Tuesday, March 30

STEM Electives in High School

Electives can be a good way to make high school fun, to bring some moments of levity to a day crowded with the intense courses found in these upper grades, particularly in a college prep scenario. What is your child interested in? Which hobbies does s/he gravitate toward? Are there any career interests yet? This is a good way to let colleges know more about your student, as they see which electives made the cut and ended up on the transcript...

**Use coupon code PTTHRLI for a $30 discount on courses that are starred.** Insert the promo code in the 'coupon' field when signing up. If you want to use it multiple times, be sure to check out / register for each class individually.

Computers & Tech

**Graphic & Web Design
Graphic & Web Design is an introduction to front-end web development. Students will code a website using HTML and CSS, and design graphics using image editing software.

**Computer Science
In Computer Science, students will learn about more advanced topics such as the Python programming language, databases, code editors, folder structures, and path structures. The course is broken into two main areas: the development of skills and knowledge to help students become intermediate Pythonistas, and collaboration-based work in completing several group projects.

Aerospace Education (ie: Civil Air Patrol)

CAP AE offers more than 40 educational products that deliver hundreds of lesson plans to its senior members, cadets, and educator members. Aligned to national academic standards, the lessons cover pre K-12 and beyond and range from a 685-page high school/college textbook to booklets of hands-on activities for the very young learners. Subjects such as rocketry, robotics, flight, space, weather, mathematics, physical science, life science and unmanned aerial systems, are just a few of the amazing areas these lessons cover.

SolidWorks

SOLIDWORKS helps prepare student engineers, designers, and military to succeed in their careers through innovation solutions. SOLIDWORKS offers the complete CAD teaching tool, featuring software, certification, and full curriculum and interactive courseware. An an independent study, our son had the most success using this program in conjunction with this book.

Video Editing

Video Editing Basics will teach high school students proper video cutting, how to narrow down 3 hours to 10 minutes, pans and zoom-ins, effects, and where to use them, audio, and sound effects, storytelling, and how to structure video footage. This course is designed for budding You-Tube Stars, and others on social media that use video: Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms that utilize video.

Plants & Animals

Permaculture

Dubbed Homestead Science by our family, this is a hands-on course that includes text and video components. See a full review - and get a 60% off coupon - on this post.

Marine Biology

This Marine Biology homeschool curriculum introduces students to the diverse and incredible world of marine life through videos, slideshows, research projects, online resources, and downloadable materials. From the very small to the very large, students meet marine creatures that boggle the mind and defy imagination.

Animal Science

This Animal Science course is for teens who want to learn more in-depth information concerning animal species, habitats, and care. This is a semester-length, family-style course. Lessons include reading, research, videos, external links, and hands-on projects.

High School Science Classes

Not electives -- these are required courses for the transcripts, but ones that many parents struggle to teach at the advanced level, so we wanted to let you know about them. You CAN use the coupon code here as well.

**Biology (w/ lab)
Biology students will learn about life from the cellular level and up. Students will develop foundational knowledge in biology through assigned readings and exercises, instruction, discussion, experimentation, microscopy, and dissections.

**Chemistry (w/ lab)
In Chemistry w/ Lab, students will learn about the building blocks of our world and how they interact with each other on a molecular level. Chemistry at HSLDA Online Academy will include lab work.

**Physics (w/ lab)
In this course, students will develop a strong foundation in high school level physics through experiments, labs, discussions, lectures, and more. Physics w/ Lab will cover general concepts, such as kinematics, energy, waves, electrostatics, circuits, and magnetic fields.

Science at the Movies

Science at the Movies (Graded) will explore students’ curiosity about science concepts based on the Marvel movies, such as how would the Infinity Stones work? And just HOW does Iron Man’s reactor power itself? If you’ve asked yourself these questions, then this science class is for you!

Video-Based Physics w/ Calculus {FREE}

This year-long plan covers 36 weeks of school and uses video-based resources and computer-based lab components. It is appropriate for the high school student, and has an introduction / review of Calculus included.

Anatomy & Physiology

Anatomy and Physiology will explore the structural organization and interplay between parts of the body. In this year-long high school level course, students will learn about the structure and function of cells, tissues, and organs of the human body and how the organ systems work together.

