Chemistry, Botany, Biology, Oh My!

I was temporarily replaced last week when John Robert volunteered to teach Denver about atoms.

Denver learned about the periodic table and atomic mass.

It was 10pm on a weeknight. I wanted to go to sleep, but the boys were too loud.  I texted John and told him what they were doing.  "Let them keep going," he replied.  He was right.

John Robert sat down with Denver earlier in the evening, and began talking with him about atoms.  They went from one book to the next, talking about the structure of an atom, the difference between protons, neutrons, and electrons, and how to calculate atomic mass. They watched science videos on John's phone.  They laughed and Denver began making periodic table cards as John Robert brought certain elements to life: 

"Tungsten is super strong and is found inside the filament of lightbulbs.  When you turn on a light, it's like, 'Kachow!'  It is strong and brings light into darkness-- like me!"

Denver plucked two radishes from his garden
this morning!

This week, Denver reaped the harvest from his little garden. Mr. Cory, the Montessori School gardener, had given Denver a little sprinkle of seeds to grow at home.  He and Spencer found a shady spot in our woods, cleared away the leaves, and planted them.  I didn't give them much chance of success.  But Behold, Radishes!

Denver takes notes for his science presentation.

Putting the final touches on their science presentation poster.

Tomorrow, the boys give a big presentation for their science class at LEAD.  They were asked to choose a bodily system, and compare three marine phyla. They chose to compare the respiratory systems of Arthropoda, Cnidaria, and Echinodermata.  Sounds fancy, doesn't it?  It isn't.  They just researched the different ways lobster, jellyfish, and sea stars breathe.  They made a poster and practiced their presentation several times.  Spencer is the knowledge base.  Denver is the showman.  I think they're ready!

As this academic year comes to a close, I am so grateful for all they have learned and all they have taught me.

There is always more to learn and always so much to be grateful for!

Spencer does well organizing his presentation.

Spencer created a new game at Montessori and has been
playing it at school and with Denver.