New You Tube Videos ...Geology (3 parts)

I posted a new video series link on the bottom of the blog.
Check it out and let me know if you can't view it, I'll send you the link directly if you can't.

Field trip???

Hey Guys! I just got information about this possible field trip:
Special Events for the Opposition of Mars
On March 3, 2012, the planet Mars will be in opposition. When this occurs, the Earth and Mars are unusually close to each other, so our view of Mars improves. The BSU Observatory is hosting four special events to view Mars in the week leading up to the opposition:

•Monday, February 27th at 6:30 pm
•Wednesday, February 29th at 6:30 pm
•Friday, March 2 at 6:30 pm. Please also join us before the viewing on this date for indoor, family-friendly astronomy activities and snacks.
•Saturday, March 3 at 6:30 pm. (If Friday does not run due to clouds, the activities will be moved to this date).

Let me know what you think.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology- Cambride MA

IMG_1620, a photo by ersirois on Flickr.

Geology Study

Today, my 3 students began the study of geology. Our science experiments needed much time overlap today, so we videotaped the ongoing process of the experiment. Keep posted to find out what happens to the mineral,alum powder when we let it settle in water. Look for the video link in a few days.

Lego Robotics at M.I.T. -Cambridge, MA

On Monday, January 30, 2012, four adventurous souls travelled to the banks of the Charles River - Boston. Our first experiences on the campus of the infamous Massachusetts Institute of Technology went well. Three students attended a Lego Robotics Rally with other homeschoolers from Massachusetts. All together, my guess-timation was there were 15 students in all. Paired up with partners, these students had to learn about simple machine theories like gears, and what it meant to be "gearing up or gearing down" by creating their very own motorized lego vehicles. The tasks were to create (as a team) a slow or fast moving vehicle with adding or subtracting pulley systems. One of our teams actually held the 1st place position (for about 20 mins) as the slowest vehicle created. The vehicle "the slugginator" could move 1 meter every 1.5 hours. This was calculated by observing the motion of the vehicle over time and multiplying by 10 once it reaching .10 meters. Great work everyone!!!