Friday, February 24, 2012

[HUBnewsletter] Homeschool HUB News Update--February 24

 

Homeschool HUB News Update--February 24


Homeschool HUB phone: 269-240-6094
email: homeschoolhub@yahoo.com   website: www.hshub.org
Editor: Andrea Bikfalvy
 
The information below is offered to you as a service.  Please research and decide for yourself the value to your family.  The Homeschool HUB does not endorse any programs or services other than those offered by the Homeschool HUB.
 
Send information to be added to the update no later than the Thursday before the week you want it to appear:  homeschoolhub@yahoo.com

To subscribe to this newsletter, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HUBnewsletter/ OR send an email to the following address: HUBnewsletter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Yes, you are welcome to forward the newsletter to anyone who might be interested!  :-)


ON THE CALENDAR:

Details for the following events are on the calendar at: www.calendar.yahoo.com/homeschoolhub

March 2--Bowling at Strikes and Spares, 1:00-3:00, $5/pp
March 5-Club BLUE Martin's Cafe in Niles 7 pm
March 6--Homeschool Hangout at Clay Church Firehouse Youth Center 2-3:30
March 8--HUB Board of Directors Meeting, 7 pm at the Niles Police Complex
March 16--Homeschool Skate at USA Skate 1:00-3:00, $3/pp including skate rental.



GENERAL INTEREST

G1) Free Education Webinars
G2) Polar Science Weekend at the Pacific Science Center


G1) Free Education Webinars

The Aerospace Education Services Project is presenting a series of free webinars through May 2012. All webinars can be accessed online. Join aerospace education specialists to learn about activities, lesson plans, educator guides and resources to bring NASA into your classroom.

Here Comes Saturn (Grades K-5)
Feb. 28, 2012, 4 - 5 p.m. EST.
Aerospace education specialist Tom Estill will discuss how you can find Saturn in the sky, how to put together a Saturn Star Party and how to make a model of Saturn. Participants will also learn how to access a variety of NASA lesson plans, information, current pictures from the Cassini spacecraft and NASA videos related to Saturn.

Designing Solar System Models (Grades K-12)
March 5, 2012, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. EST
Aerospace education specialist Susan Kohler will demonstrate lessons that engage students in visualizing the comparative sizes and distances of solar system bodies by making solar system objects to scale using common objects, walking off the distances between planets and participating in Web-based sun/Earth scale model activities. Lesson plans and strategies will be shared.

Get Ready for Sun-Earth Day 2012 (Grades K-12)
March 6, 2012, 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. EST
Aerospace education Tom Estill will demonstrate how to register for NASA's Sun-Earth Day 2012, how to safely view the sun and how to access live pictures of the sun from various NASA spacecraft. Participants will also learn about sun-related classroom activities.

Physics Resources for Secondary School (Grades 5-12)
March 8, 2012, 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. EST
Aerospace education specialist John Weis will demonstrate simple activities and resources for teaching physics at middle- and high-school levels. Topics and resources covered will include; Newton's Laws of Motion, energy, light and gravity. Lesson plans and modification strategies will be discussed.

Food for Thought (Grades 5-8)
March 12, 2012, 3:30 - 5 p.m. EST
Aerospace education Steve Culivan will share "Food for Thought," a new NASA educator guide designed to explore space food and the nutritional needs of the astronauts that includes a menu of inquiry activities and other resources to address this exciting topic.

Looking at the Sun: NASA's Missions to the Sun and the 2012 Study of the Venus Transit (Grades K-12)
March 14, 2012, 4:30 - 6 p.m. EST
Aerospace education Rick Varner will discuss the inherent connection between the sun and life on Earth This session is designed to look at NASA's missions to the study the sun and share sun-Earth activities and resources available for use in the classroom. There will be a particular focus on the Venus Transit taking place June 5-6, 2012, and the Sun-Earth Day activities associated with this event.

