A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.
- Colin Powell
Captain Fantastic: Movie and Inspiration
If you're looking for what guides this adventure, look no further than this amazing movie about learning, family, and adventure.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3553976/
The Lemonade Stand
Leia and Woody continue their Summer tradition of running a lemonade stand. Each year their responsibility increases.
What they learned:
• How to make a list to set up a stand
• How to organize to be most efficient (Leia switched the snowcones and the lemonade positions halfway through the Summer which made a huge difference when it comes to work flow)
• How to shop for items
• The prices to stock and maintain a lemonade stand
• Giving change
• Following directions with quarts and gallons to mix their lemonade
• Charting their progress (see pix)
• Managing their friends who'd help
What they really learned:
• Customer service
• How to deal with jerks
• How to graciously accept tips
• Standing for hours on end isn't easy
• How raising money for a specific charity makes them feel and how others react to it
• People love seeing kids working for their money
It was another amazing succession of lemonade stands. They are both entrepreneurs and still come up with ideas on how to improve their stand.
What they learned:
• How to make a list to set up a stand
• How to organize to be most efficient (Leia switched the snowcones and the lemonade positions halfway through the Summer which made a huge difference when it comes to work flow)
• How to shop for items
• The prices to stock and maintain a lemonade stand
• Giving change
• Following directions with quarts and gallons to mix their lemonade
• Charting their progress (see pix)
• Managing their friends who'd help
What they really learned:
• Customer service
• How to deal with jerks
• How to graciously accept tips
• Standing for hours on end isn't easy
• How raising money for a specific charity makes them feel and how others react to it
• People love seeing kids working for their money
It was another amazing succession of lemonade stands. They are both entrepreneurs and still come up with ideas on how to improve their stand.
Is content really irrelevant?
This amazing question/statement is presented by BrightWorks school in San Francisco. It's an astonishing question that we are certainly exploring this year. I am interested in forward progress in ANY direction, not some pre-determined path of what someone else has come up with. We will chase our passions and investigate what we're interested in.
The Trunk Project
We were moving what seemed a container-full of boxes up to Mammoth, so the kids were given the following challenge:
1. Measure the interior of our car, a Toyota Highlander.
2. Using tape, create an outline that represents the volume of the trunk.
3. Start prioritizing our items that would make the first journey up to Mammoth Lakes.
What they learned:
• Measurement
• Scale
• Teamwork
• Volume and Area
What they really learned:
• Their mother has purchased 48 rolls of toilet paper as if we're moving to Mars. There is a Vons up the road from us in Mammoth.
1. Measure the interior of our car, a Toyota Highlander.
2. Using tape, create an outline that represents the volume of the trunk.
3. Start prioritizing our items that would make the first journey up to Mammoth Lakes.
What they learned:
• Measurement
• Scale
• Teamwork
• Volume and Area
What they really learned:
• Their mother has purchased 48 rolls of toilet paper as if we're moving to Mars. There is a Vons up the road from us in Mammoth.
The Power Washer
Woody learned how to unbox a new power tool, how and where to keep the accessory parts, and how to use a pressure washer.
What he learned:
• How electricity can concentrate the force of water to clean just about anything
What he really learned:
• Pressure washers are awesome and make cleaning anything fun and wildly satisfying.
• He also learned we can use it as an art tool.
What he learned:
• How electricity can concentrate the force of water to clean just about anything
What he really learned:
• Pressure washers are awesome and make cleaning anything fun and wildly satisfying.
• He also learned we can use it as an art tool.
This cute comic caught my eye...
Hyper-Focus: Go to the Library
Any home-schooling parent has probably come to realize that kids need fewer distractions and a place for focus. Most likely it's the public library during school time when there is no one but old people and hobos around. Our Mammoth Lakes Library even has a MakerSpace! Although, I must also point out that even better learning is done out and about.
The Eclipse
Did you know that the Japanese kanji for 'eclipse' translates to 'eat the day'? We sure didn't, but now we do.
We spent most of a morning charting the path of the sun across the sky and also charting the shape of the eclipse.
What they learned:
• What an eclipse is
• How long an eclipse can last
• How your geographic position on the planet will determine your view of the eclipse
• Japanese word and kanji for eclipse
What they really learned:
We also spent the morning 'pulling over' pedestrians and bicyclists and offering them our glasses to view the eclipse. Most of the people we encountered had no clue there even was an eclipse happening, but they were wildly grateful that we'd offered our glasses to them. Random acts of kindness feel great was the the takeaway, I believe.
Interestingly, we also met a Japanese hairstylist who read our chalk Japanese on the sidewalk. He returned that night to do Mami and Leia's hair and we now consider him a friend.
We spent most of a morning charting the path of the sun across the sky and also charting the shape of the eclipse.
What they learned:
• What an eclipse is
• How long an eclipse can last
• How your geographic position on the planet will determine your view of the eclipse
• Japanese word and kanji for eclipse
What they really learned:
We also spent the morning 'pulling over' pedestrians and bicyclists and offering them our glasses to view the eclipse. Most of the people we encountered had no clue there even was an eclipse happening, but they were wildly grateful that we'd offered our glasses to them. Random acts of kindness feel great was the the takeaway, I believe.
Interestingly, we also met a Japanese hairstylist who read our chalk Japanese on the sidewalk. He returned that night to do Mami and Leia's hair and we now consider him a friend.
