked up by Campbell's Soup and renamed "The Campbell Playhouse." All of the surviving Mercury Theatre shows are available from this page in RealAudio format (some are also in MP3 format). There are several Campbell Playhouse episodes available here as well, in both RealAudio and MP3 formats. The rest are being added gradually.
Web site: http://www.unknown.nu/mercury/
Note: If you would rather not install Real Player on your computer, you can install Real Alternative, allowing you to play RealMedia files without having to install RealPlayer/RealOne Player. Visit http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Real_Alternative.htm for the free download.

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9.  Cool Radio Programs Web Site #2: RadioLovers.com
RadioLovers.com offers hundreds of vintage radio shows for you to listen to online in MP3 format--all for free. Before the days of video games, shopping malls, MTV, and the Internet, families used to sit in their living room each night to listen to radio shows such as Abbott and Costello, Superman, Groucho Marx, The Avenger, Gunsmoke, Sherlock Homes, and many others. When TV become popular in the 1950s, most of these shows went off the air, but they now live on at Web sites such as this one and on weekly nostalgia radio broadcasts worldwide.
Web site: http://www.radiolovers.com

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10.  Electronic Field Trip to the Wetlands of Watsonville, CA                                     
Would you like to take your class on a field trip to visit the wetlands in
Watsonville, California?  You may not be able to physically go there, but
the City of Watsonville is sponsoring a FREE electronic field trip,
eFieldTrip, that your class can participate in.
During October through December 2004, the City of Watsonville will offer
schools nationwide the opportunity to participate in an eFieldTrip titled,
"WOW! The Wetlands of Watsonville."  The trip is designed to help students
learn about the importance of wetlands and what they can do to help protect
the wetlands.

The eFieldTrip has four major components -
1.  Virtual Visit.  An interactive multi-media web experience that your
students can complete at their own pace anytime.  The Virtual Visit will
premiere October 18, 2004 and will be available through the end of the
school year.
2.  Trip Journal.  A short worksheet that students fill-in as they complete
the Virtual Visit.
3.  Ask the Experts.  Students may post questions via the eFieldTrips web
site.  Within 1-2 days, the experts at the Watsonville Nature Center will
post the answers to their questions.
4.  Live Web Chat.  A live web chat will allow your students to ask
questions of the experts at the Watsonville Nature Center and receive their
answers during the chat.
What do you need to participate?  If you have access to the Internet at
your school or in your classroom, you can participate!  The students access
the eFieldTrip using a web browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape
Navigator.
There is no cost for your school or students to participate.  This program
is offered as an educational outreach opportunity by the City of
Watsonville.
For more information, or to register your school to participate, please go
to www.eFieldTrips.org and click on the banner "WOW! The Wetlands of
Watsonville."  We look forward to having your students join us on this
amazing eFieldTrip!

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WORTH REPEATING           
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"Education commences at the mother's knee, and every word spoken within the hearing of little children tends towards the formation of character."
-- Hosea Ballou (1771-1852, American clergyman)

Many thanks to HEAV for much of this information.
 
1. Online Article Links Wanted
2. Yorktown Victory Celebration - Yorktown - October 16, 17 & 19, 2004 (in case anyone is traveling)
3. Barnes and Noble Educator Days - Thurs., October 21,
4. Online Newsletter Starting
5.  IMAX Movies For Rent
WEB SITES TO SEE
6.  Christian Homeschooling Resource
7.  HomeSchoolFreeStuff.com
8.  Astronomy Resource: ClassicalAstronomy.com
9.  Cultural Learning Resource: Explore-Books.com
10. Math Resources
11. BrainPOP.com
12. ThePhonicsPage.org
13. Cool Web Site Links Posted
 
CONTESTS
14. Craftsman/NSTA "Best Young Inventors" Contest - Deadline: March 15,
2005
15. National History Day Contest - Open Enrollment

LETTERS TO HERITAGE
16.  Skycroft Home School Outdoor Adventure
17. Work with International Students / Work Mostly from Home
 

THINGS TO DO
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1. Online Article Links Wanted
Have you read something pertaining to homeschooling recently that interested
or educated you? Why not share it with your fellow homeschoolers by sending
it to HEAV. We may include it in a future HEAV Weekly Update or even post it
on the HEAV Web site. Whether a news article, opinion piece, article of
encouragement, homeschooling success stories--whatever it is--we would like
to hear about it. Just send an e-mail to webmaster@heav.org with the link
you found and maybe a quick note about why it caught your eye.  Thank you!
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2. Yorktown Victory Celebration - Yorktown - October 16, 17 & 19, 2004
Yorktown Victory Center
Route 1020
Yorktown, VA
757-253-4838 or 888-593-4682
To mark the 223rd anniversary of America's decisive Revolutionary War
victory at Yorktown, the Yorktown Victory Center, a state-operated museum of
the American Revolution, will host an encampment of Revolutionary War
re-enactors for its "Yorktown Victory Celebration" on Saturday and Sunday,
October 16 and 17, 2004.
America's evolution from colonial status to nationhood is chronicled at the
Yorktown Victory Center through a blend of timeline, film, thematic
exhibits, and outdoor living history. Weekend programs are a prelude to
Yorktown Day on Tuesday, October 19, the actual anniversary of the 1781
British surrender to the allied American and French forces led by General
George Washington. Events on October 19th include a parade, patriotic
exercises and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Yorktown Victory Monument.
Web site: http://www.historyisfun.org/yorktown/yvc_calendar.cfm
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3. Barnes and Noble Educator Days Thurs., October 21,
 4:30 - 7:00 pm. Educator Reception! 
25% discount - raffle prizes - publisher give-aways- food - Smithsonian educator materials 
sign up for your new Educator Discount Card (current card valid only until 10/31) and  enter to win a $500 Barnes & Noble Gift Card for Classroom Purchases!
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4. Online Newsletter Starting
Growing Together Family Learning Newsletter will be a tri-weekly on-line
publication for families of preschool or elementary aged children. It was
created primarily for homeschoolers. It is designed to be eclectic,
non-denominational, and non-partisan, with a focus on living books & ideas
and hands-on learning.
For more information, or to subscribe, visit
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GTFL_Newsletter
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5.  IMAX Movies For Rent
 PlanetDVDnow (http://www.planetDVDnow.com) currently has more than 30 IMAX
movies in their inventory of "free" DVDs. Although the DVDs themselves are
considered free, the shipping/handling is $4.99 or $5.99 each, depending on
how many you order. Just type "IMAX" in as the title, and the list of
available IMAX movies will come up.... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....
 
WEB SITES TO SEE
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6. Christian Homeschooling Resource
 HomeSchoolEnrichment.com, an online community for Christian homeschoolers,
offers several resources, including "Home School Enrichment Magazine," a
bi-monthly print publication.
 
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7. HomeSchoolFreeStuff.com
 Join 40,000 other homeschoolers every week for fun, topical homeschool
curriculum, homeschool lesson plans, homeschool resources homeschool unit
studies, and more!
 
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8. Astronomy Resource: ClassicalAstronomy.com
 Just in time for the total eclipse of the Moon on Wednesday, October 27,
2004, you can sign up to receive the free monthly e-mail newsletter. Just
send an e-mail to subscribe@classicalastronomy.com with "Subscribe" in the
subject line.
 The Classical Astronomy Web site includes an archive of back issues of the
Update, and much more. Visit http://www.ClassicalAstronomy.com
 
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9.  Cultural Learning Resource: Explore-Books.com
Explorer Headquarters! was created for kids to learn about different
cultures while having fun! "Playful Learning" is the Key. You can play 50+
educational travel activities in our Games & Activities section, plus a lot
more.
Web site: http://www.explore-books.com


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10. Math Resources:
 
 MegaMathematics
 This Web site, hosted by the Los Alamos National Laboratory, offers
mathematical topics such as "Untangling the Mathematics of Knots,"
"Algorithms and Ice Cream for All," and "Machines that Eat Your Words."
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 Nick's Mathematical Puzzles
Nick Hobson's Web site presents mathematical puzzles selected for the
deceptive simplicity of their statement, or the elegance of their solution.
They range over geometry, probability, number theory, algebra, calculus,
trigonometry, and logic. All require a certain ingenuity, but usually only
pre-college math. Some puzzles are original.
Explaining how an answer is arrived at is more important than the answer
itself. To this end, hints, answers, and fully worked solutions are
provided, together with links to related mathematical topics. Further
references are provided with many of the solutions. The puzzles are intended
to be fun, with an educational element.
Web site: http://www.qbyte.org/puzzles/

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MyMathTutor.com
MyMathTutor.com was created to provide struggling math students with
resources to help improve their skills. MyMathTutor is a web-based learning
or eLearning program designed to supplement traditional course materials and
classroom instruction. The system is centered around video tutorials that
show how to solve various math problems in an easy to follow teaching style.
MyMathTutor has partnered with best-selling textbook author Charles P.
McKeague to bring you experienced instruction in the form of digital video.
Mr. McKeague is the featured instructor in all of their math video
tutorials. His video lessons have accompanied his many college textbooks for
more 20 years. Over the years, thousands of students have studied and
learned algebra from his books. Now, his clear, step-by-step approach is
finally available to everyone through the power of the Internet.
Web site: http://www.mymathtutor.com

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 High School Math Online Resource
Those with an interest in materials for high school mathematics are offered
a complete, free online course in Beginning Algebra at
http://www.homeschool-math.com/course/
This is intended to introduce homeschoolers to a full curriculum of college
preparatory math courses, arithmetic through pre-calculus.

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11.  BrainPOP.com
BrainPOP is a Web site that features hundreds of educational topics covering
English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Health, and Technology, all
correlated to National Education Standards for Grades 5-8. A subscription
costs $79 per year, but anyone can participate in two activities a day at no
charge.
Web site: http://www.brainpop.com

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12. ThePhonicsPage.org
This Web site offers resources and information about improving reading and
spelling with phonics. Free phonics lessons for adults and children in the
2nd grade and older are provided in QuickTime movie format. A movie
explaining phonics, literacy statistics, and the need for phonics is also
provided, along with written instructions for teaching young children to
read.
Web site: http://www.thephonicspage.org
[Our thanks to Trivium Pursuit, Harvey and Laurie Bluedorn. Web site:
http://www.triviumpursuit.com]

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13. Cool Web Site Links Posted
 Ever try to remember back to one of the Cool Web sites we have listed in
past HEAV Weekly Updates? Have you spent minutes (or more) digging through
old e-mail trying to find it? Well, now you don't have to! We have compiled
all of our published resources in one page on the HEAV Web site. As we add
more cool Web sites we will continue to add to this list. Just visit
http://www.heav.org
and click on "Resources."
 And if you come across some cool Web sites that others would benefit from,
please drop us an e-mail (update@heav.org) with the link(s). We may just
include them in future Updates or post them directly on our Web site.
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CONTESTS
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14. Craftsman/NSTA "Best Young Inventors" Contest - Deadline: March 15,
2005
The Craftsman/NSTA Young Inventors Awards Program is a national competition
that challenges your students to use their best creativity and boundless
imagination--along with science, technology, and mechanical ability--to
invent or modify a tool. Nicolette Mann, a fourth-grader from
Christiansburg, Virginia, won this year's contest, out of more than 9,000
entries, and walked away with the $10,000 scholarship.
The 2005 competition poster is now available and contains pictures and brief
descriptions of the top 12 winning inventions from the 2004 competition. On
the backside are the official rules plus an entry form that may be
photocopied for distribution and multiple entries.
For those seeking more detailed information, teacher's guides are also
available with complete competition information, classroom activities, and
tips on facilitating invention and brainstorming creative ideas.
Contest Web site: http://www.nsta.org/programs/craftsman.

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15. National History Day Contest - Open Enrollment
The National History Day program is a yearlong education program that
culminates in a national contest every June.
Students in grades 6-12 produce dramatic performances, imaginative exhibits,
multimedia documentaries, and research papers based on research related to
an annual theme.  These projects are then evaluated at local, state, and
national competitions.
For more information, visit
http://nationalhistoryday.org/02_contest/02.html.  Click on 'Contact State Coordinator' for more Md. links and information.
For Maryland information visit
http://www.marylandhistoryday.org/TeacherGuide2004.pdf
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LETTERS TO HERITAGE
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16.  Skycroft Home School Outdoor Adventure
 My name is Grace Schofield and I am from Skycroft Conference Center, located on South Mountain near Frederick, MD. It has been a goal of Skycroft to reach out to the home-school community for many years, and we have recently succeeded in reaching our goal by coming up with a program geared towards educating students and giving them an opportunity to learn among nature. I would like to invite you to our first Home School Outdoor Adventure. During this event your student will be offered time to play sports, learn Civil War history, participate in nature and GPS (Global Positioning System)
Tracking hikes and enjoy time with other students their ages during Field Games and Bible Study.
Skycroft would like to offer this program as either a one or two day event. Families are encouraged to stay overnight to get the full experience of what Skycroft can offer, but it is not a requirement. Included in this letter is a schedule of events for the program, a registration form, my contact information and prices. (Ask me for more info)

!Students and Parents attending 1-Day event: $10, which covers all meals and activities.

!Students attending 2-Day event: $25, which covers all meals, activities, lodging and extra activities on the second day. !Parents attending 2-Day event: $20, which covers all meals and lodging

 We know that field trips and programs like this can become expensive for families that home school, so it is our goal to keep these costs as low as possible. I ask that you pass along this information to your families so that they can be a part of the first of many events geared towards home-educated students. The registration form should be filled out and sent to Skycroft by Friday, November 5, 2004.
If this program does not fit within your Association's schedule of events,
but you are interested in planning a field trip or retreat for a later date,
please contact me at any time so that I can assist in planning an event
specific for your group.
If you have any questions or would like further information on the Skycroft
Home School Outdoor Adventure program, you may call our office or visit
www.skycroft.org. I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you in
November!
Respectfully yours,
Grace Schofield
Program Director
Skycroft Conference Center
Office- (301)293-3640 X 12
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17. Work with International Students / Work Mostly from Home
Hello,
 My name is Mindy Thomason.  I am a Senior Regional Director for CompassUSA, working with international students.  I am wondering if you would be willing to assist me in my search for coordinators for your area.
 
Work with International Students / Work Mostly from Home
Looking for confident, well-organized, established people to hire and supervise 2 - 4 coordinators in the local area. 
Looking for  Coordinators to work with international students during  SHORT 2 - 6 week homestays.
Groups as well as individual students. 
For more information contact
Mindy Thomason
Regional Director
Compass USA
Toll Free 1-877-397-7191
760-745-1686
MindyL121@aol.com
 
 

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  Many thanks as always to HEAV
Web site: http://www.heav.org
E-mail: info@heav.org
The HEAV Update is produced by Anne Miller (executive editor), Michael Grice
(editor), and Wanda Hayes (Update coordinator).

 

 Mount St. Helens 10/4/04 (back to index)

This is just too cool a find.  Even if you aren't studying geology right now, with an active volcano event going on now you might want to give it a little current events time.  Right now on the volcano cam web page I can see dawn over Mt. St. Helens. This particular volcano is also very important to us as Bible believers because so much was learned from the eruption 20 some years ago.  What has been seen with this volcano is very supportive of a Biblical creationist understanding.  The changes that occurred so quickly bolster the catastrophic understanding of creation as opposed to the uniformitarian view of gradual changes over long periods of time.  The name of this mt. should be appearing in the newer science books.  Make your aquaintance now.
 Michael Lineau's brief story http://www.globalnetproductions.com/mshsurvival.html#cold  As a 20 yr. old this man began to look for God as a result of being lost while filming the original blast.
 Cascades Volcano Observatory http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/home.html
 Today the warning has been raised to Level III and Mt. St. Helens is being cleared of all personel and visitors.  The magma has raised 50ft. but is still a half mile down. 70% chance of blowing soon. (my mom heard the magma info on Fox, I don't see where those updates can be found - but watching the changes of morning light over this mt. is beautiful, and I don't feel so late getting moving here when it is 3 hours earlier where I'm looking.)
 

 

October 5, 2004   (back to index)

HOMESCHOOL ITEMS
1. Gifted Online Conference - October 6-9, 2004
2. A Beka Book and Pensacola Christian College Could Use a "Thank You"
3. Oak Brook College of Law Alumni Association Formed
4. Harvard Review Article on Homeschooling
5. Amsterdam World War II Field Trip - March 2005
6. Article: "How to 'Bee' a Spelling Winner"
7. Opinion: Saxon Math Changes
8. Three Cool Experiments at Home
9. Cool Resource: ACMEanimation.org
10. Periodic Table of Elements Resources
11. Cool Web Site: SpellCheck.net
12. Homeschool Day at the Maryland Historical Society 
13. National Museum of Civil War Medicine
PARTING THOUGHT: "Gene Pool"
WORTH REPEATING

 English!!  (this is so good!)
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 HOMESCHOOL ITEMS
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1. Gifted Online Conference - October 6-9, 2004
Dr Deborah L. Ruf, Ph.D., Educational Options, from the Minneapolis/St. Paul
area of Minnesota, will discuss and take questions concerning how to
recognize different levels of giftedness. Dr. Ruf will help parents explore
what really matters, what not to worry about, and how to maintain a flexible
approach to meeting the needs of their differently talented children.
For instructions on how to join, visit
http://www.neiu.edu/~ourgift/pages/HowTo.htm
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2. A Beka Book and Pensacola Christian College Could Use a "Thank You"
Sharon Grimes, of Heir-Raising Ministries (Moravia, NY) shared with us some
information about the devastation by Hurricane Ivan on the Pensacola,
Florida, community. She also offers a challenge to the homeschool community:
"I can remember the very first homeschool conference we ever put on.  I
didn't have any list of vendors, but started contacting the few homeschool
suppliers and other companies that I could think of. The first company to
respond was A Beka.
"PCC (Pensacola Christian College) has a high percentage of homeschool
graduates, and give $1,000,000 in scholarship money to its students every
year. This is how the Hortons chose to reinvest A Beka Book money, so they
could offer an affordable college education (still just $5,300 for room,
board, board, and tuition).
"I have been burdened that perhaps it is time for the homeschool community
to say THANK YOU by giving something back? I would LOVE to see Dr. and Mrs.
Horton flooded with cards of thanks for their many years of service to us.
How about sending a love offering to help offset the incredible expenses
they have sustained from the hurricane’s damage? I keep thinking about how
much that bottled water has to be costing!! We could really be a blessing to
those who have lost their homes and belongings.
The college address: Dr. and Mrs. Arlin Horton, Pensacola Christian College,
250 Brent Lane, Pensacola, FL 32503.

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3. Oak Brook College of Law Alumni Association Formed

On September 18, 2004, alumni of OBCL gathered in Sacramento, California, to
form the association. The organizational committee adopted a mission
statement and bylaws, and appointed a board. The committee also established
several mandates for the alumni association to pursue in its first year.
Founded in 1994, Oak Brook College of Law takes an innovative approach to
legal education employing new technology and educational methodology.
Consisting of both distance courses and campus-based review and advocacy
courses, the College's juris doctor program prepares students through
rigorous academics and practical experience.
The law school's bar examination pass rate consistently outscores the
state-wide average. On California's February 2004 bar exam, OBCL first-time
bar applicants had a 73% pass rate, the third highest first-time pass rate
among in-state law schools with more than one applicant sitting for the bar.
Over 120 students have graduated from OBCL, many of whom are engaged in the
practice of law. Practice areas include criminal prosecution, public
defense, immigration law, federal public interest litigation, state legal
aid, corporate law, bankruptcy, civil litigation, administrative law, estate
planning, and family law. OBCL graduates are admitted in California,
Washington, Wisconsin, Idaho and various federal jurisdictions.
Oak Brook College of Law Web site: http://www.obcl.edu

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4. Harvard Review Article on Homeschooling

A July 19, 2004, article at "Harvard Political Review Online" has a fairly
positive write up about homeschooling.
http://www.hpronline.org/news/2004/07/19/UnitedStates/All-Work.Is.Homework-692886.shtml
[Our thanks to Dr. Martha Shuping, M.D.]

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5. Amsterdam World War II Field Trip - March 2005
This eight-day trip includes visits to Anne Frank's Secret Annexe; Corrie
ten Boom's house; several museums related to World War II, including a
Resistance Museum in Amsterdam; the camp to which the Franks were first
taken after their arrest; a windmill; a cheese maker; a clog maker; a
diamond cutter; a canal boat cruise in Amsterdam; and the Keukenhof tulip
gardens. There will be free time for you to visit Rembrandt’s house if you
choose, or some other "must see" places.
If you sign up now, the total cost until the end of November is $1,515. Go
http://www.explorica.com and, where it says "join a tour," enter
[Shuping-3034] (without the brackets).
If you have a question about this trip, please send an e-mail to
mshuping01@sprynet.com.

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6. Article: "How to 'Bee' a Spelling Winner"
"The most significant ingredients you need in order to spell effectively are
diligence, memory, concentration, and a coach. Diligence means that you
study every day - rain or shine. Even when you miss every word that you're
asked to spell, you don't give up. It is hard, but the more you practice the
easier it becomes."
Read the article by Naomi Nattress online at
http://www.home-school.com/Articles/phs13-naominattress.html

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7. Opinion: Saxon Math Changes
Linda Schrock Taylor, a free-lance writer and the owner of "The Learning
Clinic," has been writing about possible changes ahead for Saxon Math, now
that they have been bought by Harcourt Press.Some information she included in a previous article contained some incorrect
information. This latest posting contains corrections. Read more of her
opinion here: http://www.lewrockwell.com/taylor/taylor76.html

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8. Three Cool Experiments at Home

The Genetic Science Learning Center at the Eccles Institute of Human
Genetics (University of Utah) offers three experiments online that you can
try at home:
"How to Extract DNA From Anything Living" - How to get DNA from anything
using common household items.
"DNA Extraction From Wheat Germ" - This protocol yields large quantities of
DNA that can easily be spooled and collected.
"Put an Enzyme to Work!" - A simple experiment to show how enzymes work.
Web site: http://gslc.genetics.utah.edu/units/activities/

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9. Cool Resource: ACMEanimation.org

The ACME Network connects learners and educators with experts in a range of
fields. This access helps educators engage their students' interests,
enliven their classroom environments, and connect to peers and experts in
their disciplinary focus. Show your work and get some feedback--from peers
or field professionals. Reflect on the feedback, make revisions, and post it
for more feedback. It's just like the real world! Individual students or
entire classes can take on a challenge suggested by a professional, or show
their own projects to peers or professionals from around the globe.
ACME OnLine (acmeanimation.org) is a web-based community where a wide
variety of professionals from around the world provide engaging challenges
in animation, storyboarding, book illustration, comic art and life drawing
to a wide-open community of learners and visual arts enthusiasts. This is
where you can gain perspectives on your art and animation from peers and
professionals from six continents.
Web site: http://www.acmeanimation.org

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10. Periodic Table of Elements Resources
They may not be able to keep track of laptop computers or nuclear secrets.
But the Los Alamos National Laboratory does offer a great resource on the
Periodic Table of the Elements for elementary, middle school and high school
students.
Web site: http://pearl1.lanl.gov/periodic/default.htm
And there is this resource - the elements put to music--it is GREAT:
http://www.privatehand.com/flash/elements.html

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11. Cool Web Site: SpellCheck.net  (from HEAV - Ann Miller I think)

SpellCheck.net offers an online spell checker. It limits you to only 20,000
characters, but you can cut sections at a time if need be. There were
several things that were cool about this site. One is it is free. But then
the other cool thing is that questionable words have a pull-down selection
so you can see other words. It was amazingly accurate.
Links at the top of the page include other language resource links
(encyclopedia, dictionary, thesaurus, and more) and math and units links
(calculator, kitchen math, periodic tables, and more).
http://www.spellcheck.net/

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12. Homeschool Day at the Maryland Historical Society Tuesday, November 2, 2004
9:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

  • History Workshops for students of all ages.
  • Introduction to MdHS Student Research Center, and Outreach Programs.
  • 10% discount on Museum Shop purchases.
  • $5 per person for adults and students age 6–18 payable in advance.

School Days History Workshop (Ages 6–9) — Museum tour about childhood in the 19th century and hands-on activities focusing on school long ago.
Maryland Bound History Workshop (Ages 8–12) — Museum tour about colonial Maryland, and hands-on activities exploring the social circumstances and economic decisions that faced Maryland's earliest colonists.
Historical Investigation (Ages 13–18) — Introduction to using primary sources in the MdHS Student Research Center for History, and analyzing primary documents relating to Maryland's position on the eve of the Civil War.

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 PARTING THOUGHT: "Gene Pool"
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The next-door neighbor's dog, Cleo, was about to have pups. Thinking it
would be a good learning experience for several of the youngsters, it was
agreed that when delivery time came the children would have a ringside seat
around a child's small inflated rubber pool that was now Cleo's bed.

When Cleo's time arrived, the youngsters were herded into the playroom to
witness the miracle of birth. Each child was impressed as Cleo began
bringing forth her litter. One woman casually remarked to the group of
children, and in particular to her four-year-old son, that this was how she
brought her two children into the world.

Visibly impressed, the boy blurted in amazement, "You had me like this? In a
swimming pool?"


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 WORTH REPEATING
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"When I examine myself and my methods of thought, I come close to the
conclusion that the gift of fantasy has meant more to me than my talent for
absorbing positive knowledge."
-- Albert Einstein (1879–1955, American theoretical physicist, known for the
formulation of the relativity theory)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
English!!
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Something cute I thought you might enjoy.(from Suzy Q) 
  1. We'll begin with a box, and the plural is boxes; but the plural of ox
became oxen not oxes. 
One fowl is a goose, but two are called geese, yet the plural of moose
should never be meese. 
  
You may find a lone mouse or a nest full of mice;
yet the plural of house is houses, not hice.

If the plural of man is always called men, why shouldn't the plural of
pan be called pen? 
If I spoke of my foot and show you my feet, and I give you a boot,
would a pair be called beet? 
If one is a tooth and a whole set are teeth,
why shouldn't the plural of booth be called beeth?

Then one may be that, and three would be those,
yet hat in the plural would never be hose,
and the plural of cat is cats, not cose. 
We speak of a brother and also of brethren, 
but though we say mother, we never say methren.

Then the masculine pronouns are he, his and him,
but imagine the feminine, she, shis and shim.

Some other reasons to be grateful if you grew up
speaking English:

   1) The bandage was wound around the wound.
   2) The farm was used to produce produce.
   3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
   4) We must polish the Polish furniture.
   5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.
   6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
   7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it 
         was time  to present the present.
   8) At the Army base, a bass was ! painted on the head of a 
         bass drum. 
   9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
  10) I did not object to the object.
  11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
  12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
  13) They were too close to the door to close it.
  14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.
  15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.
  16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
  17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail.
  18) After a number of Novocain injections, my jaw got number.
  19) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.
  20) I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.
  21) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?
  22) I spent last evening evening out a pile of dirt.

Screwy pronunciations can mess up your mind! For example...If you 
have a rough cough, climbing can be tough when going through the bough
on a  tree!

Let's face it - English is a crazy language. There is no egg in 
eggplant nor ham in hamburger;  neither apple nor pine in pineapple.
English muffins weren't invented in England.   We take English for 
granted.
But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work 
slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea
nor is it a pig.

And why is it that writers write but fingers don't fing, grocers 
don't groce and hammers don't ham?

Doesn't it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one amend?
If you have a bunch of odds and ends and get rid of all but one of 
them, what do you call it?

If teachers taught, why didn't preachers praught?
If a vegetarian eats vegetables, what does a humanitarian eat?
Sometimes I think all the folks who grew up speaking English should 
be committed to an asylum for the verbally insane.

In what other language do people recite at a play and play at a 
recital?
Ship by truck and send cargo by ship?   
Have noses that run and feet that smell? 
How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a 
wise man and a wise guy are opposites?

You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your 
house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by
filling it out and in which an alarm goes off by going on.
 

September News Part 2  (back to index)

1. Science Center Homeschooler Days - Baltimore, MD - September 21-24, 2004

2. Family Fun Day on the Bay - Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel - October 2, 2004
3. "Under Your Nose" - Washington, DC - October 2, 2004
4. Baltimore Ablaze - Fri., Oct. 15, 2004   Md. History Workshops - Tues., Nov. 2, 2004
5. Festival of Freedom - Manassas - October 16 & 17, 2004
6. Women in Math Contest - Deadline: October 29, 2004
7. Coca-Cola Scholarship Contest - Deadline: October 31, 2004
8. Art Contest - 2nd to 4th graders - Deadline: November 8, 2004
9. Free Educational Computer Games
10. Get Organized With The Fly Lady
11. Online Map Resources
12. Cool Web Site: HistoryForKids.org
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1. Science Center Homeschooler Days - Baltimore, MD - September 21-24, 2004
Maryland Science Center
601 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
410-685-5225
Tuesday, September 21, 2004, through Friday, September 24, 2004, from 10:00
a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Free for homeschool students and their parents. IMAX and
other events have reduced fees.
This is the last chance for homeschoolers to attend this museum for FREE.
Some programs have reduced fees, and others have size restrictions. Visit
their Web site for complete information, including registration for classes:
http://www.mdsci.org/resource/homeschool/

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2. Family Fun Day on the Bay - Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel - October 2,
2004
Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel
Route 60 (Shore Drive) and Route 13
Eastern Shore, VA
A 3.5-mile walk (7-miles round-trip) along a portion of the Chesapeake Bay
Bridge-Tunnel is open to bikers and walkers. Participants are asked to
donate goods to the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore
Foodbank.
Web site: http://www.cbbt.com/cbbtevent.html

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3.  "Under Your Nose" - Washington, DC - October 2, 2004
The National Theatre
1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, DC 20004
"Under Your Nose - Exploring The Obvious" - Saturday, October 2, 2004, at
9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., in the Helen Hayes Gallery. Free. Tickets are
available 30 minutes before show on a first-some, first-served basis.
The Goza Family Players (mom, dad, and son), are a homeschooling family who
make their home “on the road” 365 days a year, as they travel from coast to
coast presenting multi-cultural folk tales. These ACT!VATED STORYTELLERS and
vaudevillians combine dramatization, slapstick, mime, music, dance
acrobatics, sign language, and imaginative props made from recycled objects
in a dynamic performance style uniquely their own.
For more information about the "Saturday Morning at the National" series,
visit http://www.nationaltheatre.org/saturday/saturday.htm .

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4. Baltimore Ablaze - Fri., Oct. 15, 2004
Md. History Workshops - Tues., Nov. 2, 2004

The Maryland Historical Society's Homeschool Day at Baltimore Ablaze is fast approaching.  Don't miss this opportunity for guided tours of the exhibition, interactive activities for all ages, and a living history performance.  Please visit our website, www.mdhs.org for details and registration information.
 Robin Atwood Fidler - Tour Coordinator/Visitor Services
Maryland Historical Society 201 W. Monument St.  Baltimore, MD 21201
410-685-3750 Ex. 334
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5. Festival of Freedom - Manassas - October 16 & 17, 2004
Manassas Regional Airport
10400 Terminal Road
Manassas, VA 20110
October 16 & 17, 2004, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Cost: $10 adult, $6 for
children 10 and under.
Freedom Museum’s 6th Annual Festival of Freedom welcomes the Collings
Foundation "Wings of Freedom Tour." Reserve your ride on a B-17 or B-24 WWII
bomber, vintage aircraft and military vehicles. Patriotic activities, live
music, re-enactors, living history units, and fun for the whole family.
Visit http://www.freedommuseum.org or call 703-393-0660.

