This blog is my attempt to document our busy but BLESSED lives raising and educating our children for His glory. A child of God, wife to one, and mom to 6 fabulous kids. We are in our 17th year of homeschooling using a Classical ~ Literature based approach.

Come along for the good, the bad & the ugly.



Showing posts with label STEM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label STEM. Show all posts

Friday, November 11, 2022

Interactive learning with Brilliant ~ a TOS review

Disclaimer: I received a Complimentary copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Regulations. Brilliant Premium 
Good morning friends! We’ve made it to the end of another week! I don’t know about you but for me the school year feels like it is flying by. As we approach the holiday season, I am looking to slow down just a little bit while still giving my kiddos an educational experience. To accomplish this we have been dabbling a little bit each morning into the world of STEM skills with our Premium Subscription from Brilliant.
The Brilliant program is just that, brilliant! We received a Premium Subscription for two students and I used it for myself and McKenzie, my 7th grader. Many people, including myself, find it hard to fit in STEM activities in the daily home educating process. However, by using Brilliant’s interactive web and mobile based program your student will learn problem solving, critical thinking, and logical reasoning skills in just 15-20 minutes a day. 
Brilliant’s online learning platform helps your student, aged 10+, master concepts in science, math, engineering, and logic by simply solving challenging problems in a hands-on approach. If you have read this blog for a while or know me in real life, you know I am all for hands-on learning! 
With over 70 online courses geared for everyone in 6th grade and up you can be sure to find something to study including courses on Everyday Math, Pre-Algebra, Geometry Fundamentals, Scientific Thinking. Computer Science Fundamentals, and Logic. 

For this review I focused on the Pre-Algebra course with my 7th grader McKenzie. During the morning I had her use it as a brain warm-up before getting started on her math lesson for the day. Since the Brilliant is an interactive program, it adapts to the user’s knowledge level, so you get the most out of the program. In the next few weeks, I am going to add in the Scientific Thinking course for McKenzie and we will most likely sit and tackle those together with little brother looking in too.

Brilliant Premium 
Brilliant is one of the courses I never knew existed but has found a place in our daily homeschool adventures! I also love that the learning can be on-the-go, especially since we are about to start traveling for gymnastics season. McKenzie and I are going to Puerto Rico for a competition in a few weeks and Brilliant will be coming along so she can continue her schooling on the road. And since I have already started thinking of next year’s courses, I have moved Brilliant’s Logic course to the top of my short list of programs for McKenzie’s 8th grade year as well. I am excited about this program for when Micah is old enough to take part as well.
Brilliant Premium
I wholeheartedly recommend you check out Brilliant for your family. Help spark the natural learning curiosity in the students in your life by gifting them a subscription for their birthday and Christmas. I know we will continue to use this program through the end of our subscription and beyond. Be sure to click the banner below to find out what my CrewMates thought of this program as well. STEM Learning 
 Company ~ Brilliant 
 Format ~ online, interactive program 
Price ~ $149.85 
Ages ~ 6th grade - adult
Brilliant Premium

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© 2008 - 2022 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author. 

http://astablebeginning.com

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Thursday, August 4, 2022

STEAM Projects for Kids with STEAM4KIDZ ~ a TOS review

 

Disclaimer: I received a Complimentary copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family and I pray you, the reader, find them helpful on your homeschooling journey. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Regulations.
 
 Morning friends! It’s a beautiful, hot day in our part of the country. It’s actually been quite hot for the last several weeks, the perfect weather to hang out inside the house and work on indoor learning activities. We did just that by using the Galactic Adventures Kit from STEAM4KIDZ. STEAM {Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math} and STEM {same as STEAM, just without the Art component} learning is really popular in education today. My kids love STEAM/STEM educational opportunities, so I was really excited to be able to use the Galactic Adventures Kit with Micah, my 3rd grader over the summer.

  STEAM4KIDZ 
 STEAM4KIDZ was founded by Dr. Onolee Zwicke to provide kids high-quality STEAM educational kits for kids aged 6-12. Currently there are five kits to choose from which include: ~ Mini-Theatre Kit ~ Ocean Ventures Kit ~ Starry Night Kit ~ Galactic Adventures Kit ~ Fantasy Aliens on Planet Kepzoo Kit Each of the kits have between 5-7 different projects to engage all five aspects of STEAM education and get the kiddos learning. Prices for the kits range from $99.00 to $129.00 US Dollars. The kits can be purchased separately or through a 3- or 6-month monthly subscription.
We have been so blessed to review the STEAM4KIDZ Galactic Adventures Kit! It arrived at the perfect time as we had just finished our Astronomy lessons on the solar system and Micah was still interested in learning more. The Kit provided much needed new learning activities that engaged Micah with video instruction and hands-on learning lessons.
The full kit came with everything needed, and I mean everything! Down to tacky glue and a cute mini stapler we had everything we needed to do each lesson in individual-colored bags that are also labeled. The Galactic Adventures Kit includes the following projects:
 ~ Clay model of the solar system
 ~ Galaxy in a Jar 
~ Star Seekers
 ~ Geoboard Constellations 
~ Solar Rover 
~ Spaceship Diorama
 ~ Baking Galaxy Cookies 
The video lessons are hosted on Vimeo and were just the right amount in length to keep Micah, who is 8, engaged and learning. Dr. Zwicke guides your child through the entire process, so I was only needed if Micah had a question. With the videos you can also rewind if you need to see a step explained in a bit more detail.

