Summer Tech Challenge 8: Create a Video Recommendation

July 22, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Create a Video Recommendation

381: Summer Tech Challenge 8: Create a Video Recommendation

Video creation is becoming an essential skill for today’s students. In this episode, homeschool families are challenged to create a short recommendation video using Canva. Whether you’ve never edited a video before or you’re ready to build your skills, this challenge provides a simple way to get started while creating something useful to share with others.

Students / parents can recommend anything they enjoyed this summer—from books and games to museums, podcasts, travel destinations, or homeschool resources.

In this episode

  • Why video creation is a valuable college and career skill
  • Why Canva is an excellent beginner-friendly video editor
  • How to create a 30–60 second recommendation video
  • Ideas for topics to recommend
  • Ways to use images, stock photos, AI-generated images, and video clips
  • Adding text or recording a voiceover
  • How AI tools like ChatGPT can help when you get stuck
  • How to enter the Summer Tech Challenge

Summer Tech Challenge Prompt

Create a 30–60 second recommendation video about something you enjoyed this summer.

Ideas include:

  • A favorite book
  • A board or card game
  • A museum
  • A vacation destination
  • A podcast
  • A homeschool resource
  • Anything else you’d recommend to others

Use Canva to combine images, video clips, text, and/or a voiceover into a short video.

Mentioned in this episode

Entering the Summer Challenge

Share what you did in the challenge on one of the FundaFunda Education Instagram or Facebook posts or in one of these Facebook groups:

If you are not on social media, email your entry to meryl@fundafunda.com, and it can be shared on your behalf.

Each week, one participant will win a FundaFunda Academy unit study of their choice worth $20. Everyone who participates during the summer will also be entered into the grand prize drawing for a $50 gift card.

Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Academy to see what they offer for online classes and web-based unit studies.

Join our Facebook Group especially for the listeners of this podcast! You can ask questions and get advice as you try integrating technology in your homeschool.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review! Subscribing will help you make sure you never miss an episode

Create a Video Recommendation

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Summer Tech Challenge 7: Create a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Story

July 15, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Create a Choose Your Own ADventure story

380: Summer Tech Challenge 7: Create a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Story

In this week’s Summer Tech Challenge, learn how to turn Google Slides into an interactive choose-your-own-adventure story. This activity combines creativity, planning, writing, and technology while giving students a fun way to present what they’ve learned.

In this episode

  • Why choose-your-own-adventure stories are such engaging learning projects
  • How this activity builds research, planning, and creative writing skills
  • Real classroom examples from FundaFunda Academy courses
  • Why Google Slides is an excellent tool for interactive storytelling
  • How to map out your story before building it
  • Creating hyperlinks between slides to allow readers to make choices

Summer Tech Challenge #7

Create a summer-themed choose-your-own-adventure story using Google Slides.

Your story could include:

  • A family vacation
  • A trip to the beach
  • A day at the pool
  • Camping adventures
  • Any original summer adventure you can imagine

Tips for Success

  • Plan the story on paper before opening Google Slides.
  • Create all of your slides first.
  • Use hyperlinks to connect choices to different slides.
  • Add images after the story structure is complete.
  • Remember that not every slide needs to offer a choice—some simply move the story forward.

Resources Mentioned

  • Google Slides
  • YouTube tutorial on creating choose-your-own-adventure stories with Google Slides

 

Entering the Summer Challenge

Share what you did in the challenge on one of the FundaFunda Education Instagram or Facebook posts or in one of these Facebook groups:

If you are not on social media, email your entry to meryl@fundafunda.com, and it can be shared on your behalf.

Each week, one participant will win a FundaFunda Academy unit study of their choice worth $20. Everyone who participates during the summer will also be entered into the grand prize drawing for a $50 gift card.

Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any episodes!

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7 Tips for Teaching Math to Kids of All Ages

July 13, 2026 by Leave a Comment

🧮 This episode is proudly sponsored by CTCMath — an online math program designed to help homeschool families build confidence and mastery, one lesson at a time.

