science light

A tissue

Cotton fibre

An ant

We looked at light and the girls made a kaleidoscope, periscope, telescope, gelatin concave and convex lenses, made white light with blue green and red filters and attempted bending light. They also read a book about the microscopic world filled with amazing pictures of everything from viruses, bacteria and mould to plant and animal matter and nano technology. They also used a microscope hooked up to the computer to take photos of differentt things they found around the house.

Civil War Exploration Oregon Trail Slavery 1800's

Rocky Mountains

We watched excepts from 'Gone with the Wind' and played "Oregon Trail' the Computer Game,we also read about Abraham Lincoln, the Wright Brothers, George Washington Carver and Helen Keller through biographies of their life.'The Great Horn Spoon' was an adventure set during the Gold rush in California and "Moccasin Trail" was about the Oregon trail "Harriet Hubman" and her involvement in the underground railroad"Shades of Grey" an incredible book written from the perspective of a conscientious objector who refused to fight for the south during the Civil War. Incredibly thought provoking and "Across Five Aprils ' set during the five years of the civil war.

We also watched the National Geographic film of "Lewis and Clark"as they explored the north west section of continental united states and read" Naya Nuki" about the childhood friend of Sacajawea who was captured and returned to the Shoshoni tribe. We also watched " The Little House On The Prairie"

colonial life

silloettes

quilling

Recount: Lewis and Clark

The Adventures of Lewis and Clark

Meriweather Lewis (aged 30) and William Clark (aged 34 )

have returned home after a year and a half of adventuring

through the Louisiana territory under the order of Thomas Jefferson.

They set out on 13th May, 1804 from St Louis and paddled up the Missouri

River to its source high in the Rocky Mountains. Then they walked

through the Snowy Peaks until they found the Columbia River and

were able to sail along it until they reached the Pacific Ocean.

Along the way they met a silver tipped bear which continued to chase

them along the river and onto an island despite being shot 5 times.

They saw coyotes, wolves and foxes. Along the Jefferson river they saw so many

rattlesnakes they had to sleep in their boat rather than go ashore.

They saw woolly sheep, deer, elk, moose, Buffalo and caribou.

The salmon in the Columbia river weighed 90 - 100 lbs and the fir trees

were 220 ft high.

They were attacked by Indians and where almost killed on their return.

They have been awarded 1500 acres as a reward for their bravery. They travelled over 4000 miles.

Fortune Teller

We made these chatterboxes, in the 1700's they were called 'Fortune Tellers' and were used by children as a pass time.

Apothecary Store

We looked at all the herbs an Apothecary would have sold along with all the medicinal uses for them.

Summary American Revolution and Colonial Life 1700's

We watched 'Liberty Kids' a children's cartoon series based on life in the mid to late 1700s specifically covering each of the events leading up to the establishment of America as an independent country.We also watched excerpts of 'The Patriot" and 'Amazing Grace"

For Literature we read:"The Matchlock Gun' about the French Indian War.

"Johnny Treaiman" a story of a silversmith living during the time American revolution and recounting firsthand the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party The American Declaration and the War of Independence and describing the Sons of Liberty Paul Revere, John Hancock, John Adams and Dr Warren.

"Then What Happened Paul Revere?" about his famous midnight ride and his role as spy during the American Revolution.

"Can't Make Them Behave King George?" recounts the role of King George during the American revolution.

"Tolivers Secret" tells the story of a young girl who acts as spy during the American revolution."

Phoebe the Spy" tell the story of a young girl who discovers a plot to poison George Washington and saves his life.

'Meet George Washington' and 'Meet Martha Washington', both biographies outlining their lives from childhood."Meet Thomas Jefferson" is the story of Thomas Jefferson's personal life including his triumphs and his loss of his young daughter.

'What's the Big Idea Ben Franklin?" A very interesting read covering his involvement in the American Revolution and all his inventions.

We looked at the clothing, medicine, cooking, pass times and housing during the colonial period making butter, yogurt, cream and sourdough bread, candles and did quilling, made a fortune teller, a diorama of the houses that were commen and the clothing worn. The girls also made an an Apothecaries Shoppe filled with all the herbal medicines commonly used.

Great Smoky Mountains Colonial Life

http://www.bbc.com/travel/gallery/20110405-best-us-national-parks-for-wildlife-spotting