10 Questions: An Inquiry Approach to Learning
Leia and Woody are asked throughout our days to write 10 questions they have about subjects we come across in daily life. Topics have included:
• The eclipse
• Traffic fatality
• Mountain biking
• Mammoth Mountain/Dave McCoy
We then search for at least seven answers to these ten questions using a variety of tools, but to be honest, it's Google and Wikipedia mostly. Which is fine, but I do search for them to have human interactions to learn whenever possible.
• The eclipse
• Traffic fatality
• Mountain biking
• Mammoth Mountain/Dave McCoy
We then search for at least seven answers to these ten questions using a variety of tools, but to be honest, it's Google and Wikipedia mostly. Which is fine, but I do search for them to have human interactions to learn whenever possible.
So true...
Fractions: Theory and Practice
Y'all might already know that I don't have any time or patience for teaching a concept that we won't come across in our normal living lives. I'm especially critical of math concepts that have no basis in everyday life such as subtracting fractions. Seriously, let me know that last time you subtracted a fraction from another fraction. It's a monkey parlor trick that won't get you a job, a kiss, or help you escape danger. Therefore, I'm taking a very practical approach to teaching the kids fractions:
1. Identify whether a fraction is more or less than a half.
2. Be able to order three fractions from smallest to largest.
3. Be able to add fractions (again, not a life skill but maybe someday it'll come in handy). This skill actually addresses equivalent fractions, mixed fractions, and understanding that fractions can only be added if they are alike.
4. Understand fractions in the real world.
1. Identify whether a fraction is more or less than a half.
2. Be able to order three fractions from smallest to largest.
3. Be able to add fractions (again, not a life skill but maybe someday it'll come in handy). This skill actually addresses equivalent fractions, mixed fractions, and understanding that fractions can only be added if they are alike.
4. Understand fractions in the real world.
Read Read Read
We spend a good chunk of each day reading, usually in the afternoon after a hike or mountain trail ride.
Leia is documenting her reading journey on a blog connected to this site.
Leia is documenting her reading journey on a blog connected to this site.
Leia has built a library that she has to climb to get to. She loves hanging out up there.
Woodworking matters. It's more than a pastime or hobby—being a woodworker means that you know the satisfaction and pride that comes from using your hands and mind to build beautiful, functional objects, and that you're as interested in the process as the outcome. Amid the speed and chaos of the modern world, woodworking gives us a place where we can slow down, pay attention, and take the time to do things right. ~Aimé Ontario Fraser, Your First Workshop: A Practical Guide to What You Really Need, 2005
Wood Burning with Woody
Project: Find Our New TV on Amazon
This picture tells the whole picture I think...
Woody's Mountain Bike Diagram
While learning to ride, Woody had a zillion questions about the parts and their names. Now he knows more than his father.
Fire Starting
Leia and Woody have learned how to start a fire using flint and dryer lint or cotton balls. The end goal was to transfer a fire they started into our pizza oven for our homemade pizza parties. Mission accomplished.
What they learned:
• Flint creates spark but you also need a dry very flammable starter.
• Dryer lint goes up in flames very easily (thus the need to empty the dryer screen often)
• A blazing fire is best achieved by scaffolding your materials: lint, paper, small kindling, small pieces, chunks, logs
What they really learned:
• Cooking pizza 'the hard way' is more fun and satisfying than going to CPK
What they learned:
• Flint creates spark but you also need a dry very flammable starter.
• Dryer lint goes up in flames very easily (thus the need to empty the dryer screen often)
• A blazing fire is best achieved by scaffolding your materials: lint, paper, small kindling, small pieces, chunks, logs
What they really learned:
• Cooking pizza 'the hard way' is more fun and satisfying than going to CPK
Party Planning
Leia and Woody were co-planners for our annual BBQ for the UCLA Women's Volleyball Team. This event changes each year based on the previous year's copious notes.
What they learned:
• Ordering, shopping, and planning
• Clean up crew duties
• Activating areas of the house versus diverting crowds
• How to initiate large groups rather than cliques
What they really learned:
• A meticulously planned party will never go as planned but you'll be ready for anything
• Documenting notes this year will help plan next year
What they learned:
• Ordering, shopping, and planning
• Clean up crew duties
• Activating areas of the house versus diverting crowds
• How to initiate large groups rather than cliques
What they really learned:
• A meticulously planned party will never go as planned but you'll be ready for anything
• Documenting notes this year will help plan next year
Punahou Alumni Beach Clean-up
When you go for a job interview, they don't ask you what your report card looks like; they ask you to show them what projects you've worked on. - Tom Whitby
Gran Fondo Bike Race in Mammoth Lakes, Ca
We worked a four-hour shift at the Gran Fondo 102 mile bike race in Mammoth Lakes, Ca. Our job was to pass out finisher t-shirts.
What the learned:
• How to organize a shirt tent to efficiently get people the right sizes
What they really learned:
• Some people are thrilled and happy after a 102 mile ride, and others are quite not.
• Four hours flies by when you're engaged in a meaningful activity
What the learned:
• How to organize a shirt tent to efficiently get people the right sizes
What they really learned:
• Some people are thrilled and happy after a 102 mile ride, and others are quite not.
• Four hours flies by when you're engaged in a meaningful activity
Mountain Museum on the Summit
We visited this amazing outdoor mountaintop museum of old snow and ski equipment. It was enlightening to see the advancements in gondolas, ski lifts, and snow cats.
