Starting with a destination

At the start of term four we travelled to Broome. Bee was extremely reluctant to go, but rallied around upon arrival

We visited Gantheaume Point first. We were a little disappointed that the tides were not in our favour and we were unable to view any dinosaur prints. We did see some therapod prints at Crab Creek. Lots of great information to be found at The Dinosaur Coast site.

Later in the week we went to Broome Bird Observatory. We were particularly interested in the shorebirds that migrate from Broome to Siberia. The unique biodiversity of the region is fascinating.

There were lots of walks at Cable beach, family catch-ups and swimming in the pool. Unfortunately our planned trip to the crocodile park had to be cancelled as we all came down with a flu.

Term 3 So Far

I'm not sure where the last few weeks have gone. It has been a bit of a blur. We have definitely moved from a relaxed home-schooling approach to unschooling/natural learning approach. Anything formal results in strong PDA and set backs. This has been a complete leap of faith for me, but I can see the results and Bee's confidence grow.

I had started the term with some prepared materials, having purchased a molecules model set. It was met with mild interest. Later that same week we were in the kitchen preparing breakfast, and in the process of making an iced chocolate drink the glass exploded. This totally captured Bee's interest and we discussed how the hot air and water trapped by the ice-cream caused pressure on the glass due to the uneven temperature distribution. Bee posited some theories about which forces were at play and we debated as to whether it was an implosion or explosion. After some research we found that it was an explosion rather than an implosion. These moments are far more invigorating for Bee than anything I can plan.

There have been some breaks recently in the dreary winter weather, allowing us to get out in nature more. We have enjoyed some family walks in the forest and visited the waterfalls to see the effects of all the rain we have had. 

The most recent podcast we have listened to was about bonobos with anthropologist Natalia Reagan. Natalia mentioned that bonobos, chimpanzees and humans have a common ancestor which lead to some robust discussion about evolution and DNA.

Bee has been assisting me with shopping and experiencing first hand that maths is indeed a part of everyday life. Working out prices based on cost per kilo, percentages and fractions have been highlighted through his experiences. Bee has been playing Geometry Dash again, building his own levels. He relishes making impossible levels.

Week Nine

 

Monday we listened to a Podcast on Anatomy with Professor Alice Roberts. This led to a variety of discussions during the week on health and the human body.

I dug up our anatomy chart and we took a look at the skeletal system. We found a book in our library about the human body. 

We also had some discussion about hygiene, particularly around self care and acne. There was also some discussion about hormones.  

We were also on the hunt for some good apps for world maps and the solar system. We settled on these: World Map 2024 and Solar Walk Planetarium.

Week 4

 

The whole house had the flu this week. I managed to broach the subject of school work with Bee, who is finding it difficult to see the value in most things he deems to be "school" related. His logic is that if he wants to learn about something he simply will when he needs or wants to. I tried to explain that he needs a certain level of numeracy and literacy for work and that it isn't always the content of "school" but rather the processes that teach critical and creative thinking skills. On the topic of maths he said he hasn't enjoyed the maths we have been doing so far and I reminded him that we had been doing worksheets so I can ascertain where we need to focus. He seemed to take that on board and I have left him to consider what I have said. 

We did listen to a podcast about The Great Barrier Reef with Dr Helen Scales.

Thursday was Occupational Therapy day.

We also had a reproductive health discussion on Friday.