We have been requesting a lot of random space books, partly because the kids always seem interested in them, partly because I always wish I knew more about constellations, and recently because for the Science Olympiad Dude is on the Space team.
Last night I grabbed a collection of space flashcards to look over with the kids during dinner. (nothing convinces my kids to eat more and goof less like making them take turns on flash cards) I was surprised that Little Man knew all of the constellations included and several of the nebula. Since we really don't go outside to look I knew it had to be from reading. Now if I could only convince Dude to actually read them all.
I recently had some cool videos about space emailed to me. We watched this one on size comparison. Not the first we have seen, but the boys (father included) are always interested in more.
Then we also watched this on about the life cycle of a star. Dude was most interested in the official classification of our Sun as 'medium sized'. I love finding what oddball parts the kids find the most important from what we watch. I suppose some sort of formal schooling would suggest there is a 'right' lesson from books, or videos, but I prefer the ones they pick out. That is certainly the part they will remember most anyway.
Starting right after Christmas we will begin taking specific notes for his Science Olympiad so he can get at least the basics down. I worry that doing both Space and Weather with so much specific vocabulary that is new will be difficult for him. I hope he at least does well enough his partners are not mad at him.
Either way it goes he'll learn valuable lessons!!
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