Travel to Learn US Geography

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

May 1, 2023 by Laura Leave a Comment

Travel to Learn US Geography

In “Travel to Learn US Geography,” Episode, #185, Meredith Curtis shares ways to teach US geography as if you were on a road trip through each US state and territory highlighting natural wonders, historic landmarks, and interesting people and places. Learn to use mapping, road mapping, sightseeing, drone videos, cooking, baking, and research to discover our beautiful country. Grab your road map, pack your suitcase, and don’t forget your camera—we’ll see lots of beautiful places! Traveling, even from your family room, is a great way to learn geography the fun way!

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Hi! I love to travel. If only I could pack up the minivan and travel from state to state for a year or two.

Country Overview

How USA grew
Regions: Landforms, Climate
Farming

Road Trip & Packing

If we were going.
Why it’s their favorite class.

Regional Overview

Maps – colorful and fun
Mapping
Food, culture, music, landmarks, natural wonders, rivers, lakes

Take a Tour

State Description
Places to See
Food, crops, resources, fun things to do

Research

Statehood, flower, bird, fun facts
Copy flag – make it beautiful

Road Mapping

Lost skill with GPS
Where roads go and how they meander
g. Interstate highways (S to N even) (W to E odd)

Cooking & Baking

I dish or meal from each region
Kids LOVE this!

In Class Online

US Geography course at True North Homeschool Academy

Use God Bless the USA Exploring States & Territories

God Bless the USA State Capitals & Abbreviations

Travel God's World God Bless the USA Exploring States & Territories by Meredith Curtis at Powerline Productions

Videos (esp Drone, travel, adventure)
Games
Questions: “What do you notice about this state flag (seal, capitol, coin, stamp)
Photo of Map Shape: “Give me the capital and abbreviation)

US Geography Online Class

Jr High US Geography

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US Geography Resources

More Online Classes with Laura, Meredith, and Leanne

Check out all the great classes at True North Homeschool Academy!


	$8th Grade Math and PreAlgebra with Leanne Benjamin at True North Homeschool Academy$

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Christian, Christianity, computer science, computers, Education, family, Finish Well, hands on, hands-on activities, hands-on learning, homeschool, homeschooling, Internet, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, office applications, online academy, online classes, online learning, Parent, programming

Essential Computer Skills for Teens

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

April 17, 2023 by Laura Leave a Comment

Essential Computer Skills for Teens

In “Computer Science Online ,” Episode, #184, Laura Nolette & Meredith Curtis discuss Laura’s Introduction to Computer Science course online at True North Homeschooling Academy and the essential computer skills for teens. Laura, a 30+ year veteran and continuing student of the IT world, offers some insight into why students need a computer science class and what they can learn in this one. Meredith and Laura talk about the computer related challenges they have helped homeschool students overcome as they learn online.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

What Students Need to Know About Computer Science

Basic history of computers
What computers do
How they work
How they think
What’s in a computer
What works with a computer
What is computer programming or game design
The internet – How it works how it was built
Internet safety
How can you use the internet to make money?
Office application
How to make apps work
How to find work on your computer
How to organize your computer
How to customize or personalize your computer

Teaching Computer Science Online

Learn What They Need Now
Learn What They Will Need in the Future
Start with the Basics
Using the internet to learn
Using the internet to share or submit documents
Compare & Learn To Use Different Systems
Microsoft Office 365 – including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
Google Chromebook – including Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides
MacBook or iMac – inclkluding Apple Pages, Numbers, and Keynote

Teacher Experience

Been around computers since childhood
Worked as a IT professional for over 30 years
Involved in the beginnings of the internet
Siblings are all IT professionals
Taking more classes still

Always keep learning

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More Online Classes with Laura, Meredith, and Leanne

Check out all the great classes at True North Homeschool Academy!


	$8th Grade Math and PreAlgebra with Leanne Benjamin at True North Homeschool Academy$

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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Challenge your kids to code

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

November 30, 2022 by Meryl van der Merwe Leave a Comment

208: Challenge your kids to code

There is no better time to challenge your kids to code! Computer Science Education week is December 5 – 11, 2022 but the free resources I talk about in this episode are available year-round

Mentioned in this episode:

Hour of Code – in the episode, I explain how to navigate the website to find the perfect activity for your child.

