Smart Play Home School Group

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 31

HISTORY 2- Began the Unit on the Byzantine Empire (the former Eastern Roman Empire). They really liked learning about life in Constinanople (the capitol) which was similar to life in Rome but with more diversity in language and culture. We also learned about Justinian, the greatest Bysantium emporer who recaptured some of the Roman land that had been lost to the barbarians. They enjoyed coloring a map with different colors to show which barbarian tribes he took the land from. They want the empire to have the land and think that the barbarians are the "bad guys." We had good discussions about the meaning of "empire" and how civilizations can change over time because of the influence of other cultures. It was a good class.

PRESENTATIONS - Holden did his presentation that was assigned last week. I told David and Isaac that I would talk to you guys to see when you want them to do theirs. No pressure, I know everyone's busy, but I think it's good for them to do these kinds of things and it's interesting, too. We researched Huns, Attila the Hun and Asia during the 400's A.D. and found some interesting things - Holden's paper focused on the Huns progress from western China to Rome. Maybe you could choose a different area to look at ( one could do Gaul at the time and one could do Italy). Isaac and David were good listeners and we had a good discussion. Holden included a picture of a man from Kazhakstan today, so they thought that was cool.

SCIENCE 2 - more fun with magnets. We finished reading the book and did some experiments magnetizing screws and needles. We de-magnetized them by pounding them and heating them. They got really into the heating part and had fun burning the screws :) They understand how things become temporary magnets - that the molecules line up and create a magnetic pole. It was a good day.

THURSDAY, NOV. 1

SCIENCE 2 - finished the unit on magnets. Experimented with magnets strength through various materials and thicknesses. It was fun. We made a cardboard maze and they timed each other to see who could move a paperclip with a magnet through the maze fastest. Isaac won and David and Holden tied for second. They all aced the unit assessment.

SCIENCE K - talked about how humans and animals use trees (for food, shelter, shade, etc.) We made a tree and they put some of the animals we talked about and looked at on-line onto the tree. It took awhile because of the cutting and coloring but they really had fun doing it. The girls where getting along better today, but Quinn was being so sweet and really trying to be a peacemaker. He kept telling them he would give them a special treat if they were good. And he told them they were both his best friends. Just precious, poor caught-in-the-middle guy :) It was a fun day.....

See everyone Saturday! Rachelle