So far, Micah has completed 2 of the learning activities, the Galaxy in a Jar and putting together the Star Finder. He’s especially looking forward to completing the Solar Rover with Dad this weekend, a project that had to be put off while dad was on temporary orders out state. 
We also chose to save the Clay model of the solar system project, because we had just made one in his Co-op class that ended in May. We will come back around to the clay model when we cycle back through General Science in 6th grade. His older sister, Madison who is heading into her Senior year of her Astrophysics major, is going to help him make the Galaxy Cookies before she heads back to university next week. A great bonding activity for them both since he especially misses her during the school year. 
Overall, our experience with STEAM4KIDZ has been great! Micah has learned more about the Galaxy and space. We have a few more activities to complete to wrap up his learning this school year and he is looking forward to the different projects. I definitely think you should look into the STEAM4KIDZ kits if you are looking for activity based, hands-on learning for your children. Any of these kits would make a fabulous birthday or Christmas gift for your little scientist!
Be sure to click the banner below and read the thoughts of nine of my CrewMates who reviewed one of the kits as well. 

STEAM Education 
 Company ~ STEAM4KIDZ 
 Format ~ Hands-on Activity kit with Video Streaming
Price ~$109.00
 Ages ~ 6–12-year-olds, younger kids may need adult help
  STEAM4KIDZ
 Find STEAMKIDZ on these Social Media sites: 


 © 2008 - 2022 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author. 

 https://astablebeginning.com

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Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Elementary STEM Explorer Pack from Pitsco Education ~ a TOS review

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Regulations. 

My kiddos thrive and love hands-on learning opportunities. And I love incorporating homeschool STEM in our weekly learning time as well so I was super excited when we were offered the chance to review the Elementary STEM Explorer Pack from Pitsco Education! Let me tell you more about it.
Pitsco Education is a company that was built by educators for educators. Way back in 1971 in the garage of Harvey Dean. Focusing on their mission of “leading education that positively affects learners”, Pitsco Education STEM kits help students learn to get creative in solving problems while working with their hands together.
We received the Elementary STEM Explorer Pack which includes five hands-on kits to make each project. All the materials necessary to complete each activity is included as well in a printed color instruction booklet. The instructions are step-by-step so an older elementary child could work on their own and ask questions or for help when needed while your younger K-2nd grade students might need your help. As I said, the kit comes with five projects that include making a musical instrument, a tilting maze, parachutes, large structures, and a bird feeder. Plus, each of the kits includes extra challenges and activities to complete.
Everything, you need to complete each of the projects is included…yes, you read that right, everything! Down to the string and glue sticks which you probably already have on hand but it’s nice to not have to hunt for supplies when your child is ready to jump in and create.
Inside your shipping box you will find all of your supplies packaged neatly in 5 plastic bags. I really like that the kits are shipped together and that you don’t have to hunt through a box to see what supplies you need.

The Elementary STEM Explorer Pack is geared towards kids in kindergarten through fifth-grade. The whole kit retails for $79.95 but is on sale for $49.95 at the time of this blog post. And if by chance you loose your instructions you can download a new copy off the website. My three youngest have been working with a few of the kits we received in our box.
While Montana is outside of the grade range for this box she did enjoy helping Micah with the Maze and Parachute kits. McKenzie completed her Maze and Parachutes when she returned home from her gymnastics training. Micah and McKenzie have since teamed up to create a bigger maze and have been experimenting with which toys can parachute from the upstairs foyer to the bottom the fastest.

I purposely held off letting them do the bird feeder, musical instruments, and large structures kits because I wanted to save them for when I have to travel in August to take my older girls back to University and their Great Aunt is here with them. It has taken their mind off my travels and given them something fun to look forward to doing each day with her while I am gone.