Show sponsor FundaFunda’s programming classes – you can get $15 off any of them with code HWT15 until Dec 31, 2022: 5-week Beginner Scratch or Python or Full semester Scratch or Python classes

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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

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Filed Under: Homeschooling with Technology Tagged With: coding. Meryl van der Merwe, homeschooling, programming, Technology

An Easy Way to Get Your Children Coding

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

December 1, 2021 by Meryl van der Merwe Leave a Comment

160: An easy way to get your children coding

Do you need an easy way to get your children coding? Do you know they need to learn and have no idea where to start?

Well, this episode is for you. In it, I share about the Hour of Code and how it can get children of all ages (even ore-readers) started with coding – or get them to move on to the next level.

FundaFunda’s programming classes mentioned in this episode:

————————————————————————————————–
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.

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Filed Under: Homeschooling with Technology Tagged With: coding, hour of code, Meryl van der Merwe, podcast, programming

Non-tech skills students learn from coding

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

August 11, 2021 by Meryl van der Merwe Leave a Comment

144: Non-tech skills students learn from coding

There are many non-tech skills students learn from coding. This means learning to program is useful even when students don’t decide to pursue a degree where programming is core to it. These are the skills i talk about in this episode:

Critical Thinking
Logic
Problem Solving
Project Planning
Perseverance
Attention to detail
Creativity

Students will also learn humility.

Show sponsor FundaFunda offers the following programming classes:

Intro to Game Programming Unit Study – self-paced 4 module online class that introduces students to game design, game logic, and game graphics.
Scratch Programming – 5-week class or full semester class (both are graded and have teaching assistants who help when students need it)
Python Programming – 5-week class or full semester class (both are graded and have teaching assistants who help when students need it)

Special offer for August 2021:

Share about this podcast on any of your social media accounts, or in online forums, Google groups etc OR leave a rating and review on the podcast player you use, then take a photo or screenshot and email it to meryl@fundafunda.com. Everyone who does that can select ANY $20 web-based unit study from sponsor FundaFunda Academy.

————————————————————————————————–
Take a look at show sponsor, FundaFunda Aademy 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.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Homeschooling with Technology Tagged With: coding, Meryl van der Merwe, podcast, programming, Technology

Everybody code for one hour this week!

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

December 9, 2020 by Meryl van der Merwe Leave a Comment

111: Everybody code for one hour this week!

It’s time for the Hour of Code again – and in this episode, everyone is encouraged to code for one hour! It doesn’t matter when you listen – the activities will be available free for you to try.

You can find all the Hour of Code activities here.

The ones I mention in this episode:

Disney Codeillusion: Media Art Adventure with Mickey
Grades 2-8 | JavaScript
Design Your Own Maze!
Grades 6+ | JavaScript
Code a Grandparent Card in Scratch
Grades 2-8 | Blocks
Codesters: Code Your Own PSA
Grades 6+ | Python
CodeMonkey Jr.: Pre-coding for Preschoolers
Pre-reader | Blocks
Build your own chatbot in Python
Grades 9+ | Python
Space Adventure: Write Code and Catch Bananas!
Grades 2-8 | CoffeeScript
Professor Photon’s Color Conundrum
Grades 6+ | Computational Thinking focused so no language

Show host FundaFunda Academy has a Christmas contest that includes basic Scratch tutorials.

For Computer Education week (ends Sunday 13 December) you can get FundaFunda’s 5-week Beginner Scratch or Python class for just $35 (a $20 saving). No coupon required.These classes are self-paced but are also graded and help is available for students who need it.

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. We would love to hear how you are using tech in early elementary homeschooling!

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.

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Filed Under: Homeschooling with Technology Tagged With: coding, hour of code, Meryl van der Merwe, podcast, programming, Technology

Participate in the Hour of Code

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

December 4, 2019 by Meryl van der Merwe Leave a Comment

62: Participate in the Hour of Code

The Hour of Code will be held during the week of 9 – 15 December 2019, BUT you can participate in the activities any time during the year.

The goal is not to learn to code, but to learn what coding is and that coding is fun and creative and anyone can do it.

Visit the Hour of Code website to find a wide range of options of short tutorials that will introduce children to code.

Here are a few you will find on the website that I tried out and enjoyed:

Candy Quest

This uses Tynker. The tutorial explains how to use coding blocks and then you use those blocks to solve each challenge.

Kodable – Build your own Fuzz

Start by creating your creature using code, them you use arrows to choose the path for him to move along. There are arrows that show you what to do the first time and it is all obvious. No reading required

The Little Artist In Your Computer Activity Pack

This is a pdf ie unplugged coding. Listen to our episode explaining what that is. You work through it solving each problem with code.

Code it! – Images and Animations

In this tutorial, you learn how to use code to draw and animate

Dance Party 2019

Use coding blocks to achieve dance moves

Banana Tales: Python Coding Game

This activity uses real Python code. You have to adjust it to solve each puzzle.