Biking Gear Cubby
What they learned:
• How to manipulate cardboard
• How to attach cardboard using a variety of tools
What they really learned:
• "A place for everything and everything in its place."
• How to manipulate cardboard
• How to attach cardboard using a variety of tools
What they really learned:
• "A place for everything and everything in its place."
BBQ Maintenance
Knowing how a BBQ works and how to tune one up is, in my opinion, an essential 21st Century skill. It's a simple system of mechanics, easily accessible to an 8-year old to learn.
Hike: Devil's Postpile & Rainbow Falls
Today's 5-mile hike was a true geology lesson about glacial movements, lava, forest fires, and trail-building.
Painting our hike by Leia
Food Photography Lesson
We watched this video as a family which now has us pointing out food ads with cool photography.
In a PBL setting, students are using the technology for the outside world...the connection to the real world is what makes it different. - John Larmer
Leia's 'Dave McCoy' Biography Project
10 Questions: Taxidermy
A store bear prompted a discussion on taxidermy and then this series of questions (and then answers) from Leia and Woody.
Questions About Taxidermy by Leia
Is anyone famous for taxidermy?
Polly Morgan, Walter Potter, Kate Clark, Carl Akeley, Serina Brewer, Claire Morgan and Lisa Black
Is taxidermy art?
Yes! Because he has to study to make it look realistic and put it in a nice pose.
What does taxidermy mean in latin?
The art of preparing, stuffing, and mounting the skins of animals.
When was taxidermy invented?
19th century
What do they do with the eyes?
The animals eyes are like a little bag of water, so people use glass eyes. The teeth are also fake because they dry out and start to crack.
What kinds of stuff do they stuff them with?
sawdust, cotton, and rags
How do they keep the animal from rotting?
chemicals
Are there such things as taxidermy contests?
Yes. People did them in the 1880s
Do people stuff other things besides animals? And what?
No. It is illegal to stuff people.
How much does a stuffed cat cost?
$725
Questions About Taxidermy by Leia
Is anyone famous for taxidermy?
Polly Morgan, Walter Potter, Kate Clark, Carl Akeley, Serina Brewer, Claire Morgan and Lisa Black
Is taxidermy art?
Yes! Because he has to study to make it look realistic and put it in a nice pose.
What does taxidermy mean in latin?
The art of preparing, stuffing, and mounting the skins of animals.
When was taxidermy invented?
19th century
What do they do with the eyes?
The animals eyes are like a little bag of water, so people use glass eyes. The teeth are also fake because they dry out and start to crack.
What kinds of stuff do they stuff them with?
sawdust, cotton, and rags
How do they keep the animal from rotting?
chemicals
Are there such things as taxidermy contests?
Yes. People did them in the 1880s
Do people stuff other things besides animals? And what?
No. It is illegal to stuff people.
How much does a stuffed cat cost?
$725
Follow the path of the unsafe, independent thinker. Expose your ideas to the danger of controversy. Speak your mind and fear less the label of 'crackpot' than the stigma of conformity.
Thomas J. Watson
Horseshoe Lake Riding
First Snow! September 21, 2017!
Keep in mind, Leia and Woody have never seen snow fall before, so waking up this morning was terribly exciting for them.
Woody's Drone Shot After the First Snow
Horseshoe Lake: One day later...
Today's Lesson: Hypothermia
We were gifted with the lesson of what hypothermia might look like today when Leia's 15-year old cousin (Kane) decided to walk into Lake Horseshoe today. This sparked a series of questions and Google searches about hypothermia. I suggested researched the teenage brain that would make this decision, but the kids found the results and symptoms much more interesting.
Leia's Mountaintop Adventure at 11,053 ft.
A morning gondola ride lead to a series of lessons for all of us.
What she learned:
- How the temperature drops dramatically with altitude changes
- Spotting animal tracks in fresh snow is terribly fun
- Wind patterns are easy to spot because the snow freezes directionally
What she really learned:
- How you dress dictates how long you can stay in the cold
- Daddy ain't buying coco for $3.25 even if there are free refills
What she learned:
- How the temperature drops dramatically with altitude changes
- Spotting animal tracks in fresh snow is terribly fun
- Wind patterns are easy to spot because the snow freezes directionally
What she really learned:
- How you dress dictates how long you can stay in the cold
- Daddy ain't buying coco for $3.25 even if there are free refills
Leia's White Chocolate Coco Experiments
Coding the Weather
Leia's inability to remember these new weather terms and this amazing gif video inspired this project that filled a lazy afternoon after mountain-biking and before hot tubbing.
https://i.imgur.com/zcoWO3X.gifv
https://i.imgur.com/zcoWO3X.gifv
Challenge: How can we learn some new weather phrases and make them stick?
Answer: Through a meaningful project...I hope.
We split into two teams to each create two animated sequences showing an onding (blizzard) and a skift (light flurry).
Tool: Scratch tile-coding software
Process:
1. Discuss what each scene needs
a. authentic scenery
b. falling weather that accurately portrays the speed and direction of the weather
c. sounds to complement the visuals
2. Artwork creation using digital tools but based on real scenery/weather
3. Code the moving elements of the scene
Answer: Through a meaningful project...I hope.
We split into two teams to each create two animated sequences showing an onding (blizzard) and a skift (light flurry).
