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To: Virginia Homeschoolers
From: The Home Educators Association of Virginia

Above the Fold
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AUGUST'S TOP PICK
SAVE $5.50 WITH FREE SHIPPING UNTIL AUGUST 31

Love & Respect
by Emerson Eggerichs
Reviewed by Anne Miller

...Almost every teaching I've ever heard says husbands are to unconditionally love their wives as Jesus loves his Church. No problem there. (Do I hear cheering?) However, I don't recall ever hearing a sermon or a teaching (except from my parents) that says wives are to unconditionally respect their husbands....
Read the review.
(http://www.heav.org/readmore/heavupdates/august142007/textonly.html

Buy the book. Order your copy today and receive free shipping -- a savings of $5.50!

 

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New Store Layout
We've recently redone the look and feel of our store, making it easier to browse for products. Take a look, and don't forget that for a limited time, we'll give a free copy of A More Perfect Union to anyone placing an order of $39 or more. We're also offering free shipping on Love & Respect for the month of August

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Limited-Time Offer!

Two Ways to Get a Great Deal

For a very limited time you can get the full education version of A More Perfect Union (valued at $39.95) along with a FREE copy of the Constitution Poster
for only $14.50 postage paid.

Or make any purchase of $39 (excluding postage and handling) and we will send you the set for FREE!

Yes, you read that correctly! Make any order (online or by phone) and if the total is $39 or greater (excluding postage and handling), we will include the full education version of A More Perfect Union along with the Constitution poster absolutely FREE.

Or, if you prefer, just order the set at the incredible price of only $14.50 postage-paid.

Order online or by calling our office at 804-273-9200.

 

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HEAV Homeschool Success Seminar - Are you ready for the SAT essay?
Richmond - Thursday, September 6, 2007 - Janice Campbell

Is your high school student preparing to take the SAT this year? Is your student intimidated by the new SAT essay? Would he or she benefit from learning and practicing writing strategies for the timed college essay question? If so, Janice Campbell's Beat-the-Clock Essay Workshop offers just what they'll need to overcome writer's block and create an easy-to-read, well-organized essay-all within a short time!

The workshop is designed for high school and advanced middle school students (and for parents who want to improve their own writing and evaluation skills).

Janice Campbell has homeschooled since the late 1980s, and has successfully guided her oldest sons into (and through) college, and has helped many others cope with high school and college admissions issues. She will share simple, proven techniques for conquering the SAT essay, including:

· A simple three-step process for writing essays on any subject
· A quick formula for making the best use of limited time
· How to find your thesis within the essay question
· How to use your personal frame of reference to develop a point of view for almost any essay question
· How to organize thoughts and information for maximum impact
· How to quickly evaluate and improve your essay

Time: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Place: HEAV Office and Resource Center, 2248-G Dabney Road, Richmond, Virginia
Cost: Students (including booklet) - $35; Discounts for HEAV members and additional family members (including parents!)
Registration: Limited to 30 seats. Call HEAV at 804-278-9200 or e-mail questions to info@heav.org to confirm seating. We accept Visa or MasterCard.

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HEAV Homeschool Success Seminar - September 13
Richmond - Thursday, September 13, 2007 - Yvonne Bunn and Vicki Bentley

Get off to the right start with HEAV's "How-to-Begin Homeschooling" fall seminar! If you've decided to homeschool, but have questions about getting started, this is a great opportunity to get your questions answered. You'll hear from two veteran home educators who have helped thousands of parents prepare for a successful homeschool experience. The seminar includes:
· How to Homeschool--What You Really Need to Know
· The Law, Evaluation, and Testing
· How to Choose Curriculum
Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Place: HEAV Office and Resource Center, 2248-G Dabney Road, Richmond, Virginia
Cost: Each seminar is $15 for HEAV members; $20 for non-members; spouses are free!
Childcare: Not available.
Reservations: Call the HEAV office at 804-278-9200. We accept Visa or MasterCard.
Registration is available at the door, but pre-registration will guarantee a seat and allow us to notify you of any schedule changes or space limitations.
Contact: 804-278-9200, or e-mail questions to info@heav.org.

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Effective Communication Classes - Centreville, Fairfax, & Gainesville - Register Now, Classes Begin September 4

Enroll your students in classes for the 2007-08 school year with John Jenkins, award-winning author and contributor to Focus on the Family Breakaway magazine for teen boys and Brio for teen girls.