Minecraft

Use code to make your character move.

Our show sponsor is offering a Scratch Christmas Contest. Students will get access to basic Scratch tutorials and once they have worked through them will be able to create an interactive Christmas scene. Best submissions will win gift cards.

FundaFunda Academy also has an Intro to Game Programming self-paced unit study that provides a gentle introduction to the world of programming.

Don’t forget to Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes and tell your friends about it.

And be sure to join our Facebook group where we can talk about this together.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review!

Contact Meryl via email on meryl@mediaangels.com or connect with her on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook

Thank you to our Sponsor -The Star Movie

The Star Is Coming Back To Theaters for a Limited Time!

Experience The Star again December 7 and 8 in select theaters!
Back by popular demand, you and your family can celebrate the true meaning behind the season. Be sure to check out all of the great resources for your family to use this holiday season! There are discussion guides, along with tons of FREE downloadable activities! Don’t wait, get your tickets today!

Click here to find a theatre near you!

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Filed Under: Homeschooling with Technology Tagged With: coding, Meryl van der Merwe, programming, Technology

Unplugged Coding

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

July 17, 2019 by Meryl van der Merwe 2 Comments

Episode 43: Unplugged Coding with Sandra Balisky

Be sure to join our Facebook group where we carry on the discussion about Homeschooling with Technology.

Sandra Balisky from Real World Learners is our guest today. She has a background as a math and English teacher and is now homeschooling her own children and working on an online math course for early elementary students. You can find her on Facebook and Instagram

Sandra explained the concept of “unplugged coding” (listen to the episode to hear what it is!)

What coding skills can you learn when you’re not using a computer?

Writing a “program” for others to follow that includes giving precise directions. This often entails using positions on a grid or using degrees in a circle to describe location
Learning about binary code, how it works and why computers use it, and how to create a simple set of directions with on/off conditions
Understanding and coming up with conditional statements (if/then) and playing around with how those affect the overall “gameplay” experience
Learning the ins and outs of computer hardware and software
Using loops to eliminate repetition and make the code as simple and concise as possible
Learning about digital citizenship and how to safely and effectively navigate the online world
Developing a growth mindset!! These activities will stretch kids to think and problem solve in new, creative ways. It will also encourage them to persevere and not give up in the face of challenges!

Where can I find resources to help my kids have fun learning these skills without sitting in front of a screen?

Sandra has a post about unplugged coding with a free printable unplugged coding game and she has other unplugged activities for sale:

Choreograph a Robot Dance: an unplugged, interactive coding activity
Pixel Alphabet: practice coding and Math skills while creating art (extension topics include photography, Battleship, cross-stitch, and mapping skills)
Treasure Maps

More Resources that offer lists of activities, printables, and ideas for things to do to practice coding skills offline.

CSUnplugged – complete courses (FREE!) that teach important programming skills through interactive activities. This is a deep resource which you could mine for months!
6 ideas for coding activities that you can do with materials you may already have at home.
Round-up of several different high-quality coding activities from various companies and bloggers
Code.org has so many resources for unplugged coding activities.

Once your children have learned some principles of coding from unplugged activities, consider signing them up for one of Fundafunda Academy’s Intro to Game Programming Online Class.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review!

Contact Meryl via email on meryl@mediaangels.com or connect with her on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor -Bridgeway Academy!

Bridgeway Academy was founded in 1989 in response to the need for more freedom in education as well as the protection that accreditation offers for homeschooling families. Since then, more than 30,000 K–12 students, and many charter and brick-and-mortar schools, have made Bridgeway Academy their trusted education partner.

As part of our commitment to personalized homeschooling, we are proud to offer both secular and Christian options for homeschool families, charter schools, state organizations, co-ops, athletic organizations, arts schools, and others who seek flexible education options for their families.

Click here to learn more!

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Filed Under: Homeschooling with Technology Tagged With: coding, Meryl van der Merwe, podcast, programming, Technology

Programming with Scratch

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

June 5, 2019 by Meryl van der Merwe Leave a Comment

Episode 37: Programming with Scratch

In episode 11, I covered ways to introduce your children to programming. One of those ways was Scratch, and in this episode, I will go into more detail about programming with Scratch.

What is Scratch?

Scratch was created by a team at MIT to be an accessible way for children to learn to code. It is free and can be used online, or it can be downloaded. Scratch can be used by children from age 8 all the way through high school. Younger children can use the Scratch Junior app on an iPad.