Tool: Scratch tile-coding software
Process:
1. Discuss what each scene needs
a. authentic scenery
b. falling weather that accurately portrays the speed and direction of the weather
c. sounds to complement the visuals
2. Artwork creation using digital tools but based on real scenery/weather
3. Code the moving elements of the scene
The final products were adorable and memorable. Interestingly, there was a lot of time and care on both teams given to the sound effects for an onding and skift.
What I see is the ideal project-based learning project in that you see content/curriculum running parallel to skill building. The learning is more meaningful, deeper, and sticky. And best of all it was fun.
You can see our project at https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/176261509/ (if you have a Scratch account).
If you don't have an account the project is downloadable here.
What I see is the ideal project-based learning project in that you see content/curriculum running parallel to skill building. The learning is more meaningful, deeper, and sticky. And best of all it was fun.
You can see our project at https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/176261509/ (if you have a Scratch account).
If you don't have an account the project is downloadable here.
snow_project.sb2 | |
File Size: | 747 kb |
File Type: | sb2 |
“Get in over your head as often and as joyfully as possible.” –Alexander Isley
Results: This was a tough challenge for both groups. As usual, our creative aspirations outpaced our coding skills, but what a great problem to have. It pushed us and has now left us wanting stronger coding skills.
Update: The kids are now asking for more coding challenges! The trick is to hit a topic that'll spark as much excitement as the coding does. I think it's time for that Dave McCoy: The Video Game challenge.
Today's Ride: Snow-lined trails 3.2 miles
DownTown Ride on Video
Teachable Moment: Birthday Party Bowling
Even Woody's birthday party provided us with fodder for a sit-down lesson on manufacturing, physics, and fun.
What they learned:
- bowling balls often have cores that are asymmetrical
- bowling balls are almost entirely manufactured by machines
- there there three layers to the ball
- all bowling balls have their center of gravities marked on them
- balls are made differently for pros and beginners/renters (pro balls have asymmetrical cores in order to get that wicked spin)
- bowling pins are made of blocks of wood that are glued and then shaped by a lathe
- bowling pins have to meet incredible standards
- bowling pins have a protective nylon-like layer over the wood
What they really learned:
- robots are taking over the world
- anything you want to learn is probably available on youtube
What they learned:
- bowling balls often have cores that are asymmetrical
- bowling balls are almost entirely manufactured by machines
- there there three layers to the ball
- all bowling balls have their center of gravities marked on them
- balls are made differently for pros and beginners/renters (pro balls have asymmetrical cores in order to get that wicked spin)
- bowling pins are made of blocks of wood that are glued and then shaped by a lathe
- bowling pins have to meet incredible standards
- bowling pins have a protective nylon-like layer over the wood
What they really learned:
- robots are taking over the world
- anything you want to learn is probably available on youtube
Giovanni's vs. John's Pizzas: Area of a Circle Lesson
We're trying to figure out not only the best pizza in Mammoth, but also the best value.
Bear Study: 10 Questions
A fantastic trolley driver told us some tidbits about bears in the area that sparked this series of questions and lessons. There are few things in nature more interesting than bear hibernation. Did you know they lower their heartbeats per minute from 90 to 8 during hibernation!
Leia's bear questions & answers:
Woody's 7 Questions about Bears:
Next Step in Bear Study: Make it 'sticky'
There are lots of ways to make this stuff stick, but probably nothing better than making it personal.
Leia and Woody were each asked to write and illustrate a short story about a child who prepares to hibernate for the Winter.
Leia and Woody were each asked to write and illustrate a short story about a child who prepares to hibernate for the Winter.
Leia's first digital draft (after a hand-written draft) with notes from Dad.
Leia's Final Draft with Cover Art
Woody's writing...
Well, Woody never got it in gear to complete this writing assignment/challenge. He hates writing for some reason. Minor setback, but we'll see how things suss themselves out.
Inquiry Ice: What the what?
Right down the road from our home we saw several of these ice oasis's. No clue what could have caused these ice formations, but we're going to experiment with a hose outside our home tonight and monitor these spots closely the next couple of days. Woody is also searching the neighborhood for more ice patches using his drone.
Check out the picture above on the far right. That is a single strand of straw or grass inside that ice stalactite or stalagmite (another chance for learning, there!). Keep in mind, there is zero snow or ice except for around about a dozen trees in the area. Could it be a sprinkler system we're unaware of? Do the trees horde water that freezes at night? We have no clue, but will try to solve this mystery of nature.
Update: There are no ice patches the following morning! We cannot explain why or how the ice patches occurred but we'll keep an eye out for them.
Update: There are no ice patches the following morning! We cannot explain why or how the ice patches occurred but we'll keep an eye out for them.
Woody's drone shots searching the neighborhood for ice patches. None were discovered. A true mystery.
Trying new things: The Woo-Hawk
Let's see if people treat someone different due to a wild hair style.
Autumn Colors: 7 Questions
We wouldn't know it, but the Eastern Sierras are off to a very slow start when it comes to fall colors. The long winter and heat wave in August seem be to blame. We'll take what we can get and it's amazing to see in slow-motion. Woody's drone will no doubt capture the best views.
http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-tr-leaf-report-20170929-story.html
http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-tr-leaf-report-20170929-story.html
This is Leia's inquiry questions, her answers, and then it's backed with a photo she took herself on a hike.
Did you know old Japan had 72 seasons? True.
Leia discovered that ancient Japan broke the year into 24 seasons and then again into 72 sub-seasons. She was born in the "Light rain sometimes fall" season.
http://www.nippon.com/en/features/h00124/
http://www.nippon.com/en/features/h00124/
When nature calls...