Try CTCMath →

 

Are you ready for math the easy way? Enjoy my special guest Pat Murray – he’s been a math teacher and coach for more than thirty-six years.VINTAGE HOMESCHOOL MOMS  •  EPISODE 435

Math the Easy Way: 7 Tips for Teaching Math to Kids of All Ages

with guest Pat Murray of CTC Math  |  Hosted by Felice Gurwitz

About This Episode

Does your child love math or dread it? In this episode, Felice Gurwitz sits down with Pat Murray — a math teacher and coach of more than 36 years and the founder of CTC Math — to share seven practical, doable tips for teaching math to children of every age. From short, clear explanations and the power of rote learning to smart lesson sequencing and avoiding frustration, Pat unpacks what actually works after decades in the classroom and at home. He also serves up a couple of memory “magic tricks” (including a clever way to keep circle formulas straight) that make math genuinely fun.

Whether you have a struggling learner or a strong one who just needs reinforcement, these are ideas you can put to work right away.

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About the Guest — Pat Murray

Pat Murray has been a math teacher and coach for more than 36 years. The programs and courses he and his company have developed have helped students and families in the tens and hundreds of thousands across more than 72 countries. Pat is the founder of CTC Math, which offers self-paced online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning math. Pat and his wife, Mari, live in Sydney, Australia, and have 10 children and seven grandchildren (soon to be eight).

7 Tips for Teaching Math (Key Takeaways)

  1. Short, concise explanations. Clarity is everything — math should be easy to understand. Keep explanations to about 2–3 minutes for younger children and 5–7 minutes as they get older. Not all teaching methods are equal; find the one that makes the light switch on.
  2. Immediate practice and feedback. Have kids practice right after they learn something, and make sure they know quickly whether the first few answers are right or wrong — so they don’t spend 20 minutes reinforcing a mistake.
  3. Rote learning is your friend. Memorizing times tables, basic facts, and formulas frees up brainpower for algebra and problem solving later. Don’t buy the idea that it stifles creativity. Use stories to lock in formulas (see the “pie and rabbits” trick below).
  4. Mind the sequence of lessons. Textbooks often introduce the hardest material first. Scan a chapter, push the difficult topics to the back, and start with the easy wins so kids build confidence — success is what keeps them going.
  5. Go easy on discovery / inquiry-based learning. Left to figure math out on their own, kids lose interest fast (think of a Rubik’s Cube with no instructions). Teach by example and lots of worked examples first; save open-ended exploration for after they’ve mastered the basics.
  6. Use puzzles and problem solving. Sudoku, quizzles, and similar puzzles build interest and make math fun. Start simple for early success, add a reward system, and favor pen-and-paper — the connection between hand and brain matters for real thinking.
  7. Avoid frustration. Possibly the most important tip. Kids aren’t struggling on purpose. Getting angry can make them hesitant to come to you later — not just about math, but about anything. Stay calm and keep the door open.

Don’t Miss

  • The “pie and rabbits” memory trick for keeping circle formulas straight — two rabbits (2r) running around a pie for circumference (C = 2πr), and one rabbit squashed flat into a square for area (A = πr²).
  • Pat’s algebra “magic trick” that always lands on 3: pick a number 1–10, double it, add 10, add your original number, subtract 1, divide by 3, then subtract your original number. Pat plans to post a short video explaining the algebra behind it.

Resources & Links

  • CTC Math — online video math tutorials, self-paced, one price covers everything a family needs. Start a free trial: ctcmath.com
  • CTC Math offers a full 12-month money-back guarantee — 17 years running — so there’s no risk in trying it.
  • Favorably reviewed in Cathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks and the old Schoolhouse Crew Review.
  • Host website: VintageHomeschoolMoms.com  (find this episode and show notes — Episode 435)
  • Felice Gurwitz / Media Angels: MediaAngels.com
  • Vintage Homeschool Moms is a production of the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network.

