Reading aloud as a family may be just what 2020 needs.
This easy to teach early math curriculum from Apologia gives you the homeschool win you need: short, activity-packed teachings that use hands-on activities to make math fun from the start!
Resources, tips, and materials to help you, help children with autism
The tears flowed freely as my son declared he hated language arts. He hadn’t ever spoken like that about any of his school subjects. It broke his mama’s heart: instead of finding joy from his learning, he was beginning to despise it (well, at least in this subject). I knew something had to change. Spelling was ruining […]
Free Early American History Curriculum - Columbus Through The Civil War - Welcome to the first post in the Free American History Curriculum ! If you've ...
Is your homeschooler refusing to do school work? Are you in a battle of the wills every day and thinking about quitting? You CAN stop fighting and still win the battle! Click to explore the reasons your homeschooler won't do work and exactly what to do to change your child's attitude. #homeschoolerwontdowork #homeschoolmotivation #homeschool #tips #solutions
Kudos to a physics teacher not afraid to think outside the box. 😅😅😅 Letting teens design and build cardboard boats is a win for everyone.. Dwayne Johnson · You're Welcome
Successful egg drop challenge project design with straws, with design tips and tricks. Fun outdoor physics science STEM challenge for kids of all ages.
Oh no!! It looks like the page you’re seeking isn’t available any longer! I’m so sorry!! BUT- don’t fret, I’m sure I have something else to fit your needs! Were you looking for a free homeschool resource? You’ll find hundreds here! Looking for homeschool encouragement and inspiration? That’s here! Are you looking for a new ... Read More about
Not all great resources come with a hefty price! Evan-Moor offers free downloadable printables for science, STEM, math, reading, language, and social studies curriculums. Try out these award-winning resources for the classroom and home with these free sample activities. You will need to provide...
You might have heard the saying, “The eyes eat before the mouth.” Indeed, the appearance of food, especially its color, significantly influences how we perceive its taste. But can our eyes truly alter the way we experience flavors? In this science project, we’ll delve into how people perceive the taste of differently colored apple juice. Introduction While our taste buds on the tongue detect flavors and food groups, other senses also play a role in our food experience. We’re familiar with the impact of smell on taste, but did you know that the visual appearance of food affects our perception too? Since we typically look at food before consuming it, our brain’s initial information about a particular food comes from our eyes! From an early age, we learn to associate colors with specific flavors. For instance, orange is linked to an orange flavor, and green is associated with lime. When there’s a discrepancy between food appearance and taste, identifying the flavor becomes more challenging. Research has demonstrated that the appearance of food can dramatically alter how it tastes. In an intriguing study, participants were served a meal of steak and French fries under dim lighting. Everyone reported enjoying the food, and it tasted fine. However, when the lights were brightened, it was revealed that the steak was dyed blue, and the fries were dyed green. Upon seeing this, many participants refused to eat more, and some even felt sick! In this experiment, we’ll explore how the visual appearance of the food we eat impacts our perception of taste. Don’t worry—there won’t be any blue steaks involved! Terms and Concepts Taste buds: The sensory receptors on the tongue that detect flavors. Flavor: The combined perception of taste and aroma. Senses: Our sensory experiences, including taste, smell, and sight. Questions to Consider Do you prefer certain foods based on their color? For example, do you associate red with cherry flavor and green with lime flavor? Do you think the color of a food or drink affects how it tastes? What if the color is unexpected (e.g., red and green switched for cherry and lime flavors)? Remember, our eyes play a significant role in shaping our gustatory experiences! 🌈👁️🍎 References: KidsHealth. (n.d.). What Are Taste Buds? Retrieved February 3, 20191. Chudler, E. (n.d.). Does the COLOR of Foods and Drinks Affect The Sense of Taste? Neuroscience for Kids, University of Washington. Retrieved February 3, 20192. What is the difference between taste and flavor? Taste and flavor are closely related but distinct concepts when it comes to our perception of food: Taste: Taste refers specifically to the sensory experience detected by our taste buds on the tongue. It involves the basic taste qualities: sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami (savory). Taste buds are specialized receptors that send signals to our brain based on the chemical composition of the food we consume. For example, when you eat something sweet like a ripe strawberry, your taste buds detect the presence of sugars and send signals to your brain, resulting in the perception of sweetness. Flavor: Flavor is a more comprehensive experience that combines taste with other sensory inputs. It includes taste, smell, and even visual cues. When you eat a slice of pizza, for instance, your brain processes not only the taste of the melted cheese (umami) but also the aroma of the tomato sauce, the texture of the crust, and the overall appearance of the pizza. Flavor is influenced by factors such as temperature, texture, and even memories associated with a particular food. Smell plays a significant role in flavor perception. The olfactory receptors in our nose detect volatile compounds released by food, enhancing our overall experience. Visual cues, such as the color of food, can also impact flavor perception. For example, a bright red apple may taste sweeter to us than a green one, even if they have the same sugar content. In summary, taste is a subset of flavor, and flavor encompasses a broader range of sensory information beyond just taste. So, the next time you savor a delicious meal, remember that it’s not just about what your taste buds detect—it’s the entire sensory symphony that makes up the flavor! 