A surprise invitation to a hiking adventure scrapped all "educational" plans today. Instead, the kids became fascinated by autumn colors and beavers. An impromptu adventure supported Leia's current studies and sparked a whole new unit of inquiry for Woody.
Leia the photographer.
Woody's Beaver Diagram and Research
Mountain Air: Get Some!
No doubt, the most learning the kids have done is on a bike. The learning curve from just being able to ride a bike to becoming intermediate mountain trail-riders has been a highlight of our year so far. If anything, the kids have learned they can each take a pretty traumatic fall and rely on their gear and grit to protect them, so they can keep riding.
The difference between average people and achieving people is their perception of and response to failure."
John C. Maxwell
Scone Science: Grams and doubling
Leia and Mami made amazing scones today. I asked her what she learned and without pause she stated that they "measured using Mami's new kitchen scale (in grams) and they [they] had to double everything in the recipe because [they] wanted to make a big batch."
Autumn Rides: Now we know...
I think at least one of the purposes of school is to let us know why things are happening around us. It's super interesting to study the science of Fall colors and then ride through it.
Autumn Monitoring by Drone
While Leia watches the colors change from a bike, Woody takes to the air for striking looks at the fall foliage. This is our condo complex which seems to change color each day!
The original Captain Fantastic: Mosquito Coast
Failed plans should not be interpreted as a failed vision. Visions don't change, they are only refined. Plans rarely stay the same, and are scrapped or adjusted as needed. Be stubborn about the vision, but flexible with your plan."
John C. Maxwell
Word Study/Word Play
We've discover this fun app that allows the kids to play with letters to form words, many of which they ask the definition for such as heir and sire.
Mammoth Museum & Visitors' Center
Lots to learn about the local area, including this abandoned cabin was discovered by a 3rd Grade class in 1979. It dates back to 1914 they believe.
Leia's Aspen Tree Study: Photography and Research
We are surrounded by Aspen trees here in Mammoth and boy are they interesting!
Outboard Motor Lessons
In June Lake, on a rented boat, Leia and Woody were taught how to start, steer, stop, and gas up an outboard motor. They had a blast changing gears (reverse, neutral, forward) and steering the boat in crystal clear water.
Woody's Outboard Motor Diagram
Home Library: Books, books, books
Leia and Woody are both now hooked on reading and perhaps more importantly they have the time carved out of each day to actually read in peace. My suspicion is most humans are hooked on books, but don't have the time or the commitment of time to actually do the reading.
Ice Oasis Re-Visited
The sprinklers again created this wonderful oasis of ice for us to stop by. This time the kids noticed the similarity to coral reefs.
Bacon Fat Science Experiment
We set up a real experiment and learned about the concept of isolating a single variable in order to do real science.
Prompted by a Blood Drive at Mammoth Fire Station, we embarked on a few days of inquiry learning.
Leia's 12 Questions & Answers about Blood
12 Questions About Giving Blood
By Leia Schwengel
How much blood do they take?
A pint of blood
How old do you have to be to donate blood?
17 and sometimes 16 depending on the state
Is there a priority the blood goes to first?
There is no priority
Are kids the priority?
Whoever is in need of it gets the blood first
Are elders the priority?
No priority
Why is the blood drive at a fire station?
Because it is very spacious and in Mammoth it is probably the best place to do it
Does the location matter?
No! It just needs to be big enough to set up all the equipment
About how many gallons a day do they get (blood)?
At least 2 or 3 sometimes 10-15!!!!!!!
Do they store the blood in a truck/car?
Yes! They store the blood in trucks.
Where do they store the blood?
They put the blood in boxes with ice and drive it to the office and ship it then is goes to hospitals
Do nurses take out the blood or do doctors?
Phlebotomists take the blood out
Since the blood drive is at a fire station do fire fighters take the blood out?
No! Phlebotomists do
By Leia Schwengel
How much blood do they take?
A pint of blood
How old do you have to be to donate blood?
17 and sometimes 16 depending on the state
Is there a priority the blood goes to first?
There is no priority
Are kids the priority?
Whoever is in need of it gets the blood first
Are elders the priority?
No priority
Why is the blood drive at a fire station?
Because it is very spacious and in Mammoth it is probably the best place to do it
Does the location matter?
No! It just needs to be big enough to set up all the equipment
About how many gallons a day do they get (blood)?
At least 2 or 3 sometimes 10-15!!!!!!!
Do they store the blood in a truck/car?
Yes! They store the blood in trucks.
Where do they store the blood?
They put the blood in boxes with ice and drive it to the office and ship it then is goes to hospitals
Do nurses take out the blood or do doctors?
Phlebotomists take the blood out
Since the blood drive is at a fire station do fire fighters take the blood out?
No! Phlebotomists do
Woody's Questions & Answers (transcribed by Leia)
BrainPop has an incredible video and then quiz for students.
Next step, monitor their own heart rates for a few days.
We also need to find out our own blood types.
Next step, monitor their own heart rates for a few days.
We also need to find out our own blood types.
Primitive Technology Video Series
We've all become mesmerized by these amazing videos that have no words, just a guy in the jungle making incredible things using nothing but his wits. Woody is taking notes so that his learning is a little 'stickier'.
Modern Primitive Technologies
In the spirit of these videos, we continue to create furniture and storage pieces using whatever we have laying around...which is mostly Amazon boxes. Leia's working and learning lays in three categories: design, engineering, and decoration.
