Living Without School: Chemistry

Sunday, July 09, 2006

Chemistry

This term, in our homeschool group - Group Learning - we are studying Chemistry. I think it will have a focus on cooking and kitchen chemistry.

I am thinking about follow up activities at home. We have some Chemistry textbooks and Alexander ( just turned 15! last week!) can use those as a framework. We can all do many of the experiments from these books.

I thought it might be fun to look at some famous scientists. I know Nicholas ( son number 3) wrote a book with bios of several famous scientists, and illustrations, when he was around twelve. Luke ( son number 1) wrote a Chemistry book for younger students, when he was around 15.

[We write a book each year , based on Valerie Bendt's book "Creating Books With Children.]

Anyway, I don't think we'll be making books this term. But I have found some fun Chemistry related websites - and am open to more website suggestions. :-)

A Chemistry based lesson plan, using Dr Seuss books

A Chemistry portal - many good ideas here

Mind you, this all fits in with our recent Harry Potter movie/discussion marathon - we could look at Chemistry and the HP books! Hence the pic...

2 comments:

Theresa said...: Have you seen the book "The Science of Harry Potter"? It gives possible "scientific explanations" for the magical events in the Harry Potter books. Could fit in well with what you are doing. Could be just for kicks!; 2:39 pm
Leonie said...: Thanks, Theresa - we read parts of that book last year. Also "The Physics of Star Trek" and 'The Science of Star Wars. " :-); 4:35 pm

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Prayer of Consecration of St. Maximilian Kolbe

O Immaculata, Queen of Heaven and earth, refuge of sinners and our most loving Mother, God has willed to entrust the entire order of mercy to thee. I, N___, a repentant sinner, cast myself at thy feet humbly imploring thee to take me with all that I am and have, wholly to thyself as thy possession and property. Please make of me, of all my powers of soul and body, of my whole life, death and eternity, whatever most pleases thee. If it pleases thee, use all that I am and have without reserve, wholly to accomplish what was said of thee: "She will crush your head," and, "Thou alone have destroyed all heresies in the whole world."

Let me be a fit instrument in thine Immaculate and merciful hands for introducing and increasing the maximum in all the many strayed and indifferent souls, and thus help extend as far as possible the blessed Kingdom of the most Sacred Heart of Jesus. For wherever thou enters, one obtains the grace of conversion and growth in holiness, since it is through thy hands that all graces come to us from the most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

V. Allow me to praise thee O Sacred Virgin.
R. Give me strength against thy enemies.

Prayer of St Bonaventure

Pierce, O most Sweet Lord Jesus, my inmost soul with the most joyous and healthful wound of Thy love, with true, serene, and most holy apostolic charity, that my soul may ever languish and melt with love and longing for Thee, that it may yearn for Thee and faint for Thy courts, and long to be dissolved and to be with Thee.Grant that my soul may hunger after Thee, the bread of angels, the refreshment of holy souls, our daily and supersubstantial bread, having all sweetness and savor and every delight of taste; let my heart ever hunger after and feed upon Thee, upon whom the angels desire to look, and may my inmost soul be filled with the sweetness of Thy savor; may it ever thirst after Thee, the fountain of life, the fountain of wisdom and knowledge, the fountain of eternal light, the torrent of pleasure, the richness of the house of God.May it ever compass Thee, seek Thee, find Thee, run to Thee, attain Thee, meditate upon Thee, speak of Thee, and do all things to the praise and glory of Thy name, with humility and discretion, with love and delight, with ease and affection, and with perseverance unto the end.May Thou alone be ever my hope, my entire assurance, my riches, my delight, my pleasure, my joy, my rest and tranquility, my peace, my sweetness, my fragrance, my sweet savor, my food, my refreshment, my refuge, my help, my wisdom, my portion, my possession and my treasure, in whom may my mind and my heart be fixed and firmly rooted immovably henceforth and for ever. Amen.