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6. Women in Math Contest - Deadline: October 29, 2004
To increase awareness of women's ongoing contributions to the mathematical
sciences, the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) is sponsoring an
essay contest for biographies of contemporary women mathematicians and
statisticians in academic, industrial, and government careers.
The essays will be based primarily on an interview with a woman currently
working in a mathematical sciences career. This contest is open to students
in the following categories: grades 6-8, grades 9-12, and college
undergraduate. At least one winning submission will be chosen from each
category. Winners will receive a prize, and their essays will be published
online at the AWM web site. Additionally, a grand-prize winner will have his
or her submission published in the AWM Newsletter.
Web site: http://awm-math.org/biographies/contest.html

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7. Coca-Cola Scholarship Contest - Deadline: October 31, 2004

Coca-Cola Scholarships are awarded based on character, personal merit, and commitment. Merit is demonstrated through leadership in school, civic and extracurricular activities, academic achievement, and motivation to serve and succeed.
Selection of each class occurs in three phases, beginning each fall and
culminating the following spring with the announcement of the award
recipients.
The first application seeks a record of the student's overall involvement in
school and community affairs, as well as academic success and employment.
This application is due October 31, and culminates in the selection of 1,500 to 2,000 semifinalists in December. National Scholars receive $20,000 each, and Regional Scholars $4,000, over a period of four years.
 Students may apply online (http://www.coca-colascholars.org) after Labor Day each academic year.

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8. Art Contest - 2nd to 4th graders - Deadline: November 8, 2004
The contest is sponsored annually by the Institute for Global Environmental
Strategies (IGES). This contest is limited to U.S. students in grades 2–4.
The winning entry will be printed - along with the artist’s name, age,
school name, and hometown - as the 2004 IGES greeting card. The winning
artist will also receive a $250 savings bond. The second-place winner will
receive a $100 savings bond, with a $50 savings bond awarded to the
third-place winner.
Entries must be received by November 8, 2004. Details are available at
http://www.strategies.org/ArtContest/2004Announcement.html .

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9. Free Educational Computer Games
Sheppard Software makes educational computer games. They offer registered
versions of the games for free to homeschoolers, teachers, and tutors. Visit
their Web site for information on each of the programs they offer:
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com . To receive the registered versions, click
on the "Free for Teachers" link at the top.
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10. Get Organized With The Fly Lady
As school ramps up, your time becomes more valuable. Remember to stop by the
Fly Lady's Web site for organizational and tidying help.
Web site: http://www.flylady.net

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11. Online Map Resources
The U.S. Geologic Survey's Web page explains how different maps tell us
different things. There are also links to several teacher resources. Web
site: http://interactive2.usgs.gov/learningweb/teachers/mapsshow.htm
The Perry-Castaneda Library Map Collection at the University of Texas at
Austin holds more than 230,000 maps, many of which have been scanned. This
extensive online collection includes hundreds of high quality,
copyright-free maps of nations and cities, as well as many historical maps.
A special "Electronic Maps of Current Interest" section highlights maps of
places in the news. This site also hosts a variety of links to other
map-related sites. Web site:
http://www.lib.utexas.edu/Libs/PCL/Map_collection/Map_collection.html

[Our thanks to DELMARVAHomeschoolers.]

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12. Cool Web Site: HistoryForKids.org

"History for Kids" began in 1995 as a community service learning project for
sophomores at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. Since 2000, it
has been entirely organized and run by Karen Carr. Dr. Carr holds a PhD in
Classical Art and Archaeology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor,
and is an associate professor of History at Portland State University. Her
interests lie especially in the Greek and Roman worlds, which is where this
site began. They have been gradually expanding into other periods in
response to audience demand.
In addition to content, resources on the site include Lesson Plans, a
Parents' Corner and a Crafts and Projects section.
Web site: http://www.historyforkids.org

[Our thanks to Kati G]
And to HEAV for this info.
 

September News 2004 

Welcome to September.  Welcome to a sunny day.  Here is some of the pile that has been getting deeper in my pc of the good things that have come my way.  The list is so long that I want to point out #'s 24, 29, and 31 (in case it seems too long to go to the bottom).  It's worth the scroll.
 
Two scriptures come to mind and here they are together; "train up your child in the way he should go", and "for the joy that is set before [you] endure..."   Now that last one is about Christ enduring the cross, but if he can endure that by keeping his eyes on the goal, then we can endure training up our children for the joy that is before us in this arena.  Here I am at the beginning of the year thinking about my weak knees needing strengthening (as in Hebrews) but things can seem overwhelming at any time and it is by keeping my eyes on the goal that I can keep on with this race, or crawl.  I only lose if I stop moving.  ...focus...focus...
 
Here is something that hit me today while teaching geometry.  A plane extends infinitely.  Does that make any point on it at the center?  That would explain how each of us can be centered in God's care, under His eye, each cared for by Him as if we are at the center of the universe.  Or you could say there is no center,... but I think you can as easily say we are each at the center.  Being the apple of His eye is amazing love given to the undeserving.  Infinite, eternal love.
 
Blessing on your year!
 
Eppie
 
Letters to Heritage
 
1. Imagination Stage in Bethesda , MD
2. Group  "TEACHING TOTS TO TEENS"
3. Maryland Family Values Alliance
4. ARTaFacts Magazine
5. New Music for Homeschool Groups
6. Rainbow Page of the Washington Times
7. Critical Thinking
8. Explore Books
 HEAV Update **September 14, 2004 & a few others

9.  Well-Trained Mind Resources
10. Homeschool.com Classes Available on CD
11. Field Trip Article and "The Virginia Home Educator" Magazine
12. Earth Science Week (October 10-16) Resource
13. WorldandIHomeschool.com Sneak Preview
14. Multiplication Facts Helper
15. Lyndsey's Mania, A Fun & Quiz Online Resource
16. Safety Resources for Kids
17.  WORTH REPEATING
18. Civil Air Patrol
19. "My Own Books"
20.  Christian Homeschool Authors and Editors Resource List
21. HEAV Convention Tapes
22 .AARP: How a $2 Pen Could Save Your Bank Account
23. Horse Lovers Magazine
24. Free Sign Language Resource
25. Resource for Virginia State Study
26.  Nostalgic Radio Show - TheVoiceRadio.com
27. Crosswalk.com Commentary: "America's Educational Crisis--How Did it Happen?"
28. Online: "The Underground History of American Education"
29. Three Ways To Support Our Troops in the Middle East
30. HEAV Information  
31. What's In Your Child's Wallet?


Letters to Heritage
 
1. Imagination Stage in Bethesda , MD

I would like to introduce you and your colleagues in the home schooling community to the arts education programs available at Imagination Stage in Bethesda , MD. Imagination Stage offers programs throughout the year, bringing a unique multidisciplinary approach to teaching the arts. We open doors for children of all ages to express themselves through the arts in their own individual way by integrating music, movement, drama and the visual arts. The curriculum is grounded in research-based models and based upon literacy rich materials. 
The classes for home schoolers that we will be offering this fall are listed below for you. In addition to these classes, if you have 8 or more students for a class, we will create a class for you, and your child will get the class for free. Please let me know if you have any questions. We appreciate your help in getting the word out to the home school community. Hope to see you this fall,
Sara   
Imagination Stage Courses for Home Schoolers
Register Online at: http://www.imaginationstage.org/bapa/index.cfm/fuseaction/education.classes.fall2004

Sara LoSchiavo
Education Marketing Manager
Imagination Stage 301-280-1652
sloschiavo@imaginationstage.org
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2. Group  "TEACHING TOTS TO TEENS"
 
    My name is Dianna, I am a homeschooling mom and member of CHEF.  I am writing to make available the following resource to homeschooling members and I would appreciate you posting the information via the newsletter and/or website.
    The name of the group is "TEACHING TOTS TO TEENS" of which I am the list owner and moderator; this is a yahoo group of over *1000* members and is for public, private, and homeschool teachers to post their "For Sale" and/or "Wanted to Buy" ads for schooling materials, new or used, for Grades PreK - 12.
Here is the link:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TeachingTotstoTeens/
    We have been reviewed by and now appear on the websites of:  The Homeschool Portal, The Christian Home Educators Bookstore, The Military Homeschoolers Headquarters, the Good Seed Homeschool Group, The Arizona Homeschool HeartBeat group and Quincy Public Schools--Early Childhood Teachers links .  There are other homeschooling communities that are now in the process of linking us on their sites.
 Below is the rest of the description as it appears on the homepage.
    Teaching resource texts, curriculum, living books, the classics, chapter books, readers, children's story books, manipulatives, audios, videos, CDs, CD-Roms, art supplies, and supplies in general may be posted.
Fiction that may be posted: Children's storybooks, a story that "teaches", historical fiction, classic literature, or chapter books.
Books and items that may *not* be posted: Fiction and non-fiction adult and/or teenage romance books, occultic, new age, Hollywood movie stars, fashion, self-help, antiques, collectibles, home improvements, clothing (except for costumes that fit teaching situations), household items, furniture, cosmetics, cookbooks.  And NO spam.
    All transactions are between the buyers and sellers personally. The list owner/moderator assumes no responsiblity for any sales transactions.
    The group is closely monitored to make sure that only wholesome materials are posted and offense people do not enter the group.
Thank you.
Dianna
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3. Maryland Family Values Alliance
(We were invited to a rally in Annapolis, but that is past.)
We must restore family values to Maryland! 
Seriously consider attending the Christian Coalition Road to Victory (Sept 24-26) or the Concerned Women of America convention.
 Also consider joining the Christian Coalition to facilitate getting voter guides into churches. 
Check out the MDFVA web site at www.MDFVA.ORG for details and links.
 God bless you and yours,
Bill Devens
Director
Maryland Family Values Alliance
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4. ARTaFacts Magazine
Homeschooling Your Child in Art Need be Intimidating Anymore!
Include ART EDUCATION in your home school curriculum with ARTaFacts Magazine. Visit our website for more information, lesson plans and a FREE  sample copy. Please share with your homeschool group members.
For more information visit www.artafactsmagazine.com
READ about ARTaFacts Magazine in the Vo. 6 Issue 5 of the The Link Homeschool Newspaper.
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5. New Music for Homeschool Groups

Hello
This is Dr. Tim Waters, Director of Bands here at ORU in Tulsa, OK.
I saw your info on the web and wanted to touch base.
In order to help build our network, I am offering homeschool teachers and
families some of my printed music for free on my website.  (there are free blank music pages to print off too)
I would appreciate your help in passing this along to anyone you feel might
be interested.
The link below will take you to my personal site and you can view/download
the music.
http://www.drtimwaters.com/freemusiclinks.htm

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6. Rainbow Page of the Washington Times
Here is an opportunity for students to submit reviews for potential publication in the Rainbow Page of the Washington Times .
 From: NinaOMay@aol.com
Date: Mon, 6 Sep 2004 21:30:20 EDT
Subject: Re: Middle and High School Kennedy Center Group
If any of the kids who attend these events would like to review them for the Washington Times Rainbow Page, that would be great. The kids get $25 for each review. And, if you tell the Kennedy Center, or other organizations you are reviewing it for the Rainbow page, you actually get free tickets.
The requirements and directions to be a reviewer . . .
Anyone from 5 to 17
Submit title of event, book, movie, video, etc. with review along with publisher, where event is, how long it is playing, cost of ticket, length and cost of book . . . basically any information about what is being reviewed that would be helpful to others wanting to read, see, visit, or experience what is being reviewed.
We need a photo of the reviewer, preferably with someone they have interviewed (for example someone in a play they have just seen), but it is not necessary. We need their name, age, school and area they live in. (Homeschoolers make our best reviewers).
The reviews and photos can be e-mailed to me at this e-mail address and we will let you know when they will appear in the paper.   NinaOMay@aol.com
Let me know if you have anyone who might be interested in doing this.
Thanks,
Nina May
Editor, Rainbow Page, Washington Times
PS. have them put in the subject line that it is about the Rainbow Page

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7. Critical Thinking
 Remember Rosetta Kelley who visited us once and showed us so many good things?
Host a Bright Minds party and get Critical Thinking products for FREE!
Email me, or check out my website at brightminds.us/web/rosettak.
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8. Explore Books
 Hello from Explorer Headquarters!
    Explore Books has a great new website teaching kids all
about the world through downloadable activities and pictures
from around the world! Playful Learning at its best!
    Lots of great things have been happening since the Summer
past (and Winter in Australia!). And here at Explore Books,
we are happy to announce the New "Pics From The Road"
Feature: Antwerp, Belgium! Check it out exclusively at:
http://www.explore-books.com/
There's a great big world out there, EXPLORE it!
Contact the Explore Books Staff:
http://www.explore-books.com/
staff@explore-books.com
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 HEAV Update **September 14, 2004
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9.  Well-Trained Mind Resources
The folks behind the Well-Trained Mind book offer a variety of support resources. An online Forum Boards section (http://www.welltrainedmind.com/activeboards.php) provides a way to interact with other homeschoolers. And a monthly e-mail newsletter is available by sending a blank e-mail to news-subscribe@welltrainedmind.com, with "Subscribe" in the subject line.
Well-Trained Mind Web site: http://www.welltrainedmind.com

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10. Homeschool.com Classes Available on CD
Last month, Homeschool.com hosted a series of homeschooling how-to classes. These are now available on CD for purchase. Visit http://www.homeschool.com/audio/ordercds.asp for details.

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11. Field Trip Article and "The Virginia Home Educator" Magazine
In our summer issue of "The Virginia Home Educator" Magazine, we featured a multi-page article by Joy Hayden about field trips in Virginia. If you do not yet receive this free quarterly print magazine, you may view past issues on our Web site (http://www.heav.org and click on the "Free Magazine" link at the top).
On page 13 of this issue, we mentioned the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond. What we did not mention was that the museum store carries the music CD "1865" by homeschool graduates Heather and Raquelle Sheen (Joyful Harps)!
And if you are not receiving "The Virginia Home Educator" Magazine yet, be sure to sign up at our Web site. It is advertiser supported so it is free to subscribers. We hope you enjoy our print publication and help support the advertisers who help support homeschooling in Virginia.
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12. Earth Science Week (October 10-16) Resource
Earth Science Week is October 10-16, 2004. The focus this year is on the science of natural hazards (earthquakes, volcanoes, etc.) and their effects on society.
You can order an Educator's kit from the American Geological Institute, containing a teacher's guide, an Earth Science Week poster and bookmark, a compact disk of North America data and accompanying classroom activities, and additional earth science educational materials appropriate for classroom or home use. This kit is just $4.95.
Web site:  http://www.agiweb.org/pubs/pubdetail.html?item=609612
There is also a lot of good information at this Web site, and a free newsletter.

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13. WorldandIHomeschool.com Sneak Preview
For the past few months, they have been busy preparing The Arts section with over 1,000 articles in the areas of art, music, theater, dance, architecture, and craft & design. Here you and your students can enjoy not only insightful reviews and commentaries on past and present works worldwide, but also engaging paintings and images, as well as snapshots of stage performances.
>From now until September 21, 2004, you may preview the site (http://www.worldandihomeschool.com) for free: Username = homeschool and Password = resource .

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14. Multiplication Facts Helper
Trigger Memory Systems is a partnership comprised of three homeschooling moms who have a total of thirteen children.
While teaching her two boys multiplication facts, one mom noticed they were consistently struggling with certain problems. Answers for the lower facts came easily since they could quickly add them in their head when they got stuck. However, the higher facts, such as the 6s, 7s, 8s, and 9s, were much more difficult to process mentally. To overcome this problem, she turned these higher facts into memorable stories, enabling her boys to memorize the facts quickly and with little effort. With very little review, they could recall the facts even months later. She was so impressed with the success of this method that years later, she joined with the other two moms to fully develop the program. Times Tales is the outcome of that endeavor.
Web site: http://www.triggermemorysystem.com
Note: Another, free resource is available at http://www.multiplication.com/teach.htm .

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15. Lyndsey's Mania, A Fun & Quiz Online Resource
This Web site offers a few games for fun, plus a Quiz section on geography and math worksheet.
Web site: http://www.lizardpoint.com/fun/index.html
Note: Some pages require the Java engine be installed on your computer in order for the applet to run properly. This is a free download, if you don't already have it.

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16. Safety Resources for Kids
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a wide range of materials for children, teachers, and parents, including Lesson Plans and Fire Prevention Test, Disaster Resources, Terrorism Related Resources and a whole lot more.
Web site: http://www.fema.gov/kids/


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17.  WORTH REPEATING
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"Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers."
-- Alfred Lord Tennyson (1809–92, English poet, from "Locksley Hall," line 141, published in "The Poetic and Dramatic Works of Alfred Lord Tennyson", 1899)

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18.  Civil Air Patrol
The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadet program offers:
> Structured learning for leadership, moral education, and aerospace  education,
> CAP has a very well-defined program that Cadets progress through, earning
> advancement opportunities within pre-defined modules.
> Physical Fitness
> Cadets are encouraged in physical fitness and offered testing opportunities  to earn advancement and awards.
> Science program and scholarship opportunities
> The CAP has an extremely well-designed aerospace education program that is
> standards based and can be incorporated into science programs. CAP also
> offers scholarship opportunities for cadets that progress within the
> program. Cadets are also offered first-hand experience in flight through
> orientation flights in CAP aircraft and gliders.
> Community involvement
> Cadets are also encouraged to support their local community through
> involvement in the CAP Emergency Services program.  Cadets and senior
> members work together to learn proper methods of disaster recovery
> assistance, search and rescue, and CPR/first-aid assistance.
> Fun
> Through local area camping trips, museum visits, and the annual Cadet  Encampment, CAP Cadets get out and meet other cadets, have fun, and work on  various projects together.
To find the squadron nearest to you, visit the Maryland Wing CAP Web site: http://12.183.10.138/ 
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19. "My Own Books"
 Retired teacher Anne Pemberton has launched "My Own Books" with five new  stories and more to follow.
There are two series: The History series, in which your student or child
> interacts with persons and events in history. The first two of these are
> "The American Flag" in which the reader helps Betsy Ross and George
> Washington design the first American flag, and "The Battle of Trenton" in
> which the reader joins George Washington to cross the Delaware and surprise
> the Hessians at Trenton.
 The second series, the Alphabet Stories: Find "A" Things, Find "B" Things  and Find "C" Things, is complete. In these stories the reader and a teacher (mother, grandmother, whatever name you choose to insert) goes on a field  trip to find things that begin with the letter they are learning. The reader  works on a Pictionary, and there will soon be a version of a Pictionary  available on the site.
 All the stories feature the name of the child in the story, with correct
> gender pronouns. The stories are illustrated, and can be either viewed
> online, or printed out and made into booklets. Be sure to set the "Page
> Setup" in your browser for "Landscape" so that they come out right.
Web site: http://www.educationalsynthesis.org/books

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20. Christian Homeschool Authors and Editors Resource List

ExCHANGE (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ExCHANGE-board) is a new resource
for connecting Christian homeschool authors with newsletter, e-zine and
magazine editors.
Qualified homeschool editors can see articles specifically addressing the
issues they are trying to cover in their newsletters.
Authors can join and post their articles, bio, by-line, and reprint
restrictions. Editors can join and get fresh content as it is posted, or
look in the archives for good, timeless stuff.
Only authors post. And only qualified editors (showing proof of their
editorship) can read the articles posted. Also, they must submit information
about their publications so that authors can spot-check to see if something
was used without their permission.

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21. HEAV Convention Tapes
Although the 2004 HEAV Convention is over, through the technology of the
Internet and digital recording, you can still enjoy the sessions over and
over again. As those who attended will tell you, we had some really great
speakers and topics this past year: David Barton, Mike Farris, Gregg Harris,
Dr. Jay Wile, and many, many more.
Be sure to visit the HEAV Convention page, and click on the "Order
Convention Workshop Cassettes" at the bottom. You can order CDs or cassettes
and be enjoying these seminars in just a few days. What a great way to
jump-start the new homeschool year!
HEAV Web site: http://www.heav.org

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22 .AARP: How a $2 Pen Could Save Your Bank Account
In their April-May 2004 magazine, American Association of Retired People
(AARP) lists several things you can do to protect yourself from identity
thieves, ripoff artists, hospital overcharges, and more. Well worth the
read. Be sure to check out pointer #10 which tells how a $2 gel pen (and
only gel pens) can protect you from bank account thieves.
Online at
http://www.aarpmagazine.org/money/Articles/a2004-06-28-mag-ripoff.html

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23. Horse Lovers Magazine
"Bit And Bridle" is a bi-monthly publication packed with devotions,
interviews, horse tips and treats, stories, poems, crafts, and articles
among many other things, published by homeschooler Emily Echols.
To subscribe, mail a $10 check to Emily Echols, 503 Raford Wilson Road,
Commerce, GA 30529.

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24. Free Sign Language Resource
Deaf Video Communications offers the video version of "The Joy of Signing"
for free to both deaf and hearing users. All they ask is that you return
them promptly so that others may use them. This ministry also has other
tapes of signed praise songs for children, music for the whole family in
sign, and also Christian videos and lessons and sermons.
Web site: http://www.deafvideo.com
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25.  Resource for Virginia State Study
Looking for resources to help your student study Virginia state history? The
Virginia Chamber of Commerce has a "Study Scrapbook of Virginia" available
to aid in history reports and projects. The scrapbook contains pictures,
photographs, and maps of historical figures and places throughout the
Commonwealth. Best of all, the pages are printed only on one side so that
the pictures can be cut out for use in reports. The scrapbook is $11.95 per
copy. Shipping varies according to the number of books ordered.
For more information visit the chamber's Web site:
http://www.vachamber.com/pubs/study_scrapbook.htm
For those wishing to practice business letter writing, send your requests
to:  Virginia Chamber of Commerce
9 S. 5th St.
Richmond, VA 23219-3823
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26.  Nostalgic Radio Show - TheVoiceRadio.com
Bryant Harmon is the host of The Voice ( http://www.thevoiceradio.com ), an
online radio show that returns to the nostalgic story time of yesteryear. He
is also the homeschooling father of three.
Subscription price is currently $2.99 a month. If you enroll now, your
monthly rate will not go up. In addition, 10% of your subscription cost will
go to HSLDA.

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27. Crosswalk.com Commentary: "America's Educational Crisis--How Did it
Happen?"

Millions of American children are headed back to school even as a legion of
students now descend on America's college and university campuses. The
"back-to-school" season is now a familiar part of family life and an
important marker in the business cycle. By any measure, education is big
business, employing millions of teachers and administrators and representing
a large segment of America's public investment. But, even as the new
academic year begins, the edifice of American public education is showing
its cracks all over again.  In reality, the system is largely in shambles.
How did this happen?
You may read this entire commentary, by R. Albert Mohler, Jr., author,
speaker and president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary online at
http://www.crosswalk.com/news/weblogs/mohler/?adate=8/16/2004#1279376 .
 
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28. Online: "The Underground History of American Education"

If you are having doubts about homeschooling, how about a shot of
> encouragement? Read John Gatto's "The Underground History of American
> Education" to erase all doubts and gain confidence that you are doing the
> right thing!
The entire book is available online for free
> (http://www.johntaylorgatto.com/chapters/), or may be purchased from HEAV
> (https://www.readysecure3.com/users/heavorg/heavstore/mall/books1.asp).
 
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29. Three Ways To Support Our Troops in the Middle East

SPIRIT OF AMERICA
>From their Web site:
Mission and Objectives
Our mission is to expand the abilities of Americans serving abroad to
improve the quality of life of people at the grass-roots level. Our
objectives are to:
- Increase the reach, scale, and impact of the informal humanitarian
activities that take place on the front lines in troubled regions.
- Contribute charitable goods that can have a positive, practical, and
timely impact in the local communities where American personnel are
involved.
- Improve foreign perceptions of the American people and our presence
abroad.
Spirit of America is a not-for-profit organization supported through private
sector contributions and in-kind support. It is being launched under the
auspices of the Cyber Century Forum, a 501c3 public foundation. Donations to
Spirit of America and the requests they feature are tax deductible. 100% of
your tax-deductible donation goes to requests made by Americans serving
abroad.  Web site: http://www.spiritofamerica.net


SOLDIERS' ANGELS FOUNDATION
>From their Web site:
Soldiers' Angels is a Web site founded by Patti Patton-Bader, mother of Spc.
Brandon Varn, who has recently returned from a year's deployment to Iraq.
Soldiers' Angels is a volunteer run, 501c3 non-profit organization,
incorporated in the state of Nevada. Soldiers' Angels started in June of
2003. The Soldiers' Angels mission is to provide aide and comfort to any of
the armed forces and their families.
More importantly, the slogan describes the motivation behind Soldiers'
Angels. By working together and sharing a common vision of service, the
volunteers of Soldiers' Angels send care to deployed soldiers and their
loved ones at home.
To date they have sent thousands of care packages to deployed soldiers,
helped the wounded at three major military hospitals, and aided many
military families.
On this Web site, you can contribute to buying supplies for the troops
through "Hero Packs," "Wounded Packs," and more.
Web site: http://www.soldiersangelsfoundation.com/

ADOPTAPLATOON
>From their Web site:
The AdoptaPlatoon Soldier Support Effort founded in 1998 is a nonprofit
501c3 organization managed nationwide by volunteer mothers to ensure that
deployed United States service members in all branches of the military are
not forgotten by providing needed mail support and promoting patriotism in
our schools and communities. To provide a better deployment quality of life,
lift morale, and assist military families, the AAP created projects that
meet the needs of military requests, established special projects for
holidays, and assigns individual morale lifting mail support to service
members of all branches of the U.S. military serving their Nation around the
world. Web site: http://www.adoptaplatoon.org

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30. HEAV Information:   
CONVENTION ALERT!
>
> We recently discovered that five homeschool conventions were all scheduled
> for the same weekend in June! Rather than having to vie for the best
> speakers and exhibitors, we sought the Lord and He has amazingly opened
the doors for us to change our dates with the Richmond Center, Marriott Hotel,
> taping company, and ALL our confirmed speakers.
So get out your erasers and move the 22nd Annual HEAV Convention &
> Educational Fair to June 16-18, 2005, at the Greater Richmond Convention
> Center, where we will all celebrate "Joy in the Journey!" with Jeff Myers,
> Chris and Tracy Klicka, Susan Wise Bauer, Andrew Pudewa, Vicki Caruana,
and many others!
>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The items listed in this Update are for informational purposes and are to be utilized at the discretion of the recipient.
HEAV does not necessarily endorse the above-mentioned resources.
We diligently research each link prior to publication, and recommend that you, the parent, fully examine Web sites before allowing your children unsupervised surfing privileges.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
HEAV - Serving the homeschoolers of Virginia through information, legislation, and resources since 1983! Be sure to sign up to receive the FREE Virginia Home Educator magazine at http://www.heav.org .
HOME EDUCATION: JOY IN THE JOURNEY
Mark your calendar for the 22nd Annual HEAV State Convention & Education Fair on June 16, 17, & 18, 2005--you won't want to miss it!
Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages, will be one of our keynote speakers. We'll also have Jeff Myers, Chris and Tracy Klicka, Vicki Caruana, Debra Bell, Susan Wise Bauer, Andrew Pudewa, and many others!
HEAV (Home Educators Association of Virginia)
2248-G Dabney Road
Richmond, VA 23230-0745
Phone: (804) 278-9200
Fax: (804) 278-9202
Web site: http://www.heav.org
E-mail: info@heav.org
The HEAV Update is produced by Anne Miller (executive editor), Michael Grice (editor), and Wanda Hayes (Update coordinator).

> .... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....
31. What's In Your Child's Wallet?
>
> My two older boys are at an age where they often do things with each other
> since the oldest drives. My second oldest son had a medical situation just
> before Christmas last year while they were at a movie theatre with
friends.
> My oldest son was with him and was able to get in touch with us plus
provide  information to the attending EMS crew.
But now they sometimes go out separately with friends and are not together.
> Recently, it occurred to me, that if either one ran into a problem, their
> friends may not know how to reach us. They know our home phone number. But
> they don't know our cell or pager numbers, or even aunts, uncles, and
> grandparents phone numbers, even though all are nearby.
I am going to draw up a list of all possible contact numbers and medical
> information, laminate it, and make the boys carry the cards with them.
> Though we cannot always be with our children, part of us can go with them.
With the vivid memory of Hurricane Isabel last year, and the active
> hurricane season this year, disaster preparedness should also be on our
> minds. Not to mention the reported threats of terrorist activities in
> advance of our elections this year. Parts of Virginia are in potential
areas  of harm, whether it be natural or man-made disasters.
Consumer Reports devoted an entire issue recently to emergency preparedness.
> The material is now online at their Web site:
http://www.consumerreports.org/main/detailv3.jsp?CONTENT%3C%3Ecnt_id=110083&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=110003&bmUID=1093825680073
> or via this TinyUrl link http://tinyurl.com/3keuy .
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security also offers good information at
> their Web site: http://www.ready.gov .
 And the American Red Cross offers online resources at
> http://www.redcross.org/pubs/ .
>Our children are the valuables we all want to protect. Whether it is  information you are pouring into their head, or placing in their wallet, are your children prepared?
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September 3, 2004  Cool Web Sites  (back to index)

1. New York Times: Daily Lesson Plans
2. American Association of Physics Teachers
3. HowToons
4. Naval-History.net
4.5 Cool Web Site: Free Sheet Music
5. WordCount.org
6. Physics Songs Online
7. Virtual Round the World Flight
8. Web Site For New SAT
9. ACT Test Statistics Released
10. Two Piano Lesson Related Web Sites
11. Free Daily Grammar Lessons
12. Learning Sign Language
13. Maryland Historical Society
14. REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION Re-airs

*******************************************
1. New York Times: Daily Lesson Plans
The archive contains hundreds of free lesson plans for grades 6-12. You
may perform a keyword search to retrieve a lesson, browse the archive by subject, or scroll down the page to view the most recently published lessons.  Web site: http://www.nytimes.com/learning/teachers/lessons/archive.html

*******************************************
2.  American Association of Physics Teachers
American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) was established in 1930 with the fundamental goal of ensuring the "dissemination of knowledge of physics, particularly by way of teaching." In addition to helping you learn more about traditional teaching methods, they can help you learn new teaching methods and use modern technology to entice your students with the wonders of science.
In addition to the resources at this Web site, the physics team in particular has had a smattering of homeschoolers over the years.
Web site: http://www.aapt.org

*******************************************
3.  HowToons
Howtoons are one-page cartoons showing five-to-15 year-old kids how to build things. Each illustrated episode is a stand-alone fun adventure accessible to all, including the pre-literate. Howtoons are designed to encourage children to be active participants in discovering the world through fun, creative, inventive play-that-matters , and to rely a lot less on mass-consumable entertainment.
Saul Griffith and Joost Bonsen started and incubated the Howtoons Project while graduate students at MIT, working in close concert with professional illustrator Nick Dragotta, as well as hundreds of fellow students, alumni, faculty, friends, and their kids.
I have reviewed several of the cartoons and videos and found nothing objectionable. As with all recommendations, HEAV urges you to review the materials before passing them along to your children.
Web site: http://www.howtoons.org
*******************************************
4. Naval-History.net
 This Web site is researched, written and designed by Gordon Smith, who dedicates the Web site to the memory of his father, Ordnance Artificer George Smith, who was lost in the sinking of HMS Charybdis off the Brittany coast on October 23, 1943.
 Because he is in the UK, he has a British perspective of naval history. He covers the areas of Pax Britannica, World War I and II, the Falkland's War, and the times between war.
 He covers the Navies and Fleets of the time, the Campaigns during the war (by year and by theatre of operations), and he offers other sources for naval history. If your student is interested in specific, detailed information on aspects of naval warfare, this is a good place to start.
 Web site: http://www.naval-history.net

*******************************************

4.5 Cool Web Site: Free Sheet Music

*******************************************
5.  WordCount.org
 WordCount (TM) is an artistic experiment in the way we use language. It presents the 86,800 most frequently used English words, ranked in order of commonality. Each word is scaled to reflect its frequency relative to the words that precede and follow it, giving a visual barometer of relevance.
 WordCount data currently comes from the British National Corpus (R), a 100 million word collection of samples of written and spoken language from a wide range of sources, designed to represent an accurate cross-section of current English usage. WordCount includes all words that occur at least twice in the BNC.