 

Visit our sponsor:

Are you looking for a new Math Curriculum?

CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Favorably reviewed in Cathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks and The Old Schoolhouse Crew Review, the lessons are short and concise to help your children break down concepts and appreciate math in a whole new way!

The lessons are taught the traditional way, not to a “test”.

Each one of the video tutorials is taught by an internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, who is renowned for teaching math concepts in a simple, easy-to-understand way (and in only a few minutes at a time). Using a multi-sensory approach having the combination of effective graphics and animation synchronized with the voice of a friendly teacher together with practical assessment. This three-pronged attack makes learning so much easier and more effective. Even students who struggled with math are getting fantastic results! And ones who were doing OK before are now doing brilliantly.

Visit ctcmath.com today to start your free trial.

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How to Be Happily Married While Homeschooling

July 10, 2026 by Leave a Comment

🧮 This episode is proudly sponsored by CTCMath — an online math program designed to help homeschool families build confidence and mastery, one lesson at a time.

Try CTCMath →

Happily Married and Homeschooling, podcast episode of Making Biblical Family Life Practical with Hal & Melanie YoungHappily Married While Homeschooling?

Happily Married and Homeschooling, podcast episode of Making Biblical Family Life Practical with Hal & Melanie Young.

Everyone tells you that homeschooling isn’t an educational choice, but a lifestyle! Should we be surprised if we discover that homeschooling has an impact on our marriage? It’s true, and if we’re not watchful, our marriage could be a weak spot in our family’s new endeavor. Hal and Melanie have been married for 27 years and homeschooling for 20, and this week they share some ideas of stumbling blocks to avoid and how you can make both your homeschool and your relationship strong!

This episode sponsored by CTC Math.

Are you looking for a new Math Curriculum?

CTCMath specializes in providing online video tutorials that take a multi-sensory approach to learning. Favorably reviewed in Cathy Duffy’s 102 Top Picks and The Old Schoolhouse Crew Review, the lessons are short and concise to help your children break down concepts and appreciate math in a whole new way!

The lessons are taught the traditional way, not to a “test”.

Each one of the video tutorials is taught by an internationally acclaimed teacher, Pat Murray, who is renowned for teaching math concepts in a simple, easy-to-understand way (and in only a few minutes at a time). Using a multi-sensory approach having the combination of effective graphics and animation synchronized with the voice of a friendly teacher together with practical assessment. This three-pronged attack makes learning so much easier and more effective. Even students who struggled with math are getting fantastic results! And ones who were doing OK before are now doing brilliantly.

Visit c-t-c-math.com today to start your free trial.

Real. Authentic. Practical.

We’re Hal and Melanie Young. We’re not just authors and speakers, but we’re the parents of six sons (in a row!) and two daughters. The experience of raising this van-full has proved two things – you need God’s wisdom to raise a family, and you need help to make it practical!

That’s our goal and message—start with Biblical foundations, then share how to put principles into practice.

The reality is that God gave each family a mix of parents, children, and personalities, in a particular time and circumstance. They’re all unique, so every family’s “practical” may be a little different, and still be totally Biblical. That’s why we focus on principles instead of checklists. Instead of more law, we need more grace!

And it’s grace that drives us to Jesus Christ, the one who ultimately makes our family what it ought to be. We want to help families find practical ideas, but the risen Savior as well.

 

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Summer Tech Challenge 6: Create a Custom Map

July 8, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Create a Custom Map with Google My Maps

379: Summer Tech Challenge 6: Create a Custom Map

Did you know you can create your own interactive Google map?

In this episode, you will learn about Google My Maps, a free Google tool that allows you to create personalized maps with locations, notes, photos, videos, colors, layers, and routes. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, documenting your travels, or creating a homeschool project, custom maps are a fun and practical way to organize information visually.

As part of the Summer Tech Challenge series, this week’s challenge is to create a Google My Map on any topic that interests you.

