we've been starting our lessons with science projects! this one was a huge success! fill a saucer (bowl) with 4 tablespoons of water. light a piece of paper, drop it in a glass jar and flip it upside down in the bowl of water..... the water is sucked into the jar and not even one droplet of water will remain in the saucer/bowl! it even makes a slurping noise! the fire is desperate for oxygen!

i went to a homeschool writing workshop on monday night. a homeschool graduate and english major gave the mini seminar. it was awe inspiring and thought-provoking. all in a good way. it may not have impressed those who homeschool in a formal way... or those who simulate school at home or those who are workbook driven, drill and kill, or for those who teach for the test... but for me and our child-led unschooling it validated my definition of education. hold your tomatoes.... but, the words "school is an artificial learning environment," echoes and echoes again... in my head. that said, i had tommie do his math lesson (a scavenger hunt all over the property) outside today! all the while i picked beans and broccoli and he breathed the fresh air.