*******************************************
6. Physics Songs Online
 
 *******************************************

7. Virtual Round the World Flight
 Mounting a round-the-world flight for charity takes organization, up-front funding, pilots and, of course, an airplane. Or does it? Some enterprising do-gooders in Sutton, England, have been circling the globe without ever leaving the ground. Using a homebuilt flight simulator, World Flight ( http://www.world-flight.org/mambo/ ), volunteers take the controls over a period of about a week in a virtual circumnavigation that raises money for Dreamflight, a group that takes seriously ill children to Florida theme parks for vacations. The next "trip" (flown by virtual pilots from all walks of life) leaves England November 8, for a 35,000-mile journey that ends November 14. One of the great things about World Flight is that there's no need to have a pilot certificate to take part. Volunteer "pilots" include truck drivers and business managers, even airline pilots.
 
**************************************
8. Web Site For New SAT
This Web site has lots of material about the new SAT verbal section created
for homeschoolers (starting April 2005 the SAT will be 2/3 verbal, 1/3 math,
and will have a composition section).
It is a book site, but there are lots of free resources: vocab lists,
grammar references, writing styles, lists of books on the New SAT, and a
vast annotated list of online SAT resources.
Web site: http://www.abacus-es.com/sat/
*******************************************
9. ACT Test Statistics Released

This week, the ACT publisher released a report on the scores of the 2004
graduating class. ACT says (on its Web site) that the ACT test is "America's
most widely accepted college entrance exam."
Among the many groups of statistics that ACT provided, the average composite
score for all students was 20.9, for those who were homeschooled the average
was 22.6, and for those who had "earned a GED" the average was 18.9.
Homeschool leaders may be interested in these two resources:
Home Educated and Now Adults: Their Community and Civic Involvement, Views
About Homeschooling, and Other Traits
http://www.nheri.org/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=27
Worldwide Guide to Homeschooling: Facts and Stats on the Benefits of Home
School
http://www.nheri.org/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=22

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10. Two Piano Lesson Related Web Sites
http://www.ptg.org/findtch.htm
Published by the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), offers info on
choosing a music teacher.
http://www.pianoeducation.org
The Piano Education Page: Lots of good information for parents, students,
and teachers.

*******************************************
11. Free Daily Grammar Lessons

http://www.dailygrammar.com/
When you subscribe to this free service you are sent daily lessons, complete answers.  They are pretty good. :)
 
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12. Learning Sign Language

Good Morning!
My name is Lisa Hollis.  I am the program director and one of the instructors at Learning Sign, LLC located in Millersville , Maryland .  We have highly qualified hearing and deaf instructors that teach American Sign Language to children and adults of all ages.  Currently we are working with homeschooling groups in Anne Arundel, Howard, and Montgomery counties.  We have developed an age-appropriate cirriculum that can be tailored to meet the needs of your homeschooling students.  We offer various programs to teach toddlers (ages 3-4), children (ages 5-7), school aged children and adults.
Please contact us if there is an interest amongst your homeschoolers to learn sign language.
WEBSITE: http://www.learningsign.org/
EMAIL: learningsign@yahoo.com
PHONE: 410-421-9080

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13. Maryland Historical Society

Please check our website, www.mdhs.org, for up-to-date info on our on-site and outreach programs for students and teachers, including two days this fall especially for homeschoolers, the Student Research Center for older students to do research with primary sources, teacher workshops to give you ideas for teaching history with your children, and outreach materials to use at home.
Robin Atwood Fidler
Tour Coordinator/Visitor Services
Maryland Historical Society
201 W. Monument St.
Baltimore, MD 21201
410-685-3750 Ex. 334 Visit our website at www.mdhs.org 
*******************************************
14. REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION Re-airs

Saturday, September 4th on C-SPAN
Beginning at 10:00am ET
**C-SPAN in the Classroom's CONVENTIONS RESOURCE for educators**
http://www.c-span.org/classroom/elections/conventions.asp
**Complete video archive of the Republican National Convention**
http://www.c-span.org/2004vote/convention.asp?Cat=Special_Topic&Code=GOP&Rot_Cat_CD=GOP

**TEACHERS: Remember to videotape Saturday's re-airs of the convention speeches to bring into your classroom this fall.**
***********2004 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION Re-airs************
Watch C-SPAN's re-airing of the 2004 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION in New York, NY.
Speakers include:
10:00am SEN. JOHN McCAIN
10:30am 9/11 FAMILIES
10:40am RUDY GIULIANI, former Mayor of New York City
11:25am GEORGE P. BUSH, nephew of President George W. Bush
11:35am LT. GOV. MICHAEL STEELE (R-MD)
11:50am GOV. ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER (R-CA)
12:25pm FIRST LADY LAURA BUSH
12:45pm SEN. ZELL MILLER (D-GA)
1:05pm LYNNE AND DICK CHENEY
...plus PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH and more speakers from the final night of the Convention
  **Complete video archive of the Republican National Convention**
http://www.c-span.org/2004vote/convention.asp?Cat=Special_Topic&Code=GOP&Rot_Cat_CD=GOP

***********TEACH ABOUT THE 2004 REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION************

Convention season is here, and C-SPAN in the Classroom is ready to help you teach your students about each party's official campaign "kickoff" to the general election campaign. Use video, classroom activities and graphic organizers from the CONVENTIONS RESOURCE to highlight the 2004 conventions as each party gathers to nominate its presidential and vice presidential candidate.
http://www.c-span.org/classroom/elections/conventions.asp
1. SETTING THE STAGE--Learn about the behind-the-scenes planning of conventions and how the settings of conventions have played a role in political history.
2. MEMORABLE MOMENTS--View archived video to study "classic" moments in convention history and the effect those moments had on future elections.
3. SURVEYING SPEECHES--Analyze clips of significant speeches from past and present conventions and analyze how their tone, atmosphere and expression contributed to the success of the convention...and the election.
http://www.c-span.org/classroom/elections/conventions.asp
If you have any questions about C-SPAN in the Classroom's CONVENTIONS RESOURCE or about other campaigns and elections teaching tools, please call the C-SPAN Educators' Hotline at 1-800-523-7586 or email  educate@c-span.org.________________________________________________________________
All C-SPAN-produced programs are copyright clear for educators to videotape and use in the classroom.  
Reply to this e-mail with questions or comments about teaching with C-SPAN.

 

GoodBye Summer '04 (back to index)

 HOMESCHOOL ITEMS 
1. CrossWalk Article: "Planning the New School Year - Part 1"
2. Homeschool Book Swap Web Site
3. Conservative Homeschoolers Discussion Board

4.  Homeschool Astronomy & Science Chat - Tuesdays
5.  Conservative E-Mail Newsletters
6.  Free Ancient Greek Online Group Starting
7.  Smithsonian Education E-Newsletter
 
> .... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....
1. CrossWalk Article: "Planning the New School Year - Part 1">
> Whether you are new to homeschooling or a seasoned veteran, there are
> several things you can do to prepare for the upcoming year. Firming up
> discipline, establishing routines, and academic preparation are some of the
> areas discussed in this article by Marsha Washburn, from the July/August
> 2004 issue of "Home School Enrichment Magazine," published online at
> CrossWalk.
>Article: http://www.crosswalk.com/family/home_school/1277543.html
> .... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....
2. Homeschool Book Swap Web Site>
> Homeschool Book Swap was developed to create an easily used and SEARCHABLE
> database to quickly find what you were looking for.
> Web site: http://www.homeschoolbookswap.com
> .... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....
3. Conservative Homeschoolers Discussion Board
>
> http://freedomtoschool.proboards29.com/index.cgi
>
> .... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....
4. Homeschool Astronomy & Science Chat - Tuesdays
Join Jay Ryan and his guests to discuss astronomy and science topics for
homeschoolers, Tuesdays at 10:00 p.m., in the Homeschool room. Learn more at
http://link.crosswalk.com/UM/T.asp?A1.10.25193.10.232650 .
 
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5. Conservative E-Mail Newsletters 
The Federalist Patriot is an instrument for the dissemination of current and historic conservative thought for the plurality of Americans who uphold the most basic tenet of our Republic, " ... that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
 
You may subscribe to any of the four different weekly e-mail newsletters they offer: Monday Brief (14 feature sections with short excerpts from commentary and essays covering a wide range of topics of interest to constitutional conservatives); Wednesday Chronicle (an informative and entertaining selection of one-line historic quotes, current commentary and humor in 8 feature sections); Friday Digest (a comprehensive narrative summary and analysis of the week's most important news, policy and opinion); and Founders Quote Daily (start your day with words of wisdom from The Federalist Patriot).
 
Web site: http://federalistpatriot.us/subscribe/
> .... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....
6. Free Ancient Greek Online Group Starting>
> A free, online Athenaze group is starting in September. You can sign up for
> the Greek list shared by many groups, for more information.
>
> http://www.quasillum.com/greek/greekstudy.html
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7. Smithsonian Education E-Newsletter>
> The Smithsonian Center for Education and Museum Studies introduces a new
> quarterly e-newsletter for educators, "Smithsonian Education News.">
> Smithsonian Education News delivers the best Smithsonian educational
> resources to your desktop. As a subscriber, you will be the first to know
> about the Smithsonian's latest exhibitions, events, and teaching resources,
> including lesson plans, field trip scheduling, customized tours, exhibit
> openings, educator discounts, online educational resources, special events
> for educators, and more.>
> The e-newsletter promises to bring subscribers "the most up-to-date
> information about Smithsonian art, history, science, and cultural resources
> for teachers.">
> Web site: www.SmithsonianEducation.org/Educators
> 
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August 27, 2004  (back to index)

NEWS ITEMS:
1. Horizon Homeschool Coop
2. Home and School Connection in Frederick
 
HOMESCHOOL DAYS:
3. Baltimore Ablaze Day at the Maryland Historical Society
4. Baltimore Museum of Industry
5. National Museum of Dentistry’s Home School Days
6. Home School Appreciation Days - Six Flags America - August 30 and September 3, 2004
7. Homeschool History Programs - Williamsburg/Yorktown - September 27-29, 2004

MORE GOOD THINGS:
8. "Spirit of America" - Washington, DC - Tickets Now Available
9.  TREEmendous TREEhouses - Norfolk - Now through October 3, 2004
10.  Recycle Your Technology Hardware - Office Depot Stores - Now Through Labor Day 2004
11.  AAUW Used Book Sale - McLean - September 17-19, 2004
12.  Online English classes - Enrollment Deadline: September 6, 2004
13.  Reader's Digest Vocabulary Contest
14.  Doctoral Student Request for Homeschoolers with ADD/ADHD Disorders
15. Towson University class "Teaching Science in Early Childhood"
16. Web Address for Umbrellas
 
*******************************************************************************************
1. I have an update on the Horizon Homeschool Coop.  The person heading it
up is Jamie Firnhaber [mailto:jmefirn@yahoo.com] and the website address
is http://groups.yahoo.com/group/horizonsco_op.

2. Also, the store, Home and School Connection in Frederick and Hagerstown
has a 4 1/2 hour seminar on Saturday, 9/11, starting at 6 PM.  The first
1 1/2 covers general homeschool questions/issues and the remainder of
the time does into detail about the various curriculum options and how
to teach children with all types of learning styles.  One has to
register and there is a $10 fee but there is a $10 store certificate one
gets in return, as I understand it.  The phone # is 1-877-766-0699.  Maybe
a group of us could carpool.

Irene B (thank you)
************************************************
HOMESCHOOL DAYS!
   
3. Baltimore Ablaze Day at the Maryland Historical Society  Friday, October 15, 2004 9:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
  • Guided Tours of Baltimore Ablaze, the Great Baltimore Fire of 1904
  • Interactive living history performance with "Elizabeth Chandler Sinclair", a modern lady living in the "Roaring 20's" with childhood memories of the Baltimore fire.
  • Hands-on history activities for students ages 6 to 18.
  • Lunch break in our student lunchroom (bring a bag lunch)
  • Introduction to MdHS Student Research Center, Traveling Trunks, Primary Source Kits, and Outreach Programs.
  • 10% discount on Museum Shop purchases.
  • 5$ per person for adults and students age 6–18 payable in advance

(Parents need to register and accompany the children in their family. Children under 6 may accompany parents, but no age-appropriate programs are available. Sorry, no strollers or baby backpacks.)Space is limited for all homeschool days. Registrations will be accepted AFTER SEPTEMBER 1. To register, e-mail the following information: Date of program, Parent's Name, Mailing address, telephone, and names and ages of children to: bcihan@mdhs.org You will receive a written confirmation and invoice. Once payment is received, your place will be guaranteed.
(thanks to Shauna who says "My children and I participated last year and it was FANTASTIC.  ....  I would encourage others to go if they have not been before.  Getting there was not hard and it was well planned and executed.")

*************************************************************************

4. The Baltimore Museum of Industry is offering three Home School Days during the 2004-2005 school year! These days are set aside just for home school parents and their children to take part in the Museum’s hands-on programs.  Activities will be available for children ages 6-12, and children will be split into groups based on age.

 

Home School Days run from 10:00 a.m. – noon and are offered on the following days:

Friday, September 10, 2004

Friday, February 4, 2005

Friday, April 29, 2005

 

Each day will have a different focus.  Come to all three and learn all about Maryland ’s rich industrial past!

 

Parents must pre-register their children for the Home School Days.  The cost is $5.00/child; parents and children under age 6 get in free!  Registration must be pre-paid.  Call to register your children today – 410.727.4808  x117.

**************************************************************

 

5. The Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry’s Home School Days

Honoring and Celebrating Maryland’s Home Schools

10am-11:30am Wednesday, September 15, 2004

10am-11:30am Wednesday, December 8, 2004

10am-11:30am Wednesday, February 9, 2005

10am-11:30am Friday, May 6, 2005

Two Unique Programs Terrific Tooth Tales: Ages 5-8

Dental Posters and Stamps from Around the World: Ages 9-12

*Art Activities**Museum Shop Discounts**Free Toothbrushes**Chat with a Dentist*

Register: Janis Goldman     Director of Education and Public Programs   410.706.0810                                         

The National Museum of Dentistry

 31 South Greene Street

Baltimore, MD 21201

Cost:$5.00 per person    Parking: Metered spaces , Baltimore Grand Garage

For More information: 410.706.0810 jgoldman@dentalmuseum.umaryland.edu Must Call or Email to Register!

No age-appropriate programs are available for infants and toddlers. Sorry - no strollers or backpacks in the galleries

 *******************************************************************************

 

6. Home School Appreciation Days - Six Flags America - August 30, and September 3, 2004
 
We first mentioned this terrific opportunity in our July 26, 2004, HEAV Update. Unfortunately, not too many people have responded thus far. This is a great opportunity to have some fun, and to show appreciation to a large corporation for making this available to homeschoolers. If we wish to see opportunities like this in the future, it is important that we support current efforts.
 Six Flags America
13710 Central Ave. (Route 214)
Mitchellville, MD 20721
Phone: 301-249-1500, ext. 3275
 Monday, August 30, 2004, or Friday, September 3, 2004.
 Special discounted price offered to homeschooling families is $15.54 per person (includes tax)--a $21.00 savings per person. These tickets may only be ordered online.
 Visit their Web site: http://www.sixflags.com/parks/america/TicketInfo/index.html and click on the "Buy Tickets Now" button. At the very top right of the page you will see a box that says "Enter Promo Code." Enter promotional code [hschool] (without the brackets) and click on the "Go" button just to the right.
The deadline to order tickets and have them mailed to you is three days prior to the date you plan to attend. However, you may order up through the date of each event via the Print-N-Go option.
Note: You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer in order to purchase these tickets, either online or via a mailed-in form.[Our thanks to Brian Davis, special events account executive, Six Flags America.]
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7.  Homeschool History Programs - Williamsburg/Yorktown - September 27-29, 2004
Jamestown Settlement
Rout 31
Williamsburg, Virginia 23185
Yorktown Victory Center
Route 1020
Yorktown, Virginia 23692
Hands-on history programs for home-educated students will be offered September 27-29, 2004, on an advance-reservation basis at Jamestown Settlement, a museum of 17th-century Virginia, and the Yorktown Victory Center, a museum of the American Revolution. The two museums are administered by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, an agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The programs are taught by trained museum educators and address Virginia and United States history curriculum objectives. Each consists of a one-hour classroom component for students followed by a guided tour for students and their families of the museums' outdoor interpretive areas including the re-created Powhatan Indian village, 1607 ships, the colonial fort and riverfront discovery area at Jamestown Settlement, and the re-created Continental Army encampment and 1780s farm at the Yorktown Victory Center.
Students can enroll in one of three programs at each museum, according to grade level. The programs repeat at 9:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 1:15 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. on all three days.

Pre-Kindergarten - 12

The program fee of $6.75 per family member (youth or adult) for one museum and $9.75 for both museums includes general museum admission. The registration deadline for these fall programs is 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 21, 2004.
For more information about the programs for home-educated students or to register, call (888) 868-7593 toll-free or (757) 253-4939, or e-mail group.reservations@jyf.virginia.gov .
Jamestown Settlement is located on State Route 31 southwest of Williamsburg. The Yorktown Victory Center is located on Route 1020 near the Colonial Parkway in Yorktown. To learn more about the museums, visit http://www.historyisfun.org .

****************************************************************************
8. "Spirit of America" - Washington, DC - Tickets Now Available
 MCI Center
601 F St NW
Washington, DC 20004
 Friday, September 17, 2004, at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 18, 2004, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
 "Spirit of America" is a free, patriotic, live-action show presented by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington. Performed by more than 400 soldiers of the U.S. Army's elite ceremonial units, the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) and The U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own," this free show features traditional and modern music, disciplined drill and historical narrative as Soldiers recap the heritage of our country in an inspiring and entertaining performance.
 Even though this is a free event, you still must have tickets for admission. Ticket orders began last Thursday (July 15). For more information, or to request your tickets, visit the "Spirit of America" Web site: http://spiritofamerica.mdw.army.mil/
 
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9. TREEmendous TREEhouses - Norfolk - Now through October 3, 2004
 
Norfolk Botanical Gardens
6700 Azalea Garden Road
Norfolk, VA 23518
Phone: 757-441-5830
 Now through October 3, 2004.
 Norfolk Botanical Garden is hosting a major regional exhibit featuring unique structures created by some of the top builders, architects, and designers in Hampton Roads. It is estimated that more than 20,000 families, children, members and tourists will visit the Garden to see TREEmendous TREEhouses.
 Eleven designers have created and built structures that showcase their talents, invite children to play, and feature fantasy and whimsy.
 2.5 Recycle Your Technology Hardware - Office Depot Stores - Now Through Labor Day 2004
 Now through Labor Day, bring your unwanted PC, laptop, printer, handheld, cell phone – or any other qualifying product – to your nearest Office Depot. They will send them to HP’s recycling plants where they will be processed into material that will be used to make new products. Bring in products made by any vendor – not just HP. Best of all, this service is provided absolutely FREE of charge.
 
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10. AAUW Used Book Sale - McLean - September 17-19, 2004
 McLean Community Center
1234 Ingleside Avenue
McLean, VA 22101
 Friday, September 17, 2004, from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 18, 2004, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, September 20, 2004, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
 Hardbacks, paperbacks, rare books, CD's, tapes, and software. Proceeds support the American Association of University Women's Educational Foundation and local scholarships. For more information, contact Ruth Powers (703-726-6470 or ruthpowers@starpower.net ).
 
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11. Online English Classes - Enrollment Deadline: September 6, 2004
 There are still a few openings for Janice Campbell's literature-based, high-school level English classes, including English I & II, as well as American, British, and World Literature. Enrollment deadline is September 6, 2004, and classes begin September 13, 2004.
 Visit http://www.everydayeducation.com for complete information and enrollment forms.
 
 
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12. Reader's Digest Vocabulary Contest
 The Reader's Digest National Word Power Challenge is a vocabulary contest designed for schools nationwide with any or all of grades, four through eight. English-speaking students in eligible grades who have not reached their sixteenth birthday by the time of the school-level competition may participate. The Reader's Digest National Word Power Challenge is an educational outreach program of Reader's Digest magazine.
 Students from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Department of Defense Dependent Schools, as well as home-schooled students, are invited to participate in the 2004-2005 Reader's Digest National Word Power Challenge.
 Cost is $50 to register, so homeschoolers are encouraged to band together with others in an area. Registration deadline is January 7, 2005. Registration is not open to individual students; only registered schools/homeschools can participate, and only principals/homeschool administrators can register schools. Also, to hold a competition, there is a minimum participation requirement of six (6) students per eligible grade.
 First place: A $25,000 college scholarship, plus Reader's Digest products for the student's school.
 Second Place: A $15,000 college scholarship, plus Reader's Digest products for the student's school.
 Third Place: A $10,000 college scholarship, plus Reader's Digest products for the student's school.
 For more information, or to order an Enrollment Package, visit http://www.rd.com/nwpc/index.jhtml .
 
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13. Doctoral Student Request for Homeschoolers with ADD/ADHD Disorders

I am a doctoral student at the Boston University School of Education in the department of Special Education. I am doing a pilot study this summer as a precursor to my dissertation. The title of my pilot study, as well as my dissertation is: "Parents' Engagements in the Social Skills Training of their Homeschooled Children who have Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder-Inattentive Type and Comorbid Social Phobia."
I am looking for parents who homeschool their children who fit into this diagnostic criteria. I realize that I may have to travel in order to locate and research this specific population. Please advise me if you know any families who fit the parameters of my research and would be willing to participate.
Esta M. Rapoport
61 Cowdin Circle
Chappaqua, NY 10514
Phone: 914-241-3147
E-mail: Erapoport1@aol.com
**************************************************************

14. Towson University class "Teaching Science in Early Childhood"

In Search of Homeschooling Families seeking to enhance their science experiences!  The Towson University class "Teaching Science in Early Childhood" is seeking young students (ages 3-8) to participate in student practicums held on the TU campus on the following Tuesdays: Sept. 14, Oct. 12, and Nov. 9.  Classes will be held from 12:20 pm - 2:20 pm on campus in Hawkins Hall Rm 110.  Parking passes will be provided.  The purpose of the practicum is to allow undergraduate teachers to practice carefully constructed science lesson plans before they student teach.  Parents may stay to observe class or have coffee in the building's cafe.   Please contact Martha Martin, TU Adjunct Faculty, via email at martha.martin@gmail.com for more information.  Please pass this message on to other families.

****************************************************************
15. Web Address for Umbrellas
 
 

Aug. 11, 2004  (back to index)
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1) HOMESCHOOL ITEMS

1. Montgomery County Agricultural Fair  
2. Homeschool Virginia State Fair Tickets Go On Sale August 15, 2004
3. NEA Says Nyet To Homeschoolers
4. College at Home Resources
5. Book: "Homeschooling Only One"
6. Ask A Librarian

2) GENERAL INTEREST ITEMS
1. Perseid Meteor Shower To Peak On August 12, 2004
2.Civil War Story Time For Kids - Arlington - August 18, 2004
3. "Twelfth Night" - Purcellville - August 25-29, 2004
4. College Prep Resources
5. Internet Hoaxes
6. Electronic/Electrical Devices And Lightning Storms
7. Insuring the College-Bound Student
8. Examination for Credit
9. Cool Web site: EcoTrekker.com
10. Cool Web site: The Newton Project
11.  History Resource - Gettysburg, PA
12. Online German Study Group Forming
13.  Worldview Weekends Of America
14. Cool Web site: ConfusingWords.com
 
3) PARTING THOUGHT: "Kid Wisdom"

4) WORTH REPEATING

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1) HOMESCHOOL ITEMS
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1. Montgomery County Agricultural Fair    August 13 - 21, 2004
Time: First Fri, 3pm-12M; Sat-Sat, 8am-12M
Description: Come visit the largest agricultural fair in Maryland; animals, commercial exhibits, competitive displays to see.
Hours of Operation: First Fri, 3pm-12M; Sat-Sat, 8am-12M
General Phone Nbr: 301-926-3100
Monday August 16~ Children's Day
Free admission to youth ages 18 and under until 4pm.
And it is Homeschool Day  Mon. -      Please bring in your things early to the Garden Room.  We can set up at 2.  Make arrangements ahead of time if you have any problems coming back for the pick up.
 Location: Montgomery County Agricultural Center
16 Chestnut St
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
 URL: www.mcagfair.com
 
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2. Homeschool Virginia State Fair Tickets Go On Sale August 15, 2004
(Okay, this is far, but I had the best time ever there when Rob was 2 so it gets to stay on the list.)
 
Fairgrounds at Richmond Raceway Complex
600 E. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23222
Homeschool Day is Monday, September 27, 2004, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Student tickets: $7.50 each, preschool through grade 12; children 2 and under admitted free.
Adult tickets: $12.99 in advance, or $17.99 at Gate. Adult tickets may be purchased by mail directly from the Fair at http://www.statefair.com. One complimentary chaperone ticket is allowed for every eight student tickets ordered on ONE order form (check with your support group for group order information). Only student and complimentary chaperone tickets are available through HEAV.
The special homeschool ticket is good for entry only on Monday, September 27, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Tickets are non-refundable. Homeschool tickets cannot be used any other day, regardless of weather. Admission includes exhibits and most midway rides. Check the State Fair Web site for a preview!
Student tickets may be purchased online at the HEAV website, or by mail or fax between August 15, and September 1, 2004. We encourage you to collect orders from your support group, and homeschooling friends and family members now!
Orders must be placed between August 15, and September 1, 2004, to allow adequate time for processing and shipping. Orders must be received (not postmarked) no later than September 1, 2004, for processing.
 
Homeschool Day Ticket Order Form: http://www.heav.org/Luanne/events/statefair/StateFairForm2004.pdf

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3. NEA Says Nyet To Homeschoolers

Delegates to the 2004 convention of the National Education Association in Washington, DC, went on record against allowing homeschoolers to use public school facilities.

The resolution, B-69, originally read: "The Association also believes that unfunded home-schooled students should not participate in any extracurricular activities in the public schools." After debate, the word "unfunded" was removed and the resolution adopted. In essence, they do not want homeschoolers, with or without money, on public school grounds.

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4. College at Home Resources

Books on Distance Learning
Bears' Guide to Earning Degrees by Distance Learning (ISBN: 1580084311)

Bears' Guide to College Degrees by Mail & Internet (ISBN: 1580084591)

Peterson's Guide to Distance Learning Programs, 2005 (ISBN: 0768913985)

Other Resources
"College At Home - A Step-by-Step Explanation"
A home-school family explains how their son completed college in 21 months for $3,100. Web site: http://www.collegeathome.org

"Accelerated Distance Learning: The New Way To Earn Your College Degree in the 21st Century"
Brad Voeller earned his college degree in less than six months, for less than $5,000, by applying these techniques. Web site: http://www.GlobalLearningStrategies.org/dt-0001.asp

Christian Colleges Offering Distance Learning
The following Christian colleges offer distance learning, either for a limited number of credits or for the entire degree. Some allow early entry.

Accelerated Christian Education: http://www.schooloftomorrow.com/acead.htm
Bob Jones University: http://www.bju.edu
Oak Brook College of Law and Government Policy: http://www.obcl.edu
Moody Bible Institute: http://www.moody.edu
Patrick Henry College: http://www.phc.edu
Whitefield College: http://www.whitefieldcollege.org
Taylor University" http://www.taylor.edu
Trinity College of the Bible: http://www.trinitysem.edu
Regent University: http://www.regentundergrad.com
LeTourneau University: http://www.letu.edu

[Our thanks to The Teaching Home E-Mail Newsletter #83

For information, inspiration, and encouragement, sign up for their free newsletter subscription at:

http://www.TeachingHome.com/custserve/e-mail/signup2.cfm.]

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5. Book: "Homeschooling Only One"

As the title suggests, this book is for families who are home educating only one child. It covers various philosophies and approaches to homeschooling. Both the first-time and the veteran homeschooler will find encouragement and specific help in homeschooling only one child.

Cost is $10.00, plus $3.00 shipping and handling. For more information, or to order online, visit http://www.donnac.com .

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6. Ask A Librarian
With the school year about to get underway, this would be a good time to contact your local librarian(s) to inquire about upcoming programs. Although they have limited resources, they often rely on public input for presenting community programs. Most librarians are extremely supportive of homeschoolers - especially because they see so many of us now. There may also be volunteer opportunities for your children.

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2) GENERAL INTEREST ITEMS
.... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....
1. Perseid Meteor Shower To Peak On August 12, 2004
 
Laurentius, a Christian deacon, is said to have been martyred by the Romans in A.D. 258, on an iron outdoor stove. It was in the midst of this torture that Laurentius cried out: "I am already roasted on one side and, if thou wouldst have me well-cooked, it is time to turn me on the other."

The saint's death was commemorated on his feast day, August 10. The abundant shooting stars seen annually between approximately August 8 and 14, have come to be known as St. Lawrence's "fiery tears."
We know today that these meteors are actually the dross of Comet Swift-Tuttle. Discovered back in 1862, this comet takes approximately 130 years to circle the sun. With each pass, it leaves fresh debris - mostly the size of sand grains with a few peas and marbles tossed in.
Every year during mid-August, when Earth passes close to the orbit of Swift-Tuttle, the bits and pieces ram into our atmosphere at approximately 37 miles per second (60 kilometers per second) and create bright streaks of light.
According to the best estimates, in 2004, Earth is predicted to cut through the densest part of the Perseid stream sometime around 7 a.m. ET on Thursday. Activity could be high for a few hours on either side of that time.
Read more, including tips on watching meteors, at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5623823/ .

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2.Civil War Story Time For Kids - Arlington - August 18, 2004

Fort C.F. Smith Park
2411 24th St. N.
Arlington, VA 22201

Wednesday, August 18, 2004, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. For children, ages 6-11. Cost: $3 per child.
"Sheridan's Ride" is a contemporary account of the famous Civil War general, his legendary steed Rienzi, and their dramatic ride from Winchester to Cedar Creek, Virginia. Children will make a craft to take home. Reservations may be made for all programs listed in this publication beginning on Tuesday, May 11, at 8 a.m. On the opening day of registration, registration will only be accepted from Arlington residents. Thereafter, registration is open to the general public.
This event is open to everyone, even non-residents of Arlington County, however pre-registration is required. Call 703-228-4747 to register or for more information.
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3. "Twelfth Night" - Purcellville - August 25-29, 2004

Event Field
Franklin Park
Purcellville, VA
Wednesday, August 25, 2004, through Saturday, August 28, 2004, at 7:00 p.m.; and
Sunday, August 29, 2004, at 5:00 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for adults, and $8 for Seniors and Students 18 and under.
Directed by Diana Denley, founder and Artistic Director of the Shakespeare Globe Center (Australia), with a cast of talented international, regional and local professional actors.
Tickets are available at the gate or by calling 540-338-7973. Bring a picnic and enjoy a night of fun, music, and theatrical magic with your friends and family.

[Our thanks to HomeSchoolNet - homeschoolnet@verizon.net.]