Ideas for Using Google My Maps

Travel

  • Plan an upcoming vacation
  • Organize attractions, restaurants, hotels, hiking trails, and museums
  • Document a completed trip with photos and notes
  • Create an interactive travel journal to share with others

Homeschool Projects

  • Literary maps following the locations in a novel
  • History maps showing important events and battles
  • Geography projects
  • Family heritage and immigration maps
  • College visit planning
  • Local homeschool field trip guides
  • National park tracking

This Week’s Challenge

Create a custom Google My Map on any topic that interests you.

Ideas include:

  • A dream vacation
  • A recent trip
  • A book you’re reading
  • Historical events
  • Family history
  • College visits
  • National parks
  • Local educational attractions
  • Any topic that can be represented on a map

Resources

Entering the Summer Challenge

Share what you did in the challenge on one of the FundaFunda Education Instagram or Facebook posts or in one of these Facebook groups:

If you are not on social media, email your entry to meryl@fundafunda.com, and it can be shared on your behalf.

Each week, one participant will win a FundaFunda Academy unit study of their choice worth $20. Everyone who participates during the summer will also be entered into the grand prize drawing for a $50 gift card.

Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any episodes!

Create a Custom Map with Google My Maps

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Summer Tech Challenge # 5: Design Your Summer

July 1, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Design your summer with Padlet tech challenge

378: Summer Tech Challenge #5 – Design Your Summer with Padlet

Summer is the perfect time to experiment with new technology without the pressure of a full school schedule. In this fifth installment of the Summer Tech Challenge, Meryl introduces one of her favorite educational tools: Padlet.

Whether you want to plan summer adventures, organize projects, create a travel journal, or build a digital portfolio, Padlet offers an easy and flexible way to collect ideas, photos, videos, documents, and more in one place.

This week’s challenge is simple: create a Padlet and discover how it could become one of your favorite tools for homeschooling.

In this episode

  • Why summer is a great time to explore new technology
  • What Padlet is and why it’s one of Meryl’s favorite educational tools
  • How Padlet works as a collaborative digital bulletin board
  • Ideas for creating a summer activity brainstorming board
  • Using Kanban boards to organize projects and tasks
  • Creating a visual travel journal or photo collection
  • Using Padlet as a digital student portfolio
  • How to get started with Padlet’s templates, Gallery, and Learn section
  • Tips for collaborating with family members or homeschool groups

This Week’s Challenge

Create a free Padlet and use it to document or plan part of your summer. Some ideas include:

  • Brainstorm summer activities
  • Organize a family project
  • Create a vacation photo board
  • Track books you’ve read
  • Build a simple digital portfolio
  • Plan goals or hobbies for the rest of the summer

Then share a screenshot or describe what you created on one of FundaFunda Academy’s social media posts about this episode for a chance to win.

Giveaway

Each week, one participant will be randomly selected to win a FundaFunda Academy Unit Study of their choice.

At the end of the Summer Tech Challenge, one grand prize winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card.

Resources Mentioned

Entering the Summer Challenge

Share what you did in the challenge on one of the FundaFunda Education Instagram or Facebook posts or in one of these Facebook groups:

If you are not on social media, email your entry to meryl@fundafunda.com and it can be shared on your behalf.

Each week, one participant will win a FundaFunda Academy unit study of their choice worth $20. Everyone who participates during the summer will also be entered into the grand prize drawing for a $50 gift card.

Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any episodes!

Design your Summer with Padlet Pin

 

Filed Under: Homeschooling with Technology, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

Stress-Free Summer Learning: Keep Kids Sharp Without the Fight

June 29, 2026 by Leave a Comment

🧮 This episode is proudly sponsored by CTCMath — an online math program designed to help homeschool families build confidence and mastery, one lesson at a time.

Try CTCMath →

In today’s episode, “Stress Free Summer Learning,” I’ll share easy, flexible tips to keep your kids learning without the stress. From unit studies to outdoor adventures, get ready for a fun, low-key summer of growth!