Animals in Space (Grades K-5)
March 16, 2012, 10 - 11 a.m. EST
Aerospace education specialist Wil Robertson will instruct teachers on how to use stuffed animals as props in telling the story of the animals that preceded humans in space. The program is geared for teachers in K-5 with a special focus of aligning the topic with the Core Literacy Standards for elementary grades. Web resources will be provided.

Mars Uncovered: Revealing the Geological History of Mars (Grades 5-12)
March 29, 2012, 4 - 5 p.m. EST
Aerospace education specialist Tony Leavitt will share an activity that uses an inquiry-based, critical-thinking approach to studying the surface of Mars like scientists do. This lesson will teach students to examine geologic features of a planetary surface and use relative age-dating techniques to analyze the information and interpret the geologic history.

For more information about the webinars listed above, and to see a full list of webinars taking place through May 2012, visit http://neon.psu.edu/webinars/.

Questions about this series of webinars should be directed to Gwendolyn Wheatle at Gwendolyn.H.Wheatle@nasa.gov.


G2) Polar Science Weekend at the Pacific Science Center

Polar Science Weekend at the Pacific Science Center in Seattle, Wash., is taking place March 1-4, 2012. The event is four days of hands-on activities, live demonstrations and exhibits presented by scientists who work in some of the most remote and challenging places on Earth. Learn about ice sheets and sea ice, polar bears and penguins, scientific instruments and polar expeditions.

Polar Science Weekend highlights NASA-funded work in the polar regions, and is supported by a grant from NASA's Science Mission Directorate.

For more information, visit http://psc.apl.washington.edu/wordpress/education/polar-science-weekend/.

Questions about this event should be directed to psw@apl.washington.edu.



MICHIANA EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

1) Home Education Conference
2) Upcoming Classes at Tiller's
3) Beginners' Basketball Class
4) Free Career Presentation
5) Michiana Spring College Fair
6) High-school Electric Guitar Workshop
7) Free Philosophy Lecture
8) Yoga Retreat
9) K-5 Art Contest (Michigan students only)
10) Volunteer Opportunities


1) Home Education Conference

Early Bird Online Registration for this year's INCH Conference is now open! 
Register by March 31 for the best rates!
 
Michigan's largest homeschool event of the year is coming soon to the Lansing Center in downtown Lansing... Are you coming, too? 

http://conference.homeschoolmichigan.org/
 
YOU ARE INVITED... Join us in Lansing, May 10-12, 2012 
Bring your whole family (children, teens, and grandparents, too!), and all your friends -- whether currently homeschooling or just interested in finding out more!  There's something at the INCH Conference for everyone... newbies to seasoned veterans!

Come be encouraged, educated, and equipped for your homeschool journey as you listen to dynamic speakers, chose from over 100 workshops; shop the exhibit hall full of amazing resources; meet the homeschool graduates 2012; network with homeschooling friends new and old, and so much more!


2) Upcoming Classes at Tiller's

Knife Making - 315
Instructor Tim Carr shows you the care needed in forging high carbon blades. Refine hammer skills, make corrections with the file, and develop annealing and tempering techniques. Mount a fine wood handle to add beauty and contrast to the steel. Tim is active on the board of the Michigan Artist Blacksmiths' Association (MABA) and has been smithing for 18 years, 11 professionally. Smithing experience recommended. Product: knife.
Enrollment: 4 to 12 Minimum age: 16
a/ March 3-4 Sat-Sun 9:00 am-5:00 pm (Act fast- only 1 spot remaining!)
b/ July 28-29 Sat-Sun 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Tuition: $175 Materials: $30
Cook's Mill, Scotts, MI with Tim Carr

