Babylonian Soil: Day 2 (Vol 1, Unit 1, Chapter 1 Weaver)

Today was science day!

 I like to write out the objectives on the chalkboard so that the kids know the plan, and so that I can be reminded of what we need to accomplish. 

We quickly reviewed the Tower of Babel and Sumerian culture, then learned about the city of Babylon. I'm such a nerd- I'm having way too much fun teaching them ancient history. We learned about Babylonian rulers including Hammurabi and Nebuchadnezzar. Hammurabi wrote down barbaric laws called the Code of Hammurabi. One of them mandated that a surgeon's hand be cut off if his patient died. Much later in Babylonian history came along King Nebuchadnezzar, the same king in the book of Daniel. He built the beautiful blue Gate of Ishtar, and rebuilt the seven level ziggurat that's believed to be the same temple as in Genesis 11. We watched a YouTube video that showed a recreation of the huge wall and gate.

After history, it was time for our science walk. They each had a bucket and shovel, and we went out to collect soil samples.

Isaac was so proud that he picked out his own outfit. I was proud for him, and also glad we are homeschooling so that I didn't have to make him change.

With our samples in hand, we talked about what soil is made of, and what defines each type of soil. We also discussed the three categories of rock. Last week we went to dinner hosted by friends of ours from church. He's a geologist with a private rock and mineral collection that would take your breath away. It was like being inside of a museum. He gave a little lesson to the kids that night, which made today's lesson so much easier.

Observing the different soil samples with a magnifying glass, and then classifying them.

Writing their observations in their science journals.

Meanwhile in the next room... She is so quiet during homeschool. She's in and out of the school room at her leisure, so who knows what all she's absorbing. I bought her Horizons curriculum for three year olds, but she's not interested in the worksheets, and I'm not pushing it.

His favorite part of the day- being told he has to play with dirt. Ha!

After classifying the types of soil, we made a posterboard.

Tacky glue fun.

She didn't want to stop gluing things.

Finished product.

We conducted an experiment using sediments in a jar of water. The girls each came up with an hypothesis of what types of soil would sink first and last. They then recorded the results after observing the experiment. 

Conclusions: 1. My kids love our new school. 2. I am a nerd who loves history and science, and I am so ready to do it all again tomorrow!