Stress-Free Summer Learning: Homeschool Tips for Fun and Growth ~ Episode 562

Summer is a time for relaxation and family memories, but it’s also a perfect opportunity to keep your children’s learning on track. In this episode, I’ll share streamlined homeschool schedules that maintain educational momentum without overwhelming you or your kids. If you’ve listened to this podcast before, welcome back, and you know I only share practical tips that don’t break the bank! If you are new, welcome friend (or soon-to-be friend), and I hope you enjoy some ideas for short lesson plans, including unit studies, outdoor learning, and simple yet impactful activities.

Whether you’re a year-round homeschooler or just sprinkling in some summer learning when the kids are acting bored, this podcast is for you.

Thanks to our sponsor! CTCMath.com

Why Stress-Free Summer Learning Matters

Summer can be a balancing act with vacations and family events. However, research shows that students can lose 20-25% of their reading and math gains over the summer, known as the “summer slide.” A flexible, streamlined schedule keeps kids’ brains engaged without turning summer into a grind.

The key? Flexibility. Short, meaningful activities that fit your family’s rhythm make learning feel like a refreshing summer breeze. Here’s how to make it happen.

Check out this related podcast for more summer inspiration.

Tip 1: Embrace Unit Studies for Focused, Fun Learning

What Are Unit Studies?

Unit studies are a fantastic way to streamline summer learning by diving deep into one topic, for example, oceans, dinosaurs, or space, while covering multiple subjects. For example, an ocean unit study might include:

  • Science: Exploring marine life, weather, water cycles, buoyancy, or even scuba diving.
  • History: Learning about the history of scuba diving
  • Literature: Reading non-fiction books on the subject.
  • Art: Drawing marine life or creating a coral reef diorama.

It can even be hands-on and practical. Playing in a pool or tub with items that sink or float, talking about air bubbles and compression, and asking if anyone is SCUBA certified for a hands-on lesson, or visiting a dive shop.

Why Unit Studies Work for Summer

Unit studies are flexible, interest-driven, and low-prep, making them ideal for summer. They’re perfect for multi-age homeschooling, allowing everyone to learn at their level, and they align well with Christian principles for faith-based learning.

Tailoring for Middle and High Schoolers

How to Get Started

  1. Pick a Topic: Ask your kids what excites them. A library trip or family poll can spark ideas.
  2. Gather Resources: Use free printables, library books, or podcasts from the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.
  3. Plan Lightly: Aim for a few short activities each week.
  4. Incorporate Hands-On Fun: Visit an aquarium or build a model submarine from recyclables.

Unit studies make learning feel like an adventure, keeping both you and your kids stress-free!

Tip 2: Take Learning Outdoors

The Power of Outdoor Learning

Outdoor activities boost creativity, reduce stress, and improve focus, according to studies. Nature is a free, open classroom ready for exploration.

Outdoor Learning Ideas

  • Nature Journaling: Sketch plants or bugs and add a Bible verse like Psalm 19:1 (“The heavens declare the glory of God”). Younger kids can record observations on a phone.
  • Math in Motion: Draw number lines with sidewalk chalk or measure angles in a scavenger hunt.
  • Science Experiments: Build a solar oven or test objects in a kiddie pool.
  • History on the Go: Visit a local historical site or discuss community history during a neighborhood walk.

Tailoring for Middle and High Schoolers

Tips for Success

  • Keep It Simple: A blanket and books under a tree work wonders.
  • Be Flexible: Schedule activities for cooler parts of the day.
  • Involve Everyone: Include siblings or neighbors for group fun.

Explore our Kids’ Planner for more outdoor activity ideas.

Tip 3: Use Short, Focused Activities to Maintain Momentum

Bite-Sized Learning

Short activities fit busy summer days and keep kids engaged without feeling overwhelmed. They also leave room for spiritual growth.

