Just back from our Vermont adventures at the Keewaydin Environmental Education Center, we jump right back into our schedule of classes – math and then grammar begin the day. It is a “Homeschool Monday” on this fine 7th of October, and we have additional students join us for science, music, current events and writing workshop. At 1:30 p.m., Cyril the Sorcerer arrives to perform a magic show focusing on energy, recycling, and climate change. The magic of recycling comes alive as he causes bottles to disappear and illustrates how everything is connected!
Tuesday, more fine academics, and then outdoor education class brings us to the ball fields where we play Wiffle ball,
ultimate Frisbee and climb on the climber.
Wednesday morning begins with a Spanish class with Maestra Adriana.
From there, we head out with Lisa who leads the group on a field study sponsored by the Whitney Water Center’s Project Water program. During science class last week, students prepared for what’s to come by learning about watersheds and land use issues, and now apply this understanding as the group travels along the Mill River from Hamden to New Haven, comparing the rural, suburban, and urban areas along the river. Students test for dissolved oxygen, nitrates, pH, and temperature to determine the health of the water system.
Thursday classes commence. Math students enthusiastically investigate parts of parts and fractions galore! We write, we read, discuss literature, and have our history classes. Outdoor education brings the group to Meigs Point Nature Center at Hammonasset State Park where Ranger Russ leads an investigation of three ecosystems. Students learn the value of salt marshes; they get right into it to experience the spongy ground! A rocky shore and sandy beach are also compared and considered for the flora and fauna that these habitats support.
It is now Friday. Why Cook? class has students preparing cream of tomato soup this morning, using a recipe that incorporates a variety of vegetables, including zucchini, acorn squash, carrots, onion, and celery to bring flavor alive. Cutting and chopping techniques improve, as do the cooperation skills required to cook as a group.
Today is the first day of our BREATHE class – a class in “mindfulness” taught by Gail using a curriculum written for adolescents. We also begin our drama class this afternoon at the Long Wharf Theater in New Haven where students work with Kristy, an educator at the theater who has custom-tailored a program to fit our theme of Ecology and Sustainability. The students will put on a play based on this theme to be held on 13 December – more details will follow.
And now a weekend, some rest and then back to it. There is much in store for next week’s ventures!