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4. College Prep Resources

Even if your student is just going into the ninth grade, it is not too early to begin researching and planning for college. Three resources you may wish to use include:

College Board: http://www.collegeboard.com
Wired Scholar: http://www.wiredscholar.com
Princeton Review: http://www.princetonreview.com

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5. Internet Hoaxes

As the saying goes, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." A lot of misinformation flows over the Internet. If you get an e-mail, and it sounds preposterous, it pays to take a few minutes and check it out, before hitting the forward button.

Three resources that I have gone to first, for many years are:

ABOUT: http://urbanlegends.about.com/

CIAC (Computer Incident Advisory Capability - U.S. Department of Energy): http://hoaxbusters.ciac.org/

SNOPES: http://www.snopes.com

Other online resources include HoaxBusters (http://www.hoaxbusters.org), HoaxInfo (http://www.hoaxinfo.com), Truth Or Fiction (http://www.truthorfiction.com) and Ship Of Fools (http://www.ship-of-fools.com/Myths/index.html), which often looks at religious-based hoaxes.

And if you are interested in the history of the most forwarded hoax in Internet history, WIRED magazine tracked it down in an article last month. You can read it online (http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/12.07/hoax.html). Well worth the read if you are into this sort of thing.

[Our thanks to Kathy Kuhl for suggesting this topic.]

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6. Electronic/Electrical Devices And Lightning Storms

Last year, 44 people were killed by lightning in the United States. A 15-year-old Iowa boy recently made national news when he was struck by lightning while using the family's personal computer in their basement.

Some electronic devices, such as computers, telephones, and televisions, are connected to your house or lines outside your home. Electrical storms are a great way to not only teach your children about science, but also a way to teach storm safety tips. NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration) has some great safety tips and teacher tools at http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/overview.htm .

Iowa teen's story: http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=12624413&BRD=2554&PAG=461&dept_id=507134&rfi=6

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7. Insuring the College-Bound Student

There are usually 101 things that need to be taken care of for the student going to college. This task can be especially daunting for you when you send your first student.

Among the things you need to do, we remind you to look into insuring your college student's belongings. There are a lot more expensive items, such as electronics, that college students take with them than when you and I went away to school.

One option is to add them to your homeowner's/renter's policy. Such a rider usually costs little, if anything. However, because it is part of your policy, any claims made go against your policy. And with most people carrying a high deductible, if your student has a laptop computer stolen, you may be out a significant amount to replace it. As a result, some may prefer a separate "renter's policy" for their college student.

You can call your insurance agent, or use your favorite online Search resource, to get information to help you decide. One place you might want to start is here: http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/insur/20030109a.asp . Now, don't you feel better knowing you have one more thing to do?

[Credit to the Homeschool2College list, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/homeschool2college/.]

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8. Examination for Credit

College credit can be earned by studying a subject at home and passing an exam such as the following.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
There are 37 exams in undergraduate college courses accepted at 2,900 colleges.

Study materials and sample questions are available from the College Board, producers of the CLEP tests, as well as many other sources.

For complete information on the exams, preparation, testing locations, and costs, visit http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html .

Free online CLEP practice tests are available at http://www.petersons.com/offers/clep_offer.asp?cid=dl_cool_pick .

Advanced Placement (AP)
Offers 31 courses and 34 exams across 19 subject areas. Visit http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html .

[This item, and item 1.6, courtesy of The Teaching Home, http://www.TeachingHome.com.]

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9. Cool Web site: EcoTrekker.com

Shaun Murphy, an Australian explorer and TV host, has gone where no American has gone before: Driving 16,000 miles around the United States on two dozen vehicles powered, not by fossil fuel, but by alternative energy -- from solar power to cow pies.

Murphy's "eco-trek" took him from San Francisco to the Canadian border, across the Rockies to the Great Lakes, on to New York, south to Florida, then across the South and back to San Francisco. It took nine months and covered 30 states. He has a Web site chronicling his journey, which includes images, video clips, lesson plans, games, and projects.

Web site: http://www.ecotrekker.com

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10. Cool Web site: The Newton Project

Isaac Newton (1642-1727) is universally acknowledged as one of the two or three most influential scientists in history. In his "Principia Mathematica" of 1687, he announced the three fundamental laws of motion and the concepts of mass, force, and Universal Gravitation. In his brilliant letter to the Royal Society of February 1672, and later in his "Opticks" of 1704, he showed that white light was heterogeneously composed of more basic, primary rays, each with its own specific color and index of refraction. Apart from these achievements in physics, Newton's mathematical prowess was extraordinary, and with Gottfried Leibniz, he was one of the two independent inventors of the calculus.

In addition to science, Newton was interested in, and wrote much about, theology, and alchemy. The Project, hosted and developed by Imperial College (London), aims to create a printed edition of Newton's theological, alchemical, and administrative writings, and an electronic edition of all his writings, including his correspondence.

Now at the end of the first five-year period, the Project has produced the first-ever comprehensive catalogue of Newton's theological, alchemical, and administrative manuscripts, transcribed some 40 per cent of the 2.7 million words Newton devoted to the subject of theology, while also making considerable inroads into scientific and biographical material.

Web site: http://www.newtonproject.ic.ac.uk/index.html
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11.  History Resource - Gettysburg, PA
Rupp House History Center
451 Baltimore St.
Gettysburg, PA  17325
Phone: (717) 334-7292
Web site: http://www.friendsofgettysburg.org
 
Open March through December. Free.
 
Through interactive exhibits that use sight, sound, touch, and even smell, Rupp House guests will be able to immerse themselves in 19th-century culture and learn about the civilians and the soldiers who struggled here, and the preservation work that is critical to understanding the Battle of Gettysburg.
 
Through the Rupp House History Center, Friends of the National Parks at Gettysburg hope to encourage among visitors a greater use of the battlefield and an appreciation for Gettysburg National Military Park's preservation needs, while at the same time kindling a curiosity and a fascination for the events of July 1863.
 
Exhibit Highlights include:
- "Roads to Gettysburg" video introduction: Discover how two powerful armies ended up in Gettysburg and learn what the citizens of this small town went through as the battle loomed.
 
- "What Would You Pack?" computer interactive: It's July 1863, and you have only minutes to leave your home as the fighting rages around you. What do you take on your journey? Make your selections and see how your choices rate.
 
- "The View from Cemetery Hill": Friends of the National Parks at Gettysburg is committed to preserving the resources associated with Gettysburg National Military Park and the Battle of Gettysburg. View some of the organization's projects and see for yourself the dramatic difference these projects have made in the preservation some of our nation's most hallowed ground.
 
- "Build Your Own Monument" computer interactive: Add your own monumental creation to a virtual Gettysburg battlefield and discover what happened in July 1863 on certain sections of the field. You can preserve your own monument by printing a copy at the Rupp House, or by e-mailing it to yourself.
 
[Our thanks to Barbi Shirvani.]
 
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12. Online German Study Group Forming
 
The beginners' level group will use a college-level textbook, and then work through it via self-study, with everybody using the same syllabus and timetable. Each week's assignments will be submitted to the group's moderator via email. Rather than have somebody grade them, everybody's answers will be "collated" and e-mailed back to the study group.
 
Other kinds of texts may be used for other groups, like literature or cultural studies.
 
If you are interested in participating, please send a blank e-mail to join_german@lavitanuova.com. This will put you on a mailing list used to discuss the startup issues (what textbook to use for the beginners' group, etc.).
 
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13.  Worldview Weekends Of America
 
The weekly national radio program, Christian Worldview This Week, hosted by Brannon Howse and Tim Wildmon, is now available online. Each program is archived on their Web site. The Web site also includes weekly syndicated columns by people such as Dennis Prager, Walter Williams, Thomas Sowell, and others. Visit http://www.worldviewweekend.com for the radio broadcasts or columns.
 
Their Christian Worldview Conference is coming up September 24-25, 2004, at:
 
Immanuel Bible Church
6911 Braddock Road
Springfield, VA 22151
 
Guest speakers include Kirk Cameron, Ray Comfort, Al Denson, and Norm Geisler.
 
For more information, visit http://www.worldviewweekend.com/upcoming.shtml#springfield04
 
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14. Cool Web site: ConfusingWords.com
 
Confusing Words is a collection of 3,210 words that are troublesome to readers and writers. Words are grouped according to the way they are most often confused or misused.
 Some of these words are homonyms (words that sound alike but are spelled differently), and some are just commonly confused.
 Web site: http://www.confusingwords.com/

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3) PARTING THOUGHT: "Kid Wisdom"
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1. It's more fun to color outside the lines.

2. If you are going to draw on the wall, do it behind the couch.

3. Ask "Why?", until you understand.

4. Even if you have been fishing for three hours and haven't gotten anything except poison ivy and sunburn, you're still better off than the worm.

5. It's okay to make up the rules as you go along.

6. Ask for sprinkles.

7. If the horse you're drawing looks more like a dog, make it a dog.

8. Save a place in line for your friends.

9. If you want a kitten, start out asking for a horse.

10. Keep banging until someone opens the door.


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4) WORTH REPEATING
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"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice."
-- Cherokee Expression


HEAV - Serving the homeschoolers of Virginia through information, legislation, and resources since 1983! Be sure to sign up to receive the FREE Virginia Home Educator magazine at http://www.heav.org .

Summer Catch-up 7/29/04  (back to index)

There haven't been many moments to spare this summer but I suddenly have a few now and so here is a "catch -up" of all that has passed through my mail box.  I hope you've been blessed this summer.  We started one new thing that I am pretty pleased with.  Our boys are getting so old that the parent's bed time is almost preceding theirs; so, realizing we still needed to make contact before turning off our lights we are taking 5 minutes to gather the whole family.  We just say one thing we are thankful about from the day and perhaps any concern we want to place before the Father.  It is a pretty quick prayer time and I don't know about the kids, but Tom and I are blessed by it.  
Eppie

HOMESCHOOL ITEMS
1. Archaeological Education Programs - Cortez, CO - Oct. 2004 to March 2005
2. Disney Educational Production
3. Radio Show Distributors Wanted
4. Book: "Boyhood and Beyond"
5. a new coop
6. Online Video-on-Demand Resource
7. US Map on Polar Fleece
8. Free Daily Devotional
9. a GREAT Guitar course (and a free downloadable guitar tuner)
10. Home School Appreciation Days - Six Flags America - August 30 and September 3, 2004
11. Educator Resources From NASA
Cool Web Sites:
12. Lincoln Bicentennial
13. Virtual Field Trips
14. ClassicalAstronomy.com Expands
15. Take a FREE practice PSAT test

 HOMESCHOOL ITEMS

1. Archaeological Education Programs - Cortez, CO - October 2004 to March
2005
Crow Canyon Archaeological Center - Cortez, Colorado
The Crow Canyon Archaeological Center is noted worldwide for its
archaeological research and education programs designed to expand awareness,
knowledge, and understanding of the ancestral Pueblo (Anasazi) cultures of
the Mesa Verde region.
Every year, more than 2,500 students from across the country spend up to
five days on Crow Canyon's beautiful 170-acre campus, participating in a
variety of programs and learning firsthand about prehistoric lifestyles.
They have dedicated four weeks of their 2004-2005 calendar especially for
homeschool students to take advantage of their programs: October 17-23,
2004; November 7-13, 2004; February 27-March 5, 2005; and March 6-12, 2005.

Three-day program information:
http://www.crowcanyon.org/Programs/school_group_3d_elem.html
Five-day program details:
http://www.crowcanyon.org/Programs/school_group_5d_all.html

2. Disney Educational Production
Good afternoon.  I am an educational representative for Disney Educational Production.  Over the past few years, I have received orders from parents who are homeschooling their children.  Just within the past couple of months many of the homeschoolers are stating that they want our “Bill Nye the Science Guy” videos and DVDs.   We also carry many other educational videos and DVDs. You can find information on those at our website at www.edustation.com. 

Angela Peruzzi
Disney Educational Productions/ABC News Classroom
105 Terry Drive, Suite 120
Newtown, PA 18940
aperuzzi@edumedia.com
(800) 295-5010
(215) 579-8589 fax
www.edustation.com
www.abcnewsclassroom.com

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3. Radio Show Distributors Wanted
"Home Education This Week" is a weekly radio show geared specifically for
homeschoolers featuring teaching tips, services, and organizations available
to help parents provide the very best education for their children at home.
They are looking for distributors to deliver the taped programs to the radio
station and also contacting different businesses in the area who would be
interested in sponsoring (providing ads) for the show.
This is a great part-time, home-based business opportunity, requiring only a
small investment. A potential distributor must be self-motivated and have
people skills. Contact Sue Merriam (SueMerriam@att.net) or Bud Griffin
(405-627-3433) for more information.
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4. Book: "Boyhood and Beyond"

Boys who are on the road to becoming men of honor, courage, and faith will
greatly benefit from the heartfelt encouragement and sound advice offered in
"Boyhood and Beyond."
Bob Schultz, a carpenter by trade, has written a timeless book for boys.
Wisdom and common sense are gleaned from short chapters covering topics such
as authority, inventiveness, and honesty as well as learning to overcome
things like fear, laziness, and temptation. Boyhood and Beyond motivates
boys to build their lives on a foundation of strong moral principles. Most
importantly, these chapters will encourage boys to become the men God wants
them to be as they develop a relationship with Him. This is a "life" book
designed to be read and lived out in a boy's life, thus becoming one of his
building blocks to godly character and, ultimately, manhood.
Boyhood and Beyond can be read alone, used with a journal, or read aloud in
a group. There are discussion questions at the end of each chapter.
Web site: http://www.gebconline.com/main.php
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5. a new coop
HorizonsCo-op is forming in the fall.  It will meet on Thursdays, it will
cater to kids from preschool to high school with moms teaching classes.
Contact Heritage
(thanks to Carol C)

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6. Online Video-on-Demand Resource
UnitedStreaming, a division of Discovery Communications, is a digital
video-on-demand service brought to you by United Learning. Used by 25,000
schools and over 10 million students and teachers, it features over 2,200
educational videos.
Cost is as low as $299 annually. They offer a 30-day free trial.
Web site: http://www.unitedstreaming.com

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7. US Map on Polar Fleece
I was over at the Joann Fabrics in Gaithersburg yesterday.  Just inside
the front door they have a large roll of polar fleece with a colorful map
of the United States on a panel.  The cost was $5 per panel./map.  My
kids thinks this will be a grand way to visualize our readings on US
history...and they say it is warm and snuggly too.  Just thought I would
pass this along  to anyone who may be interested.
Carol C.
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8. Daily Devotional 
Hoping to find a daily devotional for your child on-line?
Try www.yoroom.org  Not only are the
devotionals well written and fascinating, there is a
full color illustration each day and a
printable coloring page for a budding artist. During
the summer months the devotionals are about
true-to-life experiences of missionaries from around
the world.
Go to www.yoroom.org and see for yourself!
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9. a GREAT Guitar course (and a free downloadable guitar tuner)
Hello to all the Homeschoolers!
How about spicing up your summer with a GREAT guitar course, designed specifically with you in mind!!
 By taking Level One of the course at  www.theguitarfoundation.com you will
-know over 100 guitar chords in just 6 lessons
-play in every key,  sharp or flat  across the board!
-specialized finger exercises build strength and independence into each finger - makes playing easier!!
-learn to create strumming patterns
-and much, much  more!!
 All lessons are fully animated - with great sound.
The course is highly accelerated!
Your questions are answered in a timely manner, when directed to  contact@theguitarfoundation.com
 You have the potential of playing your favorite songs in a very short time!!
 Here's how to get started!
Fill in the registration form. You will receive your login and you're ready to begin!
If you wish to go over the lesson again, push the 'repeat' button, and you can work through all the material again!!
Upon completion, you will receive a complete set of notes in your e-mial,  of the material covered, plus an assignment
 Let us build the foundation from which you can soar!!
Evelyn Hohn
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 10. Home School Appreciation Days - Six Flags America - August 30 and September 3, 2004
Six Flags America
13710 Central Ave. (Route 214)
Mitchellville, MD 20721
Phone: (301) 249-1500, ext. 3275
Monday, August 30, 2004, or Friday, September 3, 2004.
Special discounted price offered to homeschooling families is $15.54 per person (includes tax)--a $21.00 savings per person. These tickets may only be ordered online.
Visit their Web site (http://www.sixflags.com/parks/america/TicketInfo/index.html) and click on the "Buy Tickets Now" button. At the very top right of the page you will see a box that says "Enter Promo Code." Enter promotional code [hschool] (without the brackets) and click on the "Go" button just to the right.
The deadline to order tickets and have them mailed to you is three days prior to the date you plan to attend. However, you may order up through the date of each event via the Print-N-Go option.
Note: You will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer in order to purchase these tickets, either online or via a mailed-in form.
[Our thanks to Brian Davis, special events account executive, Six Flags America.]

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11. Educator Resources From NASA
NASA's Center for Distance Learning produces standards-based math, science, and technology programs that use NASA research to demonstrate how concepts taught in school relate to the real world. Their program suite targets kindergarten through adult education and is available free to educators.
More information can be found at: http://dlcenter.larc.nasa.gov/ .
[Our thanks to Matt Lambert, Program Evaluator, NASA Langley Research Center.]

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12. Cool Web Site: Lincoln Bicentennial
"The fifteen members of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission were appointed by the President, the Senate and the House of Representatives following the passage of the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission Act in 2000 (Public Law No: 106-173). This diverse and accomplished group was chosen based on their knowledge and study of President Lincoln and their dedication to educating others about Lincoln and that time in our history. In addition, two of the commissioners are U.S. senators and two are from the U.S. House of Representatives who represent states where Lincoln lived, practiced law, and served in the legislature. The Commissioners are focused on informing the public about the impact Abraham Lincoln had on the development of our nation, and finding the best possible ways to honor his accomplishments."

In addition to preparing the public for this birthday celebration five years from now, this Web site offers many fine links with teaching resources about Abraham Lincoln that are well worth the look.
Web site: http://www.lincolnbicentennial.gov

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13. Cool Web Site: Virtual Field Trips
Oregon Trail
Web site: http://www.field-trips.org/tours/ss/otrail/_tourlaunch1.htm
This offers a great selection of full-text diaries, memoirs, and period books about the Oregon Trail. There is also a Word-format printable timeline of the Oregon Trail.
Field Guides
Web site: http://www.field-guides.com/index.htm

When you click on "the field trips" it shows you a list (scroll down).
Some of the topics are: Antarctica, Aquifers, Baking Bread, Deserts, Dinosaurs, Endangered Species, Fierce Creatures, Getting Green, Hurricanes, Shakespeare, and more.
Note: Some sections may reference subject matter you do not wish your children to explore. As with all Web sites we suggest, please review for suitability before passing along to your student(s).
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14. ClassicalAstronomy.com Expands
In addition to a re-design of the Web site, new content has been added,
including:
The "Learning the Sky" section is a rotating archive of astronomy articles
relevant for the current month.  On this page, you will find articles about
the constellations that can be seen this month, and any interesting seasonal
articles about the Sun, Moon and planets.  In the near future, we hope to
add star maps that will give the readers a visual tool for observing the
constellations.
"Book Reviews" and "Product Reviews" include evaluations and recommendations
of astronomy products and more. They also have review pages for sundials, a
useful yet neglected tool for observing the Sun's motion.

Web site: http://www.ClassicalAstronomy.com
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15. Take a FREE practice PSAT test:
For more information and free things go here: http://www.petersons.com/
 

May 28, 2004     (back to index)

 
Tuesday, June 1st will be our next meeting.  If waiting for the year to slow down doesn't work, should we run forward to meet the slowing?  Or am I just not good at waiting?  Maybe I was just hiding from time and it rushes even more hectically then.  I could try a bolder approach, more confrontational.  Whatever you do, hold on to peace, the kind that passes understanding, and remember that all things are possible with God, even managing time. <G>
(It has just come to me that hugs are a way of catching people hurtling through time and holding them still long enough for them to catch their breath.  Release gently since you too will re-enter the time flow.)
 
So, here we are, our last meeting of the year.  Bring all the curriculum you'd like to pass on, bring money for all the stuff you'd like to take home.  Think about what you'd like the meetings next year to give you; the speakers, what works, workshops, the position you might participate in ... 
So many possibilities are before us.  I hope you can enjoy knowing good stuff is out there and use the numbering system of the items below to quickly sort what is here that you might be interested in.

Blessings on you all,  Eppie
 
Here is a note from HEAV.  They are the source for the majority of this information and we owe them many thanks.
Sent: Monday, May 24, 2004 10:19 PM
Subject: HEAV Update **May 24, 2004

Send us your ideas, observations, tips, tricks, and other things you have learned over the years so we can include them in future Updates. It can be as simple as "Get husband to bulk up on steroids prior to Convention so he can carry more things," or cunning, like, "Save money by getting into the Used Curriculum Sale before everyone else" (which we just happen to tell you  how to do in item 1.13 of this issue).

Please send your wisdom to update@heav.org . If it does not all fit in one e-mail, just flip your computer screen over and use the other side. THANK YOU in advance!

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1) HOMESCHOOL ITEMS
1.0 Vision Forum Internship - Deadline: May 31, 2004
1.1Home School Seminar - College Park, MD - June 5, 2004
1.2 Ninth Annual Homeschool Day - Ocean City, MD - June 28, 2004
1.3 Resource Web Site and Support Group: Ambleside Online
1.4 Resource: Home-Schooled Students & PSAT/NMSQT
1.5 Homeschool pre-College Discussion Group Started
1.6 Scholarship Resource: National Merit Scholarship Corporation
1.7 PhysicsEndeavor.- 10 lessons free

2) ARTICLES
2.0 Washington Times Op-ed "The Right Incentives Matter"
2.1 News Article: "Southern Baptists eye exiting public schools"

3) GENERAL INTEREST ITEMS
3.0 Coupon For Children's Books at Target - Offer Ends May 30, 2004
3.1 Free "Children of Struggle" Performance - Washington, DC - June 3, 2004
3.2 World War II Show - Reading, PA - June 4-6, 2004
3.3 "Deaf Awareness Day" - Kings Dominion - June 5, 2004
3.4 French & Indian War Encampment - Cook Forest, PA - June 19-20, 2004
3.5 National Story Project
3.6 FIRST LEGO League Registration Now Open 
3.7 100-Day Tribute to the WWII Generation - Washington, DC - May through September, 2004 
3.8 Help Wanted: "Writing Coaches"
3.9 Ladek Zdroj Summer Dance Festival in Poland
July 8th through July 18th  2004
4) WEBSITES
4.0 Cool Web site: WxDude.com
4.1 Cool Web site: StarFall.com 
4.2 Once Every Seventeen Years
4.3 PCS Edventures Learning Labs
4.4 Cool Web site: FactoryTourUSA.com
4.5 Cool Web site: AmericanJourneys.org
4.6 University of Exeter (England) Online Resources
4.7Free Learning Materials From The National Gallery of Art
4.8 Cool Web site: "Sightseer's Guide to Engineering"
4.9 Cool Web Site: "ReadPrint.com"
4.10 Online Art Resource: "Scribbles Kids Arts Place"
5) WORTH REPEATING
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1) HOMESCHOOL ITEMS
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1.0 Vision Forum Internship - Deadline: May 31, 2004
 
Vision Forum is offering a special internship program for Christian home educators to last from July 15 to December 17, 2004. The internship, which emphasizes biblical manhood, practical business skills, and preparation for Christian leadership, is available to young men, ages 18 to 24, who possess a servant's spirit, a teachable heart, and a desire to work hard serving a ministry devoted to the restoration of the Christian family.
 Internship Web site: http://www.visionforum.com/aboutvf/internship/
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1.1 Home School Seminar - College Park, MD - June 5, 2004
 Nyumburu Cultural Center
University of Maryland
Bldg. 232, Northwest Quad
College Park, MD 20742
 
Saturday, June 5, 2004, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. A continental breakfast is provided.
 This power-packed seminar, sponsored by Fruit Of Our Labor Ministries, is perfect for new homeschooling families, veteran homeschoolers, and inquiring parents.
 The keynote speaker is Cynthia Price, a homeschool mother of two homeschool graduates. Cynthia will share her 20 years of knowledge and expertise about homeschooling with you and your family. Seminar topics include: "Getting Off To The Right Start," "Organization: A Key Component," "Homeschool Priorities," and "Simplify Your Life."
 The registration fee is $20 per person until May 22, 2004. To register by phone, call (301) 499-6348. The first 10 registrants will receive a free homeschool gift bag!
 To register electronically, send an e-mail to fruitofourlabor@onebox.com before May 31, 2004. The cost for online registration is $25. On-site registration is $30 per person.
 For more information, call (800) 852-0840. 
 
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1.2 Ninth Annual Homeschool Day - Ocean City, MD - June 28, 2004
 
Jolly Roger Amusement Park
30th Street and Coastal Highway
Ocean City, MD 21842
Telephone: (410) 289-3477
Web site: http://www.jollyrogerpark.com
 Monday, June 28, 2004, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Special Homeschooler Pre-Purchase Cost: 12.50 per person.
 More than 700 people attended last year. At least 100 people are needed to secure this special rate. Send an e-mail to Barbi Shirvani (Shirvani@juno.com) for information on ordering or other information.
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1.3 Resource Web Site and Support Group: Ambleside Online
 This is an incredible free resource! The booklists and links for online books are superb--no matter what curriculum you are using! Based on the Charlotte Mason approach, Ambleside Online offers free curriculum and a free support group and was formed by a group of international Christian homeschooling mothers who have joined together to study and propose an educational plan of excellence 'for the children's sake.'
 Ambleside is named for the area surrounding Charlotte Mason's schools in England, and the Ambleside curriculum is designed to provide as close a modern approximation as possible of the curriculum designed by Charlotte Mason for her PNEU Schools. The curriculum is a work-in-progress, which is continually revised and polished. The Ambleside Online curriculum is provided free for the private use of homeschoolers worldwide.
Web site: http://www.amblesideonline.org
 
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1.4 Resource: Homeschooled Students & PSAT/NMSQT
 The PSAT/NMSQT is a standardized test that gives students practice for the SAT I: Reasoning Test and the multiple-choice section of the SAT II: Writing Test. It also gives your child a chance to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation's scholarship programs.
 
The College Board Web site has a special page devoted to the "Why, When, and Where" for homeschooling students.
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1.5 Homeschool pre-College Discussion Group Started
 
Donna Nimey has created a new homeschool group in the yahoo groups called homeschoolTHRUcollege, designed to be a discussion group for families who are not planning to follow the traditional path of college after high school for whatever reason. This open discussion list is not moderated, is open to everyone, and is designed to allow the sharing of ideas.
 Send a blank e-mail to homeschoolTHRUcollege@yahoogroups.com, with "Subscribe" in the subject line.
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1.6 Scholarship Resource: National Merit Scholarship Corporation
 
Currently in its 49th year, National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is a not-for-profit organization that conducts two academic competitions for recognition and undergraduate scholarships:
- the National Merit Scholarship Program, the larger and older competition that was initiated in 1955 when NMSC was established.
- the National Achievement Scholarship Program, a smaller competition begun in 1964.
 
Each year some 55,000 high school students are honored in NMSC programs and more than 10,500 of the most outstanding participants receive scholarships worth a total of $50 million for college undergraduate study.
 National Merit Scholarship Web site: http://www.nationalmerit.org
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1.7 PhysicsEndeavor - 10 lessons free
 A video-based high school physics curriculum would like to offer you the opportunity to try the first ten lessons free and discover how straightforward and interesting it is to learn Physics with PhysicsEndeavor.   http://www.physics-book.com/index.html
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(2) ARTICLES
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2.0 Washington Times Op-ed "The Right Incentives Matter"

The homeschool method offers parents the right incentives to produce high-quality citizens, while other systems fall short of this ideal.
This opinion piece, written by J. Michael Smith, HSLDA president, appeared in the Washington Times on April 30, 2004.
Read more about it at: http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?id=1517

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2.1 News Article: "Southern Baptists eye exiting public schools"
 A resolution urging Southern Baptists to remove their children from public schools has been proposed by an Alexandria man for the denomination's annual convention in Indianapolis next month.
 Thomas C. Pinckney, a retired Air Force brigadier general and former second vice president of the Southern Baptist Convention, and Bruce Shortt, a Houston lawyer, co-submitted the resolution on April 29.
 Full Washington Times Article: http://tinyurl.com/2snht
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3) GENERAL INTEREST ITEMS
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3.0 Coupon For Children's Books at Target - Offer Ends May 30, 2004
 Target Stores is offering a $2.00-off printable coupon on any children's book ($5.99 or more) at Target Stores. Not available for online purchases.
Printable coupon: http://target.com/ready_sit_read/coupon.jhtml
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3.1 Free "Children of Struggle" Performance - Washington, DC - June 3, 2004
Coolidge Auditorium
Library of Congress
101 Independence Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20540

Thursday, June 3, 2004, at 10:00 a.m.
A Discovery Theater performance about the youngest heroes of the Civil Rights Movement, and their inspiring, important struggle for equal rights. Meet Ruby Bridges, Ernest Green, and Claudette Colvin through this warm and powerful story of their courage, strength, and hope. Part of "The Greatest Stories Never Told" series, this original musical is written and directed by local playwright Raquis Petree with music by Marion Johnson.

This performance is FREE but reservations for groups of ten or more are required. Get more out of your field trip and ask to arrange a special tour of the exhibit "With an Even Hand: Brown v. Board of Education at Fifty" when you call. 

For free reservations and Learning Guides, call (202) 707-1071.
Web site: www.loc.gov/kidslc
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3.2 World War II Show - Reading, PA - June 4-6, 2004
 Mid Atlantic Air Museum
Reading Army Airfield
11 Museum Drive
Reading, PA 19605
Telephone: (610) 372-7333
Web site: http://www.maam.org/maamwwii.html
 
June 4-6, 2004. Gates open at 9:00 a.m. Tickets are available for one, two, or all three days. Children's tickets available for those 6-12. Under 6 is free.
 
Since 1990, the Mid Atlantic Air Museum's World War II Weekend has become the largest and best attended nationally known WWII Commemoration. It started as a re-created airfield during the WWII 50th anniversary celebrations and now, as on the 60th anniversary of D-Day, it has grown exponentially into a WWII "Renaissance Fair." With encampments and displays that represent the European, Pacific, and Mediterranean Theaters, and the Great American Home Front, 70 aircraft, 200 period vehicles and over 1100 period living history interpreters and entertainers, it all adds up to what Militaria International Magazine calls the "Best WWII Show in the U.S., Bar None."
 
Witness the struggle when a G.I. patrol takes fire from Germans barricaded in a French village. View an assault across open ground as U.S. armor and infantry attack an enemy position. See British Commonwealth and Axis Mediterranean forces battle it out in a small unit action. Witness a battle casualty go from being stabilized by a combat medic to being operated on in a complete field hospital. Get a feel for the Island Hopping Campaign in the Pacific Theater of Operation encampment. Experience the Great American Home Front, including a Civil Defense Air Raid Wardens, a 1940's House, Radio Station, Cottage Style Gas Station, and a Department Store where you can buy the displays and vintage clothing.
 And a WHOLE LOT MORE!
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3.3 "Deaf Awareness Day" - Kings Dominion - June 5, 2004
 Kings Dominion Amusement Park
Doswell, VA
Web site: http://www.kingsdominion.com
 Saturday June 5, 2004. Tickets are $24.00 in advance, $27.00 at the door.
 Special events are planned, along with spectacular entertainment, educational exhibits, interpreters for many of the parks shows, and the Street Grande Bandstand "HARMONY".
 For more information, or to pre-order tickets, contact Debbie Smith (540-825-0175).
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3.4 French & Indian War Encampment - Cook Forest, PA - June 19-20, 2004
 
June 19-20, 2004
Cook Forest (Pennsylvania) State Park, company LeBoeuf, and the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry will host a series of living history events depicting life during the French & Indian War. Highlights of this two-day encampment include children's programs, woodland natives, cannon and musket firing demonstrations, sutler camp, Clarion River canoe landing and trading event, live tactical engagements, and nationally renowned living historians and French & Indian War Era painters. Take a walk back in time along the Black Bear Trail during open camp hours to view over 250+ British, Colonial, French, and Native American re-enactors as they portray lifestyles of the 18th century. This event is being held for public education and is free.
For more information, send e-mail to cookforestsp@state.pa.us or visit http://www.cookforest.com .
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3.5 National Story Project
 
On the first Saturday of each month, National Public Radio broadcasts stories written by the listening audience on WEEKEND ALL THINGS CONSIDERED. Paul Auster, host of the National Story Project, seeks material for this program.
Your story can "be anywhere from two paragraphs to two pages" in length, "cover any topic," "be funny or sad or ironic," "be a family story or one a friend told you." The only absolute criteria is that the story be true. You don't even need to type the story, as "long-hand will do," and grammar and spelling are not problems. If Paul chooses to use your story, he will work with you to polish it until it is ready for broadcast. If you would prefer that your name not be used when the story is read on the air, that's fine.
 