Check out this unique opportunity to have your students learn from a proven author and inspirational teacher. John's passion is to develop creativity and critical thinking while teaching real-world skills based on professional writing and speaking techniques. Class offerings include:

Master StoryTellers - British Literature w Effective Writing, Basic & Advanced w The Prepared Student w Mock Trial

For class details and to register, visit www.reconciliationpress.com.

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1) Homeschool Items
View All Homeschool Items
1.1 AP Comparative Government/Politics - Online - Register by August 31
1.2 Shanan Homeschool Orientation - Chesapeake - August 31
1.3 PSAT Test - Chester/Colonial Heights - Register by September 5
1.4 PSAT Test - Richmond Area - Register Now
1.5 Chamber Music Concert - Richmond - September 26
1.6 Steve and Teri Maxwell: Christ-Led Family Conference - Chesapeake - September 28 and 29
1.7 Steve and Teri Maxwell: Encouragement for the Homeschool Family - Danville: October 1 - Abingdon: October 2
1.8 Seminar for Booklovers - Abingdon - October 19-20

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2) General Interest Items
View All General Interest Items
2.1 Lunar Plant Growth Chamber Engineering Project - Underway!
2.2 Science Saturdays - Richmond - Begins September 1
2.3 Mini-Medical School - Richmond - Register by September 4
2.4 Lunch Break Science - Richmond - Wednesdays, Begins September 5
2.5 Creation Astronomer Speaks - Hampton Roads area - September 7, 8, and 9
2.6 Smithsonian Teachers' Night - Washington, D.C. - Registration Opens September 12
2.7 Joshua's Hands Fall Festival - Loudoun County - October 6
2.8 Science Teacher Professional Development Institute - Williamsburg - November 8-10
2.9 Book Due Out on Lauren McCain
2.10 Christian Alternative to Girl Scouting
2.11 Article - Do Laws and Standards Evolve?

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3) Cool Sites
View All Cool Sites
3.1 Online Spanish Flashcards
3.2 How to Build a Website
3.3 Homeschool Math Website
3.4 Learn CPR
3.5 Exploratorium Science Website
3.6 Art Appreciation Charlotte Mason Style - A Step-by-Step Guide
3.7 Kids' Guide to 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World
3.8 Study Guides and Strategies
3.9 Mega-Penny Project - How Much is a....?
3.10 OpenCourseWare: Notre Dame

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4) Celebrate America's 400th: Study Virginia History!
View All Virginia History & Geography Sites
4.1 Museum of the Confederacy Homeschool Day - Richmond - Register by October 9

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5) Parting Thought - The Evolution of a Math Problem

1950:
A lumberjack sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of this price. What is his profit?
1960 (traditional math):
A lumberjack sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of this price, or in other words $80. What is his profit?
1970 (new math):
A lumberjack exchanges a set L of lumber for a set M of money. The cardinality of set M is 100, and each element is worth $1. Make 100 dots representing the elements of set M. The set C is a subset of set M, of cardinality 80. What is the cardinality of the set P of profits, if P is the difference set M\C?
1980 (equal opportunity math):
A lumberjack sells a truckload of wood for $100. His or her cost of production is $80, and his or her profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.
1990 (outcome based education):
By cutting down beautiful forest trees, a lumberperson makes $20. What do you think of his way of making a living? In your group, discuss how the forest birds and squirrels feel, and write an essay about it.
1995 (entrepreneurial math):
By laying off 402 of its lumberjacks, a company improves its stock price from $80 to $100. How much capital gain per share does the CEO make by exercising his stock options at $80? Assume capital gains are no longer taxed, because this encourages investment.
1998 (motivational math):
A logging company exports its wood-finishing jobs to its Indonesian subsidiary and lays off the corresponding half of its US workers (the higher-paid half). It clear-cuts 95% of the forest, leaving the rest for the spotted owl, and lays off all its remaining US workers. It tells the workers that the spotted owl is responsible for the absence of fellable trees and lobbies Congress for exemption from the Endangered Species Act. Congress instead exempts the company from all federal regulation. What is the return on investment of the lobbying?