• Design is the purpose of the piece. Leia, like most kids, wants to jump right to prototyping without considering the purpose and design of the piece. I'm definitely reminding her of my 'story first' design process. That's my job.
• Engineering is the measuring based on the purposes. She's using the metric system as that is simply an easier way to measure anything.
• Decorating is an important part of this process as she's hoping Mom will allow this storage furniture in the living room.
Leia's latest challenge is to house her slime supplies and creations in an attractive storage device she can keep in the living room. We've also made a garbage can and light table for her bedroom.
• Design is the purpose of the piece. Leia, like most kids, wants to jump right to prototyping without considering the purpose and design of the piece. I'm definitely reminding her of my 'story first' design process. That's my job.
• Engineering is the measuring based on the purposes. She's using the metric system as that is simply an easier way to measure anything.
• Decorating is an important part of this process as she's hoping Mom will allow this storage furniture in the living room.
Leia's latest challenge is to house her slime supplies and creations in an attractive storage device she can keep in the living room. We've also made a garbage can and light table for her bedroom.
Now it's a process...
Leia is now...
• Researching recipes
• Shopping for items on her own (I still pay though)
• Cooking the ingredients following the directions given
• Plating/Stylizing the food
• Serving it to family
• Asking for feedback in order to improve
• Using the Pixelmator software to improve her photos
• Sharing her photos with family and friends
• Researching recipes
• Shopping for items on her own (I still pay though)
• Cooking the ingredients following the directions given
• Plating/Stylizing the food
• Serving it to family
• Asking for feedback in order to improve
• Using the Pixelmator software to improve her photos
• Sharing her photos with family and friends
Windy-Winded Lesson: Drone Recovery
Woody launched his drone in high winds. The drone was taken by the winds up high (that weren't that strong on the ground) and we had to chase the drone across this field to bring it back. Great lesson learned about winds at ground-level versus winds up higher.
Video Editing: Shooting footage & iMovie editing
You can't make chicken salad out of chicken [poop]." - Unknown or every filmmaker ever.
Woody, Leia, and Mami were all very patient actors as they witnessed my running ahead, following behind, squatting down, and climbing rocks in order capture great footage of our HorseShoe Lake trail ride yesterday through snowy conditions. We then brought the footage back to our home in order to do the following:
• import the footage from the camera into iMovie
• trim down the video clips to the most interesting parts (each clip has extra "fat" at the beginning and end of the shots)
• order the clips so they complement each other
• choose just the right music for the movie (easier said than done)
• add a title and transitions where needed
One of the keys to video editing is using keyboard shortcuts which both Leia and Woody now know. This makes the editing process much quicker since it's mostly very repetitive and tedious.
What they learned:
• Shooting video and editing skills
What they really learned:
• Capturing memories is hard work but worthwhile
• import the footage from the camera into iMovie
• trim down the video clips to the most interesting parts (each clip has extra "fat" at the beginning and end of the shots)
• order the clips so they complement each other
• choose just the right music for the movie (easier said than done)
• add a title and transitions where needed
One of the keys to video editing is using keyboard shortcuts which both Leia and Woody now know. This makes the editing process much quicker since it's mostly very repetitive and tedious.
What they learned:
• Shooting video and editing skills
What they really learned:
• Capturing memories is hard work but worthwhile
Woody's Drone Cubby Design and Product
The best part of this project was that Leia took over MY job as mentor since she completed her own Slimery Cubbies last week.
Inyo National Forest Earthquake Fissure
Today we explored a fissure (not a fault) created about 500 years ago by magma emerging from below. Leia and Woody asked if we could revisit the site when there is heavy snow to see how much it fills up. Great idea!
Leia's Pasta Making Adventure
Leia's love for cooking has now taken a turn to pasta making from scratch. She was given a book, a machine, and a drying rack.
Here are her inquiry questions she came up with and then attempted to answer through research:
PASTA QUESTIONS
What is pasta made of or with?
flour,eggs, water, oil, and salt
How many kinds of pastas are there?
over 600 kinds!
What kind of pasta is the most popular?
Can you make pasta without a pasta maker?
Yes they used to make it by hand?
Where did pasta come from?
China
How did people make pasta without modern pasta makers?
by hand
What does pasta look like when it is raw?
not too different
What kinds of colors are there?
red, green, and yellow
How many pounds of pasta do Italians eat every year?
over 60pounds!
How many pounds of pasta does Italy make a year?
1,432,990 tons a year!!!!!!!!!!!
What category does pasta fit into?
noodles
Where did people hang the pasta to dry?
Some people hang the pasta on tree!
Here are her inquiry questions she came up with and then attempted to answer through research:
PASTA QUESTIONS
What is pasta made of or with?
flour,eggs, water, oil, and salt
How many kinds of pastas are there?
over 600 kinds!
What kind of pasta is the most popular?
Can you make pasta without a pasta maker?
Yes they used to make it by hand?
Where did pasta come from?
China
How did people make pasta without modern pasta makers?
by hand
What does pasta look like when it is raw?
not too different
What kinds of colors are there?
red, green, and yellow
How many pounds of pasta do Italians eat every year?
over 60pounds!
How many pounds of pasta does Italy make a year?
1,432,990 tons a year!!!!!!!!!!!
What category does pasta fit into?
noodles
Where did people hang the pasta to dry?
Some people hang the pasta on tree!
Quick, launch the drone!