Send your true story, along with your name, address, and telephone number, to:
Paul Auster at The National Story Project
PMB 206
123 7th Avenue,
Brooklyn, NY 11215
Or, via e-mail (NationalStoryProject@NPR.org).
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3.6 FIRST LEGO League Registration Now Open
 
The FIRST LEGO League (FLL), considered the "little league" of the FIRST Robotics Competition, is the result of a partnership between FIRST and the LEGO Company. FLL extends the FIRST concept of inspiring and celebrating science and technology to children aged 9 through 14, using real-world context and hands-on experimentation.
With the help of LEGO(r) MINDSTORMS(tm) Robotics Invention System(tm) technology, young participants can build a robot and compete in a friendly, FIRST-style robotics event specially designed for their age group. Using LEGO bricks and other elements such as sensors, motors, and gears, teams gain hands-on experience in engineering and computer programming principles as they construct and program their unique robot inventions.
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3.7 100-Day Tribute to the WWII Generation - Washington, DC - May through September, 2004
 
"America Celebrates the Greatest Generation" is a 100-day tribute to the heroism of the World War II generation. At the heart of the celebration is the long-awaited dedication of the National World War II Memorial on Saturday, May 29, 2004.
 
>From Memorial Day through Labor Day, more than 140 WWII-themed exhibitions, performances, walking tours and more pay tribute to the men and women who served in World War II and on the home front. Music, art, dance, theatre, film and literature will all play a part in the summer-long salute.
 
"America Celebrates the Greatest Generation" expands the tribute beyond the official events and invites visitors from around the world to come to the nation's capital during the summer to visit the new memorial and take advantage of themed programming. Each of the 140 WWII-themed events are listed by date as well as by category. Be sure to reference the "Ongoing" section for those events that take place each day throughout the celebration.
America Celebrates Web site: http://www.washington.org/americacelebrates/
National World War II Memorial Web site: http://www.wwiimemorial.com/
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3.8 Help Wanted: "Writing Coaches"
 
Write At Home, a company providing online writing classes to homeschoolers, is looking for Writing Coaches. Coaches work from their home computers providing feedback and assessment on student writing. Coaches work as independent contractors for $12-18 per hour, and determine the grade level (6th-12th) and number of students they serve (minimum 10). Applicants must have at least an undergraduate degree in English, education, or a related field, and must have experience as a teacher, editor, or freelance writer. They are looking for dependable, encouraging people with a love for kids and words. For more information, visit the Coaches page of their Web site (http://www.writeathome.net) or contact Don Myhill (WriteAtHome@cox.net).
 
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3.9 Ladek Zdroj Summer Dance Festival in Poland
July 8th through July 18th  2004
 
Dear Dancer,
We know you are always looking for ways to improve your  skills and  perform
for a new audience. This year, American's will have their first opportunity to
participate in the Ladek Zdroj Summer Dance Festival in Poland through
Cultural Interchanges. Cultural Interchanges is an organization based in the
USA and is devoted to creating opportunities for people to experience other
cultures through the performing arts.
You are being invited to participate in a very special opportunity to travel
to Europe for dance classes and performances at the Ladek Zdroj Summer Dance
Festival. Ladek Zdroj is a 700-year-old village, in the southern mountain
region of Poland famous for its beautiful scenery, therapeutic health spas and
dance festivals. Participants will advance their skills by immersion in master
classes and performances in Europe. You'll experience the traditional European
ballet training and also have an opportunity to take classes in Jazz, Tap,
Modern, Hip Hop, Pantomime and various ethnic dance styles.  Each participant
selects their classes, which are taught by professional dancers and
choreographers. Dancers perform in shows at the end of the festival. There is
even a special performance for your own choreography.
Ladek Zdroj offers many other activities like swimming or hiking and biking
to explore the natural beauty of the region's forests, caves plus a world-
class arboretum. The spa is available to members of our group at no extra
charge; so, take advantage of the therapeutic massages and baths.
This is an excellent opportunity for you, your family and friends to explore
the rich culture and history of Europe. The Ladek Zdroj Dance Festival will
occur July 8th through July 18th. We are now taking reservations for our
summer program.
Please review the information and photos on our web site:
www.culturalinterchanges.com and call 610-960-7362 with any questions.
 I look forward to sharing this unique experience with you.
Sincerely,
Jerzy Golek Director of Cultural Interchanges
People can register online. Our details are:

Ladek Zdroj Summer Dance Festival in Poland
July 8th through July 18th  2004
Cost: Consists of festival fees and airfare

       Total fees are approximately $1950 per person
The price includes:
® Participation in all dance classes or access to watch all classes
® Hotel accommodations
® Three meals a day at your hotel
® Transportation to and from the airport in Europe
® A day trip to Wroclaw
® A visit to Klodzko
 The fees may vary depending on the number of attendees, the point of departure
and potential airline rate increases or fluctuations in the value of the
dollar.
Registration is Still Open:
Participants must be at least 10 years old, college students and adults are
welcome
Payment in full is expected at the time of registration.
There are NO refunds.
We recommend insurance from a private source for; Foreign Health Insurance,
Baggage Insurance and Trip Cancellation Insurance.

Medical Insurance as well as trip cancellation insurance and baggage insurance
are recommended from a private source.
Sign up for our exciting trip to the Ladek Zdroj Festival in Poland,
register online at: www.culturalinterchanges.com
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4) WEBSITES
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4.0 Cool Web Site: WxDude.com
 
This weather education site is designed especially for kids, parents, and teachers from national TV meteorologist Nick Walker. Nick Walker is an on-camera meteorologist for The Weather Channel and co-anchor of "First Outlook" with meteorologists Kim Perez and Jen Carfagno. He is also a regular correspondent for The Weather Channel's "Forecast Earth" programs and has hosted several special reports including "Storms of the Century," "Vulnerable Cities," "After the Storm," and the global warming documentary "Hot Planet."
 
He is the author of "Sing Along with the Weather Dude", a book and CD for children. Nick's magazine articles have appeared in local and national publications, and he is active as a speaker for schools and community groups. A singer and songwriter, Nick has recorded several albums of original music.
 
This Web site offers an online book, "Weather Basics"; "Weather Songs"; "Stuff for Teachers/Parents"; "Stuff for Kids"; "Weather Topics"; "Ask a Question or Take a Quiz" section, and more.
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4.1Cool Web site: StarFall.com
 
At age nine, young Stephen Schutz was still struggling to read. What came easily for some children required many more hours of Stephen's work, and he was consistently towards the bottom of his class in reading. Now with a PhD in physics and a successful publisher and artist, Dr. Schutz wanted to make sure that children in his situation today have a resource that can help them. He turned to the Internet and conceived a program that would be available on-line, across the world, for free to all children who are learning to read.
 
The Starfall learn-to-read Web site is offered free as a public service. They also provide writing journals and books at a very low cost that can be used with the Web site or separately. Teachers around the country are using Starfall materials as an inexpensive way to make the classroom more fun and to inspire a love of reading and writing.
 
Primarily designed for first grade, Starfall.com is also useful for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and second grade.
 
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4.2 Once Every Seventeen Years
 
Cicadas only come around every 17 years, and this is the BIG year for them.
At the CicadaMania Web site (http://www.cicadamania.com), you can learn about the cicadas; pet's reactions to these insects; what to do if you have young trees, and a lot more.
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4.3 PCS Edventures Learning Labs

PCS Edventures has developed ten hands-on learning labs for students in grades pre-K through 12 that teach math, science, engineering, technology literacy, architecture, robotics, and more, by integrating with LEGO(R) manipulatives. Already in use throughout the world, these learning labs include thousands of hands-on elements along with curriculum, storage units, summer camps, Web services, training, career resource information, support, and much more.
Web site: http://www.edventures.com/index2.html
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4.4 Cool Web site: FactoryTourUSA.com

Celebrating American Imagination and Industry!
Factory Tours USA - 455 tours and counting! This site celebrates American imagination and industry. What better way to appreciate those qualities than to visit and tour America at work. The information on this site is maintained by many people throughout the United States who enjoy visiting American industry.
Web site: http://www.factorytoursusa.com
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4.5 Cool Web site: AmericanJourneys.org

American Journeys contains more than 18,000 pages of eyewitness accounts of North American exploration, from the sagas of Vikings in Canada in AD1000 to the diaries of mountain men in the Rockies 800 years later.

Read the words of explorers, Indians, missionaries, traders, and settlers as they lived through the founding moments of American history. View, search, print, or download more than 150 rare books, original manuscripts, and classic travel narratives from the library and archives of the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Funded by the U.S. Institute of Museum & Library Services and by private donors, American Journeys is a collaborative project of the Wisconsin Historical Society and National History Day.
Web site: http://www.americanjourneys.org
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4.6 University of Exeter (England) Online Resources
 
The University of Exeter (England) offers several online teacher resources through Cleave Books. Among them:
 
TRoL (Teacher Resources on Line)
The purpose of these resources is to provide material that teachers of mathematics can use in their classrooms. All of the material can be viewed and assessed as to its suitability on the screen and, when something suitable has been found, can be printed out to serve as a master from which the necessary classroom copies can be made. The material is very wide-ranging in content and it will require the teacher to decide where, when, and how any of it is to be used. It might be as homework, a revision, a test, a discussion point, a routine exercise, an information sheet, a math club activity, a diversionary pastime or serve any other purpose which individual teachers might have. The material does NOT constitute a course, and nor is it designed to support or supplement any particular course.
 
SCoL (Specialist Calculators on Line)
Each of the 80 calculators listed here is dedicated to a specific task.
 
Dictionary of Units
This dictionary provides an account of the principal units of measurement to be found in use around the world today, and the conversion factors often needed to change them into 'standard' units of the SI system.
 
A Mathematics Formulary Study Guide and other resources are also available.
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4.7 Free Learning Materials From The National Gallery of Art
 
Connect art and curriculum by borrowing free learning materials from the National Gallery of Art's Division of Education! Resources include slide teaching programs, multimedia programs, videocassettes, CD ROMs, DVDs, and videodiscs. These programs are intended to foster awareness of the visual arts and make Gallery collections accessible to a broad audience beyond the Gallery's walls. They are circulated free-of-charge to educational institutions, community groups, and individuals throughout the United States.
 
The Loan Programs meet national standards in the visual arts for kindergarten through grade 12. A variety of artists, subjects, techniques, and styles are examined. Many programs contain suggestions for related activities and questions designed to stimulate discussion of the art and artists, of cultural and historical issues.
 
You can even search by curriculum, subject or specific artist.
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4.8 Cool Web site: "Sightseer's Guide to Engineering"
 
Did you realize that nearly everything around you that makes your life easier and more fun, that nearly everything that makes our economy go, has been created by an engineer? So when you take a trip - either around your neck-of-the-woods or around the country - you will find countless sights that help tell the engineering story.
This Web site, sponsored by the National Society of Professional Engineers and National Engineers Week, offers a breakdown by all 50 states, and offers a search by category, engineering discipline or keyword.
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4.9 Cool Web Site: "ReadPrint.com"
 
Read Print.com is a free online library offering thousands of free books for students, teachers, and the classic enthusiast. To find the book you desire to read, start by looking through the author index. Or use the Search function to search by book title. Many poems and short stories are also available at this Web site.
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4.10 Online Art Resource: "Scribbles Kids Arts Place"
 
This is a place for children of all ages who love to create art. Learn about different artists and their artwork, do simple art projects, enter contests, taking a short art quiz, solve Mystery Art, have fun with the interactive Coloring Book, or try art games on line such as Etch-A-Sketch, Kaleidoscope and other fun stuff.
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5) WORTH REPEATING
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"You know that children are growing up when they start asking questions that have answers."
-- John J. Plomp 
"If evolution is for real, how come Mothers only have two hands?"
-- Unknown
"Human beings are the only creatures that allow their children to come back home."
-- Bill Cosby (William Henry Cosby, Jr., 1937-, American actor, comedian)
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The items listed in this Update are for informational purposes and are to be utilized at the discretion of the recipient.

Civics Notes   (back to index)

Dear Heritage Members and Friends,

 Here are the notes on the civics portion of our May meeting.  There is the rational and a suggested place to start; there are web sites, a few have a grade level note, places for primary sources, national and state standards, free lessons, books, field trip sites, and lots of these are links to other links.  So have fun, just pick as many or as few as you have time for, and keep the book titles tucked away for the next time you shop.  You can buy a book to go through or just play with the free lesson plans.  We are so blessed in the system we live in.  Don't take it for granted, don't be too comfortable, but do rejoice!- Eppie
Why?

I know of no safe depository of the ultimate powers of the society but the people themselves; and if we think them not enlightened enough to exercise their control with a wholesome discretion, the remedy is not to take it from them, but to inform their discretion.    
Thomas Jefferson (1820)

 
http://www.civicsandpolitics.com/   News and Commentary for Conservative Folks ... Innovative Teaching-- The Best Civics Resources Online. The Institute for American Liberty ...
Why Study Civics?  by Donald A. Tevault
From Webster's New World Dictionary:
  • civics--the study of civic affairs and the duties and rights of citizenship
  • civic--of a city, citizens, or citizenship

"the study of civic affairs. . . "--By studying civics, you will learn how our government, economic system and political system are supposed to operate. You will, for example, be better able to determine who is right in controversies over "big, active government" vs. "small, limited government". You'll understand why the founding fathers wanted the colonies to break away from the British crown, and why they set up the United States government as a republic instead of as a democracy. ...

". . . the duties and rights of citizenship"--Most citizens of the United States are at least vaguely aware that they have certain rights. But, there is a certain amount of confusion over what those rights are. Take, for example, the First Amendment rights of free speech. In modern times, this amendment has been interpreted to also mean "free expression". So, when Congress tries to pass a law against burning the United States flag, the courts say, "No, you can't do that. You'll be violating the people's right to 'free expression'". ... others will argue that the First Amendment was never meant to protect these kinds of activities, but was meant instead to protect a person who feels the need to criticize members of government. By studying civics, you'll be better able to determine who's right in these sorts of arguments. ...

... know just what your rights are as a U. S. citizen. Suppose, for example, that a pair of city or county social workers were to come to your door, and tell you that they'd heard reports that you and your spouse have been abusing your children. They don't have a search warrant, but they demand that you let them in so that they can undress your children and examine them for bruises. ...

... there are also duties of citizenship. That doesn't mean that you have to exert yourself to become a great political leader, although you can if you want. But, if you're familiar with the basic principles of civics, you'll be a better informed voter. You'll be able to examine politicians' positions, and determine whether or not they'll be good for the country, or for the cause of liberty. You'll be able to determine if the candidates' positions are in line with the Constitution. As a result, you'll not only be helping to protect your own freedom, but also that of your fellow citizens. ...

"Now", you ask, "how does one get started in the studies of basic civics?" It's actually quite easy. Resources are readily available.

The Declaration of Independence is probably the best thing to start with. It's short, written in plain language and is easy to understand. It outlines the grievances that the early Americans had against the British king. By reading this document first, you'll gain an understanding of why the founding fathers chose to risk their lives and well-being by defying the king and army of Great Britain. Then, you might want to read a book about early American history. That way, you'll have a better explanation of what the colonists' grievances were, and about their struggle to obtain liberty. You'll also get an idea of what to look out for with our own government, just in case our modern politicians try to emulate King George.

Next, you'll want to study The United States Constitution, The Federalist Papers and a book on basic economics. The Constitution will tell you how the government is set up, and what your rights are. The Federalist will explain to you why the government was designed as it was. And, of course, a good book about economics will help you understand arguments over what should be the government's role in the economy.

Most of all, though, an understanding of basic civics will help you learn to think for yourself. That way, you'll know if someone is trying to pull the wool over your eyes.

http://www.civics-online.org/resources/
 
Check out the teacher resources.
 Primary Sources and Content Materials
  • Ben's Guide to US Government for Kids - http://bensguide.gpo.gov/ (Includes elementary levels)
    Ben's Guide to U. S. Government for kids is a service of the US Government Printing Office that provides electronic access to information about U. S. history and government. This site is organized by grade levels: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, and a link for parents and teachers.
  •  
    My History is America's History - http://www.myhistory.org/ -
    An initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities designed to encourage users to explore their personal histories. This site provides a place for sharing family stories and for users getting help in their historical discoveries.

    • State and National Civics and Curriculum Standards

  • National Standards for Civics and Government - http://www.civiced.org/stds.html
    Sponsored by the Center for Civic Education (Center) this site develops voluntary National Standards for Civics and Government for students in kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12). Supported by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) of the U.S. Department of Education and The Pew Charitable Trusts, this site outlines National Standards for Civic and Government that are intended to help schools develop competent and responsible citizens who possess a reasoned commitment to the fundamental values and principles that are essential to the preservation and improvement of American constitutional democracy.
  • National Standards for Social Studies Teachers - http://www.ncss.org/standards/teachers/home.html
    Sponsored by the Center for Civic Education (Center) this site develops voluntary National Standards for Civics and Government for students in kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12). Supported by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) of the U.S. Department of Education and The Pew Charitable Trusts, this site outlines National Standards for Civic and Government that are intended to help schools develop competent and responsible citizens who possess a reasoned commitment to the fundamental values and principles that are essential to the preservation and improvement of American constitutional democracy.
  • The Current State of Civic Education - http://www.nwrel.org/scpd/sirs/10/c019.html
    This site features a detailed report of the "current state of civic education." It also links to additional school improvement resources and programs.
  • The Role of Civic Education - http://www.civiced.org/whpaper.html
    This site was prepared by the Center for Civic Education and includes a report called "The Role Of Civic Education: A Report Of The Task Force On Civic Education." This report came from the Second Annual White House Conference On Character Building For A Democratic, Civil SocietyWashington, D.C., May 19 - 20, 1995.
    •  
  • Teaching Resources for Civics
  • Civitas - A Framework for Civic Education - http://www.civnet.org/resoures/teach/basic/civitas/exe.htm
    This site provides a curriculum framework to revitalize civic education in schools throughout the nation. It sets forth a set of national goals to be achieved in a civic education curriculum, primarily for K-12 public and private schools, but with extended applications in communities and in higher education, specifying the knowledge and skills needed by citizens to perform their roles in American democracy. The intended audience for CIVITAS is educators at state and local levels concerned with the development of civic education curriculums in the schools. Teachers may also find the framework a useful resource and reference book. It is designed to improve textbooks, instructional materials, methods of teaching, assessment and testing, and the preparation of teachers.
  • CivNet Teaching Resources - http://www.civnet.org/resoures/teach.htm
    This site features resources for CIVISTA’s goals for civic education. This resource provides links to a comprehensive bibliography of civics information and lesson plans for classroom application. Resources are available in English, Spanish and French.
  • Comparative Lessons for Democracy - http://www.civiced.org/compless_intro.html
    Comparative Lessons for Democracy is designed to strengthen education for democracy in the United States through the use of curricular materials about the history and government of several Central and Eastern European nations. Analyzing issues and events related to these emerging democracies encourages students in the United States to clarify assumptions and principles upon which democracies rest. The content of the lessons are divided into four major sections including, Historical Connections, Transitions: Comparative Trends, Constitutionalism and Democracy and Citizens' Rights and Civil Society. Comparative Lessons is designed to raise questions, not only about countries in Central and Eastern Europe, but also how these same issues relate to American society and politics. In this manner, students are able to identify the elements common to democracies everywhere and those dimensions that are unique to the United States.
     
    • Fun Social Studies - Government Around the World (Includes elementary levels)
    Learn about local and national governments and how they work with this kid's guide to civics and government study resources.
    http://www.funsocialstudies.learninghaven.com/links/civics.html

    I really like this one.  The course outline is good and the list of links is both good and clear.
    http://members.valley.net/~MrDz/civics.htm (click on 'content')
    Mister D|z World (try it all)
    Shares a former teacher's perspectives on civics, world history and geography, and U.S. history. Also includes course outlines, suggested research projects, and links.

    Institute for the Study of Civic Values
    A non-profit organization established in Philadelphia in 1973 to promote the fulfillment of America's historic civic ideals.
    http://libertynet.org/~edcivic/iscvhome.html

    Constitution Society http://www.constitution.org/ This site aims to eventually provide almost everything one needs to accurately decide what is and is not constitutional in most situations, and what applicable constitutions require one to do. ... They have a great "Liberty Library of Constitutional Classics".

    The American Presidency http://ap.grolier.com/ The American Presidency uses material from 5 Grolier encyclopedias to look at the presidents and presidential elections past and present.  It also uses Scholastic materials and current events.

    The National Archives and Records Administration http://www.archives.gov/digital_classroom/index.html impressive , lessons are on specific documents but general info on using documents, Document Analysis,  (http://www.archives.gov/digital_classroom/lessons/d_day_memo/teaching_activities.html ) is useful anywhere.  See this page, http://www.archives.gov/digital_classroom/teaching_with_documents.html , for a full list of documents and lessons available.

    Lesson Plans

    Sample Lessons
    Center for Civic Education Sample Lessons...
    http://www.civiced.org/lesson-plans.html

    CongressLink: Know your Congress
    ...nonpartisan research and educational organization, designed the site as a service for teachers of American government, history, and civics. For lesson plans go here http://www.congresslink.org/LessonPlanIntro.htm
    http://www.congresslink.org/

    Civics Lesson Plans
    Lessons for social studies teachers! ... understand why citizenship is an important concept. Civics Jeopardy- The following "game" is a review activity that ...
    http://www.teach-nology.com/teachers/lesson_plans/history/ci...

    US Constitutional Government
    US Government & Civics Lesson Plans & Activities Systems of Government. Law Units/Bills, Plagiarism/FairUse. Constitution/Bill of Rights. ...
    http://members.aol.com/MrDonnHistory/Government.html

    CyberSleuth Kids - Civics
    Offers a collection of lesson plans and activities for kids that will assist them with the study of civics and government.
    http://cybersleuth-kids.com/sleuth/Education/Lessons/Social_...

    Constitutional Rights Foundation
    Publisher of U.S. Constitution curriculum materials. Also provides free lesson plans and newsletters online.
    http://www.crf-usa.org/

    Civics and Public Information Division
    CIVICS 101 is a three-unit high school curriculum.
    http://www.rules.state.ri.us/civics_101

    Bill of Rights Institute - www.billofrightsinstitute.org   Another favorite!  free lesson plans, Read breaking news related to the Bill of Rights - gathered daily from major news sources across the country and chosen for ease of use in the classroom, more curriculum available 1-800-350-4223  (Includes elementary through high school levels)
    Books We Like
     
    elementary level:
    Weekly Reader, http://www.weeklyreader.com/homepage.asp , so much cool stuff and more links for election information
    If You Were There When They Were Writing the Constitution, Scholastic
    (same type) by Jean Fritz
    Kids Discover, (1 topic per month) www.kidsdiscover.com
    America Votes; How our President is elected.  www.kidscanpress.com
    How the US Government Works, by Sobel
     
    mid-level:
    President's Facts and Games and World History Facts and Games both found at Sam's Club for $5 each (student approved!)
     
    upper level:
    History of US book 11, great source book on documents
    You Are the Supreme Court Judge, by Nathan Aaseng
    Animal Farm, George Orwell
    Original Intent, David Barton, www.wallbuilders.com
    Cultural Literacy, E.D. Hirsch
    1st Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, E.D. Hirsch
    Intro. to Francis Schaeffer
    Scholastic Homework Reference Series;
        Everything You Need to Know About World History
        Everything You Need to Know About American History
    What in the World's Going on Here?, tapes by Diana Waring, 2 volumes
     Field Trips
     The Supreme Court, Wash. D.C. For a virtual tour:  http://www.oyez.org/oyez/tour/  For an in-person tour http://www.supremecourtus.gov/visiting/visiting.html
     The National Constitution Center http://www.constitutioncenter.org/  , Philadelphia, PA 19106
    (215) 409-6600

    The Capitol, http://www.house.gov/house/tour_services.html  Virtual tours; http://www.house.gov/house/Visitor.html
    The White House, http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/tours/

    Other
    Peroutka for President, the Constitution Party. He raises interesting questions that are worth answering.  (Please do not construe my inclusion of his site as an endorsement.) http://www.peroutka2004.com/index.php

    April 19, 2004     (back to index)

    Dear Family and Friends,
     The Talent and Art Show at the April meeting was really super and had great variety.  It was so impressive!  Many thanks to everyone. 
     Please be thinking what leadership positions you might take for next year (or who you'd like to nominate:) More people are needed in these categories; steering commitee, hospitality, devotions, and library.
     Here is the Heritage web address if the links didn't come through; http://www.hisdomain.net/heritagehomeschool/   There is a new page on our site too called "Newsletters".  You can find past letters there, minus the phone numbers.
     In May our "What Works" will be centered around American Government.  That would include civics, democracy, the Constitution,  government ...  Please call Cara H. if you have something to share.
    Hope to see you in May.-Eppie
     
    General Interest
    1.   Civil War lectures
    2.   Homeschool Mom's Out for a chat
    3.   Home School Day at National Museum of Dentistry - Baltimore, MD - May 7, 2004
    4.   Eclectic Homeschool Online Seeks Young Writer
    5.   Homeschool Tour of Amsterdam - Easter Week of 2005
    6.   25th Annual Free Scoop Night - Ben & Jerry's Nationwide - April 27, 2004
    7.   Fifth Annual Free Scoop Night - Baskin-Robbins Nationwide - April 28, 2004
    8.   International Migratory Bird Celebration - Chincoteague - May 8-9, 2004
    9.   ABEKA Offers Free Shipping in April
    10. CCHE Curriculum Fair - Fredericksburg - May 1, 2004
    11. REACH/CCHE Used Book Sale June 5
    12.  HomeSchool@Sea Adventures 2005
    13. E-group for Single Homeschool Parents
    14. E-group for Working Homeschool Parents
    15.  Celebrating Wildflowers!
    Film Contests 
    16. C-SPAN Student Documentary Contest - Entry Deadline: May 17, 2004
    17. Independent Christian Film Short Contest - Nationwide - Deadline: September 1, 2004
    18. First Annual San Antonio Independent Christian Film Contest - Deadline: September 15, 2004
    Web Sites
    19. Cool Web site: Learning Treasures
    20. Cool Web site:  "4-H Virtual Farm Project"
    Articles
    21. Phonics Article and Resources
    22. Research Article: "Early TV Exposure Affects Attentiveness"
    23. Home Educator's Family
    History
    24. "Today in History" Links
    25. National History Day - State Competition
     Government: Congress, Constitution, ...
    26. Congress for Kids
    27. Three Branches of Government Teaching
    28.  Great Student Resources: Students.gov
    29. Civics Education Newsletter and Congress for Kids
     College Bound
    30. Free Harvard Tuition
    31. Here's Help in Writing Your High School Students Course Descriptions
    32. Regent University Open House - Alexandria - April 22, 2004
    33. "College Talk"
    34.  Summer College Programs for High School and Middle School Students
     PARTING THOUGHT: "Prodigal Son"  from HEAV 3/9/04

    General Interest
    1. Civil War lectures at the Civil War Medical Museum in Frederick
    Here is another opportunity I'd like to share with our group.

    These Civil War lectures are twice monthly and mostly address the
    medical issues of the war.  I would like to not only let interested
    folks know so they can take advantage of the opportunity, but also
    encourage organizations that consider homeschoolers in their
    programming.  We have been going to these, but some were sparsely
    attended.  Once, we were the only participants, another time only one
    other family came.

    There is a small cost, but I decided that we get into so many free
    programs downtown that paying once in awhile sort of evens out the cost
    overall.  In addition, if anyone wants to attend numerous times there is
    the option of a membership.  We purchased a membership which cut the
    cost of entry 1/2 for us.  Plus, with the membership we can attend any
    other programs they host free of charge as well as visit  the museum
    free all year.
    These occur the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month.
    This link will give the details of the lecture topics. http://www.civilwarmed.org/ed_resources.cfm
    Hope to see some familiar faces in the weeks ahead.
    Cathy K.
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    2. Homeschool Mom's Out for a chat
     
    There has been some chatter about starting a homeschool mom's
    coffee...are you interested?  It could meet monthly, bimonthly
    whatever...be informal, come and go as you need to, and meet someplace
    like Panera or elsewhere (anyone have a favorite place?) for a cup of
    coffee with your friends.   Saturday morning...say 9:30? 
    If you have a favorite place let me know as soon as possible...we may
    have moms coming from Olney, Damascus, Rockville and Gaithersburg
    areas...let your homeschool friends know too.
    Let me know.   Any questions, either write me back or give me a call     .
    Carol Cornell
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    3.  Home School Day at National Museum of Dentistry - Baltimore, MD - May 7, 2004

    National Museum of Dentistry
    31 South Greene Street
    Baltimore, Maryland 21201-1504
    The National Museum of Dentistry, a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate and the nation's official museum of dentistry as recognized by Congress, is a culturally rich and lively center offering visitors the opportunity to learn the power of a healthy smile.
    On Friday May 7, 2004, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the museum will host Home School Day, offering two age-appropriate programs: Terrific Tooth Tales: Ages 4-8; and George Washington in the Springtime: Ages 9-12.
    The programs include gallery tours, light snacks, art activities, museum shop discounts, 'chat with the dentist,' and free smile kits that include take-home activities and oral health products.
    The programs have limited space, so register today! Cost is only $2 per person.
    To register, or for more information, contact Janis Goldman, director of education (410.706.0810 or     jgoldman@dentalmuseum.umaryland.edu).
    Web site:     http://www.dentalmuseum.org

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    4. Eclectic Homeschool Online Seeks Young Writer

    Eclectic Homeschool Online is seeking a writer to do an ongoing column profiling homeschoolers who are already making their marks in the world. The goal is to show that one advantage homeschoolers have is the freedom not to wait until graduation to do things that are REAL. Profiles might include those who started their own businesses, written books, gone into apprenticeships and already entered professions while most kids are still hanging out in public school hallways.
    To apply for the position, or submit possible profile subjects, send an e-mail to     tammyc@eho.org.
    Eclectic Homeschool Online Web site:     http://www.eho.org

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    5. Homeschool Tour of Amsterdam - Easter Week of 2005

    The tour will visit WWII sites including Anne Frank's Secret Annexe, Corrie ten Boom's house, the transit camp to which the Franks were sent after their arrest, and the Amsterdam Resistance Museum. Also, Rembrandt's house and the Riijksmuseum where many of his paintings can be found, plus Dutch windmills, a tulip farm where acres of tulips will be in bloom, beautiful Dutch countryside, and a canal boat ride. Lots more is listed at the website. Students 10 and older would probably enjoy the trip. Every activity, every breakfast and dinner, and hotel, airfare and ground transportation are included.