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6) Worth Repeating
"These are times in which a genius would wish to live. It is not in the still calm of life, or in the repose of a pacific station, that great characters are formed. The habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties. Great necessities call out great virtues."
-Abigail Adams writing to her son, John Quincy. Abigail was initially taught by her mother, then self-educated by reading from her father's voluminous library.

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7) Verse of the Week
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
-Psalm 90:12 (KJV).

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Disclaimer
The HEAV Update is produced by Kathleen Dillie (managing editor), TinaMarie Hintz (project manager), Chris (editor), Anna Dykhoff (graphic designer), and Anne Miller (director of publications & marketing).

HEAV does not necessarily endorse the above-mentioned resources, nor guarantee the accuracy of information found on any external resource we may mention. If you find anything wrong on our website, please let us know so we can correct it.

HEAV diligently researches each link prior to publication. However, we recommend that you, the parent, fully examine websites before allowing your children to surf them without supervision.

Home Educators Association of Virginia

 

1) Homeschool Items
August 28, 2007

1.1 AP Comparative Government/Politics - Online - Register by August 31
1.2 Shanan Homeschool Orientation - Chesapeake - August 31
1.3 PSAT Test - Chester/Colonial Heights - Register by September 5
1.4 PSAT Test - Richmond Area - Register Now
1.5 Chamber Music Concert - Richmond - September 26
1.6 Maxwell's: Christ-Led Family Conference - Chesapeake - September 28 and 29
1.7 Maxwell's: Encouragement for the Homeschool Family - Danville: October 1 - Abingdon: October 2
1.8 Seminar for Booklovers - Abingdon - October 19-20

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1.1 AP Comparative Government/Politics - Online - Register by August 31

Registration deadline is August 31, 2007. Course is from Tuesday, September 4, 2007, to April 4, 2008. Cost: $400 plus books. Only homeschooled students may enroll.

Prepare for the College Board's Advanced Placement Comparative Government exam in May. Note: Exam can be taken as a "2-for-1" exam with AP U.S. Government.

For an application or more information, contact the instructor at thomas.shaheen@gmail.com, or see Comparative Government at the Pennsylvania Homeschoolers website. State of residence does not matter.

www.pahomeschoolers.com/courses/index.html

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1.2 Shanan Homeschool Orientation - Chesapeake - August 31

South Norfolk Congregational Christian Church
1030 Jackson Avenue
Chesapeake, VA

Friday, August 31, 2007, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Orientation is free.

Shanan Home Education is hosting Parent Orientation Night to introduce parents to its program which supports parents who homeschool pre-kindergarten through eighth grades. They will review the schedule for weekly Wednesday activities and tour the education wing of the church.

For more information, contact William or Mary Ann Malone at 757-482-5286 or
office@shanan-online.org.

www.shanan-online.org

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1.3 PSAT Test - Chester/Colonial Heights - Register by September 5

Evangel Christian School
16801 Harrowgate Road
Colonial Heights/Chester, VA

Registration deadline is Wednesday, September 5, 2007. Test is Wednesday, October 17, 2007, at 8:30 a.m. Cost: $20 (multiple child discount available).

Through the auspices of Tri-Cities Home Educators (TCHE), Evangel Christian School will include homeschool students in their PSAT/NMSQT testing.

For more information, contact Vicki Bentley at vicki@TCHEofVA.org or 804-478-4225. Please do not call Evangel to ask questions.

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1.4 PSAT Test - Richmond Area - Register Now

Locations are:

Grove Avenue Christian School in the West End
Richmond Christian School in the Chippenham Parkway/Belmont Road area
Victory Christian Academy at Chamberlayne and Parham in Northside
Banner Christian School in Southside (tentative)

The test date is Wednesday, October 17, 2007, beginning sometime from 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., depending on the site. Register right away; seats expected to fill quickly. Cost: $25 donation to the school used. The alternate date, Saturday, October 20, is only available through your local public school district; call them directly to make arrangements. Public-school-administered tests are free.

Strength unto Strength Family-Based Ministries is coordinating PSATs for Richmond area homeschooled sophomores and juniors at local Christian schools. Students need to bring their own pencils, scratch paper, and nonscientific calculator, as well as their own snacks for breaks, or money for vending machines. You will get further details upon registration.

