water in the air experiment

We proved that there is water in the air by doing a water condensation expirament. We filled a glass halfway with cold water and put a few ice cubes in it.

We left the glass on the table for 10 min. Then we felt the outside of the glass. It was wet because of the water vapor touched the glass and condensed.

Then we left 1 glass on the table 1 glass in the refrigerator, and 1 glass in the freezer TOO! This is what they looked like after we took them out (10 minutes).

The water vapor in the air froze to the glass that was in the freezer, and the glass in the fridge got wet sort of like the one with ice in it. The one that was on the table did nothing. This proved that there is water in the air.

(written by Georgia nd Josie)

Make it rain

We made water vapor by boiling water. The steam represents a cloud.
We put a mirror in the freezer for 10 minutes(cold air). Then we took it out and put it over the pot.

We made it rain!!!! The warm water vapor condensed on the cold mirror. Do you see the drops? Try this cool expirament at your house!!!!

(written by Georgia)

oil and water

Josie couldn't remember if oil mixed with water so we did the old oil and water experiment. We were talking about weather, and the water cycle, and how all water reaches the ocean. This somehow led to the oil spewing into the Gulf of Mexico so we decided to make some inferences for ourselves.
Not mixing.
They realized oil will float to the surface of water therefore the oil in the Gulf will eventually end up on the surface. We dipped our finger in it and yep we were coated in oil. The same thing that is happening to the creatures that surface for air, or land on the surface.

Josie tried with all her might to get it to mix but even after we addes salt (to be more like the ocean) and soap it wouldn't mix.

Emmy thought she could do it, but nope. We tried to figure out how to get the oil out of the water and they came up with, scrape it off, scoop it up with a cup (hmm the scope of the situation is obviously not comprehendable to 9, 6 and 3 year olds), first of all repair "the thing", (now there is a novel idea!).

Maybe "BP" should have taken part in such an experiment. They might have learned that oil and water don't mix too, and that if you're playing with something that has the potential to start throwing up oil causing a natural disaster a plan that could cease the bleeding might be a good thing to have in place before the game of monopoly turns into real life.

Ben and Tracy's Prom

Benny had his prom this past weekend. Doesn't he look adorable?! Love the pink. His girlfriend Tracy is best dressed on my list.
I think Ben needed a pop of pink from the backside too, don't you?

Handsome boy.

Russell and his baseball

Russell, as I mentioned, is playing baseball for the first time IN HIS LIFE this season. He is doing really well. Here he is ...
... slapping the ball into play.

I must admit, he has gotten himself into a couple of pickles but those moments bring some life to the bench. The last game, he had the tying run and a couple RBI's. I'm very proud of him!!

Air Pressure experiment

We did an experiment about air pressure. First we took a couple of plastic soda bottles and put balloons over the top of them.
Our first experiment involved warming up the air molecules. We did this by running the bottle under some hot water.
Miraculously, the balloon started to inflate. You can't really tell by the picture but it visibly got bigger. This told us that the molecules started to vibrate and bump into each other, increasing the space around each molecule. Each molecule was using more space for motion, the air expanded and became less dense (lighter). The same number of air molecules occupied a larger space or the same sized space with increasing the air pressure.
We put a second bottle in the freezer for a couple of minutes to cool the air molecules down. Those little air molecules huddled together and moved more slowly thus taking up less room . The amount of space the air took up shrunk, or reduced the air pressure. You can't beat science experiments!!

Hot Air Rises Experiment

We are moving into a weather unit and we found this experiment in Georgia's textbook. This contraption (can you spot it) proved to us that hot air rises creating our winds. I took a dowel and two identical tin cans. I made sure everything was in balance (this was quite tricky) so that we could see at least some amount of accuracy in the results.
I then took a candle and put it under one of the tin cans. Remarkably the can floated up conjuring much excitement, and many giggles, oohs and ahhs from the kids. Warm air rises? - confirmed.

white throated sparrow

Spring time brings with it my vigil out the backyard windows. A vast array of birds is once again present and I love to see what we have around. I believe (I don't have a bird book but quickly researched) this is a white throated sparrow.
Pretty little thing.

Ready Set Read

We went to "Ready Set Read" put on by PBS again this year. Super Why was there to greet the kids. Emmy wants nothing to do with things such as this. She was trying to crawl out of her skin.
Emmy and Margie loved playing doctor for poor Elmo. They checked EVERYTHING.

Margie was hesitant at first but when she finally did start playing I couldn't get her away.

They have lots of stuff to do. Even an obstacle course.

Georgia may be getting a little big for this! :)

Another tough thing for Emmy. She is a bit bashful.

Big sister will help.

You see different businesses or organizations from the area put together a table with a craft or learning activity. It is fun for the kids and best of all it is a chance to make them smile without spending a dime!

Baseball

Brad is coaching baseball this year and Russell is playing. This is his first time EVER playing and he's not doing bad at all.
My boy.
Dad is busy and Georgia is trying to keep up.

We are very proud of you Brad. You are something special! xoxo

My Emeline is 3

May Crowning

Josie was the chosen one to crown our Blessed Mary this past weekend.
I don't know how he did it with arms full of babies but Brad ended up getting a shot of the "moment". Little Jo was nervous. She's not the most outgoing girl but she did it!