April Homeschool Newsletter

MCESA
 
Homeschool Title

MCESA is committed to consistently providing resources, leadership and support for the educational needs of all homeschooling families.

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Homeschool Week at Sea Life

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Future Dates:
May 5th-9th, timeslots coming soon
August 11th-15th
November 3rd-7th

Discover something amazing at SEA LIFE Arizona during Homeschool Week! Enjoy an interactive experience including an educational lesson and interactive projects, designed specifically for homeschool students.

NEW for 2014, Be on the lookout for the next Homeschool Lesson!

Only $6 per person!

Plus tax. A savings of up to $12 on adult tickets!
When booking tickets, select the desired time of your lesson, which will last about 30 minutes. Your ticket is valid for all-day admission.

Limited space is available. Tickets must be pre-booked. The selected time slot represents the time of your 30 minute lesson. Your ticket is valid for all-day entry into the aquarium.

Upon arrival please be prepared to show your homeschool reporting form, co-op membership card, "letter of intent to homeschool" or other homeschool documentation. Children 2 and under are free.

Visit website:   http://www.visitsealife.com/arizona/homeschool/

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AFHE

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Arizona Families for Home Education (AFHE) is the statewide organization that has been serving the needs and protecting the rights of Arizona’s homeschooling families since 1983. AFHE is a non-profit 501(c)(3) educational corporation run by a Christian board of directors. AFHE membership is available to all homeschooling parents in Arizona

Website:  www.afhe.org

AFHE Events

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Benefits the Arizona Homeschool Scholarship Fund

The Arizona Diamondbacks will make a $4 donation to theArizona Homeschool Scholarship Fund for every ticket purchased through AFHE for Homeschool Night at Chase Field

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This is a great opportunity for those new to homeschooling or those considering homeschooling. If you know someone who is thinking about homeschooling or is new to homeschooling, please share this opportunity with them. We'd love to have them join us! We will present three sessions designed specifically for those who are considering educating their children at home:

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Home School Foundation

All homeschoolers are invited to come out for an afternoon of family fun as we "Pump Up the Funds" and help the Home School Foundation assist hurting Arizona homeschool families. Pump-It-Up has generously donated two 90-minute time slots so we can double our participation without the need for waiting lists. 

WHEN:  Tuesday, April 8, 2014 - Choose 4:00 PM or 5:30 PM (to be filled first-come, first-served)

WHERE:  Pump-It-Up, 14131 N. Rio Vista Blvd, Suite 5, Peoria, 85381

COST:  $5 per person minimum participation donation. This is a fundraiser so please give generously. All proceeds will benefit local homeschooling families who are in crisis. Payment must be received in advance to reserve your spot. 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  Monday, March 31

TO REGISTER: Email Debbie Simpson, sdjsimpson@cox.net - provide your name, phone, and participant names, noting which are jumpers and which are chaperones.

PAYMENT DEADLINE:  Wednesday, April 2 

CONTACT:  Carol Gary, Arizona State Ambassador, Home School Foundation, AZStateAmbsdr@cox.net

EVENT DETAILS:  Printable event flier with all of the details

WEBSITE: www.homeschoolfoundation.org

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Arizona Science Center

Homeschool Classes

Arizona Science Center offers a variety of homeschool opportunities for students from September through May. Homeschool classes are held onsite at Arizona Science Center and offsite at Usery Mountain Park.  

For more information, please contact:

Mary Campbell - Senior Educator Coordinator

602-716-2000 Ext. 229 

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Homeschool Explorer Program

Classes suggested for ages 6 to 10 years of age.

For iinformation on times visit: http://azscience.org/pdf_assets/explorer.pdf

Strung Out on Polymers - polymers have fascinating properties. Explore this chemical world and all that it offers for us. You will be surprised about the many uses for these products.

  • April 8th, 9th, 11th    Morning classes available
  • April 15th, 16th 17th     Afternoon classes available

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Homeschool at Usery Mountain Park Program

Classes suggested for ages 6 to 10 years of age

For information on times visit:  http://azscience.org/pdf_assets/usery.pdf

Strung Out on Polymers - polymers have fascinating properties. Explore this chemical world and all that it offers for us. You will be surprised about the many uses for these products.