Within two minutes of Mami noticing a "kirei" sky from our living room window, Woody had his drone up at 300 feet taking these pics.
What he learned: Drones can grab scenery we can't capture from the ground.
What he really learned: These shots need to be taken quickly as the sky turns a totally different color within about six minutes.
What he learned: Drones can grab scenery we can't capture from the ground.
What he really learned: These shots need to be taken quickly as the sky turns a totally different color within about six minutes.
Leia's Halloween Inspiration: Lindsay Vonn
Being short on costume options up here, Leia had two choices: a mountain biker or a skier. She researched this incredible athlete.
Woody: Roof Inspector
Woody took to the skies yesterday with his drone in order to inspect the rooftops of our condo neighbors. We're all witnessing the entire town hunker down and get ready for the big snow coming this weekend.
Winter is coming...Snowshoe Research (before we buy)
Woody's Snowshoe Research & Diagrams
Leia spotted these actual old snowshoes in Kittridge Sports.
Leia's Reading Progress, Addiction, and Reports
Leia continues to read every day throughout the day. Lucky for us, she is always hooked on a book series. She is expected to answer the following questions (which have evolved to be more thought-provoking):
Title:
Author:
Two sentences describing the journey of the characters or topic of the book.
What is this book really about? What's the theme, message, or lesson?
Did the main character change during this story? If so, how?
What did you enjoy about this book?
Would you read a sequel to the book?
Title:
Author:
Two sentences describing the journey of the characters or topic of the book.
What is this book really about? What's the theme, message, or lesson?
Did the main character change during this story? If so, how?
What did you enjoy about this book?
Would you read a sequel to the book?
Discomfort to Leader: A Real Life Lesson
Leia's first time on Mammoth Rock Trail was a frustrating experience. She quickly learned that not only could she do this trail, but become the family leader when tackling this somewhat-dangerous trail ride. She completed this trail TWICE yesterday!
Woody Assembles a Ski Rack
Following visual directions is the ultimate spatial reasoning challenge.
Leia's Photography & Digital Manipulation Skills Progress
Boxineering: Real Engineering Lessons
We continue to "upcycle" cardboard boxes destined for the landfill. Some of the cubbies are for specific items (ski boots or gloves) and some of the cubbies are simple explorations into new sorts of storage solutions. There is also the very satisfying decorating of the furniture, also.
Man-Made Snow: Today's Inquiry Research
We are ALL shocked to see how violently snow is spewed onto the slopes in front of Main Lodge. This also provided a perfect opportunity for some inquiry learning.
Woody's Questions
Leia's Questions
Leia's PhotoResearch on Man-Made Snow
Snow Production at Mid-Mountain Day #2 of Ski Season
Leia's Expert Research on Snow-Making...and even more questions.
Leia & Woody with a snow gun on Chair 4
Topography, Geography, and Place-Based Learning
Leia and Woody are now expected to understand the mountain they'll be skiing on each day. They'll need to learn the following:
- where the major chairlifts and gondolas are
- how to traverse the mountain
- the names and corresponding numbers of each ski lift
- the names of the major trails we'll be skiing
- the difference between the trail ratings
- where to seek food, warm shelter, or medical help
- and perhaps most important, where the best toilets are located
- where the major chairlifts and gondolas are
- how to traverse the mountain
- the names and corresponding numbers of each ski lift
- the names of the major trails we'll be skiing
- the difference between the trail ratings
- where to seek food, warm shelter, or medical help
- and perhaps most important, where the best toilets are located
Woody and Dad Design & Build a Ski Pole Rack™
Problem: We do not want to keep the ski poles in the car.
Solution: Design, build, and attach a clever ski pole rack to the ski rack.
Materials: PVC pipe, insulation foam, zip cord, and velcro strap.
Skills Needed: Measuring in cm and cutting PVC pipe; measuring and cutting insulation foam; drilling holes in PVC pipe; attaching arms to rack using zip cords; placing the velcro strap in the right spot to secure the ski poles.
How it works: Mimicking the ski rack, we have an "anchor arm" and a "swing arm" that pinch the poles in place.
Solution: Design, build, and attach a clever ski pole rack to the ski rack.
Materials: PVC pipe, insulation foam, zip cord, and velcro strap.
Skills Needed: Measuring in cm and cutting PVC pipe; measuring and cutting insulation foam; drilling holes in PVC pipe; attaching arms to rack using zip cords; placing the velcro strap in the right spot to secure the ski poles.
How it works: Mimicking the ski rack, we have an "anchor arm" and a "swing arm" that pinch the poles in place.
Leia's Nature Photo Essay
Best Idea - Worst Idea...
Woody and I decided it'd be a good idea to ride DownTown trail with between 0-4 inches of snow covering it. We had an absolute blast!
Yosemite Day Trip: Leia Photo Essay
What they learned: Tectonic plates shifting way below the surface caused magma to rise and then become these amazing mountains.
What they really learned: Nature is awesome.
What they really learned: Nature is awesome.
Leia Day #1 of Skiing
This video will be silly to watch in about a week as Leia's skills advance. Just as in our early mountain biking adventures that are now embarrassingly simple trails, we'll see Leia's skiing skills progress quickly, no doubt.
Leia's Latest Photos & Digital Improvements
Woody Sunset Drone Shot
Snowcabulary: Leia's Ski Slang Education
Taco Study: Research recipes, cook, photograph, and edit. Also, eat.