🌟👅🍽️ Can you give me an example of how visual cues affect flavor perception? Certainly! Visual cues play a significant role in shaping our perception of flavor. Here are some examples: Color and Taste Correspondence: Visual cues, such as the color of food or drink, can influence our perception of taste. For instance, when we see a bright red strawberry, our brain associates it with sweetness. As a result, we expect the strawberry to taste sweet even before we take a bite. Similarly, green vegetables are often associated with freshness and healthiness, affecting our perception of their taste. Food Presentation: The way food is presented visually impacts how we experience its flavor. Imagine a beautifully plated dessert with intricate designs and vibrant colors. Our anticipation of its taste is heightened because our eyes signal that it’s something special. Conversely, if a dish looks unappetizing or messy, we might be less inclined to enjoy it, even if the taste is excellent. Color-Flavor Mismatch: Sometimes, visual cues can lead to surprising flavor experiences. In an experiment, participants were served a blue steak and green fries under dim lighting. Initially, they enjoyed the meal. However, when the lights were brightened, revealing the food’s true colors, some participants felt sick or refused to eat more. This demonstrates how our eyes can override our taste buds’ initial perception based on color expectations. Beverages and Color: Beverages are particularly influenced by color. Clear water is perceived as neutral and refreshing, while brightly colored fruit juices evoke specific flavors (e.g., orange juice for orange color). Companies use this knowledge for marketing—think of the iconic red Coca-Cola can or the green Sprite bottle. In summary, our eyes indeed “eat first,” shaping our flavor experiences through visual cues. Whether it’s the color of a ripe fruit or the presentation of a gourmet dish, what we see significantly impacts how we taste! 🌈👁️🍽️ References: Stäger, L., Lesur, M. R., & Lenggenhager, B. (2021). What Am I Drinking? Vision Modulates the Perceived Flavor of Drinks, but No Evidence of Flavor Altering Color Perception in a Mixed Reality Paradigm. Frontiers in Psychology, 121. Spence, C., et al. (2015). Assessing the Influence of Visual-Taste Congruency on Perceived Flavor. Foods, 9(4), 4652. Velasco, C., et al. (2018). Does Food Color Influence Taste and Flavor Perception in Humans? Chemical Senses, 35(3), 215-2303. Shepherd, G. M. (2012). The Crucial Role of Color in the Perception of Beverages. In Neurogastronomy: How the Brain Creates Flavor and Why It Matters (pp. 279-290)4. How does smell affect flavor perception? Smell and Flavor Perception: A Harmonious Duo Flavor perception is a multisensory experience that combines taste and smell, working in harmony to create our perception of food. Let’s delve into how smell significantly impacts our flavor experiences: Taste and Smell Interaction: Taste refers to the basic sensations detected by our taste buds on the tongue—sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami. Smell, on the other hand, involves the detection of aromatic molecules that float through the air (retronasal odor) or come from the food we consume. These two senses combine to produce our overall perception of flavor. Taste buds and olfactory receptors (responsible for smell) both come into direct contact with the external environment, unlike other sensory neurons protected by skin or tissue. The 80% Rule: Nearly 80% of a food’s flavor is determined by its retronasal odor1. When we chew and swallow food, volatile compounds are released and travel from the back of our mouth to our nasal cavity. These odor molecules contribute significantly to our overall flavor experience. Neurophysiological research shows that odor and flavor inputs converge in brain regions related to taste perception1. Enhancing Taste Sensations: Smell enhances taste sensations by providing intricate aromas and nuances. Imagine biting into a ripe peach. The sweet taste on your tongue is complemented by the fruity aroma that reaches your olfactory receptors. The combination of taste (sweetness) and smell (peachy fragrance) creates the full flavor experience. Loss of Smell and Taste Disturbance: If someone loses their sense of smell (due to severed odor receptors or disrupted connections to the brain), their sense of taste is also affected. Although taste and smell constitute the majority of flavor perception, other senses (vision, hearing, touch) also play a role2. Without smell, flavors become less vibrant and nuanced. In summary, our sense of smell is a powerful collaborator in shaping how we perceive flavors. So, the next time you savor a delicious meal, appreciate the intricate dance between taste and smell! 🌟👃🍽️ References: 1: “Just how much of what we taste derives from the sense of smell?” (2015). Flavour, 4(30)3. 2: Ask A Biologist. (2017). “Does Smell Affect Taste?” 2.
When I was in school I didn't quite understand how a president could win the popular vote but loose the election. The problem was frequently mentioned, but not explained well enough for me. It turns out that the math involved in understanding how this is even possible is around a third grade level. Adding large numbers and determining which number is greater are the only two skills required. Understanding how the electoral collage works is an important feature to understanding American government. In conjunction with our crash course in American Government we did this simple worksheet I created. You are welcome to print it for personal use. Election Math Sheet 1 Election Math Sheet 2 The two sheets contain mock election results for six different elections. In each election the results for the same four states are given. To complete the worksheets first determine if the Stars or Stripes received the electoral votes for the state by determining if the total votes for Stars or Stripes is bigger. Next total up the electoral votes for Stars and for Stripes for each election. The higher total of electoral votes wins the election. Next, to see who won the popular vote for the election, total up the votes for Stars and the votes for Stripes for each election. Circle the winner for the electoral vote in red. Circle the winner for the popular vote in blue. Are they the same? This is a great activity to follow up with a writing assignment. Do you think this system is fair? Why or why not? If you don't think it is fair, how would you change it?