  • April 18, 2014

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Homeschool Tween Program

Classes suggested for ages 11 and up

For information on times visit: http://azscience.org/pdf_assets/tweens.pdf

Anatomy of a Pig - move ton to more advanced dissection skills and learn the ins and outs of a fetal pig. Pigs are very important to medical science because their anatomy is very similar to humans. They are especially important in helping to advance technologies for heart disease. Come take a class that will help to prepare you for a pre-medicine degree.

**Extra charge of $15 per participant. This is a two-hour class from 1:00pm - 3:00pm

  • April  22nd, 23rd or 24th 
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Jeremy Jackrabbit Book Launch

Join authors Sasha and Rodney Glassman for the launch of the third book in the Jeremy Jackrabbit series, illustrated by local children. Following a reading of the new book, the young artists will be available to sign the pages which they illustrated.

SATURDAY APRIL 12, 10:00A.M.-NOON
ARIZONA SCIENCE CENTER
600 E. WASHINGTON

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Events at Desert Botanical

Learning Labs for Homeschoolers

Join us to explore and understand the wonders of the Sonoran Desert. Each month participants will take an informative hike followed by a tasty snack and a classroom investigation. Our uniquely designed curriculum blends hands-on, inquiry-based learning with a dose of fun and is taught by enthusiastic Garden staff and volunteers.For ages 4-13. This spring we wilol be investigating the relationship between plants and people by exploring where our food comes from, how artists and scientists are inspired by nature, and how we can help care for our amazing planet.

When:  April 17th and May 15th

             1:00pm - 3:00pm

Class Fees:     Members - $15 per class

                        General Public - $20 per class

Website: http://www.dbg.org/education-programs/kids-camps-programs/learning-labs 

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Stargazing for Everyone

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Enjoy a night under the stars or a special tour in our giant indoor planetarium. Learn star names, see the constellations, and listen to stories of the night sky. View the moon, planets, star clusters, nebula, galaxies and more through our telescopes. We encourage you to bring your digital camera and binoculars to enjoy the views from these great locations. The stargazing programs are outdoor events, dress appropriately and bring chairs or blankets for your seating comfort.

NOTE: All Stargazing Programs start at 7:30pm - Unless otherwise noted. Time and Dates are subject to change - ALL programs should be confirmed by calling the appropriate location.

Challenger Space Center  

Stargazing Programs

When:    Saturday, April 5, 2014

               Saturday, May 10, 2014

Challenger Space Center

Planetarium Programs

When:     Saturday, April 12, 2014

                Saturday, May 10, 2014

For more informaiton and more locations visit the website: www.StargazingForEveryone.com 

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Educator night at Heritage Square in Phoenix

You and a guest are invited to join us for a special night for educators, a free opportunity for teachers and home educators to see what Heritage Square offers your students. 

The evening includes: 

  • A teaser tour of our field trip program A Child's Life in 1900 Phoenix. The program includes four interactive stations: a candlelit tour of the Rosson House Museum, turn-of-the-century chores, primary source history detectives, and the classic game hoop & stick.
  • A preview of our new classroom travelling trunk
  • Victorian Secrets: A Glimpse of the Unmentionable exhibit
  • Light refreshments  

WHEN:  Friday, April 4, 6:00-9:00 PM
WHERE:  Heritage Square, 113 N. 6th Street, Phoenix 

COST:  Free for teachers and home educators and one guest

Parking available in the Heritage Garage and 5th and Monroe. Discount validation provided. 

REGISTRATION DEADLINE;  March 31 

CONTACT:  Lindsey Vogel-Teeter, Curator of Education and Collections

education@rossonhousemuseum.org, 602-261-8948

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Constitution in the Classroom

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Our purpose is to instruct the children of Arizona on the true principles of liberty as established by the framers of the Constitution. This will prepare the next generation to protect and secure these precious liberties as well as to take an active role in government. Volunteer teachers with age appropriate material will give students a working knowledge of the Constitution and its application to current problems. The goal is to reinforce their deter-mination to protect the basic freedoms of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness which are quickly slipping away.

We teach 10 lessons once a week for five weeks. The classes last about one hour, and we teach 2 lessons each week. We are able to provide these lessons at schools and homeschool groups.

