2 posts tagged “science”
The kids went to STEAM in Swindon yesterday with Grandad. Grandma, Evie and I went shopping which is a rare pleasure for me! We even managed a civilised cup of coffee in a real live cafe with only one trip to the toilet. Shopping with very little crowd control is much more fun. I didn't buy much other than a pair of trousers that actually fit and a handbag which is lovely( and cheap!) but I am sure will prove to be too small (I can dream!).
The kids had much more fun with Grandad than they had with me a month ago. As Callum informed me:
"Grandad just knows much more stuff!"
I must admit to having struggled a bit with steel making and steam engines. I was better at the history and social side. The thought that pretty much the whole of Swindon used to head off to the beach for a week when the factory closed for the holidays made me laugh. The train was free and it was their only holiday, but they ended up sat on the beach next to their work collegues!
Grandad could explain Boils Law (as I have no idea what it is I also have no idea of the spelling!) and how they make steam engines work. They all seemed a bit distracted when Grandad explained later how the fridge works, but Callum managed to recount to Daddy later in minute detail. We had a long discussion in the car back about how Grandad is much better than a book because you can ask questions.
It made me realise how important it is for the children to have adults in their life that care about them and are prepared to spend time with them. It doesn't have to be grandparents. It can be aunts and uncles, next door neighbours, friends etc. As adults we all have skills and knowledge that the new generation need. Education is so much more than sitting looking at books. Adults can make it come alive for children. I can't be everything to my kids and I am so grateful that there are people in their lives that are prepared to fill in the gaps!
On Monday I bought some new shoes and I asked mum if I can keep the box , Mum said put it in the garage. I did. The next day I went to the Victory for the homeschooling, it was great. When I got home I thought of making a boat. I went rummaging through the garage I found: a shoe box, two ice cream boxes and a stick. I started making the boat I tried many different designs this one worked best.
I tried putting Evie's building blocks in the ice cream tubs to make a ballast, but Mum said they will get ruined. So I went out into the woods to find some appropriate stones. I made some scales using Dad's spirit level. I put the same weight of stones in each tub.
I had to strap the tubs onto the bottom of the boat and I tied string for an anchor. I decorated the boat with certain bits of material, including paper, card and corrugated paper.
The boat floated perfectly and stayed level. It was very stable.
What have I learnt?
- The more the boat is in the water, the more stable it is.
- It doesn't matter how heavy the boat is as long as it spreads the weight.
- Sellotape will not grip if it gets wet.