Scratch is block based. Students don’t need to type the code but just drag the blogs and stack them together

Learn more about Scratch from this TED talk by Mitchel Resnick who headed up the MIT team that developed it.

Why is Scratch great to use for coding?

It is easy to use. Students can learn the basics quickly.
It is fun to use.
Completed programs can be easily shared
Students can play each other’s games with one click see how it was coded

What can you do with Scratch?

Scratch can be used to create interactive cards, animated stories and many different types of games.

Here are some examples:

Cloud Catcher Game
Shoot the Fishes
Beach Hunt
Lucky Shot

Be sure to take a look at FundaFunda Academy’s online Scratch classes. You can select 5-week self-paced ones that progress from Beginner to Advanced or a one-semester class that can be taken over the summer or during any semester. The full semester classes are equal to all 3 of the 5-week classes and will earn high schoolers a 1/2 credit in computer programming.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review!

Contact Meryl via email on meryl@mediaangels.com or connect with her on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook

And join our Facebook group.

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Filed Under: Homeschooling with Technology Tagged With: coding. Meryl van der Merwe, podcast, programming, Technology

How to introduce your kids to programming

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

December 5, 2018 by Meryl van der Merwe 1 Comment

Episode 11: How to introduce your kids to programming

Why is it necessary for children to learn to code?

1. This is where the future lies. “Career track” jobs which need coding skills pay $22,000 per year more than jobs that don’t. Half of the jobs in the top income quartile (>$57,000 per year) are in occupations that need coding skills. And, programming jobs are growing 50% faster than the market overall.
Source: Burning Glass Technologies. http://www.burning-glass.com. 2018.

2. Programming teaches logic, problem-solving, learning how to think – and it stimulates creativity. All skills students need.

How can you introduce your children to coding?

1. Hour of Code – one-hour coding activities for all ages levels of experience

2. Offline / unplugged games – Code.org has a number of lesson plans. And here is an offline game where you choreograph a robot dance.

3. Board games – Thinkfun has a number for all ages – RobotTurtles young children, Codemaster and Robot Repair for older)

4. Robotics – WonderWorkshop Dash and Dot, Lego Mindstorms, First Lego League

5. Apps – Daisy the Dinosaur, Lightbot (2.99), Kodable

6. Scratch Jr (iPad) and Scratch are easy drag-and-drop languages.

7. FundaFunda Academy (the sponsor of this podcast) has classes for all levels – Intro to Game Programming, Scratch and Python

Until 23rd December 2018 students from grades 4 through 12 can compete in a Scratch Christmas Coding Contest offered by FundaFunda Academy. There are 2 divisions – one for those who have never coded in Scratch before (instruction will be provided) and one for those who have.

If you found this useful, please subscribe to the show and give a rating and maybe even a review!

Contact Meryl via email on meryl@mediaangels.com or connect with her on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook

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Filed Under: Homeschooling with Technology Tagged With: coding, homeschooling, Meryl van der Merwe, programming, Technology

Travel to Learn US Geography

Show Notes

Country Overview

Road Trip & Packing

Regional Overview

Take a Tour

Research

Road Mapping

Cooking & Baking

In Class Online

US Geography Online Class

Sign up for our Newsletter

US Geography Resources

More Online Classes with Laura, Meredith, and Leanne

Essential Computer Skills for Teens

Show Notes

What Students Need to Know About Computer Science

Teaching Computer Science Online

Teacher Experience

Always keep learning

Sign up for our Newsletter

More Online Classes with Laura, Meredith, and Leanne

208: Challenge your kids to code

160: An easy way to get your children coding

144: Non-tech skills students learn from coding

111: Everybody code for one hour this week!

62: Participate in the Hour of Code

Candy Quest

Kodable – Build your own Fuzz

The Little Artist In Your Computer Activity Pack

Code it! – Images and Animations

Dance Party 2019

Banana Tales: Python Coding Game

Minecraft

Thank you to our Sponsor -The Star Movie

Episode 43: Unplugged Coding with Sandra Balisky

What coding skills can you learn when you’re not using a computer?

Where can I find resources to help my kids have fun learning these skills without sitting in front of a screen?

More Resources that offer lists of activities, printables, and ideas for things to do to practice coding skills offline.

Special Thanks to Our Network Sponsor -Bridgeway Academy!

Episode 37: Programming with Scratch

What is Scratch?

Why is Scratch great to use for coding?

What can you do with Scratch?

Episode 11: How to introduce your kids to programming

Why is it necessary for children to learn to code?

How can you introduce your children to coding?

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