We are currently at Kimber Academy 1355 S. Clearview, Mesa. The lessons are free and open to kids and adults to learn the Constitution. The program is for 5 consecutive Mondays, beginning Monday, April 14, 2014 from 10:00 am to 11:00am. If you are interested, you can still join the workshop call Katherine Spencer (480) 323-5418 or Ken Jackson (480)255-0708 or http://www.constitutionintheclassroom.com/

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Discounted Educational Products

www.educents.com  

We aspire to provide affordable education to everyone. That’s the idea behind Educents.

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Covenant Homeschool Resource Center

Iowa Testing June, 2014  3rd-8th grade ONLY    

Registration for June testing will open after March testing is completed.  

  • Session 1: June 3rd and 4th  9am-1pm
  • Session 2: June 5th and 6th  9am-1pm. 

What curriculum will you find at Covenant?  

We carry a large selection of used curriculum such as A-Beka, BJU Press, Singapore Math, Let's Read Math, Rod and Staff, and many more! In addition to our large selection of used books, Covenant is also a distributor for Alpha Omega Press, Apologia, BJU Press, Common Sense Press, and Saxon.   As distributors, we have in stock the most popular books from this curriculum, and we regularly make special orders. Give us a call at
(602) 277-3497 or www.chsrc.org to find out if we have what you need!

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Earth Day

Hosted by the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community's Community Development Department and its Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Division. Fun activities for the whole family, regardless of age. Free lunch to all participants. We will have the Environmental Fair filled with learning activities, games, service projects, and family focused activities for all ages. For more information call 480-362-7500.

When: Saturday, April 5, 2014 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Two Waters Tribal Government Complex, 10005 E. Osborn Rd., Scottsdale

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Pinnacle Peak Park - Astronomy Evenings

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Astronomy Evenings

Enjoy a beautiful desert evening under the stars and learn about some of the objects visible in the night sky.  A short talk explaining interesting facts about the solar system and the galaxy around the planet earth is followed by observing the moon, several planets, multiple star systems, globular clusters and nebulae through a celestron telescope.  Beginners are welcome and the explanation will be kept at a novice level.  No hiking is required for this very special event. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars and a small penlight flashlight for this outdoor event.  Program duration is approximately 1.5 hours.


Astronomy Evenings are canceled if rainy or overcast conditions exist.  Call the afternoon of the event to reconfirm.Please contact Pinnacle Peak Park at 480-312-0990 to register or for more information.

Registration is required, and will begin one week prior to the date. 
Everyone must be 8 years or older.

http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/parks/Pinnacle/toursevents

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Fishing Derby

The 10th Annual Fishing Derby takes place on April 5 at the brand-new Copper Sky Regional Park! This Maricopa tradition brings families out to participate in a fishing tournament where 250 kids can either catch-and-release or take the fish home.

Each child pre-registered for the event will receive a fishing pole and bait. Prizes will be given to the top fishermen in each age group and the kids and their families are invited to enjoy a post derby hot dog bbq!

Children ages 5-12 are able to participate for a fee of $10 per child. The Copper Sky Regional Park lake is 5-acres, stocked with bass, rainbow trout, catfish, bluegill and white amur.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2014 with registration at 1:30 p.m. and the 90-minute tournament starting at 2:30 p.m.

To register:
Visit: http://activenet.active.com/cityofmaricoparec

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Easter Celebrations

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 Governor's Egg Roll and Easter Festival at The Wigwam, Litchfield Park


When: Saturday, April 19, 2014 from 9 a.m. to noon
What: The Wigwam’s Governor’s Egg Roll & Easter Festival features an Easter Egg roll on the front lawn, animal encounters, crafts and live entertainment. At 9:30a.m., there will be an Easter Outfit Competition, where you can enter to win VIP access to the egg hunt as well as “golden egg” prizes. At 10 a.m. the Easter Egg Hunt will take place with children divided into two groups, ages 1-4 and ages 5-8. Other festivities will include Easter egg decorating and crafts, a reading corner with Reach Out & Read, face painters, balloon artists, a Kids Fun Zone provided by Hilgers Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, a Healthy Kids Get Up & Go Zone with Yoga, Zumba, Bunny Hop Races and Miniature Golf, Animal Encounters with Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium as well as live entertainment. Families can have breakfast with the Easter Bunny that morning, and reservations are available from 8 to 10:30 a.m. The buffet-style brunch is $20 per adult, $10 per child and children under four years old are complimentary. Photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny.
More Information: http://www.wigwamarizona.com/index.shtml