Spinning Wool - 195
Join us for a two day venture into the art of turning wool into yarn! Discover spinning wheel basics, begin to train your hands, feet, and head in the age old craft of spinning. You will learn to treadle with control and carefully draft fibers to produce a consistent yarn. We discuss types of wool, breeds of sheep, and basic fiber preparation.
Once you are spinning a consistent single yarn, learn to ply, why we ply, and discuss what applications are best suited to plied yarns. Learn to wind off your completed skein and finish yarn by washing and fulling. Bring your own spinning wheel if it is in working order. Some wheels will be available. Fiber will be provided. Product: yarn.
Enrollment: 4 to 8 Minimum age: 12
a/ March 10-11 Sat-Sun 9:00 am-5:00 pm (5 spots available!)
b/ October 20-21 Sat-Sun 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Tuition: $180 Materials: $25
Cook's Mill, Scotts, MI
with Gracie Dailey & Anne McKenny

Blacksmithing I - 310
www.tillersinternational.org/blacksmithing/classes_310_blacksmithingI.html
With John Sarge, Tim Carr, Herb Nehring, and guests
c/ March 10-11 Sat-Sun 9:00 am-5:00 pm (6 spots)
d/ April 21-22 Sat-Sun 9:00 am-5:00 pm (8 spots)
Classes at Cook's Mill, Nehring Blacksmith Shop, Scotts, MI
Tuition: $165 Materials (including coal) $30

Historical Blacksmithing- 346
In this class, you will learn and practice fundamental forging techniques, lecture and discussion will present historical, logistical and interpretive subjects: an introduction to ironwork in historical context, competent skill presentations, fundamental forging skills, combining skills to create complex forms, antique object study for determining construction processes for analysis and reproduction, the logistics of safety, shop furnishing, and materials, demonstration of advanced forging skills by the instructor, and historical accuracy.
Enrollment: 4 to 12 Minimum age: 16
a/ March 15-17 Thurs-Sat 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Tuition: $260 Materials: $45
Cook's Mill, Scotts, MI with James Slining

Windsor Stools - 470
An excellent skills builder (and prerequisite) for the Windsor Chairs - 471 class. Begin by splitting leg blanks from a cherry log and move on to turning green wood legs on a lathe. Carve the seat with hand tools. Besides improving your skills, you will have a beautiful saddle seat Windsor stool, great for the kitchen or music studio. Product: 3 or 4 leg short Windsor stool.
Enrollment: 4 to 8 Minimum age: 14
a/ March 17-18 Sat-Sun 9:00 am-5 pm
Tuition: $185 Materials: $15
Cook's Mill, Scotts, MI with Jim Crammond

Identifying Wood - 407
Learn to identify woods, whether you have a board, a log, or a splinter. We focus on common hardwoods of southern MI and North America, as well as discussing soft woods and non-natives. Students learn to identify woods by studying the growth rings and structure of the wood viewed on the end grain with a hand lens. Use of reference books, samples, and the microscope for wood identification will be presented.
Enrollment: 8 to 12 Minimum age: 12
a/ March 17 Sat 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Tuition: $85 Materials: $5
Cook's Mill, Scotts, MI with Thomas Nehil

Basket Weaving: Decorative Basket - 189a
Students hand carve their handle to top off this open storage basket! Flared shaping techniques are taught. Several dyed reed choices will be available and students may design a different weave pattern. The basket is finished with an "x" wrapped rim. Bring a sharp knife and/or Stanley Shaver if you can or use Mary's. *Tool list: scissors, clip clothespins, pencil, tape measure, dish pan, old towel, and a flat screw driver or weaving tool. Product: Decorative basket
Skill level: Beginner
Enrollment: 4 to 10 Minimum age: 12
a/ March 24 Saturday 9:00 am-5:00 pm
Tuition: $100 Materials: $10
Cook's Mill, Scotts, MI with Mary Smith-Stokes

For more info:  www.tillersinternational.org


3) Beginners' Basketball Class

Do you have students ages 9-11 who could use some fun and exercise?  Beginners' Basketball Class will teach basic basketball skills within a Christian context.  Classes meet Monday afternoons at Niles Adventist School from 3:30 to 4:15 pm.  The cost for the class is $35.  We need a few more kids to get the class going. So if you are interested please respond quickly. Also there is a class for older kids if you want information on that.  Contact Peggy Sergio (peggysue0612@aol.com) for more information or to register.  Classes meet on March 5, 12, 26 and on April 9, 16 and 23.