    To take a look at this trip, Go to Explorica at http://www.explorica.com. Click to join a trip; then type in Shuping-3034.

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    6. 25th Annual Free Scoop Night - Ben & Jerry's Nationwide - April 27, 2004
    Tuesday, April 27, 2004, from Noon to 8:00 p.m.  Visit their Web site for participating locations.
    Web site: http://www.benjerry.com

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    7. Fifth Annual Free Scoop Night - Baskin-Robbins Nationwide - April 28, 2004

    Baskin-Robbins ice-cream stores are offering their fifth annual "Free Scoop Night" event, to be held on Wednesday, April 28, 2004, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. More than 200 scoops per second are expected to be given away as an anticipated 3 million consumers stop by participating Baskin-Robbins ice-cream stores nationwide to treat themselves to a free scoop of their favorite flavor of ice cream.
    In celebration of Free Scoop Night, Baskin-Robbins will give back to the community by making a donation to First Book, a national nonprofit organization that provides free, new books to children from low-income families. To date, Baskin-Robbins' donations have allowed First Book to distribute more than a million new books to children across the country.
    Visit their Web site for participating locations.
    Web site: http://www.baskinrobbins.com
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    8. International Migratory Bird Celebration - Chincoteague - May 8-9, 2004

    Celebrate the peak of the spring waterfowl migration on the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge with programs, walks, a 5K run, special activities for the children, lighthouse tours, and much more. Call (757) 336-6122 for more information.

    Web site: http://chinco.fws.gov/
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    9. ABEKA Offers Free Shipping

    All A Beka Book textbook orders over $100.00 placed online in April 2004 will receive free shipping.
    Visit www.abeka.com and click on "A Beka Online Ordering."

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    10. CCHE Curriculum Fair - Fredericksburg - May 1, 2004

    New Life in Christ Church (right behind the Spotsylvania Mall off I95 exit #130)
    11925 Burgess Lane
    Fredericksburg, Virginia

    Saturday, May 1, 2004, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    Thirty companies will be displaying their materials in the exhibit hall, and they will have homeschool workshops throughout the day to assist and encourage homeschool moms and dads. This event is free to the public.
     email her at     family@themayberrys.com

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    11. REACH/CCHE Used Book Sale June 5

    New Life in Christ Church
    Fredericksburg, Virginia
    Saturday, June 5, 2004, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
    Come and fill all of your curriculum needs in one place. There will be curriculum, games, puzzles, computers, unit studies, readers, art and so much more. This is a CASH-only sale.
    For more information, contact Wanda Sloper at     sloper4@adelphia.net.
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    12.  HomeSchool@Sea Adventures 2005

    Homeschool Adventures presents the HomeSchool@Sea Adventures in Learning
    Program, a five-day Caribbean cruise vacation that includes a homeschool convention with nationally recognized speakers Dinah Zike, Dinah-Might Adventures; Jim Weiss, Great Hall Productions; Cathy Duffy, Christian Home Educators Manual; and Maggie Hogan, Bright Ideas Press. Plenty of learning experiences for the kids are also offered.

    The cruise begins when you depart the Port of New Orleans and sail down the Mississippi River, through the delta and out to the Gulf of Mexico. You'll then spend the next five days enjoying 5-star dining, luxury surroundings, nightly entertainment, and more with fellow homeschool families. Special rates and incentives are offered--book early and save even more.
    Visit www.homeschooladventures.com for details.
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    13. E-group for Single Homeschool Parents

    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hs1mom
    This list is open to all single moms, no matter what type of curriculum they choose to use. It is predominantly a Christian list -- though others are welcome. To allow for free conversation and protect the privacy of the list members, it is a restricted list: new members will have to be admitted by the list owner.

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    14. E-group for Working Homeschool Parents

    http://groups.yahoo.com/group/workandhomeschool/

    Work and homeschool: It can be done! This is a support group for working parents who have chosen to homeschool their children or who are considering homeschooling,  as well as for homeschooling parents who are thinking of returning to work. Whether you are working or thinking of working, inside or outside your home, this list is for you. Please join us as we discuss our unique challenges and concerns.
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    15.  Celebrating Wildflowers!

    Celebrating Wildflowers Coloring Book Page
    You can Celebrate Wildflowers in your own home by using the Plant Conservation Alliance's Coloring Books for the Northwest and Texas Hill Country. Each coloring book also has an educational section discussing various topics dealing with plants. The On-Line Gallery gives kids an opportunity to send in their coloring for display on the web.
    http://www.americanmeadows.com

    Regional Wildflower Mixes
    Top wildflower seed site has fresh seeds now for every region in U.S.
    http://www.nps.gov/plants/color

    A Catalog of Illustrations
    More than 300 line drawings of wildflowers on this site, along with drawings or coloring guide for each plant.
    http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/uma/urban/flowers.htm

    Texas Hill Country Coloring Book
    http://www.nps.gov/plants/color/txhill

    Northwest Coloring Book
    http://www.nps.gov/plants/color/northwest/com.htm

    Scout/Guide Coloring Pages
    http://coy.ne.client2.attbi.com/ColoringPages.htm

    Coloring and Activities - Wildflowers to Ancient Egypt
    http://www.extremekids.com/K_6_GRADE/coloring.htm
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    Film Contests 
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    16. C-SPAN Student Documentary Contest - Entry Deadline: May 17, 2004

    Enter your short video and compete for a chance to win one of 45awards and prizes totaling $50,000 that include cash and video equipment for students and schools. Students express what they think about an issue that matters to them as our country approaches the 2004 elections. Top winners air on the C-SPAN networks.

    • Documentaries must be no longer than 10 minutes.
    • Teams or individuals may enter.
    • Prizes awarded in middle and high school categories.

    For complete guidelines, rules, and entry form, visit:
    http://thsc.c.topica.com/maab6Gkaa5Glba3BglQe/
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    17. Independent Christian Film Short Contest - Nationwide - Deadline: September 1, 2004

    Film shorts can be from five to fifty-five minutes in length. There are no restrictions on who may submit an entry, and applicants are allowed to make multiple submissions. The first prize is $10,000. Runner-up and special category prizes will also be awarded. Submissions must be received no later than September 1, 2004. Winners will be announced at the 2004 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, to be held November 11-13, 2004.
     Keep checking the Vision Forum Web site (    http://www.visionforum.com) for information concerning the Jubilee Award for Christian Film Shorts, including film categories and contest terms.

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    18. First Annual San Antonio Independent Christian Film Contest - Deadline: September 15, 2004

    Film shorts can be from five to fifty-five minutes in length. There are no restrictions on who may submit an entry, and applicants are allowed to make multiple submissions. The first prize is $10,000. Runner-up and special category prizes will also be awarded. Submissions must be received no later than September 15, 2004. Winners will be announced at the 2004 San Antonio Independent Christian Film Festival, to be held in San Antonio (Texas) on November 11-13, 2004.
    For complete information about the contest and film festival visit the Film Festival Web site.
    Web site: http://www.independentchristianfilms.com

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    Web Sites
    .... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... 
     
    19. Cool Web site: Learning Treasures

    Learning Treasures has new coloring sheets and more. Includes Lion Coloring Page, several Cowboy Coloring Sheets, Horse Coloring Page, a page with pictures and things for notebooks/lapbooks on cowboys, plus WWI coloring page.
    Web site:     http://www.learningtreasures.familyclassroom.net/
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    20. Cool Web site:  "4-H Virtual Farm Project"

    In our March 8, 2004, HEAV Update (item 2.7) we mentioned this resource on a Virginia Tech Web site.  If you did not explore the site, you may have overlooked this gem.

    Virginia Cooperative Extension produces this Web site, in association with Virginia Tech and Virginia State University.

    The U.S. continues to become a more urbanized society, and youth growing up today have little knowledge about farming or how food products are produced and processed. With only two percent of our population participating in agricultural production, the average American is five generations away from "firsthand" experience with farming. The objective of the 4-H Virtual Farm is to provide youth with an opportunity to learn basic agricultural concepts.

    The scope of the 4-H Virtual Farm project is specifically mirrored in the Standards of Learning for Virginia Public Schools.
    Web site:     http://www.ext.vt.edu/resources/4h/ (click on the link for 4-H Virtual Farm)

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    Articles
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    21. Phonics Article and Resources

    The April 2004 issue of the Educators Publishing Service' online newsletter includes an article about "Phonics, Phonological Awareness, and the Alphabet," plus some Phonological Awareness Materials. The article and materials are available online.

    Web site:     http://www.epsbooks.com/flat/newsletter/vol05iss02/

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    22. Research Article: "Early TV Exposure Affects Attentiveness"
     
    Research study makes recommendation that parents of preschoolers should consider. A study by the American Academy of Pediatrics links the trouble some children have in paying attention to watching television too early in life.
     The study, in the April issue of the journal Pediatrics, reinforces earlier recommendations that children under two should not watch television at all. Dr. Dimitri Christakis of Children's' Hospital in Seattle, co-authored the report.
    "A child that watched two hours of television a day, before the age of three, would be 20 percent more likely to have attentional problems at age seven, compared to a child who didn't watch any television during that period," Christakis said.
     Article (with links):     http://www.family.org/cforum/fnif/news/a0031567.cfm

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    23. Home Educator's Family

    This online publication offers some really great articles. This month's features include:
    When Children Don't Learn As Well As They Should by Suzanne Stevens; I Can Breathe Again - My Children Finally Learned to Read! by Carol Rice; and American History on the Web.
    http://www.homeeducator.com/FamilyTimes/treasures.htm

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    .History
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    24. "Today in History" Links

    TodayinHistory.com: http://www.todayinhistory.com

    History Channel: http://www.historychannel.com/tdih/tdih.jsp?category=leadstory

    Library of Congress: http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/today.html
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    25. National History Day - State Competition
    good straight forward information on Md. dates , etc.
    the 'essentials' gives much info, its a good place to start
    go down to 'research roadmap' also
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    Government: Congress, Constitution, ...
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    26. Congress for Kids

    With a constitutional amendment currently being considered, the U.S. Constitution is in the news. Congress for Kids has a complete tutorial on the Constitution at: http://www.congressforkids.net/Constitution_index.htm . Students can "Review," "Learn More," and click the red star to try "Show what You Know" quizzes!

    Some other related sites:
    http://www.constitutioncenter.org/explore/ForKids/index.shtml
    http://www.archives.gov/national_archives_experience/constitution.html
    http://bensguide.gpo.gov/

    [ thanks to Homeschool Hotline: homeschool_hotline-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.]
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    27. Three Branches of Government Teaching

    Take students "behind-the-scenes" of the judicial branch with C-SPAN in the Classroom's Three Branches of Government resource.

    With the Judicial Branch resource you can:
    --Watch interviews of the Supreme Court justices as they discuss their personal and professional stories;
    --Learn about the daily routines and functions within the Court;
    --Listen to oral arguments before the Supreme Court and weigh in on the cases (i.e. "George W. Bush v. Albert Gore");
    --Examine historic landmark Supreme Court cases and the legislation that followed; and
    --Investigate the decision-making process in a case's ruling.

    If you have any questions about using the Judicial Branch Resource or other C-SPAN in the Classroom resources, please call the C-SPAN Educators' Hotline at 1-800-523-7586.
    http://www.c-span.org/classroom/govt/3branches.asp
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    28.  Great Student Resources: Students.gov

    Students.gov InfoSource is published by students.gov and sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education's Federal Student Aid office. To subscribe to their free e-newsletter, send an e-mail to listproc@inet.ed.gov and include "subscribe students-gov" (without the quotes) in the subject line and as the first line of text.

    Their most recent e-newsletter contained great tax and internship links and information, such as:
    Tax Information for Students (IRS): http://www.irs.gov/individuals/students/
    Scholarships and Fellowships (IRS): http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p520.pdf (PDF format)
    Educational Expenses (IRS): http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc513.html

    Plus: Studentjobs.gov is OPM's official job site for students, and it's filled with great resources, tools, and links to helpful information. Search for federal jobs and apply online, create and store a resume, assess your skills and interests in the Career Interests Center, learn about specific federal agencies or the federal hiring process, and more!
    Web site: http://www.studentjobs.gov

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    29. Civics Education Newsletter and Congress for Kids

    The Dirksen Congressional Center's Communicator is a web-based e-newsletter providing educators with news and ideas to enhance civic education and improve students' understanding of Congress.
    http://www.webcommunicator.org

    Congress for Kids gives you access to interactive, fun-filled experiences designed to help students learn about the foundation of our federal government and how its actions affect them. Designed for students in grades four through high school.
    http://www.congressforkids.net

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    College Bound
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    30. Free Harvard Tuition

    Harvard is offering free tuition for students that have a family income below $40,000.
    If you know a family earning less than $40K with a brilliant child near ready for college, please pass this along.
    Read the article at: :     http://adm-is.fas.harvard.edu/FAO/index.htm
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    31. Here's Help in Writing Your High School Students Course Descriptions

    This site is a terrific resource for naming your high school courses and describing them in proper educationalese. The Classification of Secondary School Courses (CSSC) was designed to describe course offerings in secondary education and to provide a coherent means for classifying these courses.
    http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/hst/courses.asp

    [Our thanks to the homeschool2college list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/homeschool2college

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    32. Regent University Open House - Alexandria - April 22, 2004
    Regent University
    1650 Diagonal Road
    Alexandria, VA 22314
    Thursday, April 22, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

    Is Regent University the right place for you?  We offer frequent information sessions -- on both our Main Campus in Virginia Beach, Virginia and our Washington, D.C. Campus -- to introduce Regent to you, and to find out more about your needs.  The Information Sessions below are campus-wide, meaning that all nine schools participate.  Additionally, each school hosts frequent information sessions (on campus and online), with a schedule available on each school's website.
    In their northern Virginia location. For more information or to RSVP call (703) 740-1400.
    Web site:     http://www.regent.edu/events/info_sessions/
     
    -------------------------------------------------------------
    33. "College Talk"

    http://www.college-scholarships.com

    Campus Crime and Security Information
    Want information on campus security and crime statistics on college campuses? Visit
    http://www.securityoncampus.org/.

    ACT/SAT Tips
    Taking the ACT or SAT soon? Get test tips, for free, at     http://www.number2.com/.

    Taking a Year "Off" before College?
    Want a "gap" year between high school and college. Take a look at some "gap" year options at:     http://nnhscareercenter.home.comcast.net/gap-year.html.

    Interested in Online Degrees?
    Get information on some of the best, accredited, online degree programs at all levels at:
    http://www.college-scholarships.com/ssac.htm.
    .... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....
    34.  Summer College Programs for High School and Middle School Students
     
    Early College Programs is the first book to profile every summer college program in the United States. Find out where and why over 30,000 students attend early college programs every year. More than 250 college programs profiled, plus, early college strategies for over 80 leading careers.
    Supplies are limited. Cost: $19.95, plus $5 shipping & handling.
    To order: visit     www.earlycollege.com; or send $24.95 to:

    Early College Programs
    Nautilus Press
    426 S. Lamar Blvd., Suite 18
    Oxford, MS 38655
    .... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... 

     PARTING THOUGHT: "Prodigal Son"  from HEAV 3/9/04
    .... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....
    A man scolded his son for being so unruly and the child rebelled against his father. He got some of his clothes, his teddy bear and his piggy bank and proudly announced, "I'm running away from home!"
    The father calmly decided to look at the matter logically. "What if you get hungry?" he said.
    "Then I'll come home and eat!" bravely declared the child.
    "And what if you run out of money?"
    "I will come home and get some!" readily replied the child.
    The man then made a final attempt, "What if your clothes get dirty?"
    "Then I'll come home and let mommy wash them," was the reply.
    "This kid is not running away from home," the man muttered to himself, "he's going off to college!"
    .... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....
    ( http://www.heav.org ).

    March 31, 2004    (back to index)

    Dear Friends and Members,

     Our next meeting will be our  HERITAGE Art and Talent Show ,Tuesday, April 6th at 7:30pm.   May we encourage your whole family to attend?! 
    Many  thanks to HEAV for  much of the following.
     "Daylight Savings Time
    Remember to set your clocks FORWARD one hour this coming Saturday, April 3, as we adjust to Daylight Savings Time (DST). Under legislation enacted in 1986 (Public Law 99-359), DST in the United States now begins at 2 a.m. on the first Sunday of April and ends at 2 a.m. on the last Sunday of October for those states observing DST.  Prior to this change, DST used to go into effect on the last Sunday in April.  One of the reasons for enacting DST is to save energy.  By adding the entire month of April to DST it is estimated to save nationwide about 300,000 barrels of oil each year.
    Easter
    Prior to A.D. 325, Easter was variously celebrated on different days of the week, including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. In that year, the Council of Nicaea was convened by emperor Constantine. It issued the Easter Rule which states that Easter shall be celebrated on the first Sunday that occurs after the first full moon on or after the vernal equinox. The "full moon" referred to in the rule is the "ecclesiastical full moon", which is defined as the fourteenth day of a tabular lunation, where day 1 corresponds to the ecclesiastical New Moon. This full moon does not always occur on the same date as the astronomical full moon. Therefore, the ecclesiastical "vernal equinox" is always on March 21. Thus, Easter must be celebrated on a Sunday between the dates of March 22 and April 25.  This year, it is April 11."

    Blessings on you all,  Eppie
     
    General Interest:
    1.  Teen Leadership Camps - Summer 2004
    2.  Marine Biology Pilot Course Offered by Apologia
    3.  Community Service Opportunities
    4.  BookIt Reading Program - Deadline: June 11, 2004 
    5.  Rare Astronomical Appearance -Now!
    6.  Homeschool Day - Hersheypark, PA - May 26, 2004
    7.  Pre-Collegiate Summer Program in Science and Mathematics - 2004
    8.  Conversational Spanish Lessons Available
    9.  "Heart of Wisdom" Unit Studies
    10.  "Historic Maps in K-12 Classrooms"

    International:
    11.  Show Support for Spain
     
    Web Sites:
    12.  Emerging Web Site: TheEducationMall.com
    13.  Edu-speak: The Dictionary
    14.  Great Books for Parents Course
    15. Cool Web Site: PolyMorf.net
    16. Snowflakes Website
    17. Online Translator

    Articles of Interest:
    18. Crosswalk.com Article: "Answers: High School Homeschooling"
    19. Crosswalk.com Article: "The Homeschool Student and National Honor Societies"
    20. New Yahoo! Group: "Pearls Of Wisdom For The Homeschool Mom"
    21. HSLDA: "Teacher Tax Deduction Not for Homeschoolers"
    22. Meaning of "R" rating in the "Passion"
    Workshop:
    23. Summer Scrapbooking Workshop

    Contest:

    24. ARRID "Total Women" Contest - Ends April 30, 2004

    ... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....
    1.  Teen Leadership Camps - Summer 2004

    Note: Register before April 10, and receive a $40 discount for each camp. HSLDA members receive an additional $20 discount per camp.
    In the summer of 2001, Patrick Henry College established a summer camp program designed for teens desiring to become leaders who make a difference in our nation and culture. Since its beginning in 2001, over 1000 students have participated in the summer camps and have learned how to apply a biblical worldview to the issues of today.
    Summer 2004 offers another enriching experience with five different camps for teens who desire to lead the nation and shape the culture. Campers, supervised by PHC students serving as counselors, will sleep in the dorms, eat in the dining hall and attend chapel.
    Campers will spend time in informative workshops and classroom sessions taught by PHC faculty and field experts. Camp experience will include outings to nearby historical sites, monuments and centers of American government. Those attending will have many opportunities to interact with others who share a similar vision and to build lasting friendships with other future leaders.
    If you desire to grow in your faith, impact your culture for Christ and learn more about our nation's founding, its government, the dramatic arts and how to communicate more effectively, then come and experience Teen Leadership Camps at Patrick Henry College this summer.

    "Journalism": June 6-12, 2004
    "Intelligence & Foreign Policy": June 13-19, 2004
    "Debate": June 20-July 3, 2004
    "American History: The Critical Years": July 11-17, 2004
    "Drama": July 18-24, 2004

    The Teen Leadership Camps are open to students 14-18 years old as of the start of camp.
    Cost: $425 per person (Debate camp cost is $995 for two weeks) and includes housing, meals, classroom materials, field trips and transportation to and from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) if needed. A non-refundable deposit of $150 is required upon initial registration with full payment due by the first day of camp. Phone registrations will not be accepted. Early registration discounts and other discounts are available only on the Web site.
    Web site:     http://www.phc.edu/teencamps/
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    2. Marine Biology Pilot Course Offered by Apologia

    Volunteers needed for the 2004-2005 school year. If interested, e-mail them at mailbag@highschoolscience.com .
    [Our thanks to the Bluedorns and Trivium Pursuit -     http://www.triviumpursuit.com.]
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    3. Community Service Opportunities

    Are you looking for a community service project that you could participate in with your children? One that involves only a once a month commitment with flexible hours? One that you can do during the week so that your weekends are not tied up?  One that you can do from the comfort of your own car?   WELL LOOK NO FARTHER!!!!!
    In the last several years, the Mental Health Association has stepped up efforts to address the affordable housing crisis in Montgomery County by coordinating housing programs in cooperation with the Housing Opportunities Commission.  Through these efforts, many of their clients who suffer from mental illness and might otherwise be left homeless are able to rent safe, comfortable apartments.
    These individuals and families need ongoing assistance and support.  Would you consider volunteering to pick up food at the Manna Food Bank off of Gude Drive at 614 Lofstrand between 12:00 and 3:00 and delivering it to clients at their homes? You can either meet the clients at the curb or help them to deliver it to their homes.   A once a month commitment would be wonderful, but any assistance, even one time, is greatly needed.  The only requirement is that volunteers have their own transportation. 
    This is a great project for individuals, families, or businesses and h    elping these clients makes such a difference in their lives.  PLEASE contact Nancy Vincent at 301-424-0656 ext. 310 or nvincent@mhamc.org.  Another resource that we've used for community service with children and flexible commitment is through http://www.dc-cares.org/volunteers.  Click on the family section and you can see samples of the opportunities, ranging from participating in rest home parties to gardening at the Capitol Children's Museum to food assistance or mucking out stables at a farm horse rescue.  They'll send you a monthly calendar, and you can just call up when there is something your family can do.
    Stacie G. and Mary P    .
    ... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....
    4. BookIt Reading Program - Deadline: June 11, 2004

    Children in kindergarten (5 years old by September of current school year) through sixth grade are eligible for BOOK IT, a Reading Incentive Program sponsored by Pizza Hut. At the Web site, click on the link for "2004-05 Enrollment Information."
    In addition, BOOK IT! Beginners is an eight-week program sponsored by Pizza Hut that encourages teachers to read aloud to young children in preschool and pre-kindergarten so that they'll develop a love of books and reading at an early age.
    The BOOK IT! Beginners Program offers teachers a new level of fun for read-aloud time with its interactive poster and cutouts, creative reading activities, family involvement, and delicious pizza rewards. At the Web site, click on the link for "About BOOK IT! Beginners."
    Web site: http://www.bookitprogram.com
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    5. Rare Astronomical Appearance -Now!
    All five planets that can be visible to the naked eye will appear together in the evening sky  this month in a viewing opportunity that won't be matched for 32 years.
    Even if you know you won't be out watching in the next few days this is a very valuable site and you could add it to your favorites under science.  It's so cool.
    http://www.space.com/spacewatch/planet_panorama_040305.html
    .... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....

    6.  Homeschool Day - Hersheypark, PA - May 26, 2004

    The first Annual Homeschool Day at Hershey Park (Pennsylvania) will be held on Wednesday, May 26, 2004 and will feature a variety of educational opportunities for your family/group.  
    The staff at ZOOAMERICA have put together a terrific lineup including presentations on Birds of Prey, Reptiles and Endangered Species - just for Homeschool Families!
    Plus, a variety of animal encounters will be featured at the Zoo all day long, so make sure to include a visit to the Zoo in your plans for the day!  ZOOAMERICA is FREE with your HERSHEYPARK admission.
    In addition, Mr. Kent Bachman, "The Engineer" at HERSHEYPARK will explain the SCIENCE behind the rides, as well as some interesting facts about what's new for 2004!
    Dr. Geno Torri, Educational Consultant to HERSHEYPARK will also be on hand to demonstrate data-collections materials such as accelerometers.  He will have a limited number available for loan.   
    To download the Official Homeschool Day discount order form, visit http://www.hersheypa.com/attractions/hersheypark/groups/ .  Tickets cost $21.00 (ages 9-54) and $18.00 (ages 3-8 and 55+).
    Visit http://www.hersheypark.com for updates on times, locations, and events offered on HERSHEYPARK Homeschool Day!  Or, call toll-free: 800-242-4236.

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    7.  Pre-Collegiate Summer Program in Science and Mathematics - 2004

    William and Mary Chancellor Academy
    Pre-Collegiate Summer Program in Science and Mathematics 2004 for Rising Gifted Juniors & Seniors in High School
    http://web.wm.edu/wmca/
    [Our thanks to Emily Berk]

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    8.  Conversational Spanish Lessons Available

    "Los Basicos" ("The Basics") offers courses in conversational Spanish to small groups of individuals.  Based in Maryland, but available through a network of nationwide instructors, the cost is usually $20.00 per student in exchange for 2 hours of basic conversational Spanish per week. The duration of the course is approximately 4 to 6 months and covers such topics as general greetings, ordering food in a restaurant, and asking for directions, to name a few. Payments are made on a monthly basis for that 4 to 6 month period.  The lessons are fun and very easy to understand for all ages and are geared towards the individual who knows no Spanish at all.
    For more information, contact Joe Sousa (jpsousajr@earthlink.net or 301-868-6538, days).

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    9.  "Heart of Wisdom" Unit Studies

    The Heart of Wisdom unit studies are for those who want to make the Bible the focus of all learning. Rather than just adding scriptures to lessons as most Christian curricula are designed, in Heart of Wisdom, the lessons are taught OUT FROM the scriptures, e.g., for geography the biblical lands are studied; in history, the biblical characters are studied; AND - it uses a four-step teaching method based on how Jesus taught.
    Heart of Wisdom Bible-based Unit Studies guide students through academic studies using living books, Charlotte Mason methods, writing-to-learn activities, and Christian materials while interacting in a meaningful way with the massive amounts of information available on the Internet.
    Web site: http://www.heartofwisdom.com

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    10.  "Historic Maps in K-12 Classrooms"

    "Historic Maps in K-12 Classrooms" is a resource for K-12 teachers and students developed by the Hermon Dunlap Smith Center for the History of Cartography at the Newberry Library is designed to bring historically significant map documents into your classroom. High quality images of historic map documents illustrate the geographical dimensions of American history.
    Each map is accompanied by lesson plans written for four grade levels and designed to support a variety of social studies, history, and geography curricula.
    Web site: http://www3.newberry.org/k12maps/
    (I found this one!)
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    International:
    11.  Show Support for Spain

    The horrific bombings in Madrid, on March 11, 2004, reminded all of us of how our world has changed. If you would like to send a letter to show support for this country during this time, please send it to:
    Mr. Javier Ruperez, Ambassador to the United States
    Embassy Of Spain
    4801 Wisconsin Ave NW
    Washington, DC 20016
    (202) 244-6161
    .... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... .....
    Web Sites:
     
    12.  Emerging Web Site: TheEducationMall.com
    Through the efforts of TheEducationMall.com, a well-established curriculum will soon be available to the United States market in an online format. The curriculum is the official curriculum material of the Ministry of Education of Ontario, Canada. For seventy-five years this material has been used throughout the province of Canada and is the largest body of educational content in the world that is currently being used by 9 million students in Ontario.
    The developer and owner of TheEducationMall.com invites you to examine the content--free of charge--and send your feedback, along with comments, to him at TheEducationMall.com. Please include along with your comments an indication whether you would consider using this material as part of your child's educational materials.
    Please note, this is a work in progress. The programmers at TheEducationalMall.com are working to load the complete body of this content as we speak; to date there is material for K-4 and ninth grade interactive mathematics.
    You will note the numerous references to Canada and the order in which topics may occur may be different than what you would be used to. As it is a developing work, the material has yet to be rendered for the US market as well as the scope and sequence of topics. Plans are currently underway to begin the US correlation.
    When this project is complete, Web sites from NASA will be aligned to specific lessons for science, mathematics, technology and where ever else they would appropriately fit.
    Currently in Hillsboro County, Florida, two counties in Texas, along with schools in California, West Virginia, and Maine, educators are evaluating the content and online accessibility of the curriculum.

    Web site:     http://www.TheEducationMall.com
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    13. Edu-speak: The Dictionary

    This Web page can empower homeschoolers when writing to their school superintendents.
    http://user.mc.net/~kwentz/eduspeak.html

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    14. Great Books for Parents Course

    This course is designed especially for three kinds of people:
    1) parents of teenagers who are or will be taking Great Books from Schola Classical Tutorials or other online tutorial services and who wish to be able to discuss the books with their children;
    2) parents who wish to teach their children the Great Books on their own; and
    3) teachers who are or will be teaching the Great Books in an ACCS or other Christian classical school and wish to gain further background and familiarity with them.
    Web site: http://www.schola-tutorials.com/gbparents0405.htm
    [Our thanks to HomeSchoolNet.]
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    15. Cool Web Site: PolyMorf.net

    Rick Engel, webmaster of polymorf.net, invites you to view a free online lesson on how the geometry of space determines the shape of things. All 170 web pages can be downloaded for free and a free CD copy is also available for offline viewing. Topics covered include the symmetry of polyhedra, the structure of crystals, and the geometry of stable structures and simple mechanisms.

    Web site: http://www.polymorf.net/knowhere.htm
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    16. Snowflakes Website
    Should it snow again you should check out these pictures of snowflakes 
     
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    17. Online Translator

    The translator will not produce a perfect translation. In most cases it should adequately convey the general sense of the original; however, it is not a substitute for a competent human translator.
    Web site: http://dictionary.reference.com/translate/text.html
    [Our thanks to Caroline B.]
    .. ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ....Articles of Interest:
     
    18. Crosswalk.com Article: "Answers: High School Homeschooling"

    "The main skill students need is a high level of reading ability. They must be able to read and understand a wide variety of materials. ...I get excited when I see homeschoolers today experimenting along similar lines. Such originality is a part of why I call homeschooling the healthiest movement in education today." Dr. Ruth Beechick
    HEAV Connecting Link:     http://www.heav.org/links/hm7.html

    .... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... 
    19. Crosswalk.com Article: "The Homeschool Student and National Honor Societies"

    When looking for honor societies, you might think first of the most well-known, the National Honor Society, but it is the rare homeschool student who is eligible to join this group. However, there are two other honor societies homeschool students have successfully joined, and you may want to consider them for your student.
    HEAV Connecting Link:     http://www.heav.org/links/lx4.html

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    20. New Yahoo! Group: "Pearls Of Wisdom For The Homeschool Mom"

    The group will be doing a book read and discuss on the book "Homeschooling With A Meek and Quiet Spirit" by Teri Maxwell. Start date to begin the book is April 15, 2004. If you would like to join the group, visit     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PearlsOfWisdomForTheHomeschoolMom/ .

