I came across an amazing string of connections that I thought would serve as a brilliant theme for a week of study in Vanguard.
My kids and I are studying the history of gravitational theory in Exploring Creation with Physical Science from the Apologia Series. On page 278-280 is a brief history of the development of the gravitational theories to date. There are several people mentioned so it could fit into any of the four time periods, I imagine. You could use their biographies or explore more of the scientific side or both.
On page 276-277 there is a fun experiment that helps explain one of the current theories of gravitation using tennis balls (or baseballs) and it could easily be turned into a game, as well as it's original use. The games is basically where the kids stand far apart and "exchange" particles by throwing balls back and forth simultaneously, and how it gets easier when they get closer. Similarly, this theory of gravitation states that objects that exchange particles are naturally drawn closer together.
They also mention telescopes which could open up an activity with telescopes or a field trip. There is also the following website that my brother recommended at Celestia :/"... The free space simulation that lets you explore our universe in three dimensions."
But the really cool part was...
This afternoon I felt prompted to listen to a BYU devotional address given by Bruce C. Hafen on Karen's blog or on youtube titled "A Disciple's Journey."
In his talk, he compares the journey of a disciple to the orbits of the three celestial bodies God uses to describe the three degrees of glory: sun, moon, and stars, and then Satan's "realm" in outer darkness. It was so closely tied to the whole concept of gravitation!!!!!!!! He talked about how, like in the tennis ball analogy, we are drawn towards that which we listen to and progress across certain orbits by taking on different covenants and commitments. For instance, the more we listen to God the closer we get to Him; the more we listen to Satan, the closer we get to him.
I think it could fit really well in the month of "God". It would work with "Work" since the people had to work to figure out the theory, or it could be "Responsible Citizenship" as the talk discusses our personal accountability in drawing near to God and benefits of that.
It was sooooo cool! I should take the time to make it more coherant, but I don't have it :), so at least it is written down and here. Have fun!
My kids and I are studying the history of gravitational theory in Exploring Creation with Physical Science from the Apologia Series. On page 278-280 is a brief history of the development of the gravitational theories to date. There are several people mentioned so it could fit into any of the four time periods, I imagine. You could use their biographies or explore more of the scientific side or both.
On page 276-277 there is a fun experiment that helps explain one of the current theories of gravitation using tennis balls (or baseballs) and it could easily be turned into a game, as well as it's original use. The games is basically where the kids stand far apart and "exchange" particles by throwing balls back and forth simultaneously, and how it gets easier when they get closer. Similarly, this theory of gravitation states that objects that exchange particles are naturally drawn closer together.
They also mention telescopes which could open up an activity with telescopes or a field trip. There is also the following website that my brother recommended at Celestia :/"... The free space simulation that lets you explore our universe in three dimensions."
But the really cool part was...
This afternoon I felt prompted to listen to a BYU devotional address given by Bruce C. Hafen on Karen's blog or on youtube titled "A Disciple's Journey."
In his talk, he compares the journey of a disciple to the orbits of the three celestial bodies God uses to describe the three degrees of glory: sun, moon, and stars, and then Satan's "realm" in outer darkness. It was so closely tied to the whole concept of gravitation!!!!!!!! He talked about how, like in the tennis ball analogy, we are drawn towards that which we listen to and progress across certain orbits by taking on different covenants and commitments. For instance, the more we listen to God the closer we get to Him; the more we listen to Satan, the closer we get to him.
I think it could fit really well in the month of "God". It would work with "Work" since the people had to work to figure out the theory, or it could be "Responsible Citizenship" as the talk discusses our personal accountability in drawing near to God and benefits of that.
It was sooooo cool! I should take the time to make it more coherant, but I don't have it :), so at least it is written down and here. Have fun!
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