 Peoria Sports Complex

When: Saturday, April 19, 2014 from 8 a.m. to noon
What: Admission to the Dolly Sanchez Memorial Easter Egg Hunt when you bring canned food to benefit the St. Mary's/Westside Food Bank Alliance. The event will feature candy hunts for 8 different age groups as well as a family hunt. New this year is a dedicated hunt time geared for children who have disabilities. Check online for schedules. Petting zoo, make & take crafts, carnival games, inflatables, pony rides and more. Some activities have a nominal fee. Free parking.
More Information: http://www.peoriaaz.gov/NewSecondary.aspx?id=54397

 San Tan Mountain Regional Park, Visitor Center Parking Compound, 6533 W. Phillips Rd., Queen Creek


When: April 19, 2014 from 9 a.m. to noon
What: Rascal the Rabbit has hidden eggs at the San Tan Mountain Regional Park. Help the Ranger collect all of Rascal's eggs at the Scrambled EGGstravaganza by locating secret clues left along the Interpretive Trail (roughly one quarter-mile round-trip). Check in at the Visitor Center to receive a special map to help you locate Rascal’s treasure. Stay after for some fun craft activities. Supplies are limited. $6 per vehicle park entry fee.
More information: http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/santan/

 Shamrock Farms, Stanfield


When: Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13, 2014
What: Easter at the Farm will take place during the tours on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the 11:15 a.m. tour on Sunday. In addition to the regular guided farm tour, added features include an Easter Egg Hunt at Roxie’s Outdoor Adventure during every tour, a face painter, balloon artist, games and a craft for the kids at the Welcome Barn. The Easter Bunny, a known BFF of Roxie, Shamrock Farms spokescow, will attend. Reservations and pre-payment are required.
More Information: http://www.shamrockfarms.net/farm-tour/reservations

 Schnepf Farms, Queen Creek


When: Saturday, April 19, 2014
What: Easter Egg-Citment Easter Egg Hunt. Easter egg hunts hunts will be divided into age groups beginning at 11 a.m. Includes a photo opportunity with Easter Bunny (take your own photos), Easter Egg Hunt, train rides, carousel rides, hay rides, petting zoo, Easter cookie and hot dog lunch. Cost: $25 per child ($20 without lunch), adults free. Rides extra, wristbands offered. Make a reservation, as space is limited.
More Information:  http://www.schnepffarms.com/ 

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Egg Bounce Science Experiment

How to make an egg bounce!

What happens to an egg when you drop it? It smashes. So how could we make an egg bounce?

First place it in some vinegar for a couple of days to remove the shell. (Instructions on how to remove the shell from an egg, underneath picture) Be very careful when you wash the egg.

To bounce it, drop carefully from quite a low height, the egg should bounce up from the surface. Can you measure at what height it breaks? Or try bouncing on different surfaces? How about drawing a table to demonstrate your results?

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INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO REMOVE THE SHELL OF AN EGG

You will need:

  • An egg
  • A glass
  • White vinegar

Method

  • 1. Take a raw egg and put it in a cup
  • 2. Cover it with white vinegar (which is also known as acetic acid)
  • 3. Leave for 4 to 5 days.
  • 4. Go to observe.

You should now be able to see shell residue in the vinegar and the yolk whole in the egg white. If you still see white resdiue on the egg you can rub this off lightly with you finger.

The Science Bit

The acid has reacted with the shell and “eaten” away  at it. The shell is made up of calcium carbonate and this gets dissolves due to the acid.  The inside of the egg should still be intact because the vinegar doesn’t break down the egg membrane. The egg also swells up, because some of the liquid seeps inside it via diffusion (high concentration to low).You should be able to see the yellow yolk through the membrane. It really is quite incredible.

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Easter Egg Activity

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Easter Activity

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