25 September 2008

The world is our classroom...today we were in the pool.

The three eldest children just finished their first encounter with swim lessons. It was a most positive experience all the way around. Everyone now has a lot more confidence and
comfort around the water. We all look forward to returning later in the season
for another session.

16 September 2008

The world is our classroom...today was mostly spent outdoors.








We used the "outdoor chalkboard" (aka sidewalk chalk + driveway) for our math work.






The girls revisited an old friend called the microscope, now permanently set-out for anytime use rather than hidden up on a dusty out-of-reach shelf. They spent today exploring the pre-made slides that came with the scope and Sunshine sketched the allium root tip.


Firstborn and I began researching the flora we'd photographed yesterday; we began our 100 Species post (see below) which will be regularly updated.

Our 100 Species: Flora

1. Hesperaloe parviflora, "Red-flowered Yucca"
The only species in the yucca family with red
flowers. Detailed photos available here.

2. Lagerstroememia, "Crape or Crepe Myrtle"
Originates from China or Korea and was brought to the US in the late 18th century. Flowers in late summer and autumn and is seen in Central Texas in colors white, pink, and red. Occasionally, we even see more than one color on a single tree. The leaves are opposite and simple.

15 September 2008

The world is our classroom... today we were hiking at the park.




With the photographic assistance of the Firstborn, I embarked on the brilliant 100 Species Challenge today and am hoping, of course, to lure the girls in as additional research and photographic assitants. A morning hike offered plenty of opportunity to begin documenting a variety of species of flora within walking distance of our home. Next I need to begin identifying the plants and pulling up some information about them. A perfect companion excercise to some ongoing landscaping here at the Suburban Ranch incidentally.