Lesson 4

SIRS DISCOVERER is a fascinating website!  I quite often view websites through the eyes of a homeschool parent, and there is so much available here for use for homeschool students.It is very difficult for students to find newspaper or non-fiction articles to support the papers they write.  This site is an answer to that tough dilemna.

I could not find information on my favorite animal, the Rag Doll Kitten, (maybe I wasn’t searching properly!), so instead I searched for voles. Our farm cats drop quite a few “offerings” by our back door, so I was interested in being able to tell exactly what it is they are offering us.

I checked out the map of Nepal; if you have ever read the book “Into Thin Air’ by John Krakauer, you realize how important it is to have a map to reference to as you read.  In many cases when I am reading, I find myself with an atlas at hand.  I love the study of Geography, so when I read authors like Tony Hillerman or Craig Johnson, I always refer to maps so I have a better understanding of the setting of the book.

In the other data-base feature I studied gluten-free food articles.  These articles give a quite a different perspective than if someone is doing an internet- based search. 

For the leading issue section, I chose the topic of global warming.  There is a huge amount of information available, but in doing a quick survey of it, it seems most of the articles believe climate change is underway.  There is not near as much information in support of the belief that the earth is merely in a long-term cyclical pattern.

In Curriculum Pathfinders, I chose Geography and further concentrated on Mount Everest and its tragic climbing history.  I found out a two very interesting facts:  Mount Everest is actually 7 feet taller than was first reported; and it is slowly creeping to the northeast at 2.4 inches a year.  Now how did scientists discover that, and what causes this?  There were no answers to that question in the article.  How disappointing!  I love learning weird facts like that!

Lesson 3

I found the Learning Express Library very interesting.  There are so many college, career, and adult learning helps on this site!  I was excited to see all that is available; I will be promoting this product to our high school counselor and patrons that are looking for assistance in education or in jobs skills and improvements.

I chose a basic Math test to take.  I had to do some thinking…how quickly we forget! I can see how it would be a very good refresher course for someone wanting to brush up on their skills. 

I had to write a resume and cover letter when I applied for this job last fall.  I wish I would have known about the career resources section back then! This would be a great aid to someone who is job seeking.  I write a little column in our local paper each week, and will be including in it that an individual can find assistance in these areas at the local library.  What an amazing resource for a small town!

I read  the ebook “1001 Vocabulary and Spelling Questions.”  Was just like when I helped my sons with their vocab in high school!  I love learning new words and challenging spelling questions; this would be a fun way to improve and refresh my brain.

I was very impressed with this section of the State Library.  As a former homeschool mom, I definitely will be recommending the e-Resources to other homeschool  parents as a great way to add to their children’s education.

Lesson 2

I chose a 1991 Ford F 150 pickup as the vehicle I researched.  At 30,000 miles three things needed to be done are:  change fuel filter, inspect cooling systems, and inspect the brake system including lines, hoses, and connections.  I had to chuckle, because this pickup has about 200,000 miles on it, has a tempermental transmission, and various dents and other body damage.  I drive it because there are so many deer and pheasants on the road I drive.  I do not want to wreck my good car again with all the deer I can encounter.

The latest recall/ maintenance information is a statement on the position for Ford Motor Company on the use of propylene glycol-based engine coolant.

I had never heard of a Power Brake Booster; evidently my old beater wheels have this feature!

Back when I was homeschooling my sons and trying to teach them Spanish, it was very difficult to get the correct pronunciation of the word sometimes.  This also gives us a better understanding of the language.  This is a great feature for some individuals who need the extra help at their own pace. The way words are broken down makes it easy to learn and it is not so intimidating.

Mango not only pronounces the words for you, it gives you the meaning and a better, well-rounded understanding of the word.

I believe the TumblebookLibrary has wonderful books, making it easy for busy child providers to engage youngsters in the art of appreciating books and reading.  The games are another fun resource for youngsters.  I would enjoy sharing this website with my baby granddaughter, and with young mothers in my church.  They are always looking for more educational resources to further their child’s development.

Lesson 1

World Book Kids

For my animal I chose the Rag Doll Kitten, because I have always wanted one.  There is no information or pictures posted in the World Book Kids regarding a Rag Doll Kitten.

The Rag Doll Kitten can become a large cat that gets its name from its limpness.  When you pick it up, it flops over like a ragdoll. I chose this picture because its fur and markings are similar to a Birman cat.

For my country I chose Nepal.  I have good friends from church who are missionaries in Nepal.  I like to follow their ministry and with the civil war that was happening in Nepal, I would have enjoyed using the Maps Section and the Special Reports section.  The Encyclopedia Articles will also give me a better insight into their daily lives, so I can pass along information to other individuals in church as to how they cope with a different, changing culture.

I am a former homeschool mom, and know several homeschool moms.  Many homeschoolers wish to learn a second language, and this would be a perfect way for students to hear the proper pronunciation of the word.