Ready, aim. . .
Those of you who know our boys well are probably not surprised to learn that Boy Genius was behind this little project, even though Bouncy and Silly Boys are the ones in front of the camera lens. 
What, you may well ask, are they doing? Well, Boy Genius eyed my collection of corks and decided to use an empty IBC bottle to make a sort of cannon. He spent a few days mulling it over and then seized a sunny morning last week. Vinegar and baking soda were his power of choice, and it took a few trials and errors to work out the quantities and method. He ended up with perhaps 1/4 the bottle filled with vinegar and then a heaping spoonful of baking soda twisted up in a bit of waxed paper. Once the cork was in place, he gave the bottle a good shake and put it in position. The standing bottle in the rear was his first successful shot, and as far as we know that cork is now orbiting the earth. 
After that he switched the laying the bottle on its side, which sent the cork flying several yards forward. Success! Naturally each little brother had to have a turn, too. . .
I love homeschooling, in case I haven’t mentioned it lately. 
Potato clock
One of the items on Silly Boy’s Christmas wish list was a potato clock. He didn’t get one for Christmas, but Mimi gave him this kit for his birthday in January. Then, in true Silly Boy fashion, he did several other activities before getting around to the potato clock this week.
Yes, it really works (at least for a little while. . .we have found that these homemade batteries have a short life).
I’ve never been a fan of formal science studies in the lower grades; in fact, I suspect grade school textbooks are in large part responsible for my own complete lack of interest in science as a subject. Now and then I’ve read aloud sections from those picture-filled science children’s encyclopedias, but mostly I’ve tried to encourage their natural curiosity about their surroundings, provide opportunities (and supplies), and stand back. This can involve special occasions, such as going to the Children’s Museum while visiting my parents or earning Junior Ranger badges at Yellowstone or another National Park. But most of the time it involves everyday things like seeds or library books or inexpensive kits or a website or a few odd ingredients from the drugstore. . .things that are real and that lead to the kids asking questions and wanting to learn the answers.
Fire!
I thought about using this as a “wordless Wednesday” picture, but I figured you might appreciate some words of explanation. . .
I can’t remember now the table conversation that led Drama Boy to remember the library program back in Iowa where a man showed them how to light a dollar bill on fire without burning it. So after lunch that day he hopped online and found the directions. AND a list of chemicals he could add to the alcohol to make different colored flames. He and Boy Genius headed to the grocery store and returned with epsom salts as well as salt substitute; he’s still looking for roach killer (a seasonal item, according to the local Pamida). I have a feeling that he’s going to be packing chemicals on his next Scout camping trip. . .
Lunar eclipse
Did anyone else watch this Saturday morning? Larry and the boys were watching it while they delivered newspapers, and when they got home I joined them in watching the end of it through our kitchen window. Here are a couple of pictures Larry took through the window–for reference, the white thing in the lower left is our garage.