To reserve a spot, e-mail strength2strength@juno.com with your preferred location. It will be assigned, if available. Please do not call any of the schools directly. For further information about PSAT's in general, check the website.

www.collegeboard.com

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1.5 Chamber Music Concert - Richmond - September 26

The Weinstein Jewish Community Center
5403 Monument Avenue
Richmond, VA

Wednesday, September 26, 2007, at 9 a.m. Cost: $5/person at the door.

The Richmond Symphony Musical Ambassadors Program presents a concert especially for homeschoolers. Students of all ages will enjoy seeing and hearing professional musicians up close in programs designed to explore orchestral instruments. The single admission fee lets you choose to stay for as many of the four 30-minute segments as you wish, so it is a great introduction into symphonic music for even the younger students.

For more information, contact Aimee Halbruner at 804-788-4717, extension 130, or at ahalbruner@richmondsymphony.com.

www.richmondsymphony.com/ambassadors.asp

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1.6 Steve and Teri Maxwell: Christ-Led Family Conference - Chesapeake - September 28-29

Harvest Assembly
525 Kempsville Road
Chesapeake, VA

Friday, September 28, 2007, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Saturday, September 29, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pre-registration is requested. A love offering will be accepted.

This day and a half with Steve and Teri Maxwell could revolutionize your family!
Be challenged and discover lasting solutions for the difficulties of life that Christian families face. What have you got to lose except stress and heartache? See the websites for detailed conference information and information about their books, free monthly e-mail articles, and other resources.

Child care is available through age five (please indicate your need for child care when you pre-register). Babies and children are welcome to sit with their parents during the conference. Sessions given by Christopher and Sarah (two of the Maxwells' children) are great for teens, as well as children of any age who are able to sit quietly.

Contact Brad Shedd at bshedd@harvestva.org or 757-547-7717, extension 204, or after business hours at 757-558-1941. Alternate contact is Mary Matthews at 757-547-7717, extension 209, or mmatthews@harvestva.org. Be sure to include how many adults and children (ages, please) will attend, and if you plan to use their childcare for those under five years old.

www.Titus2.com

www.titus2.com/conferences/Locations/norfolk-va-07/Norfolk-VA-final-flyer.pdf

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1.7 Steve and Teri Maxwell: Encouragement for the Homeschool Family - Danville: October 1 - Abingdon: October 2

These two evenings are the same conference in two places for your convenience. The "Encouragement for the Homeschool Family Conference: An Evening That Could Revolutionize Your Family" features the very popular Steve and Teri Maxwell family, homeschoolers since 1985. See the flyer for each conference for a full description. No childcare is provided at these sessions, but babies and children are welcome with their parents throughout the conference. Sessions throughout the evening by Christopher and Sarah (two of the Maxwells' older children) are great for teens, as well as children of any age who are able to sit quietly. See the main website for more information about the Maxwells and their ministry.

www.titus2.com

The Tabernacle
1978 South Boston Road
Danville, VA

Monday, October 1, 2007, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Please register by Friday, September 28, 2007, at 5 p.m. Free; love offering accepted.

To register for Danville, contact Debbie Crozier at 434-685-7066 or dcrozier@cstone.net. For more information, see the flyer or call the CHEC Hotline at 434-685-7066 and leave a message; or contact Lechia Davis at davis1985@earthlink.net or 434-685-3786.

www.titus2.com/conferences/Locations/danville-va-07/danville-va.pdf

Pleasant View United Methodist Church
18416 Lee Highway
Abingdon, VA

Tuesday, October 2, 2007, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Pre-registration requested. Free; love offering accepted.

To register for Abingdon, contact Miranda McCraw at 276-628-6008 or
blessed7x@comcast.net.

www.titus2.com/conferences/Locations/abingdon-va-07/abingdonVA.pdf

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1.8 Seminar for Booklovers - Abingdon - October 19-20

Pleasant View United Methodist Church
18416 Lee Hwy
Abingdon, VA

Register by Friday, October 12, 2007, to get the discount price.
Friday, October 19, 2007, from 4 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. (sign-in if pre-registered, or register at the door);
Friday, October 19, 2007, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. (seminar until 8:45 p.m. and shopping until 9:30 p.m.); and
Saturday, October 20, 2007, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cost: $20/family for pre-registration; $25 at door.

Jan and Gary Bloom began homeschooling their three children in 1982 and continued all the way through high school. They will share their insights into homeschooling, family life, reading, hunting for books-even how to build a bookcase! See the complete workshop descriptions on their website.