4) Free Career Presentation

Hi everyone,

We are coming to the Berrien Springs Community Library on Friday, March 2, 2012 to deliver our careers presentation at 12:30 p.m. for homeschoolers in the area.  This presentation is targeted at high school students.  We will discuss why engineering careers are important, who makes a good fit for engineering, some of the technical disciplines and how they fit into several industries, some of the varied jobs engineers do, similarities and differences with respect to Purdue-South Bend and Purdue-West Lafayette, and interesting activities coming up at the South Bend campus.

The library is located at 215 West Union Street in Berrien Springs.  Ms. Pinkowski has reserved the room (thanks!) and we will pay the fee, so it is free to interested high-schoolers and their parents.  Please pass the word to others who may be interested, and we will see you March 2 at 12:30!

Best regards,
Gene L. Harding, Associate Professor
Electrical & Computer Engineering Technology
Purdue University--South Bend
574-520-4190
glhardin@purdue.edu
www.tech.purdue.edu/southbend


5) Michiana Spring College Fair

Bethel College will co-sponsor the Michiana Spring College Fair on Tuesday, March 13 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Student Activities Center on the campus of Indiana University South Bend. More than 35 colleges/universities and organizations are expected to attend.

High school students from at least six South Bend and Elkhart schools will be transported by buses provided by the 21st Century Scholars. Other sponsors and co-sponsors for the fair include: 21st Century Scholars, IUSB, Ivy Tech South Bend and Work One.

"The Michiana Spring College Fair is a chance for local high school students to connect with college representatives from a variety of regional colleges and universities. Students often gain a greater desire to pursue further education by attending college fairs," says Bethel College Admission Counselor Tom Carpenter. "This year's fair is going to be a great resource for all local high school students."

The event is free and open to the public. For more information contact Tom Carpenter at 574.807.7357.


6) High-school Electric Guitar Workshop

High school students--make your own electric guitar!  Please see the attached flyer which tells of Purdue University's summer 2012 Guitar Workshop.


7) Free Philosophy Lecture

Bethel College will host a philosophy lecture by J.P. Moreland, Ph.D., on March 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Miller-Moore Academic Center, Room 342. Moreland is a distinguished professor of philosophy at Talbot Seminary and will be discussing the topic of the Christian mind through his lecture, "The Non-physical Nature of Consciousness and the Soul."

The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information contact James Stump, Ph.D., at James.Stump@BethelCollege.edu or 574.807.7125.


8) Yoga Retreat

Need a break? Try our Alma College Yoga Retreat (All Levels Welcome)
Instructors: Emily Breczinski '04 & Kay Ecken '95

Saturday/Sunday, March 31-April 1
Peace Learning Center, Indianapolis, IN
$20 includes yoga, Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast

LIMITED SPACE - Please Rsvp to alumnihouse@alma.edu or 1(800) 291-1312 x 2

Schedule:
Saturday, March 31
2:00 p.m. Registration
2:30-6:00 p.m. Yoga, nature walk and meditation
6:00 p.m.- ? Vegetarian dinner and campus update

Sunday, April 1
8:30 a.m. Yoga
10:00 a.m. Vegetarian breakfast
(Additional yoga available both Saturday and Sunday morning -

Pricing and information available at peacethroughyoga.com/schedule)


9) K-5 Art Contest (Michigan students only)

We are proud to announce the 2012 My Green School Art Contest!  We had great participation last year and we expect even more entries this year. Thanks to our many sponsors, the Green Living Festival and ecoSTORE USA will proudly display the winning entries for many people in our community to see and appreciate.
 
