Class Information

   
  Simple Machines/Math Investigations
   
  

~~This year long class will use two curricula from the LegoEducation company. Early Simple Machines and More ToMath 1-2.
In the early Simple Machines sessions young (5+) students build fun and simple (DUPLO) models such as a seesaw, rolling vehicle, spinning top, raft, swing, and many more, all based on machines.  By playing with and manipulating the models, children experience pulleys, levers, gears, and wheels and axles, the screw, inclined planes, etc… while exploring early science and technology concepts as: energy, buoyancy, balance, speed, the effect of friction, reading scales, fair testing, predicting and measuring, collecting data and describing outcomes, investigating gears, wheels, axles, levers and pulleys, matching solutions to needs, choosing appropriate materials, designing, making and testing.
The curriculum follows the 4C approach:
Construct - we will interpret 2D building instructions and turn them into 3D models,
Connect them with a story
Contemplate as we carry out scientific investigations with what we have constructed and while making predictions, testing, comparing results, filling out a simple worksheet, etc..
Continue with further investigations - design additions or changes to the models and invent related games.

The More ToMath sessions involve Math investigations using the MoreToMath Curriculum.
Geared towards ages 6+ it contains first and second grade level engaging mathematics lessons focused on problem-solving, critical thinking, and logical reasoning.
Key learning values: mathematical problem solving, reasoning, perseverance, precision, modeling, and representation.  Reinforces math competency learning through hands-on activities across the areas of numeracy, operations in base 10, algebraic thinking, measurement, data, and spatial awareness.

 

 

 

   
  Instructor: Kaster, Judith
  Instructor Bio:
  Judith Kaster is in her fifth year at Palaestra. Her homeschool adventure started 18ish years ago, when her twins were ready for first grade. Both she and her husband (Bob Kaster, the electronics teacher) graduated with engineering Masters degrees from the University of Michigan, where they also first encountered homeschooling families and thus, not afraid of math and science and oblivious to unforeseen challenges, they embarked on the journey. Both volunteered and taught/tutored off and on through the years, Judith mostly Math, Chemistry (undergraduate major) German (native language) and Guitar (hobby). Bob has worked as an Electrical Engineer for 25+ years. We graduated three homeschool students: twins in 2013 and the youngest in 2016. With Judith as their math teacher, all three of her children have achieved a solid understanding of Algebra 1 and 2 and ACT scores in the low 30s and 29 and have thus won valuable college scholarships. Her oldest two students have been employed as Math tutors at Oakland University starting their freshman year,…., have just graduated from OU and are both pursuing PhD’s in Chemistry (UIUC and Northwestern U). Her youngest has just finished her freshman year at Cedarville University. The Kasters are members of Woodside Church in White Lake.
   
  Fee: $85
  Material Fee: $15
  Minimum Age: 5
  Maximum Age: 7
   
  
Day:FridayTime:10:00 amLength:1 Hours
   
  
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