Examples of Quick Activities

  • Morning Read-Alouds or Devotionals: Read from the Bible, or your favorite devotional. Or you can read one of the library books on the topic you are studying.
  • Flashcard Fun: Use multiplication flashcards or SAT vocabulary during breakfast.
  • Podcast Challenges: Try our 7-Day Just for Kids Podcast Challenge for character-building activities.
  • Daily Writing Prompts: Spark creativity with prompts like “What’s in a treasure chest?”

How to Make It Work

  • Set a Loose Routine: Plan one activity daily or a few weekly.
  • Use Timers: Keep sessions short and focused.
  • Celebrate Small Wins: Praise efforts with high-fives or stickers (Galatians 6:9).

These quick bursts keep skills sharp while preserving summer’s joy.

Tip 4: Leverage Free Resources to Keep It Low-Cost

Where to Find Free Summer Learning Tools

Homeschooling doesn’t have to be expensive. Try these free resources:

Tailoring for Middle and High Schoolers

Pro Tip: Plan Ahead (But Not Too Much!)

Spend a few minutes bookmarking resources at the start of summer. Our Homeschool Success Planner helps organize your ideas.

Keep It Simple, Keep It Fun

Streamlined summer learning is about keeping things lightweight and enjoyable. Embrace unit studies, outdoor adventures, short activities, and free resources to maintain momentum without stress. You’ve got this!

Share your favorite summer learning tips in the Vintage Homeschool Moms Facebook group or at ultimateradioshow.com/blog. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review on your podcast app to help other homeschool families find us.

Thanks to our sponsor for supporting this episode. Until next time, keep homeschooling with joy and confidence. This is Felice Gerwitz, take care, God bless, and I’ll talk to you soon!

Resources Mentioned

🎓 Resources from Media Angels: Go deeper with the complete Creation Science for Homeschoolers guide — or explore the Creation Geology Study Guide.

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Summer Tech Challenge # 4: Create a Summer Tracker

June 24, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Create a summer tracker using Google sheets

377:  Summer Tech Challenge 4: Create a Summer Tracker with Google Sheets

In the fourth installment of the Summer Tech Challenge, Meryl encourages homeschool parents and teens to explore one of the most useful productivity tools available: Google Sheets.

Many students today have limited experience with spreadsheets, yet they are an invaluable tool for organizing information, tracking data, budgeting, planning projects, and creating charts. In this episode, Meryl challenges listeners to learn the basics of Google Sheets and then use it to track something meaningful during the summer.

Whether you’re completely new to spreadsheets or already have some experience, this challenge can be adapted to your skill level.

In This Episode

  • Why spreadsheet skills are valuable for homeschoolers and parents
  • How Google Sheets can be used beyond calculations and formulas
  • Easy ways to organize information using spreadsheets
  • Ideas for summer tracking projects
  • Using AI tools such as ChatGPT, Gemini, or Claude to learn spreadsheet skills
  • How to participate in the Summer Tech Challenge

Summer Tracker Ideas

Create a Google Sheet to track:

  • Books read during the summer
  • Family reading challenges
  • Travel expenses and vacation budgets
  • Summer activities and outings
  • Homeschool planning for the coming year
  • Savings goals
  • Gift and holiday spending
  • Personal projects and goals

Helpful Resources

 

 

=> The high school activity tracker mentioned in this episode – it will force you to make a copy you can then edit and fill out.

This Week’s Challenge

Complete the challenge and share your project for a chance to win prizes. You can:

  • Share a description of your spreadsheet
  • Post a screenshot
  • Share a template you’ve created

Entering the Summer Challenge

Share what you did in the challenge on one of the FundaFunda Education Instagram or Facebook posts or in one of these Facebook groups:

If you are not on social media, email your entry to meryl@fundafunda.com and it can be shared on your behalf.

Each week, one participant will win a FundaFunda Academy unit study of their choice worth $20. Everyone who participates during the summer will also be entered into the grand prize drawing for a $50 gift card.

Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any episodes!

