Rocket Science at the Space Domes America

What a thrill! Our children became rocket scientists today at the Space Domes America in Copley, Ohio next to Copley High School. I can't wait to add some pictures to this post, but for now, words will do.

We spent between 2 and 3 hours just building our rockets, but it was not tiresome at all. The kids, even though they were standing the entire time they were building, were completely engrossed in the task at hand. They used plastic bottles, a bit of styrofoam posterboard and lots and lots of electrical tape to personally make each of their rockets, and even decorated them before the launch.

Our teacher, Mrs. Sesker, was a lively, friendly person who challenged the children to discover answers on their own. Although she is obviously very well-educated, she gave each of them an opportunity to learn by doing, not just hearing. During our brief lunch break, she explained how rockets liftoff and other aspects of the flight, even bringing out a whiteboard to draw some diagrams for us. This was only after she made us promise not to make fun of her drawing ability. There was no concern for that, because all of the kids were enthralled with her teaching.

The launch was a wonderful success. With very well-made rockets, our students sent their creations soaring across the field, possibly worrying the tennis players, who were practicing extremely close to our launch pad. We were also blessed with a nice, sunny day and no wind to affect the trajectories of the rockets.

Mrs. Sesker gave us this opportunity outside of her busy camp schedule. (She runs summer daycamps at the facility through the season. Check it out.) She has offered to do it again for us even to learn about another branch of science. She was very giving and helpful, and told me that she just loves to teach children. It was a great day of fun, discovery and wonder for all the kids, and the moms too.

Woo City Ice Cream Co.

On Wednesday, we visited Woo City Ice Cream Co. in Wooster, naturally, in Wayne County. Although their organic and all-natural ice cream, sorbet and Woo-fu are becoming more popular and widely distributed, they still retain a feeling of "homemade." This must be due to the real people who run the company. Our group of students and parents outnumbered the staff when we visited. It was a small, but very welcoming place.

First, we were bundled into what must be the employees eating area, where David, one of the 2 owners told us all about the products that are used to make the ice creams, etc. He explained that they use organic, locally produced milk and milk products which are low-heat pasteurized to retain as many nutrients as possible, and try to keep the other ingredients organic as well. There are very few non-organic ingredients in their products. He also explained to everyone what "organic" means, which was helpful, especially for the kids, and talked about the ice cream making process.

They divided the group in half with the first half going into the "back" where the ingredients are stored and where they make the ice cream itself. Everyone had to wear hair nets, a shirt covering of some sort (like a Woo City t-shirt), and disposable booties on our shoes. In the back, David explained more about the ingredients and where they come from, took us in the freezer to show us the stored product, and then, around the corner to watch the "cold chefs" at work. "Cold chefs" are the ones who develop the new flavors and make sure they taste just right. If a certain chef calls with an idea for an ice cream flavor he needs, then the cold chefs are the ones to create it. This is where we were able to taste some caramel swirl ice cream as it came out of the machine.

The other half of the group waited in the lunchroom, but we were not bored by any means. Christian, another staff member, brought out boxes of small cups frozen with ice cream for all of us to try. He filled the table with them as the children eagerly looked on. Just when we'd finished counting, he brought out some more. So with our tiny little taster spoons and rock-hard frozen ice cream, we chipped away little bits of the best-tasting ice cream I've ever had. No joke. Of course, the ice creams melted a bit while we sat there, so it got easier to eat. When the first group came back, the second group had to leave our ice creams to take the tour.

We were able to sample: 5 Star Chocolate, Malted Vanilla, Mango Sorbet, Cookies & Cream (you've never had it like this!), Pear Sorbet, Butter Pecan, Lemon Creme, and Strawberry Rose. I'm sure I forgot a few, but it was amazing. I don't have a final count, but it seemed there was a neck and neck race between the 5 Star Chocolate and the Cookies & Cream as far as the kids' favorites.

I had no problem taking my little one. She loved the strawberry rose ice cream, and didn't mind wearing the hairnet "hat" when we went in the back. I did carry her through, and I'm sure a stroller would be impossible to take. It's a small business, and also a pristine, clean one.