To register, contact Liz Cottrill at 276-676-3358 or livingbookslibrary@hotmail.com.

www.booksbloom.com/cspage.html

 

2) General Interest Items
August 28, 2007

2.1 Lunar Plant Growth Chamber Engineering Project - Underway!
2.2 Science Saturdays - Richmond - Begins September 1
2.3 Mini-Medical School - Richmond - Register by September 4
2.4 Lunch Break Science - Richmond - Wednesdays, Begins September 5
2.5 Creation Astronomer Speaks - Hampton Roads area - September 7, 8, and 9
2.6 Smithsonian Teachers' Night - Washington, D.C. - Registration Opens September 12
2.7 Joshua's Hands Fall Festival - Loudoun County - October 6
2.8 Science Teacher Professional Development Institute - Williamsburg - November 8-10
2.9 Book Due Out on Lauren McCain
2.10 Christian Alternative to Girl Scouting
2.11 Article - Do Laws and Standards Evolve?

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2.1 Lunar Plant Growth Chamber Engineering Project - Underway!

In future space exploration, NASA may need to grow plants to supplement astronaut-explorer diets. Educators and students of all ages can participate in the design, building, and evaluation of lunar plant-growth chambers. Hurry-only the first 100,000 registrants get seeds, which just returned to Earth on the Space Shuttle. Check this page for details and register now.

www.nasa.gov/audience/foreducators/plantgrowth/home/index.html

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2.2 Science Saturdays - Richmond - Begins September 1

Science Museum of Virginia
2500 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA

Saturdays in September with activities scheduled for the whole time from noon to 4 p.m. Cost: $10/adults (ages 13 and up); $9/youth (ages 4-12), seniors (ages 60 and up) and active military; free/children 3 and under. Science Saturdays are included with exhibit admission.

The Science Museum is the place to be on Saturday afternoons. You can have a blast with hands-on activities, science demos, and interactive exhibits. See the website for more details.

September 1 is Vision Day, September 8 is Adventures In Earth and Space Day, September 15 is Que Pasa Day, September 22 is Mummy Day, and September 29 is Solar Day.

For more information, see the website or call 804-864-1400, or 800-659-1727.

http://www.smv.org/education/scisats.asp

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2.3 Mini-Medical School - Richmond - Register by September 4

Science Museum of Virginia
2500 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA

Wednesdays, September 5, 12, 19, and 26, and October 3, 2007, usually from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (See note below for September 5.) Cost: $15/series or $5/lecture (for members and any students age 18 and under); $20/series or $7/lecture for non-members. Register by September 4, 2007. Seating is limited.

The subject for this series is "Medication: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly," and features the latest health information from nationally recognized experts.

September 5 - Clinical Trials.
Note: This session begins at 6:30 p.m. and includes admission to the 7:30 p.m. showing of Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs in the IMAX® DOME.

September 12 - How to Talk With Your Doctor About Your Medications

September 19 - Medication Safety

September 26 - Personalized Medicine

October 3 - Drug Discovery: From Natural Products to Modern Design

For more information or to register, see the website or contact 804-864-1400, press 2.

http://www.smv.org/education/mini-med/default.asp

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2.4 Lunch Break Science - Richmond - Wednesdays, Begins September 5

Science Museum of Virginia
2500 West Broad Street
Richmond, VA

Wednesdays in September from noon to 1 p.m. Free lectures. Pack a lunch.

Note: The topic for the one lecture remaining in August (tomorrow, the 29th) has been changed to "Light Pollution," and is presented by SMV Astronomer Ken Wilson.

September 5 - From Start to Shop: The Science Behind the Products We Buy

September 12 - The Spiraling Bio-economic Model

September 19 - Virginia's American Shad Restoration Project

September 26 - How Chocolate Goes from Cocoa Tree to Store Shelves

For more information, see the website, or call 804-864-1400 or 800-659-1727.

http://www.smv.org/education/lunchbreakscience.asp

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2.5 Creation Astronomer Speaks - Hampton Roads area - September 7, 8, and 9

Dr. Danny Faulkner, creation astronomer, will speak at separate events as follows:

Friday, September 7, 2007, at 7 p.m. (The Peninsula Origin Science Association meets monthly, on the Friday before second Saturday.)