Woody's Ski Boot Research & Diagram
Woody's Sous Vide Cooking Report
From Kris' soapbox:
- Content is irrelevant (as long as you're learning something!)
- Skills running parallel to content (graphic design was a big part of this project)
- Presentation of learning is a huge key to learning
- Content is irrelevant (as long as you're learning something!)
- Skills running parallel to content (graphic design was a big part of this project)
- Presentation of learning is a huge key to learning
Monitoring Snowfall...
Leia's Avalanche Report
Monitoring Snow Levels from a Drone
Woody Learning to Ski Intermediate Slopes
Woody's Ski & Pole Diagrams
Leia: More Photography & Photo Editing...& Tacos
Leia and Woody's Ramen Shop
Woody cooks the pork using the sous vide method; Leia makes the ramen, photographs the meal, and digitally edits the photos. Then I help by eating it.
Leia Ski Lesson Report & Video Results
Choose One:
a. Woody's and Kris's Excellent Adventure
b. Woody's and Kris' Excellent Adventure
c. Woody and Kris's Excellent Adventure
d. Woody and Kris' Excellent Adventure
Answer: d
Woody and Kris shared this adventure so the apostrophe goes on the last member of the group only.
Kris' looks great; Kris's looks like it should be written in Crayon (style issue admittingly)
Woody planned out a ski day that had us traverse the mountain from right to left. An app I have tracked out statistics for the day:
11/30/2017 Ski Data for Woody and Kris:
Miles skied: 20.1
Trails: 42
Vertical feet traveled: 12,850 ft.
Money spent on mountain: $3.50 for coco (we brought a cooler-full of food)
Lift line length: zero
Top Speed: 29 MPH
Calories burned: 716 (this can't be right, right?)
Miles skied: 20.1
Trails: 42
Vertical feet traveled: 12,850 ft.
Money spent on mountain: $3.50 for coco (we brought a cooler-full of food)
Lift line length: zero
Top Speed: 29 MPH
Calories burned: 716 (this can't be right, right?)
Ski Lift Math: Leia's Average Lift-Ride Calculations
Leia Average Lift Time: Independent Work
Worth a Thousand Words...
Leia Skill-Building: Skiing and Video Editing
Alongside Leia's skiing skills erupting, she is also learning the following:
- Shooting footage
- Editing the footage to 'trim the fat'
- Choosing and adding music
- Adding titles and transitions
- Using establishing shots to set the scene
- Shooting footage
- Editing the footage to 'trim the fat'
- Choosing and adding music
- Adding titles and transitions
- Using establishing shots to set the scene
Woody's Cracked Helmet: Researching a New Helmet
Woody cracked his helmet like a nut today. He got in some snowmobile tracks and wiped out. Upon approaching him I saw his helmet was split. Wow. He is 100% fine and got up and skied the rest of the day.
He is now tasked to research a new helmet that meets his own standards.
He is now tasked to research a new helmet that meets his own standards.
Un-Schooling Kids: "Outside" Magazine article by Ben Hewitt
“It’s about understanding that learning is not a special skill that happens separate from everything else and only under a specialist’s gaze. It’s about raising children who are curious and engaged in the world alongside their families and communities.” - Patrick Farenga
Sometimes you don't know what you're doing until you hear someone else's description.
https://www.outsideonline.com/1928266/we-dont-need-no-education?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=facebookpost
https://www.outsideonline.com/1928266/we-dont-need-no-education?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=facebookpost
The Wild Horses of Benton
Woody's drone was a wonderful tool to see what we couldn't from the ground.
Woody: Drone Instructor
There is no greater proof of learning than watching your child/student instruct someone else on how to do something. Woody has been teaching his visiting friends how to use his drone. You can see them together in the picture below and also some shots they took together.
It's Official: Leia and Woody ARE Learning.
You never know. Never really know what a child is learning and maybe more importantly, what will "stick" with them. I'm thrilled to report that the best assessment tool may just be...eavesdropping. Hearing Woody and Leia explain the many things they've learned to their 10-day guests proves to me what we are doing up here is working. Woody and Leia are true experts when it comes to just about everything from photography to geography to trail-blazing to skiing to cooking to identifying seasonal changes.
Danger + Inquiry = Fun Learning
Day two of our ice lake adventures were a little more purposeful when it comes to learning. Yes, we brought a power drill. Yes, we drilled into the ice and no, they did not fall in.
Woody re-visits fire starting
Animal Behavior: Project Butt Buffet
Challenge: Get the most skittish beach birds to eat bread off your body.
It took three tries and the implementation of a breathing tube (the bottle) as Experiment #2 yielded the comment, "I felt dizzy under the tarp."
Mission Accomplished: The birds happily plucked the bread off of Kai's posterior.
This is a picture of Attempt #1 which failed miserably as seagulls are terrified of people.
It took three tries and the implementation of a breathing tube (the bottle) as Experiment #2 yielded the comment, "I felt dizzy under the tarp."
Mission Accomplished: The birds happily plucked the bread off of Kai's posterior.
This is a picture of Attempt #1 which failed miserably as seagulls are terrified of people.
Leia's Learning Curve
From Zero to Hero. No greater proof of learning than the fact Leia will now ski Black Diamond trails that her teacher (me) will not. This picture shows "Lower Dry Creek" which is a run we've seen experts conquer for a couple months now. It's steep, rocky, and narrow. In other words, it's dangerous and also Leia's favorite run.