Earth & Space Science

Earth and Space is a Science course for students in 9th grade or non-traditional learners. This course will excite and inspire your student! “How big is the earth?” is the first question asked in this course. Students will explore the questions of discovery that led to how mankind explored and learned about the earth.

Psychology

The goal of this course is to inspire students to inquisitively ask, question, and seek appropriate, Biblical answers to human behavior. This information will be applicable to their own lives, as well as to a broad range of career fields. This course is taught from a decidedly Christian point of view with the understanding that Psychology can be a helpful and effective tool.

Algebra II (Geometry & Algebra I also available)

This course is designed so that students have the opportunity to pull together and apply the accumulation of mathematics concepts learned previously. Students will apply methods from probability and statistics to draw inferences and conclusions from data. We will expand their knowledge of functions to include polynomial, rational, and radical functions.

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Thursday, March 25

The History Behind Easter Traditions

Have you ever wondered what a bunny that lays eggs has to do with Easter? Do bunnies even lay eggs? How did the bunny and the egg theory ever come into being? How did Easter come about? What are its origins?

Bunnies, chickens and colored eggs all have to do with Easter...but why? Why isn’t the chicken laying the colored eggs? Easter was not always a religious holiday but actually had its roots in pagan lore and legend. It was not until 325 A.D. that the Nicean Council declared it a religious holiday.

In order to understand the symbols of Easter we must go back to its early history.

According to Legend there was always an early spring festival celebrating the end of winter and the beginning of Spring. This festival was held at the time of the first full moon following the vernal equinox. A fertility goddess named Estre was the goddess of offspring and springtime. Many pagan religions held the same festival but with different names for their fertility goddess. She was known as Ishtar, Ashtoreth (mentioned in the Old Testament), and Eostre. Besides the difference in names the similarities suggest the same goddess. She was the goddess of fertility. It was believed by Babylonian legend that a giant egg fell from heaven and was incubated by doves. This is how Ashtoreth/Ishtar/Eastre was born. The god of fertility was called Baal, or Bel in the celtic tongue.

The egg is an earthly symbol of the god of fertility. The hare is associated with the goddess. Together we have male god and female goddess to bring on the season of fertility. The egg symbolizes the beginning of life, the germination of life. Gifts of colored eggs were often given to celebrate the coming of spring. It is not surprising to find the hare as a symbol of fertility. The hare is a nocturnal creature and is actually a little different from the cottontail rabbits that we have associated Easter with today.

Our spine reads for this unit are:

Access the entire unit in History Behind Our Holidays unit study bundle!

Includes eight American holidays. Each unit has introductory text, which will give the student the holiday’s history and customs.

Introduction
Valentine’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day
Easter
Mother’s Day
Father’s Day
Halloween
Thanksgiving
Christmas

In addition to text, there are featured videos, which augment the background information and help make the topic more accessible for more visual students. You will also find a short list of reading books and fun hands-on activities!

Product Samples: Valentine's Day & Christmas Traditions

Tuesday, March 23

Freak of the Week + Disabilities

March has been recognized as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month since 1987 when President Ronald Reagan issued a public proclamation urging Americans to provide individuals with developmental disabilities “the encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential...”

A disability is any condition of the body or mind that makes it more difficult for the person with the condition to do certain activities and interact with the world around them.

There are many types of disabilities. Some examples of common disabilities you may find are:

vision Impairment
deaf or hard of hearing
mental health conditions
intellectual disability
acquired brain injury
autism spectrum disorder
physical disability

Although “people with disabilities” sometimes refers to a single population, this is actually a diverse group of people with a wide range of needs. Two people with the same type of disability can be affected in very different ways. Some disabilities may be hidden or not easy to see. As a rule, DO NOT ask the person how they got the disability.

Our spine read for this unit is Freak of the Week (Ann Gabhart). Find the entire unit in the bundle below!

Looking for a literature-based language arts program? The Twenty-Three Reads Bundle is for someone who wants a little bit of everything!

It includes twenty-three unit studies covering a wide range of topics. Each unit has introductory text, which will give the student basic background information about the topic at hand. These studies are directed toward upper grades students, but some have resources for younger students so that the whole family can work together.