New Covenant Church (near Hampton Center Pkwy)
1079 Big Bethel Road
Hampton, VA

Saturday, September 8, 2007, at 7 p.m. (Southside Origin Science Association meets monthly, every second Saturday.)

Avalon Hills Bible Church (next to I-64, across from CBN)
5728 Indian River Road
Virginia Beach, VA

Sunday, September 9, 2007, at 11 a.m., and 7 p.m.

New Life Christian Fellowship
1116 Hillwell Road
Chesapeake, VA

For more information about these meetings, see the website or contact Richard C. Homesly at 1origin@cox.net.

http://hometown.aol.com/kjswann/osamonthly

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2.6 Smithsonian Teachers' Night - Washington, D.C. - Registration Opens September 12

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Washington, D.C.

Friday, November 2, 2007, "after hours."

Smithsonian Teachers' Night will take place at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum on Friday, November 2. This event is free but requires registration, and every Teachers' Night "sells out." Be among the first to know when registration opens by subscribing to the e-newsletter "Smithsonian Education News." Even if you can't come to Washington, D.C., the newsletter will let you know about new web materials such as lesson plans and teaching kits.

See the website for more information.


http://www.smithsonianeducation.org/educators/professional_development/teachers_night.html

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2.7 Joshua's Hands Fall Festival - Loudoun County - October 6

38327 Charles Town Pike
Waterford, VA

Saturday, October 6, 2007 (rain date is October 7), from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free and open to the public.

Food, family entertainment of all sorts, crafts, games, pony rides, a petting zoo, and a country store are available. Support a good cause and have loads of family fun. See the website for full details, directions, and a list of items you could donate.


http://web.mac.com/rightathome/Joshuas_Hands/Fall_Festival.html
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2.8 Science Teacher Professional Development Institute - Williamsburg - November 8-10

Williamsburg Marriott Hotel
50 Kingsmill Road
Williamsburg, VA

Thursday through Saturday, November 8 to 10, 2007.

The deadline for specially rated hotel reservations ($124/night) at the Marriott is October 11, but they typically sell out before then. Early conference registration is $130 by October 11; after that it is $160. Except for breakfast, meals and most field trips not included.

Homeschoolers have been invited to join fellow science educators from across the state at the Virginia Association of Science Teachers' Professional Development Institute to learn and celebrate the profession of science education. Registration includes a year's membership, awards dinner, entertainment, and Busch Gardens rides. Also included are four inspiring general sessions by the Wildlife Center of Virginia, Dr. William Kelso, Dr. John Quarstein, and Dr. Julia Cothron. Registrants will also have the opportunity to choose from over 100 hours of professional development presentations, workshops, and field trips.

See the website for more information.

www.vast.org

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2.9 Book Due Out on Lauren McCain

Many of our readers will remember items in the Update last spring on Lauren McCain, a 20-year-old former homeschooler, whose faith in Jesus Christ stood out amidst the tragedy of the Virginia Tech shootings. Lifting our Eyes, by Beth J. Lueders goes on sale September 4. The subtitle of the book is Finding God's Grace Through the Virginia Tech Tragedy: The Lauren McCain Story. Lauren's parents gave their blessing to the project, along with access to Lauren's journal. Lueders said she hopes Lauren's story will inspire people who were shaken by the shootings.

www.dailypress.com/news/dp-now-mccainbook.au16,0,7428567.story

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2.10 Christian Alternative to Girl Scouting

American Heritage Girls is a relatively new group for girls ages 5-18. Although there are just four groups in Virginia listed on the website, you can start a group in your area.

www.ahgonline.org/locator/results_list.php?statename=Virginia&state=VA&statesearch=Go

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2.11 Article - Do Laws and Standards Evolve?

The controversy between evolution and biblical creation is about much more than just fossils and ape men. It concerns the basic questions concerning life, law, and human relationships. Most importantly: Who is Lord--God or man? It appears Darwinian evolution has often been victorious in the cultural battle and the results have been devastating. Read how Christians can address these foundational questions in the article on Vision Forum's website.

www.visionforum.com/hottopics/newsletters/newsletter.aspx?id=08-15-07

 

3) Cool Sites
August 28, 2007

3.1 Online Spanish Flashcards
3.2 How to Build a Website
3.3 Homeschool Math Website
3.4 Learn CPR
3.5 Exploratorium Science Website
3.6 Art Appreciation Charlotte Mason Style - A Step-by-Step Guide
3.7 Kids' Guide to 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World
3.8 Study Guides and Strategies
3.9 Mega-Penny Project - How Much is a....?
3.10 OpenCourseWare: Notre Dame