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    21. HSLDA: "Teacher Tax Deduction Not for Homeschoolers"

    While the law would, in plain reading, apply to homeschoolers, the IRS has made it clear that the deduction does not apply to homeschoolers.
    More information:     http://www.hslda.org/elink.asp?ID=1423

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    22.  "R" rating, what it really means in the movie "The Passion of Christ"
    REALLY REFRESHING
    Whether you plan to see this movie or not, this "R" rating note is worth reading.  Ep

    "Christ"

    The movie the PASSION OF CHRIST is rated "R":
    The "R" of course is because of the violence, the gore. In
    movie terms "R" stands for RESTRICTED, but in this movie
    "R" stands for RELEVANT, for REALISTIC, for it
    REALLY happened for a REASON because we were
    REBELLIOUS we needed a REDEEMER, we needed to be
    RECONCILED, we needed to be RECOVERED, we needed
    to be REGENERATED.  Jesus needed to be REJECTED so
    that we could have a RELATIONSHIP not just a
    RELIGION.  The "R" is to REMIND us to REMEMBER
    what Jesus did to REMOVE our sin to RENDER Satan
    powerless, to RESCUE us from eternity in hell.  The "R" rating is
    to show that Jesus was RESPONSIBLE for giving you
    REST.  As a RESULT of his death Jesus RETIRED your
    debt.  The "R" rating means that some will be REPULSED,
    some will REFUSE to believe, some will be RELUCTANT,
    some will think you are RIDICULOUS in believing that a
    death was REQUIRED.  The "R" rating means that the
    RESULT of sin has been REVERSED and now through faith
    in Christ your REWARD is eternity and you are now
    RIGHTEOUS before God because you have RECEIVED
    him as the RULER of your soul.  What a REVOLUTIONARY
    and RADICAL solution to REDEEM mankind.
    > > >>>>
    > > >>>
    Workshop:

    ***********************************************************************************************************

      23.        SUMMER SCRAPBOOKING WORKSHOP

     

    FOR  Kids  ages 8 to 18

      WHAT:  A five day SUMMER scrapbooking workshop designed for

                   KIDS who enjoy or would like to learn about taking photos

                    and designing scrapbook pages.

      WHEN:  August  9 to 13

                       10 AM to 1 PM

      WHERE:  2208 Henderson Ave.

                       Wheaton MD 20902

                       near Wheaton Regional Park

      OBJECTIVE:   Katy Fowle, an experienced teacher, will be teaching

                             the campers how to correctly use a camera, organize

                             pictures in a  logical sequence, create a colorful page

                             in a Creative Memories scrapbook, use the tools correctly and with

     confidence, and journal in a meaningful way.

       For a $90.00 registration fee, each participant will get:

           * a disposable camera

           * a mini photo file organizer

           * a 7x7 album

           * a snap pack album pack (stickers, die cuts, and idea booklet)

           * a tape runner

    * a journaling pen

    * Instruction from an experienced teacher

           * Use of Creative Memories Cutting System

     To get registered please email Heritage

      Register by June and receive a free gift with confirmation letter

     

    Contest:

    24. ARRID "Total Women" Contest - Ends April 30, 2004
    ARRID, the deodorant maker, is searching for three young women who exemplify the image of "Women of Tomorrow". The young woman you nominate should possess a clear vision of her future, strength of character, a pioneering spirit, and should have demonstrated a commitment to others through her involvement in community service. In addition, she must be a legal resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia, be either a junior or senior in high school as of March 1, 2004, and be personally known to you. You may not nominate yourself.  Grand prize: $10,000.
    Complete information, including online nomination form: http://www.totalwomen.org

     

    February 10, 2004    (back to index)

    Over the ice
    and through the snow
    to Heritage we did go!
     A slip and a slide
    to bump my hide
    'cross the lot so very co-old!
     
    Dear Friends,
     The Feb. meeting took place despite the weatherman.  We found a lot to talk about in the areas of music and art.  If you check the website please see the NEW pages under Great Stuff. http://www.hisdomain.net/heritagehomeschool/what_works.htm I added one for music and all those great books!  I updated the art page. And from the January meeting there is now a page for homeschooling through high school.  The calendar is updated too and has the HST dates and MACHE  Fair dates (with links), plus more. The Home Page for Heritage is; http://www.hisdomain.net/heritagehomeschool/
     The Music page has the books, ideas, and lists of places to find music programs.  The books I checked for authors, etc. and so they accidentally came with links to Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble.  It could come in handy.  The Amazon.com prices were quite good, but I don't know if with our 20% off at B&N and no shipping there, whether B&N would be better.  The same goes for Borders.  
     The homeschooling through highschool and into college page has the notes I took and the outline Suzanne Ellis gave us. 
     If I missed anything just let me know.
     For our March 2nd meeting, the first Tues. of March, all are invited to come and hear Good Queen Bess as played by  Mary Ann Jung.  It's free!   She may ask us some questions and will take some questions too.  All children who are willing to sit for about 45 minutes are invited also!  We will meet in the chapel, which must be somewhere to the left when you go in the big backdoors.  There will be something or someone pointing the way.  Please come early so we can start right at 7:30pm.  This is a family event open to all who can come.  You may invite friends too.  We've had this lady, in a different persona, come before and she was wonderful.

    H    ome School Talents will be presenting their shows on the following dates.  Reduced tickets are available if purchased from an HST family ahead of time for $5 to $6 per show.  They do sell quickly and the reduced price ones must be bought a week ahead, but best do it now.  You can call Penny I., and ...(ok, I admit the list of other Heritage HST members is by some other computer in this house).  If you are an HST member please mention this to your friends, if you aren't then please ask.  Someone will know someone who is.
    March
    5,6, Fri.& Sat. 7pm HST presents Dreams come True at Asbury Methodist Theatre,  
    14, Sun. 7pm HST presents Showcase at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 
    20,21, Sat.7pm  & Sun. 3pm HST presents As You Like It at Bushey Drive Theatre,
    April
    2,3, Fri. 6:30pm & Sat. 5pm HST presents Holy Moses at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre,  
    2,3, Fri. & Sat. 8pm HST presents Pippin at F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 
    Hope to see you all soon.  Eppie
     ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... ..... 
    GENERAL INTEREST ITEMS
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    1. Online Poetry Workshop For Youths (Ages 14-18) - Deadline: February 12, 2004
    2.  Free Concert - Leesburg - February 14, 2004
    3.  Homeschooling Notebook Resource - Free Samples
    4.  Free Family Journal Resource
    5.  Article: “Why Teach Vocabulary?”
    HIGHSCHOOL - COLLEGE  (You may not need it now, but one day...)
    6.  Long & Foster College Scholarship - Deadline: March 1, 2004
    7.   FAFSA College Scholarship Program Deadline
    8.   Spring 2004 Distance Learning Courses at Patrick Henry College - Now Enrolling
    9.  Summer Programs Offered at Dickinson College
    10.  WORTH REPEATING - Oliver Wendell Holmes
    Many thanks to HEAV for much of this. HEAV web site: ( http://www.heav.org ).
     GENERAL INTEREST ITEMS

    1. Online Poetry Workshop For Youths (Ages 14-18) - Deadline: February 12, 2004

    Teachers & Writers is offering a FREE online poetry-writing workshop to youths ages 14 to 18. Led by poet Hoa Nguyen, the Virtual Poetry Workshop will take place over 10 weeks, beginning February 12, 2004.
    The goal of the workshop is to provide participants with new writing strategies, help develop critical skills, and introduce young writers to contemporary poetry in English. Hoa will provide writing exercises to which participants will respond, and offer instructive critique of each participant’s poems. One may view the previous workshop online at http://www.writenet.org/virtualpoetrywrkshp.html
    Participants will be selected on the merit of a manuscript review. Interested young poets should submit four to six poems, in the body of an e-mail message, along with their first and last names, and a brief personal introduction.
    Manuscripts should be submitted to nguyenhoa@hotmail.com no later than February 12, 2004.

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    2.  Free Concert - Leesburg - February 14, 2004

    Heritage High School
    520 Evergreen Mill Rd SE
    Leesburg, VA 20175
    Saturday, February 14, at 2 p.m. FREE admission. General seating.
    The 11th Annual Free Young People’s Concert presents “A Tale of Two Peters," featuring music from Peter I. Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” and Prokofiev’s classic tale, “Peter and the Wolf,” staged by choreographer Esperanza Alzona, with dancers from the Loudoun Ballet, and narration by Dolly Stevens of The Growing Stage.
    For information and directions: (703) 771-8287 or http://www.loudounsymphony.org

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    3.  Homeschooling Notebook Resource - Free Samples

    Why are so many homeschooling families wanting their children to create notebooks?
    a. Creating notebooks builds thinking, writing, and research skills.
    b. Creating notebooks provides a means to look back and review the many people and places that have been studied.
    c. Notebooks allow students to create and personalize their own reference materials, dramatically increasing their ability to recall what they have learned.
    d. Notebooks eliminate hours of busy work and help make the most of the student’s time.
     
    Hold That Thought, an exciting new Christian homeschooling resource, would like to introduce to you a wonderful line of products packed with amazing artwork and images all specifically designed to help students create their own personalized reference materials. For example, their History 2 comes with:
    a. 452 Biography Sheets of Major Historical Figures
    b. 254 Event Sheets that Cover both U.S. and World History
    c. 144 Maps to Course the Explorers’ Routes and Chart out Wars and Civilizations
    d. 92 Sheets Showing Famous Inventions, Literature, Art and Architecture
    e. Draft Sheets that Help Walk the Student through the Writing Process
     
    Additional subjects include Bible, Church History, U.S. Geography and more. They also have beautiful time lines that are easy to assemble and a wonderful tool for studying history. They help students place the people and events they have learned about into their proper places in history:

    Visit http://www.HoldThatThought.com for free samples and a complete look at all of their materials. To receive brochures outlining all of their materials send an e-mail to HTTNotebooking@HoldThatThought.com and tell them where to send them and how many you would like to receive.

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    4.  Free Family Journal Resource
     
    Christian Leaders seeks to encourage individuals and families to maintain simple Christian practices in the home--Bible reading, prayer, memorizing Scripture, family worship and singing--so lives may be transformed by the Word through the power of the Holy Spirit.
    Christian Leaders is under the sponsorship of Family of Faith Church in Monee, Illinois. Family of Faith Church is a home-discipleship church that supports and encourages home-discipleship activities in the home.
    Web site: http://www.christian-leaders.org

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    5.  Article: “Why Teach Vocabulary?”

    Presented by Educators Publishing Service, this 16-page article (in PDF format*) by Cynthia and Drew Johnson shows the importance of reading comprehension and vocabulary knowledge.
    * Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to view/print.
    HEAV Connecting Link: http://www.heav.org/links/d82.html
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    HIGHSCHOOL - COLLEGE 
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    6.  Long & Foster College Scholarship - Deadline: March 1, 2004

    Long & Foster College Scholarship program is designed for academically strong, well-rounded students who demonstrate leadership and involvement in a variety of school activities. The L&F Scholarship Program is based on financial need and a cumulative ranking of the following criteria: Academic Performance (SAT I and II test scores, high school GPA); leadership; extracurricular activities (arts, athletics, community services, etc.); and work experience.
    Long & Foster will award 150 scholarships of $1,000 each in spring of 2004, and for the 2004-2005 academic year. The application deadline is March 1, 2004. For more information, or for a copy of the program application, contact Joe and/or Karen Dougherty (joedoc@longandfoster.com). They are a homeschooling real-estate couple and encourage homeschoolers to apply.
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    7.   FAFSA College Scholarship Program Deadline

    The FAFSA (free federal college scholarship assistance program) Web site lists deadlines for applications of June 30, 2004. However, some colleges/universities have different deadlines for FAFSA applications. Be sure to CAREFULLY check the college or university you are considering to make certain you know which deadline is real for you.

    FAFSA Web site: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/
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    8.   Spring 2004 Distance Learning Courses at Patrick Henry College - Now Enrolling

    Features include:
    - 17 courses will be available
    - New courses include: Attic (Classical) Greek I, Music History and Appreciation, and Principles of Biblical Reasoning.
    - Other courses for the spring include History of the United States, Research & Writing, Theology of the Bible, Western Literature, and Constitutional Law.
    - Tuition rates will be locked in and not increase if a student enrolls in the Campus & Home program before the start of the 2004 summer.
    - The new FACTS tuition payment plan options now allow for you to easily budget the costs of tuition.
    - The official registration deadline was December 5, but they will continue to enroll if there is space available in courses.
    - HSLDA members receive an additional 5% discount (    http://www.hslda.org/memberdiscounts/0018.asp).
    Patrick Henry College Web site:     http://www.phc.edu/distancelearning

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    9.  Summer Programs Offered at Dickinson College

    Dickinson College is a private liberal arts college in Pennsylvania, founded in 1783 by Benjamin Rush, a prominent Philadelphia physician and signer of the Declaration of Independence. They have put together a summer program for students with offerings that include:
    - a program to bring motivated and academically talented high school-aged students to campus for five weeks;
    - a three-week Research & Writing Workshop for students working on senior projects, independent or homeschool projects, the IB extended essay, or other research projects; and
    - a Young Writer’s Workshop for students interested in poetry or fiction and looking to improve their writing skills.
    For more information, visit     http://www.dickinson.edu/summer .

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    10.  WORTH REPEATING

    “The young man knows the rules, but the old man knows the exceptions.”
    — Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894, physician, professor and American poet)

    Testing Information    (back to index)

    At the January meeting we talked about testing.  Well, in Virginia it is required and so HEAV collected all of this information.  You asked, and here it is.  Amazing.
     Ep
    ….  ….  ….  ….  ….  ….  ….  ….  ….  ….  ….  ….  ….  ….  
    TESTING RESOURCES
    ….  ….  ….  ….  ….  ….  ….  ….  ….  ….  ….  ….  ….  ….  
    FOR LOTS MORE INFORMATION ON TESTING, VISIT http://www.heav.org/TestingandEvaluations.htm

    TEST PREPARATION MATERIALS
    Scoring High
    SRA, 250 Old Wilson Bridge Road, Suite 310, Worthington, Ohio 43085; www.sra4kids.com/supplemental/index.phtml or from

    Debra Bell's Home School Resource Center
    www.hsrc.com
    1-800-937-6311
     
    Bob Jones University Press Practice Tests, from BJUP, Greenville, South Carolina 29614. www.bju.edu

    The following two resources are available from www.amazon.com:
    The Essential Guide to Test Taking For Kids by James Gruber.
    How to Get Better Test Scores on Elementary School Standardized Tests, published by Random House. It contains many helpful suggestions and practical ideas. It also includes practice tests.

    SOURCES FOR TESTS:
    CALIFORNIA ACHIEVEMENT TEST (CAT)
    Bayside School Services
    www.BaysideSchoolServices.com
    orders@BaysideSchoolServices.com
    137 Clipper Court, P.O. Box 250
    Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
    800-723-3057
    GRADE LEVELS: Complete battery for K-12th grade
    QUALIFICATIONS: No special qualifications needed to order the tests.
    COST: $36 if ordered by April 1, and test no later than May 19-23. $46 between June and February ($22 for TCS). Complete Basic skills or Survey, for grades 1-12.
    TIME: Tests vary from 2 to 5.5 hours
    SUBJECTS COVERED: Language Arts and Math only. Survey for grades 2-12. Complete battery, but quicker. Test of Cognitive Skills (tests academic aptitude).
    TO ORDER: Call 800-723-3057
    NORM DATE: 1991

    Christian Liberty Academy
    www.homeschools.org
    502 W. Euclid Avenue
    Arlington Heights, IL 60004
    847-259-4444
    GRADE LEVELS: Available for 2nd-12th grade
    QUALIFICATIONS: No special qualifications needed to order the test.
    COST: $20 per student
    TIME: 2.5-3 hours to complete test
    DIFFICULTY: Easier than some other tests. Percentage scores may show higher when compared with other tests.
    SUBJECTS COVERED: Reading: vocabulary and comprehension; Mathematics: computations, concepts and problems; Language: mechanics, usage, structure, and spelling.
    TO ORDER: Call Christian Liberty to request their testing service form to order the test.
    NORM DATE: 1970s

    Family Learning Organization
    www.familylearning.org
    homeschool@familylearning.org
    P.O. Box 7247
    Spokane, WA 99207-0247
    800-405-TEST or 509-467-2552
    COST: For CAT $35 per student, for MAT $29 per student. Also available from Family Learning: the Metropolitan Achievement Test.
    NORM DATE: 1992

    Seton Home Study School
    www.Setonhome.org
    1350 Progress Drive
    Front Royal, VA 22630
    540-636-9990
    GRADE LEVELS: Available for K-12th grade
    QUALIFICATIONS: No special qualifications needed to order the tests.
    COST: $20 per student
    TIME: 2.5-3.5 hours
    TO ORDER: Send a check with a note stating grade level needed, or call and order by phone.
    NORM DATE: 1988

    COMPREHENSIVE TEST OF BASIC SKILLS (CTBS)
    Bayside School Service
    www.BaysideSchoolServices.com
    orders@BaysideSchoolServices.com
    137 Clipper Court, P.O. Box 250
    Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
    800-723-3057
    GRADE LEVELS: Complete battery for K-12th grade
    QUALIFICATIONS: No special qualifications needed to order the tests.
    COST: $36 if ordered by April 1, and test no later than May 19-23. $46 between June and February ($22 for TCS). Complete Basic skills or Survey, for grades 1-12.
    TIME: Tests vary from 2 to 5.5 hours
    SUBJECTS COVERED: Language Arts and Math only. Survey for grades 2-12. Complete battery, but quicker. Test of Cognitive  Skills (tests academic aptitude).
    TO ORDER: Call 800-723-3057
    NORM DATE: 1996

    Sycamore Tree
    www.SycamoreTree.com
    2179 Meyer Place
    Costa Mesa, California 92627
    949-650-4466 or 800-779-6750
    GRADE LEVELS: Available for grades K-12. Offers the most up-to-date Terra Nova Version of the CTBS.
    SUBJECTS COVERED: Math and language arts plus science, social science, and reference skills. With the CTBS scores, you will receive a professional critique.
    COST: $50
    NORM DATE: 1996

    IOWA TEST OF BASIC SKILLS
    Bob Jones University Press
    www.bjup.com
    Greenville, SC 29614
    800-845-5731
    GRADE LEVELS: Available for K-12th grade
    QUALIFICATIONS: Anyone can place an order for the tests, but materials will only be shipped to a qualified tester who must administer the test and return for scoring. The test scores will be returned to the person who initially ordered the test. Test administrator must have four-year degree, or be a certified teacher, or be a working teacher in a conventional school.
    TIME: Depends on age of student and testing conditions
    SUBJECTS COVERED: May vary according to grade level. Reading: vocabulary, word analysis skills, and comprehension; Mathematics: concepts and computation; Language: spelling, capitalization, and punctuation; Word study skills: map reading, graphs, tables, knowledge, and use of reference materials.
    COST: Depends on tests ordered. Call Bob Jones to order their testing booklet, which includes information on the tests and order forms, along with qualifications needed to order.
    Also available from BJU Press: the Test of Achievement and Proficiency (TAP), and the Stanford Achievement Test.
    NORM DATE: 1995
    *Must provide proof of home schooling. Form available on their website.
     
    Summit Christian Academy
    www.SCAHomeschool.com
    info@SCA.com
    P.O. Box 2769
    Cedar Hill, TX 75106
    800-362-9180
    GRADE LEVELS: Complete battery for grades 3-12
    COST: $45 (non-members)
    No special qualifications required to order test. Tests in March on Iowa Basic.
    NORM DATE: 1995
     
    METROPOLITAN ACHIEVEMENT TEST (MAT)
    Family Learning Organization
    www.familylearning.org
    homeschool@familylearning.org
    P.O. Box 7247
    Spokane, WA 99207-0247
    800-405-TEST or 509-467-2552
    COST: For MAT $29 per student. Also available from Family Learning: the Metropolitan Achievement Test.
    NORM DATE: 1993

    STANFORD ACHIEVEMENT TEST (SAT)
    Bob Jones University Press
    www.bjup.com
    Greenville, SC 29614
    800-845-5731
    See information above.
    NORM DATE: 1996

    McGuffey Academy
    McGuffey2@juno.com
    P.O. Box 109
    Lakemont, GA 30552
    706-782-7709
    GRADE LEVELS: Available for 1st-12th grade
    QUALIFICATIONS: No special qualifications needed to order the tests from McGuffey.
    COST: $35 per student
    TIME: 4 to 6 hours
    SUBJECTS COVERED: Reading: comprehension; Mathematics: concepts, computations, and applications; Vocabulary: word study skills; Plus, English, spelling, science and social studies. Some subjects are optional and others may vary according to grade level.
    TO ORDER: Call McGuffey to get their testing booklet to order the test.
    NORM DATE: K-3, 1997; 4-12, 1982 (The company is in the process of upgrading their materials.)

    PERSONALIZED ASSESSMENT SUMMARY SYSTEM (PASS)
    Hewitt Research Foundation
    www.hewitthomeschooling.com
    Hewitt Research Foundation offers a special standardized test, which is accepted in some areas. (Check with your county superintendent to see if is acceptable before ordering). The test fee pays for a placement test to determine which test level is needed, the actual PASS exam, scoring, and a detailed analysis and suggestions for dealing with areas of difficulty.
    GRADE LEVELS: Available only for 3rd-8th grade
    QUALIFICATIONS: No special qualifications are required to order or administer this exam.
    COST: $24 per student
    TO ORDER: Call Hewitt at 800-348-1750 or 360-835-8708 for more information or to place an order. Fax: 360-835-8397.

    TEST OF ACHIEVEMENT AND PROFICIENCY (TAP)
    (This is the high school version of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills.)
    Bob Jones University Press
    www.bjup.com
    Greenville, SC 29614
    800-845-5731
    See information above.
    SUBJECTS COVERED: Covers math, language arts, science, and social studies.
    NORM DATE: 1995
    *Must provide proof of home schooling. Form available on their website.

    VISIT http://www.heav.org/TestingandEvaluations.htm FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TESTING.

    Feb. Meeting changed activity     (back to index)

    Dear Members and Friends,
     
    Our next meeting is this Tues, Feb. 3, 2004.  Sherri Hilton was to be our speaker on science, but her father has just gone into the hospital so she has been postponed again.  Please keep her and her father in prayer.  Our 'What Works' topics are art and music.  Please let Cara know if you have things to share!       
     Eppie
     Here are some fun things shared by HEAV:
     General News
    1. Homeschool Teleclass - Via Internet - January 29, 2004
    2. Home School Day - Kings Dominion - Deadline: March 25, 2004
    3. 21st Annual HEAV Convention & Educational Fair - June 10-12, 2004
    4. Winter Sale - Dover Publications - Now Through February 16, 2004
    5. "ToyChallenge" Contest - Registration Ends February 15, 2004
    6.  Youth Education Summit
    7.  "History through Folksong" Musical Resource Available
    Cool Web Sites
    8. Twelve Resources For Online Units/Lessons
    9. NASA Experiment - Free Fall
    10.  Suicide Survivors Resource - "Memory Tree of Lights"
    11.  Middle School Chemistry Resource
    12.  Very Cool Web Site: ChristianLogic.com
    13. The Internet Can Be Fun!
     
    Mmmmm
    14. New M&M Colors to Aid Breast Cancer

    General News
    1. Homeschool Teleclass - Via Internet - January 29, 2004

    January 29, 2004, from 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (EST)

    Subject - "Raising Godly Children: Child Training and Discipline" with Dr. Joel and Nomi Orr.

    Are you struggling with discipline issues with your child? Have your tried everything you know, and it's still not working. Don't know what else to do? Looking for some good sound advice?

    Discipline has become a taboo word associated with harshness and abuse, but the real meaning of discipline involves lovingly correcting and guiding children to enable them to reach their highest potential.

    Joel and Nomi will provide tips on:
    - What training and discipline means
    - How to train your child to yield God's highest and best in their lives, now and later
    - Lessons you can apply immediately and see positive results

    Live session includes a Q & A session with Joel and Nomi. Registration fee: $10.

    Web site:     http://www.homeschoolteleclass.com

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    2. Home School Day - Kings Dominion - Deadline: March 25, 2004

    Home School Day is Thursday, April 8, 2004. You must order your discount tickets by March 25, 2004.

    Homeschool families are invited to come enjoy the park, view educational exhibits and seminars from museums and fine arts organizations, and more this spring! HEAV is participating in the Home School Day and will be sending more information at the end of February. Look for complete details in the next issue of the Virginia Home Educator magazine. (If you aren’t receiving our FREE magazine, sign up at     www.heav.org.)


    Web site:     http://kingsdominion.com/groupsales_special.jsp

    Ticket order form brochure: http://kingsdominion.com/images/04_hs_broc.pdf

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    3. 21st Annual HEAV Convention & Educational Fair - June 10-12, 2004

    Theme: Home Education: Coming of Age
    Richmond Center
    Richmond, Virginia

    Reminder: The HEAV Annual Convention will be June 10-12, 2004. If you have associated Convention with Father's Day...don't! It usually works that way, but not this year. Typically, the Richmond Center does not give us a choice of convention dates, but this year, they had the weekend before Father’s Day available. And since you’ve been asking us for years to pick another weekend, we jumped at this first opportunity. Let us know what you think!

    This year, we have the most amazing line-up of speakers that we’ve ever had! Speakers include: Gregg and Sono Harris, David Barton, Mike Farris, Debra Strayer, Carol Barnier, Barb Shelton, Cindy Wiggers, Andrew Pudewa, Tammy Duby, Jessie Wise, Dr. Jay Wile, Jeff Baldwin, Dr. Joel Orr, and many others.

    The FunnyMoms will be back, along with the Denton Brothers’ Children’s Program, and FREE How-to-Begin workshops on Thursday, June 10. We’ll have Graduation with Mike Farris giving the commencement address, a Support Group Leader Luncheon, a special Teen Track, a Single Parents’ Luncheon, and of course, a gigantic Exhibit Hall, and the ever-popular Used Curriculum Sale.

    Be sure to mark your calendar—and tell a friend--you won’t want to miss it! Convention information will be mailed in early March. If you are not on our mailing list, just go to     www.heav.org and sign up.

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    4. Winter Sale - Dover Publications - Now Through February 16, 2004
     
    They have selected over 400 of some of their most popular books to include in this sale. Dover has a wide variety of great titles at unbelievably low prices right now.

    Winter sale ends February 16, 2004.

    Sale Web site link:     http://www.doverpublications.com/wintersale21/

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    5. "ToyChallenge" Contest - Registration Ends February 15, 2004

    TOYchallenge is a chance for teams of imaginative kids in grades 5-8 to create and design a toy or game.

    TOYchallenge 2004 will feature six Regional Showcases in March and April, in addition to the National Showcase in San Diego in July. The Regionals will be held in Phoenix, AZ; Sacramento, CA; Washington, DC; Smith College, MA; Raleigh, NC; and at COSI in Columbus, OH. (The three Arizona, DC, and Sacramento Regionals will also be Sally Ride Science Festivals.)

    Registration closes on February 15, 2004, (it has been extended from the original January 30, 2004, deadline). The closest Regional Showcase for Virginia this year is at Smith College (Northampton, MA) on April 3. According to the Web site, they are planning one for Washington, DC, but no date has been announced yet, so plan on the April 3, location, just in case.

    To register or for more information:     http://www.toychallenge.com

    [Our thanks to Kristen Greenaway, Sally Ride Science Club.]

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    6. Youth Education Summit -

    The National Rifle Association's Youth Education Summit (Y.E.S.) began in 1995 with a goal to reach sophomores and juniors from all across the United States with the goal of imparting the significance of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights while developing an understanding of the government process and the importance of actively participating in it.

    This program is open to all freshmen, sophomores, and juniors who meet the requirements and fill out the application.

    Harrisburg, PA     - April 1-4, 2004 - Application Deadline February 6, 2004
    Richmond, VA - April 22-25, 2004 - Applicaiton Deadline February 27, 2004

    HEAV Connecting Link:     http://www.heav.org/links/h3s.html

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    7.  "History through Folksong" Musical Resource Available

    Keith and Rusty McNeil have recorded eight, two-CD recordings containing "History Through Folksong," with historical narration. Beginning with Colonial Days and ending with Working and Union Songs in the 1930s. The Web site includes sample audio clips.

    Web site:     http://www.mcneilmusic.com/wemrecords.html
     
    [Our thanks to Trivium Pursuit -     http://www.triviumpursuit.com]

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    Cool Web Sites
    8. Twelve Resources For Online Units/Lessons

    These online links come from Carrie, in Chesapeake. Some are just outlines. Some go far enough to give full instructions and lists of books to read.

    Lesson plans and worksheets for teachers
    http://www.gigglepotz.com/curriculum.htm

    Mrs. Fischer's Kinder-Themes - For the younger set.
    http://www.kinderthemes.com/

    Discovery Channel's Word Search Maker - Use your own vocabulary list and make a cool word search out of it that you can print out.
    HEAV Connecting link:     http://www.heav.org/links/kj3.html

    Resources, Lesson Plans, & Activities for Kindergartners - Links upon links upon links.
    HEAV Connecting link:     http://www.heav.org/links/l2q.html

    Scholastic Teachers - Lesson plans for all ages/grades from Scholastic
    http://teacher.scholastic.com/

    SEDL Paso Partners - Lessons/Units focusing mainly on math and science but some LA too.
    http://www.sedl.org/scimath/pasopartners/

    The Educator's Reference Desk - Tons of info and links here plus they say 2,000-3,000 lesson plans.
    http://www.eduref.org/

    Sassafrass Grove Unit Studies for Homeschool:
    HEAV Connecting link:     http://www.heav.org/links/flp.html

    Unit Study Directory - So many subjects here you'll faint! If you need a lesson/unit on it, it's probably here!
    http://www.thefourwheelers.com/units/

    Unit Study Library - This one looks like it's fallen into disrepair, lots of broken links but you can still find a gem or two.
    http://teachers.hypermart.net/links/pages/

    Worldbook Grade Level Guide - A list of things your student should know by grade level; it's generic and not geared towards any specific state requirements. Also has activities and lessons to go along with subjects.
    http://www2.worldbook.com/parents/course_study_curr0.asp

    School Express - Free printable worksheets.
    http://www.schoolexpress.com/fwsindex.php
     
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    9. NASA Experiment - Free Fall

    Galileo first introduced the concept of free fall. His classic experiments led to the finding that all objects free fall at the same rate, regardless of their mass. According to legend, Galileo dropped balls of different mass from the Leaning Tower of Pisa to help support his ideas.

    A freely falling body is an object that is moving under the influence of gravity only. These objects have a downward acceleration toward the center of the earth. Newton later took Galileo's ideas about mechanics and formalized them into his laws of motion.

    NASA scientists have proven theoretically many times that Galileo was right:
    http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/mofall.html
    http://www.lerc.nasa.gov/WWW/K-12/airplane/ffall.html
    http://science.msfc.nasa.gov/msl1/ground_lab/exp2.htm
    http://science.msfc.nasa.gov/msl1/ground_lab/msl1wheenpi.htm
    http://www-spof.gsfc.nasa.gov/stargaze/Sfall.htm
    http://microgravity.grc.nasa.gov/drop2/how.htm

    See other details at http://www.mathandscience4u.com

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    10.  Suicide Survivors Resource - "Memory Tree of Lights"

    Unfortunately, we found out about this resource too late to include it before Christmas.

    We hope that you, or someone you know, never have to go through the pain of suicide. But, if you know someone, now or in the future, you might point them to this Web site:     http://www.memorytrees.org.
     
    The "Memory Tree of Lights" is a ministry which focuses on the Christmas holiday season and provides comfort, education, intervention and hope to people whose lives have been impacted by the loss of someone to suicide and who are overwhelmed by this loss during the Christmas season. Included at this site is a Resources section.

