Homeschool Term # 3 ... 2014
We left Darwin and Kakadu to start our journey along the Great Northern highway towards the west coast - visiting amazing places; such as: Kununurra, El Questro, Wyndham, Purnululu National Park - Bungle Bungles and Tunnel Creek.
Hence the true understanding of 'Natural Learning' has surfaced!
The boys took an interest in the power source of the van. This was purely from us upgrading our solar panels on the roof of the caravan before we left Darwin. The research that went into finding the right size, power output Vs power we use, comparing products, prices, etc... was a great opportunity for the boys to be involved with; plus we covered all hands-on concepts of solar energy; using our solar panel set up to show the boys how it all happens. Matt had to install the whole system as well, so the boys gained a lot of knowledge in wiring. The generator became the new 'novelty' for Noah.... he was always keen to fill her up, set her up and start her up
The boys took interest in the local foliage that is native to the north western side of Australia - the magnificent Boab Tree. They researched all you could learn about them and became professional Boab Tree advocates. We cracked some open and ate the chalky flesh, we carved images in some, and painted some with caravans and boab trees.... which we then sold at the Kununurra markets.
We learned about a local donkey called Fuzzy; who lives in the area roaming the streets and caravan park looking for a cuddle and some scraps. The history of this donkey is an amazing story!
The boys endured km's of walking through gorges and creek crossings that required stamina and agility. We spent a lot of time discussing physical fitness and how important it is to drink lots of water and eat the right foods to keep up energy levels and feed your body the nutrients it needs to function properly.
We learned all about chasms and how they are formed over time from a fault or joint in the rocks surface. Natural forces of weather causing erosion, expands this fault within the rock and eventually over time, causes the major opening within the rock - A chasm.
We researched up on the pearl luggers and their affiliation with putting Broome on the map. So many brave people died while diving for the mother of pearl shell - there is a Japanese grave yard in town especially dedicated to those who lost their lives while diving. We also looked at the history of Broome in relation to the dinosaur era... visiting the footprints on low tide at the point, and seeing the plane wrecks from WWI at Roebuck Bay.
Geometry . . .
"I wish" writing . . .
Map of Australia . . .
Journal/blog . . .
The boys have been journaling their travels more frequently over this past term; blogging their journey on their own personal BlogSpot on our website. Click here to read about Noah's journey Click here to read about Cahil's travels |