A blog that covers educational concepts and products from Pre-K through Middle School. It features time-saving tips for teachers of all grade levels.
My Homeschool offers a knowledge-rich Australian homeschool curriculum inspired by Charlotte Mason. We make homeschool easy. Online platform for Grades K -10.
The Music Lesson on Grieg and Peer Gynt is perfect for elementary students, includes videos, and can be completed in 15 minutes.
Learn about Fix It! Grammar Ingenious! Students hunt for and correct errors in daily passages that cumulatively tell a story. Fix It! encourages students to immediately apply new grammar knowledge in context, aiding in the transfer of grammar skills into their own writing.
Learn what plants breathe through with this easy leaf & tree science experiment as kids get hands-on with the process of photosynthesis!
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What is a force? Fun collection of investigation ideas for forces and motion experiments, hovercrafts, balloon powered car
If you have kids, the terms chaos and disorder take on a whole new meaning. If you are experiencing these feelings within your family, it may be time to work
Gameschooling refers to homeschooling with games. Gameschoolers use games as part of their homeschool curriculum. I am convinced that, with a little planning, you could create an entire curriculum using educational board games and high-quality read alouds.
Certainly, God can help anyone overcome the challenge of a parent who set a poor example, but do we honestly want our example to be a challenge that our kids have to overcome? Wouldn’t we rather be a good example for them?
Home school sports and competitive athletic teams near you can be part of your homeschooling physical education. Learn about Tim Tebow Law and equal access for homeschoolers, homeschool PE and fitness, can homeschoolers play sports for public schools (by state) and how can you play sports while being homeschooled.
So you've decided to give homeschool strewing a try. Here are some ideas to help you incorporate strewing in your relaxed homeschool.
Going into our eighth year of homeschooling, our summer homeschool schedule is more of a routine. Here's how it works.
We have been using the Well-Trained Mind binder system recommended by Susan Wise Bauer in her seminal book for several years now. It occurred to me that there might be homeschoolers out there who would like to see it in action. In fact, I have seen this question over and over in support groups for […]
Strewing is something that can revolutionize your homeschool, but what is it? This is everything you need to know about strewing to help your kids learn, all in one place. Strewing works so well in our homeschool. It’s a fantastic way to create learning opportunities where your children can be in the driver’s seat. The...
Having a vision for your homeschool will not only set you up for success, but will also help you on the days when you are ready to throw in the towel. Here are some tips for creating that vision!
Homeschool social groups: Feeling isolated and looking for a home school network? Tired of searching "homeschool groups near me" and local groups and finding no opportunities to socialize homeschoolers? We'll talk about homeschool socialization and does homeschool make you socially awkward, what are homeschool support groups, what is a homeschool co-op, unique ways to find favorite social activities for homeschoolers and how to meet other like-minded homeschool students!
Math should be fun, but it often doesn't feel that way, even in a relaxed homeschool setting. Family Time Math is a new homeschool math curriculum that brings some wonder back into homeschool math.
What are accredited homeschool programs and are they really necessary? Find the details and options for families. #homeschooling
Yes! FREE homeschool math curriculum for K-8th grade does exist and it's wonderfully Charlotte Mason. Click, print, and done! Watch the video
Gameschooling is a popular choice for many homeschoolers for the simple reason that it encourages learning through play. Read on to get the scoop on gameschooing in each subject!
Reading aloud as a family may be just what 2020 needs.
All new homeschool parents should read this post on 15 homeschooling dos and don'ts from a kid who grew up being homeschooled.
Your homeschool calendar should complement your life instead of adding stress. Learn how to create your homeschool calendar so it works for your family.
How does one combine homesteading with a homeschooling lifestyle? Find out how and why in this interview with a homesteading homeschooler.
Need inspiration on what to teach your kids this year for your homeschool? Check out what we decided to learn this year for our homeschool curriculum picks!
Want to start a homeschool co-op? Or just learn more about what they are? This post is full of information to get you started!
I am an unexpected homeschooler. We landed here, swiftly and without warning, almost four years ago. As a product of public schools and being a school psychologist, homeschooling was never on my radar. And yet
Eleven years ago, a group of women came together to start a Five in a Row Homeschool Co-op. The oldest kids attending were in first grade. After five years, we decided those oldest kids needed something more, so we started an enrichment co-op, Treasure Seekers. The classes below are a sampling of the 70+ classes …
connecting homeschoolers through social media
What do you really need to know in order to homeschool? What are those essential elements to successful homeschooling? Here are 5 things...
If you are looking for free homeschool resources for middle or high school, I think you'll find this list quite helpful to ease your budget.
It’s hard to know what our kids are going to do with their lives. We can’t predict outcomes, so then maybe we let go of those a little, & instead focus on the people we were given to love.