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    11.  Middle School Chemistry Resource

    "Mrs. Gibson's Periodic Table ADventure Web site" was created in accordance with the 8th grade chemistry curriculum at Princeton Community Middle School (Indiana). It introduces and explores basic chemistry concepts, and practices these concepts using engaging Web-based research and activities. In the culminating activity, students will perform a WebQuest that requires them to research an element using the Internet. Once students have researched their elements, students will develop and perform commercials for their elements.

    Web site: http://web.buddyproject.org/web017/web017/

    [Our thanks to Homeschool Hotline.]

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    12.  Cool Web Site: ChristianLogic.com

    Nathaniel and Hans Bluedorn are the sons of Harvey and Laurie Bluedorn (    www.triviumpursuit.com). They have been homeschooled all of their lives and live near New Boston, Illinois. They have co-authored The Fallacy Detective, a book on logic for children and adults.

    At their Web site,     http://www.christianlogic.com, you can pester them with questions on logic, read interesting articles, read through message boards, even sign up for a "Logic Loop" via e-mail.

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    13. The Internet Can Be Fun!

    Okay, here are two online games that are good for nothing other than wasting your time and having fun. Do NOT share these Web sites with your students until June, when school is out, or you will probably watch their grades plummet over the next few months. You, on the other hand, can waste your time at these sites, instead of cooking dinner. After all, that's why we have "carry out."

    "The Flying Cow" -     http://www.flingthecow.com/flash/default.asp
    The object here is to catapult a cow and land it in a bulls-eye. You get 10 cows. If you get more than 300 points, you get to register your name on their high score list for the week (scores change weekly).

    "Penguin Baseball" -     http://pya.cc/pyaimg/pimg.php?imgid=2437
    You thought baseball was just a springtime sport? Well, what do you think they do at the South Pole where it is never spring? That's right, they play penguin baseball. Note: You do not have to download the Japanese characters in order to play. You just click on the penguin, to launch him, then click on the abominable snowman when you are ready to swing. How far can you sail a penguin?

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    Mmmmm
    14. New M&M Colors to Aid Breast Cancer
    I didn't check this out :( but hope we can tell on the bag :)  and eating chocolate is certainly worth the effort ... I mean supporting the cause is worth the effort.
     
    > Pass this on to all of your friends. There are many women out there who
    > have breast cancer. Lets do all we can to support this cause.
    > New Pink &White M&M's
    >
    > The makers of M&M candies has teamed up with the Susan G. Komen Breast
    > Cancer Foundation to raise funds through the sale of their new " pink &
    > white " M&M candies.
    > For each 8-ounce bag of the special candies sold, the makers of M&M
    > (Masterfoods) will donate 50 cents to the foundation. The next time
    > you want a treat, please pick up a bag (now sold in stores nationwide)
    > -
    > you will be donating to a great cause and satisfying your sweet tooth.
    >
    > Please pass on to all your family and friends. -- Thank you.

    Feb. extra notes

    Please contact Katy Fowle if you are interested in either of these:
     Homeschool PE
    Wheaton Community Center
    Wed. 1-2
    Jan. 7 through end of March
    $60/family
     

    Feb. Meeting     (back to index)

    Dear Members,
    Sherri Hilton  will be our speaker for the February meeting.  She owns a hands-on science education company and sells all kinds of science materials and curriculum for the homeschooler.  She will be discussing science taught at home and demonstrating some products.  Get your questions ready!  In fact, if you can think of any right now you can send them to me and I'll pass them on.
    I hope to hear from you and see you there.    God Bless you,  Eppie
     
    Now for the news.
    General:
    1. Answers in Genesis speaker, Jan 25

    2. Scrapbooking with Katy Fowle

    Fun with C-SPAN

     3.  C-SPAN in the Classroom - Free map
    4. STATE OF THE UNION LESSON PLAN
    History Channel lesson plans

    5. A&E/History Channel lesson plans on the Barbarians
    did I already share this?
    6. Education Opportunities With The Civil Air Patrol
    7. Senari.com Web Site Updated
    8. Cool Math Web Sites
    9. Robert Burns' Birthday - good info.
    Ready to plan for April?
    10.  Homeschool Day

    at the Maryland Historical Society, April 6th

    *********************************************************

    1. Answers in Genesis speaker, Jan 25
    The Age of the Earth—hear AiG’s Geoff Stevens in Winchester, VA—Sunday, January 25
    Dynamic Answers in Genesis speaker Geoff Stevens will be speaking at Fellowship Bible Church in Winchester on Sunday, January 25 (morning and evening services). These free sessions will feature talks entitled ‘The Age of the Earth’ and ‘Creation—What’s the Big Deal.’ Fellowship Bible Church is located at 3217 Middle Road in Winchester.
    For more information on the Winchester event, please call (540) 662-7743 or go to our     online event listing.

    *********************************************************

    2. Scrapbooking with Katy Fowle
     My next Workshops are February 28 than March 20.  Both 10 AM to 1 PM. 
            If you need one on one attention to get things going I would be glad to schedule a time to meet you at your home or you could come here to mine.  I have big table with lots of space.  I also have lots of ideas to do your albums well in a reasonable amount of time.  Think of the stories your family will have to share for decades to come.
                 I am having a new promotion for January and February.  If you book a show and keep the date with one or more guests (barring any bad weather) you will receive a tea cup template and have your name added to a raffle to win a New Sweet Moments Album, Winter Medley Stickers and a Mini Heart Maker. Call or email me soon time slots are limited.  And don't forget all the gifts you will receive as a coordinator.

    *********************************************************

     3.   C-SPAN in the Classroom - Free map

    C-SPAN in the Classroom is pleased to offer its members another opportunity to order your ***FREE*** Electoral College Map classroom poster! As a member, you can view and request your free poster at:
    http://www.c-span.org/classroom/2004vote/promotion1.asp

    This colorful 44" x 44" poster can jumpstart a variety of lessons and fit a wide range of subject matters and grade levels. 

    With the poster, you and your students can:

    --see the number of electoral votes assigned to each state;
    --learn which party won each state's electoral votes in the 2000 presidential election;
    --trace historical trends in electoral college results;
    --track key dates in the 2004 campaign year using the interactive calendar pages; and
    --make informed predictions about the 2004 presidential race.

    With the lessons of the 2000 election still fresh, we hope you'll find the poster a useful resource for showing students that elections can be exciting--and the closer we watch, the more we learn. 

    A limited number of posters are available FREE to members. Don't delay--order yours today! To VIEW and REQUEST the poster, simply click on the link below or cut and paste the URL directly into your web browser:
    http://www.c-span.org/classroom/2004vote/promotion1.asp
     
    *********************************************************
    4. STATE OF THE UNION LESSON PLAN
    STATE OF THE UNION
    Tuesday, January 20, 2004
    9pm ET on C-SPAN
    ***Coverage begins at 8pm ET***

    Take advantage of C-SPAN in the Classroom's teaching resources to find suggestions for discussing the STATE OF THE UNION with your students. There, you will also find ACTIVITY GUIDELINES for viewing and analyzing the speech with your students.
    http://www.c-span.org/classroom/lang/state.asp

    Lead you students in discovering the foundations behind the speech. For example, does the Constitution require an annual State of the Union address from the President? Who was the first modern president to deliver the address in person? Which members of the cabinet are present? Allow your students to make predictions about this year's speech as well. How will the current political climate, especially the presidential campaign, influence the event? What points or issues do you think the president will raise?

    Visit the STATE OF THE UNION ARCHIVE. Trace the history of the State of the Union from 1947, when Harry Truman delivered the first televised State of the Union, through George W. Bush's 2003 speech.
    http://www.c-span.org/classroom/lang/state.asp
    *********************************************************
    5. A&E/History Channel lesson plans on the Barbarians
    (If it doesn't fit in now, you can always tape them for later and the plans are good for ideas even without the shows)
    - Sat. 24th8-10pm -- Barbarians - Vikings/Goths
    >From the 9th Century BC through the 14th Century
    AD, barbarian hordes on horseback thundered
    across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Shot in film on
    location, we examine their conquests and also
    their cultures, leaders, and roles in shaping
    history. In a 2-hour special, we shatter myths
    about the Vikings, and see how they became agents
    of social and political change, and the Goths,
    who sacked Rome itself, and ironically,
    maintained Roman art and culture in their Goth
    kingdoms as the Empire faded away.

    10-12am -- Barbarians - Mongols/Huns
    In this 2-hour special, shot in film on location,
    we examine the barbarian hordes that swept across
    Europe, Asia, and Africa, from the 9th Century BC
    through the 14th Century AD. First, we look at
    "The Mongol Catastrophe"--the invasion by nomadic
    warriors that swarmed out of the east
    overwhelming the Ottoman Empire. Then, we examine
    the mysterious Huns, who fell upon the European
    continent like the vengeance of God. Some say the
    Chinese built the Great Wall to keep them out.
    Teacher's Guides available:
    Goths :
    http://aetv.chtah.com/a/hBABzCKADspiuAPLK7RAB6nzgOz/clas15
    Mongols:
    http://aetv.chtah.com/a/hBABzCKADspiuAPLK7RAB6nzgOz/clas16
    Huns:
    http://aetv.chtah.com/a/hBABzCKADspiuAPLK7RAB6nzgOz/clas17
    Vikings:
    http://aetv.chtah.com/a/hBABzCKADspiuAPLK7RAB6nzgOz/clas18
     
    *********************************************************
    6. Education Opportunities With The Civil Air Patrol

    The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) was established December 1, 1941 and is a private, nonprofit organization of a benevolent character, and incorporated by the United States Congress on July 1, 1946.

    Many homeschoolers enjoy participating in local Civil Air Patrol programs.  There is probably one close to you.  Visit http://www.cap.gov/about/PROGRAMS/CP.html to find out more.
    *********************************************************
    7. Senari.com Web Site Updated

    Senari.com has recently updated their Web site with new products and PDF formats for all of their printable materials.  This should make it easier for Macintosh users to download demos, for example.

    Three complete study units are available as free downloads from their website: the Bird Study Unit, Cork Board Maps - Islands, and Classification of Reptiles.

    Web site:  http://www.senari.com
    *********************************************************
    8. Cool Math Web Sites

    AAA Math - http://www.aaamath.com
    This Web site offers math pages to illustrate and provide interactive arithmetic exercises and problems.  They contain a series of basic math lessons which are a resource that can be used by math students in formal elementary education math classes, home schooling or elsewhere. Includes:
    - Hundreds of pages of Basic Math Skills
    - Interactive Practice on every page
    - An Explanation of the math topic on each page
    - Several Challenge Games on every page
    - Math Problems that are randomly created

    Aplusmath.com - http://www.aplusmath.com
    This web site was developed to help students improve their math skills interactively.  It offers Flash Cards, a Game Room, Homework Helper and Worksheets.
    *********************************************************

    9. Robert Burns' Birthday
     
    http://www.answerpoint.org/columns2.asp?column_id=914&column_type=feature
     

    10.  Homeschool Day

    at the Maryland Historical Society

      

    Tuesday, April 6, 2004 9:30AM to 1 PM

     

     *    History Workshops for students of all ages.
     *  Introduction to MdHS Student Research Center, Traveling Trunks, Primary Source Kits, and Outreach Programs.
    * 10% discount on Museum Shop purchases.
     * Admission to Baltimore Ablaze – The Great Baltimore Fire of 1904

     

    School Days History Workshop  (Ages 6 – 9 ) – Museum tour about childhood in the 19th century and hands-on activities focusing on school long ago.

     

    Maryland Bound History Workshop (Ages 8 – 12 ) – Museum tour about colonial Maryland, and hands-on activities exploring the social circumstances and economic decisions that faced Maryland's earliest colonists.

     

    Historical Investigation (Ages 13 – 18 ) Introduction to using primary sources in the new MdHS Student Research Center for History, and analyzing primary documents relating to Maryland’s position on the eve of the Civil War.

     

    $5 per person for adults and students age 6 – 18

    (Children under 6 may accompany parents, but no age-appropriate programs are available.  Sorry, no strollers or baby backpacks.)

     

    Space is limited, so sign up today!  Call the Maryland Historical Society Education Department at 410-685-3750, Ext. 336 to register.

    January 2004    (back to index)

    Dear Heritage Family,

     
    It was lovely to start the new Heritage year with Kathy's devotion about true beauty.  Everywhere we turn the Living Word says keep your eyes on Me, abide in Me, know who I am.  We are like trees planted by streams of water when our delight is in the law of the Lord, when we meditate on it day and night.  We bear fruit in season, our leaves do not wither, we prosper in all that we do. (Ps 1)
     
    Our speaker, Suzanne Ellis, gave us some good tips on the path before us in teaching highschool.  I am beginning to type them up to put on a page in our website.  It will be under Great Stuff, Highschool when I can get it done.  (Right now my computer won't let me edit our website!  By God's grace I'm not shooting the computer or anyone else; honestly, there is a peace that passes understanding!)
     
    I have a lot of good things to pass on to you.  So many that you may be tempted not to save any so I will tell you what I do to save only that which I may use.  I copy and paste the parts I want onto an email that I send to myself.  Then I dump the all the mails and such I don't need.  As it so happens I have been collecting several highschool and college websites.  Here goes, have fun.  Eppie ... (again, many thanks to HEAV and others)
     
    General Information
        
        2. Kitchen Chemistry
        3. Reader's Digest Online Citizenship Quiz
      
        5. Scripture Memorizer Group
    Highschool and College Direction
        6. Cool Web sites
            Enotes - Literature study guides
            CollegeBoard - entry counseling
            BestFourYears - college entry counseling
            CollegeConfidential -College admission counseling
        
        9. Amtrak Discounts for visiting campuses
        10. Resource: Motivational Appraisal of Personal Potential (MAPP)
    Websites
        11. Cool Websites
            Countries of the world
            Where's George
            Homeschool Highlights
    Reprints
        12. HEAV : 'Now' came from many points  A great piece on how where we are is dependant on so many points in the past.   
        13. The Teaching Home: Your Child's Health Assessments
      
     
    General Information
    ****************************************
    2. Kitchen Chemistry
    Take a Test Spin
    Visit the Kitchen Chemistry website - www.thechemistryguy.com - and watch an experiment online. Find out how much fun science can be. Tryout Kitchen Chemistry.
     
    3. Reader's Digest Online Citizenship Quiz

    Could you pass a citizenship test? As we celebrate our nation's independence this July, find out how much you really know! Just select the right answers to 10 questions -- all typical questions you might find on the exam given by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services -- and test your knowledge of U.S. history and the structure of our government.

    http://www.rd.com/common/nav/index.jhtml?channelId=5&subChannelId=20&articleId=9526064
     

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    5. Scripture Memorizer Group

    A small group of memorizers, who are memorizing a verse from each chapter of the Old Testament at the pace of one verse per day, invite you to join them. For more information, or to join, contact Phil Walker (    philjohn1558@yahoo.com).
    Highschool and College Direction
     
    6. Cool Web sites:
     
    Multiple student literature study guides and links to more, like Shakespeare and Poe..
    http://www.enotes.com
     
    Connecting students to college opportunities and success; SAT's to college applications, and financial aid.
    http://www.collegeboard.com/
     
    College admission counseling (more great info)
    http://www.bestfouryears.com

    CollegeConfidential.com
    College Confidential was founded to demystify many aspects of the college admissions process, and to help even “first timer” students and parents understand the process like “old pros.” They have an editorial team to bring visitors the best and most unique college admissions content on the Web. These contributors include an experienced independent college admissions counselor: a senior admissions officer who has served in multiple selective colleges; and, for an “outsider” perspective, a parent who has participated in his own children’s admissions process and is active in high school academics.
     
    Two of the contributors authored “America’s Elite Colleges: The Smart Buyer’s Guide to the Ivy League and Other Top Schools”, published by Random House-Princeton Review in August 2001. Sally Rubenstone, author of “The Panicked Parents Guide to College Admissions”, joined College Confidential as Senior College Counselor and Contributing Editor last year. 
    http://www.collegeconfidential.com/ 


    ************************************************
     
    9. Amtrak Discounts
     
    Discounts using Amtrak to visit campuses
    http://www.campusvisit.com/amtrak.htm
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    10. Resource: Motivational Appraisal of Personal Potential (MAPP)

    The Motivational Appraisal of Personal Potential (MAPP) points you to your true gifts and talents for work. The basis of MAPP is Motivation - the force within that drives us. This is something that cannot be learned or taught, it is simply "what makes you tick." MAPP is a tool for students and educators to align a person's motivations with the work they do. So take the MAPP and get one step closer to building a satisfying career based on your natural motivations. The goal is to get a job you love, so you'll never work a day in your life.

    Web site:     http://student.assessment.com/

    *************************************************
    Websites
     
    11. Cool Websites:
     
    Countries of the World

    There are thousands of pages with information on world history, weather, governments, economies, people, currencies, etc. You can view maps, flags, or listen to national anthems. Every nation and province in the world is covered.

    Website: http://www.CountryReports.org
     
    *************************************************
    Where's George?

    No, this is not a George W. Bush tracking website. Ever wonder where that dollar bill in your pocket might have been? I never have any, so this would not work for me. But, if you are lucky enough to have a few and curious to see where your money has been, you can visit the http://www.wheresgeorge.com website. Just enter the denomination, series and serial number and see where George, Abe and Alexander have been.
    http://www.wheresgeorge.com/register.php
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    Homeschool Highlights

    Homeschool Highlights provides homeschooling resources for homeschooling parents and students. This site is hosted by Dean and Karen Andreola, noted Christian homeschooling authors who review curriculum resources for Christian Book Distributors.

    Web site:     http://www.homeschoolhighlights.com
     
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    Reprints
     
    12. HEAV : 'Now' came from many points

    Picking up the newspaper, and opening it to the front page, I was stopped dead in my tracks by the picture. I was looking at the surface of Mars. I just stood there for a few minutes, overwhelmed and amazed at what I saw, lingering over every small detail.

    Just a few weeks ago, the world celebrated the centennial of flight. Did those two bicycle brothers from Dayton, Ohio, have any idea that they had not only freed man from earth's gravitational pull that day, they had also freed man's imagination?

    In the late 1890s, Guglielmo Marconi dreamed of wireless communication between cities and trembled with excitement at the thought of continental communication. Could he ever have imagined that his invention would one day transmit pictures and information between planets?

    On a summer day in 1827, it took eight hours for Joseph Nicéphore Niépce to obtain the first fixed photographic image. The picture I was looking at was obtained in just three hours. From another planet. 105 million miles away. In 3-D.

    In 1948, the first stored program, one to generate factors of numbers, was successfully run on a computer. The first time it was run, it took one minute to complete the one simple request. The second time it ran, the same task took two minutes. Fifty-five years later, hundreds of computers, making billions of calculations per second, would guide a spacecraft on a six-month, 302 million mile journey. Did they have any idea?

    My grandfather used to marvel that he had witnessed man going from a horse and buggy, to the automobile, to walking on the moon.

    What struck me most, as I stared at that Martian landscape and read the report, was that this incredible feat had been accomplished with old technology. Yes, vastly improved technology, but it was still gravity-defying crafts, radio signals, photographs, and calculating engines.

    In teaching your children, you probably use Internet connections, video resources, still-color photographs, and recorded sound. But you also use books, chalkboards, #2 pencils, and paper. Use every tool available to you for the instruction of your children, including the latest technologies. But remember, cherish and use the old technologies, as well. Be sure to include the oldest, and best, of them all: one-on-one instruction. You will probably be using this thirty years from now: when you are teaching your grandchildren, back on Earth, from your brand new retirement home - in a galaxy far, far away.
     
    From the HEAV newsletter, presumably the editor.

     20 YEARS!
    HEAV -- Promoting and protecting home education in Virginia through information, legislation, and resources since 1983! To subscribe to the HEAV Update, visit     www.heav.org.

    *****************************************

    13. The Teaching Home: Your Child's Health Assessments

    Summer is a good time for home-school families to conduct health assessments for their children (that would otherwise be done for them in the public schools). Your child's health, hearing, and vision greatly affect his ability to learn, and an ounce of prevention truly is worth a pound (or more) of cure!

    General Fitness
    Measure and record your child's weight and height and chart his growth. Observe and note your child's overall appearance, activity, strength, balance, and flexibility. Schedule a check-up visit with your health care provider if you have any questions.

    Hearing
    All children develop communication skills at a different rate, but parents should pay attention to speech, language, and hearing milestones and take action if they suspect a problem. Sudden, excessive, or continued loud noises, including video games or loud music, especially with headphones, can permanently damage your child's hearing.
    http://www.lhh.org/noise/prevent.htm

    Early identification of hearing problems may enable developing problems to be corrected by treatment that would be ineffective or less effective if delayed. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recommends that hearing should be tested by age 5, and again at ages 6, 7, 8, 13, and 17, or at any time there is a question or concern regarding your child's hearing such as poor response to noise or voice, slow language or speech development, or abnormal sounding speech.
    http://www.asha.org/hearing/testing/

    Vision
    Vision is a key factor in the learning process. Vision is more than clarity of seeing; it is the ability to visualize, understand and apply the information that comes through the eyes. Children with 20/20 sight may not have these abilities. Therefore, learning problems are often related to vision problems such as eye movement, eye teaming, and visual form perception problems. Information about children's vision development, basic vision skills needed for school work, and symptoms that may indicate your child has a vision or visual processing problem is supplied by the American Optometric Association and the Optometric Extension Program Foundation on the following websites:
    http://www.healthy.net/oep/PARENT.HTM
    http://www.healthy.net/oep/CLASSROOM.HTM
    http://www.healthy.net/oep/VISION.HTM
    http://www.aoa.org/conditions/schoolage_vision.asp

    What is Behavioral Optometry?
    Protect your child's eyes with regular eye exams (every two years), sun glasses with UV protection, safety glasses to protect from hazards during work or sports. When reading or studying, make sure your child has proper lighting and good posture, takes breaks by refocusing on distant objects, and limits his total time of close work each day.
    http://www.healthy.net/oep/WHAT.HTM

    Computer Vision Center helps you overcome and prevent vision problems related to computer use.
    http://www.compukiss.com/vc/vc.html

    Dental/Oral Health
    Helping your child develop good oral health habits should be a top priority. These include good nutrition, consistent cleaning, brushing, and flossing (by parent until child can do a good job, about 7 years old). Also include regular dental check-ups.
    http://www.ada.org/public/topics/parents/tips.html

    Spine
    Scoliosis is an abnormal side-to-side curvature of the spine. Severe scoliosis puts pressure on the heart, diminishes lung capacity, and limits physical activity. An annual screening for Scoliosis and Kyphosis (round back) during the bone-growing years can make the difference between a preventable condition and disability in adult years. You or your physician can perform a 30-second annual screening during these growing years. (See link below. Click on Resources; then "1 in Every 10 Have Scoliosis.")

    National Scoliosis Foundation - http://www.scoliosis.org

    Immunizations
    Immunizations are controversial because of side effects that can and do occur. Explore both sides of the question:
    Centers for Disease Control - http://www.cdc.gov/nip
    National Vaccine Information Center - http://www.909shot.com

    Child Health Guide: Put Prevention into Practice
    This guide briefly explains preventative care for children, such as check-up visits, immunizations, and tests. Includes links to charts to print, fill out, and keep as records.
    http://www.ahcpr.gov/ppip/ppchild.htm

    Copyright 2002 by The Teaching Home magazine, Reprinted by permission. To order back issues of The Teaching Home magazine, visit http://www.TeachingHome.com
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    5. Five Online Resources - Math, Planner Sheets and More

    MATH HELP FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL - http://www.mathleague.com/help/help.htm
    This handy little web tool to introduce to your middle-school level homeschooler, has definitions and samples of all math topics introduced up to the end of middle school.

    TOOTHPICK PUZZLES - http://sln.fi.edu/sln/school/tfi/spring96/puzzles/puzzle1.html
    Here are some fun math challenges for your teens to try--they will have to remove and/or add the requisite amount of toothpicks in order to create the new forms. Great for logic and critical thinking skills. Answers are available.

    GALLERY OF INTERACTIVE GEOMETRY - http://www.geom.uiuc.edu/apps/gallery.html
    There is certainly much to explore here: build a rainbow and determine the angles of light passing through water droplets, explore Pascal’s theorem by specifying your own points on a conic, or try an interactive editor for symmetry patterns on a plane, among other applications.

    PRINTABLE DAILY PLANNER SHEETS - http://www.digital-women.com/daily-planner/
    Do you need to print out a chore chart? A babysitter planner? A shopping list? A daily appointment sheet? How about simply a list of important numbers, a supplier list, or a planner for birthdays or even house repairs? This site seems to have all the bases covered, and you’re sure to find a planner to meet your own needs.

    MEET FIVE HOMESCHOOLERS - http://freedom.orlingrabbe.com/lfetimes/five_homeschoolers.htm
    Need some inspiration for yourself as a homeschooling teacher, or for your teens? Then read about these five different teenagers, all homeschooled, and all with wonderful success stories to tell.

    [Our thanks to HomeSchoolNet.]
     
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    7. Two National Homeschool Sports Resources

    Homeschool Basketball National Website: http://www.geocities.com/homeschoolbasketball
    Includes information on how to set up a team, tax exemption, insurance, scholarships, setting up a team Web site, open tournaments, resource links, state-by-state reports, college contacts, feature articles, bulletin board, history, developmental topics, and much more.

    National Christian Homeschool Athletic Association (NCHAA): http://www.geocities.com/NCHAASports
    The NCHAA works to develop homeschool sports across the nation by (1) setting standards for conduct and participation, (2) organizing and developing national and regional tournaments, (3) acting as a resource for colleges and universities seeking information on homeschool athletes, and (4) acting as a resource for homeschool parents looking for sports programs.
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    10. "Let's Get Real" Challenges

    This Web site features challenges by American corporations for solutions to real problems. Although the prizes may not be high dollar, the reward from the challenge and the experience solving the challenge could pay high dividends.

    Currently listed are six challenges: five from Hershey Foods and one from PPL Corporation.

    "Let's Get Real" Challenges Web site: http://www.lgreal.org/2004challenges.shtml
     
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    16. HSLDA’s “Issues Library” Revised

    The Issues Library on HSLDA’s Web site has been revised and updated. The Issues Library is full of position papers and articles on various issues of concern to the homeschool community. These documents can be used to persuade legislators, craft legislation, and influence professionals in government, education, and other administrative bodies.

    Some of the topics in the Issues Library include: child welfare reform, guidelines for homeschoolers seeking admission to college, the importance of religious freedom acts, parent-taught driver education, the dangers of virtual charter schools, the rights of homeschoolers in the military, how to obtain governmental homeschool proclamations, the pros and cons of immunizations, tips for preventing social worker investigations, socialization, reasons to homeschool, and many other important topics.

    You can view HSLDA’s Issues Library at http://www.hslda.org/docs/default.asp

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    17. HSLDA Report Released: "Homeschooling Grows Up"

    This is the largest research survey to date of adults who were home educated. Over the last decade, researchers, professionals, parents, the media, and many others have asked repeatedly: How do homeschooled students turn out? Can a homeschool graduate get into college or get a job? How do they fit into society? Are they good citizens? Are they happy?

    In 2003, HSLDA commissioned Dr. Brian D. Ray, president of the National Home Education Research Institute, to conduct a study to answer these questions. The results of his research demonstrate that homeschoolers are succeeding.

    View the results online: http://www.hslda.org/research/ray2003/

    Media coverage of the report appeared in a Washington Times article on October 23, 2003 (http://www.washtimes.com/culture/20031022-092314-2522r.htm).

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    18. New CBS Complaint Telephone Line

    In response to the many calls Viacom/CBS has received regarding their CBS News report on homeschooling they have set-up a special line specifically for those who would like to make comments about it: (212) 975-5005.

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    19.  Cool Web site: Teach Impressionism

    A teachers packet of lessons was created to accompany the exhibition "Impressionism: Paintings Collected by European Museums." These lessons can be used by teachers instructing grades one through eight. The lessons introduce the major themes of the Impressionism movement and are interdisciplinary - incorporating the arts, math, science, language arts and social studies. You can both download and browse the document.

    Web site: http://www.impressionism.org/teachimpress/

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    20. Cool Web Site: Sanford Art Education and Art Edventures

    This Web site advertises art products and resources for creative individuals from beginner to advanced. There are art games, for primary grades and intermediate grades, and up. Take, for example, "The Art of Crime Detection," an interactive Web activity consisting of an introductory animation, two crime-solving scenarios, and a open-ended drawing tool for middle school students. The player helps to solve annoying but rather innocuous crimes (e.g., toilet-papering a tree) by using both the left and right brain to draw composite sketches of a perpetrator. While they play, players will readily experience the artistic effects and consequences of relying solely on the right or left brains. They will develop an understanding of what parts of the brain are appropriate to use for artistic expression. You can even download the game to use on your own computer. This is just one of many resources at this fabulous site.

    Web site: http://www.sanford-artedventures.com/index.html
     
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    21. A Constitution for Afghanistan
    This is their website if you wonder how these things come about.  It is a government in the making.
    http://www.constitution-afg.com
     
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    9. The World & I

    Dear Homeschooler,
    We at The World & I have been busy enhancing our homeschool site to further expand our interdisciplinary approach to learning. Recently we posted a new special collection: Scientists: Past and Present (click here: 
    http://www.worldandihomeschool.com/specialcollection/special-collection-scientist.asp).
    In this collection -- which covers the full spectrum of scientific fields, from archaeology to zoology -- you will have an opportunity to get to know over 100 scientists up close and personal.  Also, you can easily identify Nobel laureates and women scientists with a key stoke. 
    You can access this collection free for one full week, just by clicking on the link above. If you are a current subscriber, you can continue enjoying this collection with your access code. If you do not subscribe yet, we invite you to explore all the other features of our website at www.worldandihomeschool.com and join our family of subscribers.
    Mark Twain once remarked, "Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest." The World & I stands by this. Visit us to see other special collections across all disciplines, from social studies to language arts.
    For further questions, feel free to contact me at m.lee@worldandi.com.

    Sincerely,

    Mini Lee
    Online Education Coordinator
    The World & I
    3600 New York Ave., NE
    Washington, DC 20002
    (202) 636-4812
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    7. College Scholarship Resources

    AXA Achievement
    The AXA Achievement Scholarship, in association with the U.S. News & World Report, is a program of AXA Achievement - a philanthropic program dedicated to providing advice and access to help youth succeed in college and beyond. AXA Achievement is funded by the AXA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of AXA Financial.
    The AXA Achievement Scholarship, in association with U.S. News & World Report and managed by Scholarship America, provides $670,000 in annual scholarships to high school seniors throughout the nation.
    Fifty-two (52) scholarship recipients, known as AXA Achievers, will be selected – one from each state, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. These recipients will receive one-time scholarships of $10,000 each. Ten (10) AXA Achievers will be selected as national recipients from the pool of 52, earning an additional one-time scholarship of $15,000, a computer and the offer of an internship at an AXA office.
    Deadline is 12/15/2003. Scholarship Web site:     http://www.axa-achievement.com

    Other scholarship Web sites worth visiting:
    http://www.scholarshipamerica.org
    http://www.collegeboard.com/pay
         http://www.fastweb.com
     http://www.nasfaa.org
    http://www.finaid.org
    http://www.college-scholarships.com
    http://www.fastap.org
    http://www.dollarsforscholars.org



    5. Cool Website: Musical History 102

    This "Music History 102: A Guide to Western Composers and Their Music" class is found on the University of Michigan's website and was designed, compiled, and created by Robert Sherrane, cataloging librarian at the Julliard School in New York City.

    It has broken it down into six sections (The Middle Ages, The Renaissance, The Baroque Age, The Classical Period, The Romantic Era, and The Twentieth Century) and includes sound files. These sound files require the REAL audio player in order to listen to them.

    Website:     http://ipl.si.umich.edu/div/mushist/