Science: Carbon Chemistry

February 28, 2018Heather Homeschool Leave a comment

Weeks 22 and 23 of school we learned about carbon chemistry using Layers of Learning, year 2 unit 13.

We drew a carbon atom and a butane molecule.
carbon1

We made models of diamond and graphite structures.
carbon2

We tried to set a sugar cube on fire (it didn’t work).
carbon3

Somehow we ended up with the boys roasting marshmallows over a fire in a bowl on our dining room table. Because of this, we discovered that Adrian is terrified of fire.
carbon4

We set fire to powdered sugar mixed with baking soda. It was supposed to blacken and puff up, but only little bits of it did.
carbon5

We made a “lava lamp” with soda water and raisins. The carbon dioxide bubbles got caught in the wrinkles of the raisins and they rose to the top and then fell down again as the bubbles popped.
carbon6

We made lime water. We breathed into it through straws. It turned cloudy due to the presence of carbon dioxide in our breath.
carbon7

We watched a video of cool things to do with dry ice.
carbon8

The Arts: Textiles

February 26, 2018Heather Homeschool Leave a comment

Weeks 22 and 23 of school we learned about textiles using Layers of Learning, year 2 unit 13.

We watched videos on how various types fabrics are made (animal, plant, mineral, synthetic).
textiles1

We watched a video about the cotton gin.
textiles2

We looked at cotton before and after it’s made into fabric.
textiles3

We wove construction paper like fabric gets woven.
textiles4

We watched more videos on how thread is made.
textiles5

We played with nylon.
textiles6

We tie dyed t-shirts.
textiles7

The 22nd Week of School (Video)

February 25, 2018Heather Homeschool Leave a comment

Watch our 22nd week of school in just under 9 minutes!

Geography: Mali

February 23, 2018Heather Homeschool Leave a comment

Weeks 22 and 23 of school we learned about Mali using Layers of Learning, year 2 unit 13.

We did map work.
mali1

We watched some videos about Mali.
mali2

We made flags of Mali.
mali3

We talked about the importance of the Niger River.
mali4

We watched some more videos about Mali.
mali5

We tried mangoes.
mali6

History: African Kingdoms

February 21, 2018Heather Homeschool Leave a comment

Weeks 22 and 23 of school we learned about African Kingdons using Layers of Learning, year 2 unit 13.

We did map work.
africankingdoms1

We added to our timeline.
africankingdoms2

We watched watched an Anansi Spider video and make out own spiders.
africankingdoms3

We attempted to do some mud dying, but it didn’t work.
africankingdoms4

We watched some videos on YouTube.
africankingdoms5

We made sand pictures of Mansa Musa.
africankingdoms6

The boys gave oral reports on leaders of Aksum.
africankingdoms7

We drew pictures of the fantastic beasts the Europeans might have found in Africa.
africankingdoms8

We watched more videos on YouTube.
africankingdoms9

We carved Lalibela Churches.
africankingdoms10

The Arts: Printmaking

February 19, 2018Heather Homeschool Leave a comment

Weeks 20 and 21 of school we learned about printmaking using Layers of Learning, year 2 unit 12.

The boys gave oral reports. Cameron chose Rembrandt, Fritz picked William Hayter, and Adrian chose Katsushika Hokusai.
printmaking1

We used scratch foam and ink to make prints.
printmaking2

We made stamps using yarn.
printmaking3

We used the stamps and paint to print on paper.
printmaking4

We made stamps by cutting away bits of potato and stamped them on paper. We were all impressed that Cameron managed to make his look like the inside of a tomato.
printmaking5

We drew designs using glitter glue on one-half of a sheet of paper and then folded it and pressed the sides together to make a design on both sides. They all turned out looking a bit like butterflies.
printmaking6

We watched a video of a guy making a rather impressive woodcut stamp.
printmaking7

The 21st Week of School (Video)

February 18, 2018Heather Homeschool Leave a comment

Watch our 21st week of school in just over 11 minutes!

Science: Metals

February 16, 2018Heather Homeschool Leave a comment

Weeks 20 and 21 of school we learned about metals using Layers of Learning, year 2 unit 12.

We looked at the Periodic Table and where the different metals are located on it.
metals1

We used a 9-volt battery to start a fire in steel wool. We didn’t get a fire going, but we did get several sparks which was pretty cool. (My dad joined us at the table for this one because… fire!)
metals2

We compared the conduction of metal, plastic, and wood by putting things made of those materials in hot water. The metal definitely conducted the heat the best.
metals3

We copper plated a nail. We put copper pennies (1982 and earlier) in vinegar mixed with salt for a while. Then we took out the pennies (they turned green over the rest of the day) and put a silver nail in the salted vinegar. After about an hour, we took the nail out and discovered that it has turned copper. It was really neat how it worked.
metals4