Science with Columbus

It was science experiment day today.  It was wonderful that so many of our studies went together this week.  Our main theme this week has been Columbus.

Laura and I have been reading about Columbus and other explorers in A Child's History of the World.  For her Independent History, she has been reading Pedro's Journal, which is a fictional story of a young boy aboard ship with Columbus on the journey to America.  Then, for science, Laura has been reading and studying the D'Aulaire book Columbus.

Learning about Columbus from several different sources and in more than one way is very beneficial to Laura.  She retains the information so much better this way.  Today, after reading about Columbus witnessing a waterspout over the ocean, Laura (with Daddy's participation) performed an experiment about waterspouts.

Other than the fact that Laura added too much food coloring (adding those drops is fun), the experiment was a success.  Experiment day is always a highlight for Laura.  She likes the hands-on aspect.  With Heart of Dakota, our experiments are easy and quick.  I usually don't have to do much but make sure all the stuff is available, then stand back and take pictures.