Factor Samurai App

A while back my kids got me addicted to Fruit Ninja.  And although it is a fun little diversion, it is not really a learning game - and I love when my kiddos play learning games!  So, today, I found Factor Samurai!

It is very similar to Fruit Ninja - only you slice composite numbers and try to avoid prime numbers.

Your child can select from a variety of levels from Grasshopper for beginners (which features smaller numbers) up to Master. 

In this instance, your child would slice the 8 which would in turn break into 2 and 4, and your child would have to slice the 4 as it is another composite number.  Super fun, and your kiddos will have no idea they are learning! 



That is if you are unlike me, and you don't become addicted to it yourself!

Best part?  The app is free at the itunes app store!

Earth Science Resources

Nova has some amazing Earth Science resources for your older kiddos to check out.

The following NOVA resources will introduce students to the mysterious and sometimes violent functions of our planet. They will have an opportunity to explore ideas and concepts ranging from seismic shifts that cause destructive earthquakes to volcanic eruptions large enough to affect Earth's fluctuating climate and vegetation.

What does the anatomy of a volcano look like?

Explore the basic geological features of a volcano like Mt. St. Helens, as well as the deadly materials released during volcanic eruptions.

Interactive, Grades 6-9

How does vegetation change through the seasons?

In this interactive, learn how the distribution of Earth's vegetation varies from season to season.

Interactive, 6-12

What can we find on the arctic seafloor?

Explore the seabed of the Arctic Ocean with some of the first imagery ever shot of landscapes and life-forms that no one knew existed.

Interactive, Grades 6-12

How does climate change?

This video segment describes climate data that suggest the Earth has undergone dramatic climate shifts in relatively short spans of time.

Video (5m 49s), Grades 6-12

Can we predict earthquakes?

In this video, a team of U.S. geologists travel to Haiti after a large earthquake to try and determine if and when another quake will strike.

Video, Grades 6-12

Paper Plates Make Great Venn Diagrams!

If your child is working on comparing and contrasting two of anything (books, math concepts, habitats, etc.) you may want to try using two paper plates for a fun way to present a venn diagram.

Lots of resources for learning about fractions!

If you are working on teaching your child about fractions, here are several great resources:

Fraction Circles

Equal Parts Fraction Worksheet

Cookie Recipe Math

Fraction Word Problems

Fruit Loop Fractions Activity

Pizza Fractions Math Journal

Comparing Fractions Quiz

Free Math and Science Printable Posters

I found these great free printable math and science posters for your older homeschooling kiddos.  You can print them out, stick them in a sheet protector and have your child stick them in their binder/notebook/ or lapbook they are completing.

Christmas Tree Coordinate Graphing

Your kids will love watching this Christmas tree drawn before their eyes as they practice coordinates.  You can print out the directions and a blank graphing chart here.

Place Value Worksheets

If your kiddos are learning about place value, you may want to print out this place value chart.  For those working with decimals, try this decimal place value chart. 

For more place value worksheets, click here.

Order of Operations Worksheet

If your older kiddos are tackling algebra and need extra practice with order of operations, you may want to head over here to print out this free worksheet.

For more practice try these as well:

Practice order of operations with this dog themed worksheet

Practice order of operations with this Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally worksheet

Math Flowers

These math flower worksheets are a great way to practice math facts!

Personal Dictionary

This personal dictionary is a great way to assist your child in their quest to master the art of spelling. The booklet features a variety of  spelling and language arts reference materials for students in grades 3 to 8. The personal dictionary also includes a page for each letter of the alphabet which allows your child the opportunity to record assigned spelling words or those words which simply prove to be troublesome. Also within the booklet, you will find an alphabetized list of 1000 high-frequency spelling words, commonly found in 3rd through 9th grade texts. There are also vocabulary sections devoted to commonly used, and misspelled spelling words in mathematics (counting numbers through one hundred, ordinal numbers through one hundred, & mathematical operation terminology), geography (continents, oceans, countries, 50 states, and major U.S. cities), as well as calendar terminology (days, months, seasons, and noted holidays).