Hands down, If you are looking for a homeschool STEM project, you'll want to check out Elementary STEM Kit from Pitsco Education. We have used many different STEM kits before and this on takes the cake by far! They also have kits for older kids that would make such great birthday or Christmas gifts. And guess what!? Pitsco Education wants to give everyone a chance to take part in STEM education so they are giving away an Elementary set. Be sure to click HERE to register before August 31st for your chance to win.
But don’t just take my word for it, 42 of my CrewMates reviewed several different sets so be sure to check out what they thought by clicking the banner below.  
STEM At Your Fingertips - Elementary, Middle & High School STEM Kits {Pitsco Education Reviews}
Company ~ Pitsco Education Product ~ Elementary STEM Explorer Pack (46198) Format ~ consumable kits Price ~ $79.95 on sale at the time of this writing for $49.95 Ages ~ K-5th graders
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 © 2008 - 2020 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author.     http://astablebeginning.com

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Friday, March 22, 2019

Hands-on STEM with Tied 2 Teaching ~ a TOS review


Happy Friday friends! I am so excited to share an awesome hands-on STEM curriculum with you today. Since January I have been using the STEM Activities, Full Year of Challenges with Close Reading curriculum from Tied 2 Teaching weekly with my co-op kids. Let me tell you why it has changed the way I teach this particular class.


Providing STEM activities is all the rage now, and rightly so. Giving kids the tools to focus on science, technology, engineering, and math will give them a leg up as they approach college and beyond. And who doesn’t like to use their imagination and figure out how to make things “work”!?


Tied 2 Teaching is the brainchild of homeschool dad and full-time teacher, Matthew Kelly who has been teaching full time for 7 years. Mr. Kelly believes learning should be fun and filled with joy and laughter. He and his wife also homeschool their own children where in and out of the traditional classroom he tries to create ways to incorporate math, science, and literacy instruction into daily learning. If you haven’t checked out his TPT (Teachers Pay Teachers) account you are missing out!





Back in December before we went to Christmas break the Academic Coordinator approached me and asked if I would consider combining my Kindergarten Science class with the 1st-2nd grade STEM class. At first I was a bit hesitant because of the wide age span in the group but dove head first after the New Year. We were offered the STEM Activities curriculum at the end of January and it was perfect timing because what I was piecing together just was not what I envisioned for the class when I took over. I have one main aide in the class and I sought her opinion about the program and she was on board and we have been going full steam ahead since.








The STEM Activities, Full Year of Challenges with Close Reading are a bundle of seasonal STEM Activities the reflect Mr. Kelly’s vision and passion for learning. Each the monthly hands-on challenges includes a “close reading” which ties literacy into the math, science, and engineering lesson.  And sometimes you might even find a history lesson or two in the close readings.



So you might be wondering just what kind of actives will we be doing? Below is a list of all the activities included in the bundle. You will have so much to choose from and best of all it is fun and the kids will be learning at the same time.




BONUS Building Block Challenge MEGA PACK


Pilgrim Shelter Challenge 
BUILDING BLOCK CHALLENGES

ADDITIONAL STEM CHALLENGES


As you can see from the listed challenges that your kids will be busy learning for a whole year.

Many of the items you will need to create your creations can be found around the house. Things like, plastic bottles, cardboard boxes, newspapers, straws, tape, and glue. Because I used this product mainly with my co-op class I had to purchase items in bulk because we range from 12-16 students on a given week. But with this kind of learning the more the merrier in my opinion!

Each assignment includes:
~ STEM design challenge with a list of suggested supplies to have on hand.
~ example photos of completed projects.
~ a link to a close reading document relevant to the topic.
~ worksheets to test comprehension and to help stimulate brainstorming.


My co-op kids, including my own son, LOVE this class time and so do I! With the K-2 age range we have, my aide and I decided we did not necessarily have the time to include the worksheet parts of the curriculum but I am glad to have it as an option for the future. We have completed six challenges from the bundle and the kids had a blast each time! Yes, we get messy and sometimes have to call in reinforcements when there are only three adults and 14 kids needing our help. The best part is that each child leaves with a huge smile on their face at the end of the class hour.



I love how this is really just an open and go curriculum with minimum preparation needed on my part. I just need to make sure I have the supplies each week and then I turn the kids loose to their creativity.


I love that each week the students are excited about class and often want to know “what are we making this week?” As soon as they walk in the classroom. Having them excited for STEM makes me excited to teach them. For the remainder of the year, my plan is to skip around a bit and hit on some of the challenges we missed earlier in the year.

STEM Activities, Full Year of Challenges with Close Reading {Tied 2 Teaching Reviews}
But don’t just take my word for it! 69 of my CrewMates also took part of this review so be sure to read their thoughts by clicking the banner below. And head over to Tied 2 Teaching on TPT and check out all the wonderful STEM activities available.

STEM Activities, Full Year of Challenges with Close Reading {Tied 2 Teaching Reviews}

Format ~ bundled PDF download  
Price ~ list price $60.00, right now on sale for $30.00  
Ages ~ upper elementary, younger elementary with help 



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©2008 - 2019 A Stable Beginning. All rights reserved. All photographs, text, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written permission of the author.  
 http://astablebeginning.com

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