There are photographs and illustrations, and we have also included primary documents when available.
After this text, there are featured videos, which augment the background information and help make the topic more accessible for more visual students.
You will also find a short list of reading books, including a featured novel that the unit builds upon.
There are vocabulary words, places, and people to identify.
Reading comprehension, critical thinking questions, and writing assignments are included.
We add fun with hands-on activities and extra videos to watch that will bring the era to life.

Includes:

Language Arts

Finding Langston & the Poetry of Langston Hughes

Geography

Anne of Green Gables & Canadian Provinces
Stowaway & Antarctica
Julie of the Wolves & Alaska
Blades of Freedom & the Louisiana Purchase
The Avion My Uncle Flew & France

History

Zlata’s Diary & the Slavic Wars
Freedom Summer & the Summer of 1964
Treasure Island & Pirates of the Caribbean Sea
Farenheit 451 & Types of Government
Red Stars & Russia in World War 2
The Great Gatsby & the Roaring Twenties
The Long List of Impossible Things & Post-War Germany
A Tale of Two Cities & French Revolution
Witch of Blackbird Pond & Salem Witch Trials
The World Made New & Early Explorers
Stitching a Life & Jewish Immigration

Life Skills

Teetoncey & Lifesaving Skills
Freak of the Week & Disabilities Awareness
Island of the Blue Dolphins & Sailing

Science

The Science of Breakable Things & the Scientific Method
Frankenstein & Human Anatomy
Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation & Albert Einstein

Product samples:

Thursday, March 4

Family Road Trip 101

Now that covid is on the wane - or maybe people are just tired of being at home - travel is starting to pick up again. Maybe your family has spent the last year planning out a dream trip? We want to set you up for your best family road trip ever!

Once upon a time, our family lived on the road. We traveled to as many at thirty-five states each year, while hubby performed contract jobs and the boys and I explored everything this amazing country has to offer!

We drove EVERYWHERE! I think the only place we actually flew to was Cabo San Lucas, and that wasn't even for work...but for family vacation. Along the way, as we drove back and forth across our nations highways and byways, we learned quite a bit about minimalistic travel and what we really needed to bring and do...especially for long travel days.

Before you hit the road...

Clean Out the Car	It may seem counterintuitive to do a deep clean BEFORE the road trip, but this will give you a clean slate and make your ride more comfortable. Clean out doors, any trash or food, and vacuum the inside of the car. Wash the windows, and make sure you can see well. Headlights will emphasize anything that is obstructing your view, no matter how small! And above all, make sure the car isn't smelly....
Research	Check the weather reports for your trip -- this may be the weekend, the ten-day, or the extended forecast for the area. If you know what to expect, you can pack appropriately (rather than bringing a lot of unnecessary clothing). It's also a good idea to research your route ahead of time.
Pack Early	To the newbie, it might seem odd to pack up the entire car a few days early, but seasoned travelers know this will give you a day or two to fix any minor issues...forgotten items, last-minute errands, etc...without stressing.
Pack with a Plan	Using your information, pack according to weather, but minimally. Unless you're headed to the big city or a family event, you probably won't need dress clothes. Your overnight bag should be toward the back of the car, and your cooler and snacks should be accessible from the seats (if possible).
Stow an Overnight Kit	Multi-day trips mean hotel stops. If it's just a one-night stop, and not your destination, you don't want to be pulling everything out of the car for that overnight! Back your car into the hotel spot, against the building, for a bit of added security, and leave everything in the car except for an overnight bag. This should have a change of clothes and your toiletry kit...the rest can wait until you get where you're going!

Don't forget to pack these must-have items!

