RtR Week 7: Pax Romana, hearing, and mission projects

Here are a few highlights from our week...

This week has been extremely stressful and busy. Anytime we start a new mission project there is an adjustment time in trying to make it all work and flow smoothly. It didn't help that we were already behind from the week before AND we had 2 mission projects this week. 

Last week, we participated in 40 Days for Life which is just a 40 day stretch, once a year, peaceful prayer vigil against abortion. Basically, for a few hours on one of the 40 days, we stand outside of our local abortion clinic silently praying with some holding various signs about praying to end abortion, or how we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God in the hopes of deterring just one person from getting an abortion or thinking twice about what abortion really is. We also had on hand literature to help those women considering abortion as well as those who may have had an abortion for counseling and after-care.

This week, we volunteered at the Clothes Closet at our church. We spent a few hours sorting and hanging clothes. The very next morning, bright and early, we helped with Kids for Christ at one of the local public schools. My little brother attends this particular school so we like to stay involved in what he is doing. It is a great way for him (and my kids) to reach out to their friends so they can hear about the love of Christ. My kids really enjoyed this one :)

And finally, we also had co-op at the end of this week. The kids ALWAYS enjoy their classes and especially playing at the park afterward. Mom, however, is thoroughly worn out!

Art

Another easy and complaint free week of drawing books, Bibles, and boxes in art - Yay!

Bible
We have started back at the beginning in the life of Christ with the birth of John the Baptist then went on to cover the birth of Christ to the Magi. I totally forgot about the Drive Thru History Series I had stored away on the shelf, so we are going to be viewing several of those videos in the weeks to come as well as a little bit of catch up ;) I will try to post the videos soon that correlate with the various weeks in MFW.

History
We didn't enjoy Augustus Caesar's World as much this week. I felt like we jumped around a lot in time and I had a hard time following the chronological story line when it came to talking about the Greek philosophers and trying to figure out how/where they fit into the timeline. There just seemed to be a lot going on and it doesn't take much for me to get confused anyway :/ At the end of the week though, we were back on track somewhat in discussing Augustus and Jesus again. 

We watched another silly Rotten Roman video about Caesar Augustus.

We also started watching a series of YouTube videos about Herod and plan to finish up next week.

Here is a video that goes along with Pax Romana.

Science

This week, we focused on the ear. The activity listed in The Body Book was not all that clear when it came to putting all the pieces together. I *think* we did it right. I do SOOO much better when it comes to gluing and taping if I can see the finished product or at least step by step pictures or diagrams. Either way, the kids got the idea ;)

Be sure to check out the Usborne Internet Links that go along with the First Encyclopedia of the Human Body. There are some fun games and videos about the ear that my kids enjoyed this week.

RtR Week 6 - Arch Activities, internet links, and an upcoming FREE online Lego aqueduct class

Here are a few highlights from our week...

My husband and son attended a hunter education course on Saturday. It was 6 hours long, but for a 10 year old, our son hung in there and did very well :) He was the youngest in the class. The next in age were teenagers from one of the local high schools who *ahem* slept through some of the course material. My husband was not impressed with their behavior, but was glad the instructor called them out on it...lol! Our blue-eyed boy was answering questions out-loud and made an awesome grade on the test. 

My brown-eyed girl and I did not get our mother-daughter date. She was not feeling well from possibly eating something containing gluten earlier in the week and slept most of the day :( 

Art

Another good week...drawing boxes and paper bags without using horizon lines and starting points...all went well, no complaints :)

Bible
This week, we are focusing in on Old Testament prophesies and their New Testament fulfillments.


History
We always look forward to history each day. So many new things to learn!


Science

The kids had fun completing the first arch activity using index cards.

Flat bridge

Only held 9 pennies

arch bridge

20 pennies and counting!

adding a few horses (nickels) and soldiers (quarters)

final count: 20 pennies, 5 nickels, and 3 quarters before collapsing 

Here is a link to a brief, but informative video overview of arches.

Here is a link to pictures of the Tiber river bridges mentioned in the teacher's manual.

And here is a link to pictures of the Pantheon also mentioned in the teacher's manual.


Instead of doing the jello/pudding box arch activity, we chose to play a game called Arch Rival. It is a VERY old game that hubs and I had long before we ever had kids, but the kids enjoy it, so we've kept it around.

First, they constructed their arch using the help of the green/blue frames.

After removing the frames, they were left with a very nice arch.

After that, they played the game a few times.


The kids are really looking forward to building a Roman aqueduct out of Legos in a few weeks through a free online Currclick class. The lady who teaches the classes always does such a wonderful job explaining the history behind whatever it is the kids are making. The Lego classes are free and they always have a supply list you can gather yourself or you can purchase inexpensive Lego kits from her. Find out more here :)