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3.1 Online Spanish Flashcards

Select a category, and then mouse over the word or picture to hear it. Basic parts of the website, practices, and quizzes are free. Our thanks to Rhoda for sharing this fun, beginning Spanish vocabulary site with us.

www.spanishspanish.com

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3.2 How to Build a Website

The website says, "If you can follow a recipe, you can build a website. And when you're done, you'll be on the Web not only as a surfer but as a creator!"

www.wigglebits.com

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3.3 Homeschool Math Website

Find games, worksheet generators, resource links, teaching tips, lesson plans, and more. The curriculum corner has articles on choosing and evaluating math curriculum, a scope-and-sequence chart, and curriculum reviews (add yours). You can sign up for the free newsletter and read archived back issues.

www.homeschoolmath.net

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3.4 Learn CPR

This site is in Washington state, the first state to require all school students to take CPR training. If it's been a while since you have taken CPR, read up on changes here. Do try to attend classes in person, but in the meantime, review this website.

http://depts.washington.edu/learncpr/index.html

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3.5 Exploratorium Science Website

The folks from this museum in San Francisco have one of the best secular science-related websites anywhere. It will take quite a while to sift through the "explore" and "educate" pages with their many hands-on activities. Don't miss the resources in the upper right-hand side menus of those pages.

www.exploratorium.edu/index.html

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3.6 Art Appreciation Charlotte Mason Style - A Step-by-Step Guide

A Catholic homeschool mom shares a wonderful lesson on how to do a "picture study" using Charlotte Mason's popular teaching philosophy. With this helpful guide and free art resources, such as museum websites, library books, or online art collections, you'll have an art appreciation curriculum very inexpensively!

By the way, click on her logo to see the rest of her website on Miss Mason's methods.

www.materamabilis.org/picturestudy.html

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3.7 Kids' Guide to 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World

The Christian campaign "30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World" has a free 36-page booklet for children with material useful for geography and comparative religions study, as well as devotions. The puzzles, photos, and text explain the world of Islam in simple terms. There are links to more detailed information in the right margin, including "Sights and Sounds" with short videos.

www.30-days.net/shop/download.htm

If you wish to order the more in-depth adult version (see sample pages on their website), you can still get it in time to join in prayer for the Muslim community during Ramadan (September 13-October 13). The full-color guide is only $3.

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3.8 Study Guides and Strategies

Along with study tips, learning tools, and techniques, there are numerous links to reference material on math, reading, spelling, etc. Don't let the relatively plain appearance fool you-there is a goldmine here! Parent educators and older students will benefit from this website.

www.studygs.net

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3.9 Mega-Penny Project - How Much is a....?

See in illustrated form (with value, width, height, thickness, weight, and area thrown in for good measure) just how much is a billion, or a trillion, or...all the way to a quintillion pennies! Seeing a whole lot of pennies compared to a man, a football field, the Empire State Building, or some other object makes it easier to grasp the scope of such large numbers. How much is a cubic foot of pennies worth? Now how about a million cows?

www.kokogiak.com/megapenny/default.asp

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3.10 OpenCourseWare: Notre Dame

Notre Dame University is one of the colleges and universities that offers various course materials online for free. There are no instructors, credits, or degrees, but it's there for the learning. Check it out and see if anything interests you.

http://ocw.nd.edu

 

4) Celebrate America's 400th: Study Virginia History!
August 28, 2007

4.1 Museum of the Confederacy Homeschool Day - Richmond - Register by October 9

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4.1 Museum of the Confederacy Homeschool Day - Richmond - Register by October 9

The Museum of the Confederacy
1201 East Clay Street
Richmond, VA

Register by 5 p.m., Tuesday, October 9, 2007. Event is Tuesday, October 16, 2007, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., or 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $3.50/students; $8/ adults.

Homeschool students and parents will receive guided tours of the White House of the Confederacy and of the Museum's main exhibit chronicling the major battles of the war. They will also participate in a hands-on program, "Medical Practices of the Civil War," in which a mock amputation is performed.

For more information, or to register, contact Sean Kane at 804-649-1861, extension 22, or skane@moc.org.

www.moc.org