	Paper / Offline Maps Sure...you've got your GPS and your phone, and you might think that's enough...but it's not. Signals can drop or (in rural areas) disappear completely. You need a paper map, even if it's a rudimentary one, with directions. Remember MapQuesting for directions? At the very least, do that and write down some basics. We like to keep a road atlas in the car...if nothing else, when the kids get bored, they explore. Geography lesson!
	Road Snacks Fast-food take-out and gas station gourmet won't get you very far on the road (unless you were heading toward digestive distress...in which case, eat away)! A good stash of chopped veggies, fresh fruit, and protein snacks - such as trail mix - will keep your family nourished and at their best. Keep them handy, because you never know when road construction will pop up, leaving you with a lunch from your snack bag!
	Power Converter No one plays the license plate game anymore...they all want tablets and digital goodies. And mom needs to get some work done on the laptop while dad drives. It's a brave new world of family travel...one that requires more power than when we were kids. Having a power converter that will charge multiple devices at once can be a blessing...
	Cooler By far our favorite cooler - and well worth the space it takes up in the car - is this electric one. It plugs into your car to keep items cool, and then you can take it into the hotel and plug it in at night, too. The money you'll save in food costs - by being able to save leftovers from takeout and from shopping at grocery stores - more than makes up for the space used!
	Roadside Emergency Kit Expect the unexpected. Whether it's a flat tire, a loose belt, or weather disaster, you want to be prepared! This AAA one contains a snow shovel, flash lamp, a reflective warning triangle, jumper cable, strong tow ropes, a safety hammer and seat belt cutter, adhesive tape, a rain coat, a compass and more!
	Travel Pillow Have you ever watched kids sleep on an airplane or road trip? It's excruciating! And as an adult, falling asleep in that position is no picnic either...takes us a bit longer to recover. This small travel pillow will help you keep from waking up in pain with a crick on your neck...which just ruins everyone's day.
	Drinking Water I know...you don't like plastic bottles, and you want to bring your reusable cup. That's great! I encourage you to do so, and refill it as often as possible. How-ev-er. You don't know what lies down the road, or how long it might be before you get another refill. We like these bottles, in particular, because they're squarish and easier to pack. As an added bonus, once they're empty, they can double for a water refill....or other purposes.
	Headphones The kids want to watch a movie or play their music. You and your spouse want to listen to an audiobook or the radio as you head down the road. While family time (that's when we listen to an audiobook together, or just chat) is wonderful, alone time is necessary, too, on long travel days. A good set of headphones will provide some separation and peace at this time...
	All-in-One Tool Really....if you don't already have a multi-tool in your car, now is the time to stick one in the glove compartment. These things come in handy for all sorts of sticky situations! We like this one, but if you're heading to a really rural location, this one might be a better option....you never know what might crop up.
	Spare Tire and Tools Each car has its own set of spare tire and tool kit, so you'll need to find the one that works with your car. If you've never changed a tire before, too, it might be a good idea to practice ahead of time...just in case! And, it's always a good idea to pack Fix-a-Flat in your emergency kit. You can find Spare Tire Kits here. Want to teach your children how to change a tire and other life skills? Check out Skill Trek.

Tuesday, March 2

The History Behind St. Patrick's Day Traditions

Saint Patrick’s Day is a religious feast festival of Catholic Christians having its roots in Ireland with the celebrations gaining significance in other countries, particularly America and Britain. Just like St. Valentines Day, St. Patrick’s Day (i.e, 17th March) commemorates the demise of the revered patronized Irish saint St. Patrick. So, what is the legend behind St. Patrick which led to the association of a festival in his name, and how is the day celebrated?

The story goes like this…

Originally born (in later half of fourth century) to Roman parents in Scotland or Roman England (there are conflicting opinions regarding the place of birth), he was previously known by the name Maewyn Succat. He was given a Romanicized name Patricius, leading to him being known as Patrick.

Patrick was originally a pagan (a non-believer of Christianity). During his childhood, he was kidnapped and sold as a slave to the Celtic Druids who then ruled Ireland. It was during that stage of life that his attitude and beliefs towards God started changing. After six years, he escaped from slavery when he dreamt of God giving him instructions for the same. He was taught priesthood in France. When he became a bishop, he again dreamt of Irish people calling him and requiring his services.

He returned to Ireland with the firm belief of converting pagans to Christians. Despite being arrested by the Celtic Druids several times, he always managed to escape and was not deterred. He actively baptized and preached Christianity. He even used diplomacy, like gifting people in kinglets and gifting lawgivers. For 20 years he traveled throughout Ireland, establishing monasteries across the country. He also set up schools and churches which would aid him in his conversion.