The attached flyer has all of the information you will need. Please feel free to distribute it to anyone or any group. Please let us know if you have any further questions by contacting Connie Lilley at connie@ecoprgroup.


10) Volunteer Opportunities

Emergency Shelter Services serves people who are homeless and provides programs that support people to prevent homelessness.  They have 2 options for you to consider:

#1  Volunteer to work at front desk of the shelter at 645 Pipestone in Benton Harbor in the afternoon (1-4:30 or any part) Monday through Friday.  Tasks include answering phones, greeting people who come to the door to drop off donations or looking for information.  You will interact with clients as they sign in and out as they go to appointments.   If you have considered the field of social work or psychology, this would be a good option.   The average age of someone who is homeless in Berrien County is 7 years old , so in a quiet moment you could read a book to a child who is staying at the shelter with their parents.  This is also a good option for someone looking to build their administrative and office skills.

#2  Volunteer at the 6 Degrees resale store, now at a new location in the former Kitchen Mart building on Main street in Benton Harbor .  They are especially looking for volunteers for February 29 to sort, hang clothes for a big bag sale they are holding between 10 am and 6 pm on Wednesday.  All proceeds from the store go to programs.  This is a good opportunity to get a look at an old building being brought to life with a new use.  Also a good way to see a good bargain (before someone else does.)
 
Debra Panozzo
Adult and family volunteer coordinator
Volunteer Center of Southwest Michigan
269-983-0912 ext 13 St. Joseph
269-683-5464  Niles
www.volunteerswmi.org

"The Volunteer Center promotes, supports and connects volunteers working to build a strong, caring community."


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LINKS TO SHARE:

Have a favorite educational, fun, or informative website?  Share it with us!

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CLASSIFIEDS

Looking for a group?  Join the HUB!  We need you.

The HUB is a volunteer organization.  Without the support and participation of homeschool families, we can't function effectively.  There are several benefits of membership including a travel club and a resource library that includes things like books, games, laptops, video cameras and other items to borrow. Members receive first chance at events and classes when availability is limited.  The cost of membership is only $24/year.  Information about becoming a member is on the website at www.hshub.org


Have something for sale, free or trade?  Advertise here!  (Advertisements stay in for two weeks unless we work out something else in advance)

Homeschool groups are welcome to advertise their group, too.  It's free!

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LETTING IT RIDE:

Amazon.com--Please come to www.hshub.org before you shop at Amazon.  You can either shop the Associate Store listed in the Menu bar or click on the "Help the Homeschool HUB - Purchase at Amazon" link just below the Menu bar. By using this link to Amazon The Homeschool HUB will earn money through Amazon's Associates program on everything you purchase. So whenever you think "Amazon" please remember your purchase can help The Homeschool HUB.

The Homeschool HUB is collecting used textbooks.  Contact Diane Day:  joharding_20@yahoo.com or 269-445-1900.

The Homeschool HUB is continuing to collect Campbell Soup labels, Campbell's Chunky Soup labels, Campbell's Healthy Request labels, Campbell's Select harvest, Franco-American, Pepperidge Farm, Spaghettios, Swanson, V-8 Beverages, V-8 Fusion, Prego Italian Sauces and Campbell's Food Service.   Give your labels to any board member or bring them to our homeschool functions.

--AND--

We are still accepting Boxtops for education labels.  You can find these on many products.

Go to Boxtops for Education.org for more info, and then SAVE SAVE SAVE  those labels.  Each one nets 10 cents and every 10 cents adds up. You can give them to any HUB board director or bring them to any functions that we have.  Thank-you!


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DISCLAIMERS:

While the Homeschool HUB believes that these events or opportunities may be of value to home educators, announcements do not constitute an endorsement by the Homeschool HUB, or its Board of Directors. It is the responsibility of individual parents to determine the appropriateness of any event or opportunity for their children.

Participation in any event is voluntary and the participant assumes complete responsibility and liability for themselves, their family, anyone accompanying them, and their personal property.

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