February FunSchooling

There's something about February at Funschooling Academy that begs for unstructured, unplanned fun. Poking around my archives, I can't help but notice that most of my posts around this time of the year have revolved around using audio visual tools or field trips or random, unplanned activities for family learning and enjoyment.

This February is no different. Although we're both a little tired from battling tummy bugs and runny noses, I feel as if we are learning much from just letting things take their natural course.

First up, tons of Mythbusters on the menu. Honestly, Adam and Jamie have the best job in the world. From playing with explosives to duct tape to ballistics gel to Saint Bernards...those guys must have had some pretty awesome karma from their previous lives don't you think?

Second, my maze-lover, previously content with completing maze puzzle books, is now designing and drawing his own. Above is one he's working on at the moment (still incomplete).

Next, we're reading a bunch of titles that we don't normally pick up during our more eclectically-structured months.

    

I'm reading Black Pioneers of Science and Invention for Black History Month. I'm absolutely flabbergasted by the lack of recognition the brilliant African-Americans featured have received during their lifetimes. Kiddo is enjoying Cats are not Peas: A Calico History of Genetics as a bedtime read aloud.Honestly, I don't know how the boy got to loving cats this much--it's definitely not in his genes--but he's hanging onto every word. What I like about this book is that it is written from the point of view of a very interested, curious, layman calico cat owner and her journey of discovery into the mysteries of feline genetics. She writes as if she's inviting us to discover and investigate these mysteries with her and that is an awesome way to get kids interested in genetics IMHO. I've always wanted to read The Chemical History Of A Candle by Faraday and kiddo and I are taking turns reading it as and when we get the time.

We're also catching up with movies we've missed. Temple Grandin was one that inspired the both of us and brought about quite a bit of silent tears. What a brilliant, riveting movie! Kiddo was surprised that it's the same Claire Danes (in the titular role) as the lovey-dovey (and he hates lovey-dovey! For the moment at least) one in Stardust.

The little man is in a joyful tizzy (after counting down for a month) over the Jeopardy! IBM Challenge featuring Watson (the supercomputer), Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter.

Last bit of fun news: we splurged on Harry Hasting's History Heroes card game from Galore Park. I couldn't help it. I'm using the excuse that it ties in with our Medieval History study (grin). More about the game in a post to come.