We began our session by carrying out a couple of experiments about greenhouse gases. The children used vinegar and baking powder to fill a balloon with CO2. There were varying degrees of success with this experiment because a few of the balloons we used tore however most of the children managed to inflate a balloon with a little carbon dioxide. I briefly explained why too much of this gas is bad for the environment and then went on to explain the effect it has on the ocean. We tried to conduct a second experiment using the carbon dioxide filled balloons but didn't manage to get a good result. I will write a post about these experiments with instructions later this week for anyone who missed the session or wants to try again.
Despite the fact the second science experiment failed they all enjoyed having a go and the beauty of science is that they can go away and refine the experiment until they succeed. Unfortunately my hands were too vinegar sodden to take a good photograph during science time!
The painting and collage which the children have been working on recently was finally transformed into a tree this week. The creation is now called the 'Thoughts Tree' and is a place for the children to give form to their ideas, thoughts, likes and inventions. This week I provided blank paper leaves and nudged them to draw their favourite things or something they liked but I am hoping that with time they will bring along a leaf of their own to add to the tree. Periodically I will encourage the children to spend some time looking at their friends leaves which will lead to some rather interesting conversations and possibly some crafty creations. The drawings this week are spectacular ranging from unicorns to family portraits - please encourage your children to bring along a leaf to add to the tree for the next session.
The balloons left over from the experiment became the source of entertainment for the afternoon. Children drew faces on balloons and danced them about and there was, of course, intermittent balloon popping.
I showed a few of the older children copies of newspapers from the 4th & 5th August 1914. They talked to me about the First World War and the centenary and although they only spent a short amount of time reading through the papers it was a valuable experience.
I managed to spend a little time chatting to the other parents about their expectations and suggestions for the next few months at the group. The outcome really seems to be that the children enjoy art based activities and also science experiments. After the discussion the plan is for a series of guided art sessions based on various famous artists exploring materials, styles and methods and also a series of science sessions where we will conduct various experiments. There will also be some creative thinking challenges to get their grey cells working. I am going to outline the sessions, let everyone take a look, comment and then finalise. It sounds terribly formal but this way everyone gets input, we can work on what we need and people can volunteer to lead sessions. I think that the next few months are going to be great fun.
There is one more summer meet-up before our 'Not Back To School' party in the park. This will be a chance for the home-educated children to come together with their parents and celebrate everything they love about being home-educated and just have fun.
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