Create a summer tracker using Google sheets

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Summer Tech Challenge #3: Explore Google Arts and Culture

June 17, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Explore Google Arts and Culture

376: Summer Tech Challenge 3: Explore Google Arts and Culture

This week’s challenge is simple: explore Google Arts & Culture and discover something new.

Whether you enjoy art, history, geography, museums, or interactive games, Google Arts & Culture offers countless opportunities for learning and exploration. From virtual museum tours to historical exhibits, famous artworks, cultural landmarks, and educational games, there is something for every age and interest.

In This Episode

  • Exploring virtual museum tours from around the world
  • Discovering historical sites, artwork, and cultural treasures
  • Using Google Arts & Culture to enrich homeschool lessons
  • Finding resources for history, art, geography, and more
  • Exploring educational games and interactive experiences

Resources Mentioned

This Week’s Challenge

  1. Visit Google Arts & Culture.
  2. Set a timer for 15 minutes.
  3. Explore a museum, historical site, artwork, game, or cultural experience.
  4. Consider how you might use it in your homeschool.
  5. Share what you discovered on social media or by email for a chance to win a FundaFunda Academy unit study.

Entering the Summer Challenge

Share your favorite Google Arts and Culture Activity on one of the FundaFunda Education Instagram or Facebook posts

or in one of these Facebook groups:

If you are not on social media, email your quiz link to meryl@fundafunda.com and it can be shared on your behalf.

Each week, one participant will win a FundaFunda Academy unit study of their choice worth $20. Everyone who participates during the summer will also be entered into the grand prize drawing for a $50 gift card.

 

Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any episodes!

Explore Google Arts and Culture

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Summer Tech Challenge #1: AI Trip Planning

June 3, 2026 by Leave a Comment

AI Trip Planning

374: Summer Tech Challenge #1: AI Trip Planning

This summer, Homeschooling with Technology is launching a fun nine-week Summer Tech Challenge designed to help homeschool families explore technology together. Each Wednesday in June and July, you’ll receive a short challenge focused on building practical tech skills through hands-on activities.

The first challenge explores AI-powered trip planning. Families will use multiple AI tools to create and compare travel itineraries while developing research, critical thinking, evaluation, geography, and digital literacy skills.

The Challenge

Step 1: Choose a Trip Theme

Select a travel theme that interests your family, such as:

  • Tennessee history road trip
  • Civil War sites
  • National Parks Adventure
  • STEM attractions tour
  • Budget family getaway
  • International dream vacation
  • Food-focused travel experience

Step 2: Use at Least Three AI Tools

Possible tools include:

  • ChatGPT
  • Gemini
  • Perplexity
  • Claude
  • Copilot
  • Google Maps AI features

Create a detailed prompt that includes:

  • Destination or theme
  • Length of trip
  • Number of travelers
  • Ages of children
  • Budget
  • Starting location

Example:

“Plan a three-day Tennessee history-themed family trip for a family of four with two teens and a budget under $600 starting in Nashville.”

Step 3: Verify the Results

Check:

  • Travel times and distances
  • Attraction operating status
  • Admission prices
  • Route feasibility
  • Accuracy of recommendations

Also conduct your own Google search to see whether you can discover attractions or ideas the AI tools missed.

Step 4: Compare the Results

Discuss:

  • Which AI created the best itinerary?
  • Which provided the most unique recommendations?
  • Which stayed closest to budget?
  • Which made mistakes or hallucinated information?
  • Which best matched your chosen theme?
  • Did your own research uncover better options?

How to Enter

Share something you learned from the challenge, such as:

  • Your favorite recommendation
  • Which AI tool performed best
  • A surprising discovery
  • A screenshot of your results

Submit entries by:

Prizes

Weekly Prize

Grand Prize

  • One participant will win a $50 Amazon gift card at the end of the summer.

Resources

  • Sponsor: FundaFunda Academy
  • Instagram: @fundafundaeducation
  • Facebook: FundaFundaEducation

Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss any episodes!

AI Trip Planning

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