Today we did an activity to learn about how scientists know how to determine where ore mining should take place. Our challenge was to make a two dimensional map of an orebody, based on data obtained by poking a drinking straw through layers of play dough and examining the core which is removed by the [...]
GB and I are learning about rocks and minerals in our Science curriculum. The activity for today was to take two common minerals, calcium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate (basically, tums and baking soda) and make a common, everyday product. By mixing these ingredients with a bit of water you get a toothpaste.
We crushed up the [...]
Today GB and I started a rock study for our science curriculum. We began by boning up on the rock cycle. We studied this, in brief, about two years ago. But I’m hoping to go a little more in depth this go around.
The animated rock cycle at this site was invaluable. Everything was presented so [...]
Today we made the three different kinds of volcanoes and learned a lot about volcano formation and where they are located around the world. I wish you could have seen the light of excitement in GB’s eyes as the volcanoes erupted; especially the stratovolcano. That was very impressive. In fact, he wouldn’t let me clean [...]
Today we visited a treasure. It’s a spot in our county that I didn’t know existed. It’s a park, but it’s a mine; an abandoned mine.
Coal was first discovered in Chesterfield County in the early 1700’s. In 1730, commercial mining began in Chesterfield County. It was the first industry this county undertook. It was also [...]
Each year, since we became members of this great homeschooling group, we have visited the Morefield Mines Gem and Mineral Mine. It’s one of my favorite field trips of the year because EVERYONE, adult and child, has such a wonderful time. For me, it brings me back to childhood days when it was ok to [...]