The people there have been wonderfully welcoming every time I've talked to them. They gave us all the samples we wanted, and didn't charge us a penny. I'm sure they've made some new customers, but they seemed to just enjoy having us visit. I would love to go again.

The Heronry in Bath

In the midst of bustling city life live some of the most majestic yet awkward creatures on Earth. I'm speaking of the Great Blue Heron, one of my favorite birds. In Bath, Ohio, on Bath Road no less, for about half of the year, you will find a large assembling of heron families, all nesting together. This amazing natural spectacle is called a heronry.
Great Blue Heron Survey

Each year, the herons return from their winter migration long before most of us think winter is over (February), and begin their nesting. The nests are left behind by the previous owners, but the new inhabitants still feel a need to add more materials and make it their own. Pretty soon, maybe around April, you can see the tiny heads of the newest members of the family poking out of the nests and by July, they have "flown the coop" so to speak.

This is one of my favorite free field trips. If you are ever anywhere near the area (which is very close to Montrose, West Akron and Cuyahoga Falls), you really should take a quick detour to view the herons. The heronry is located on Bath Road between Riverview Road and Akron-Peninsula Road. There is a small parking area off the side of the road with signs and an informative plaque. You can stand and watch the glorious birds as they roost in their nests, their long necks curved and bent into a number of different shapes, and every few minutes, one will spread its massive wings and fly around the area, usually bringing something back to the nest. I find them fascinating, and my daughter enjoys it as well.

If you decide to drive up to see the heronry, make a day of it by hiking or biking one of the many nearby trails, picnicking in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and/or visiting the F.A. Seiberling Naturealm, one of my favorite branches of the Summit County MetroParks. The free visitor center is always interesting, with many different real animal exhibits.

So Go! Now! Before they are gone, go visit them at home. And if you can remember, come again next spring to watch them return and begin again.

Canton Symphony - Kinder Concerts

On April 13, we attended a performance with the Canton Symphony Orchestra called a "Kinder Concert." They recommend this for the early elementary grades, but it was still quite enjoyable for those of us who were a bit older.

The goal of the concert was to acquaint the children with the different sections and instruments that make up the orchestra. This was accomplished by first telling the children about a certain section and the instruments it contains, then showing the students the instruments by holding them up or out, and then playing a selection which highlighted that particular family of instruments. Often, the musicians would walk out and around the children, and there were a few seemingly impromptu solos by these very talented musicians in order to demonstrate the instrument's sound. The concert was extremely enjoyable, and included some very recognizable important classical pieces from the Barber of Seville Overture (Rossini) to a group sing-a-long of London Bridge and ending with On the Beautiful Blue Danube by Strauss. I was given a wonderfully informative workbook with much information regarding the orchestra and its parts.

I did not know ahead of time, however, that the concert takes place in the lobby with the children seated on the floor. This is not an issue at all, but I was under the impression when I made my reservations that seating was very limited. When we arrived, there didn't seem to be any shortage of floor space. There were a few school groups there, and most of these children were around Kindergarten age, but they were well-behaved

I was treated well by the staff when I called. Tickets cost about $4.00 each. Reservations, though, had to be made by March 8, which was a little early for some of my group to plan on coming. Still, it was worth the effort and I hope to spend more time listening to this charming orchestra.

Weathervane Playhouse - Little Women

On Sat. April 2, we attended a performance of "Little Women" at Weathervane Playhouse in Akron. I took my 8-year-old and we both decided to get dressed up for the occasion. This was the first real play she has attended. Another friend, her daughter, husband and a few other family members joined us there.

I was comfortable in the cozy auditorium. I don't know if there is a bad seat in the house. We were situated about halfway up and had a feeling of being at eye level with the actors. The performance was very well done, and especially so, considering that all of the performers were high school students, excepting one 8th grader. Actually, hers was the most memorable role. The time passed fleetingly, as it should at an engaging performance, although there were times I was thrust back to memories of my own high school stage productions. I was only disappointed at the end due to the adapted nature of a stage play versus a novel. I've always liked the part where Jo goes to the city, and the play doesn't get that far. My daughter found it thrilling, and especially enjoyed being able to get the performers' autographs in the lobby after the show. It was then that I was wishing I had brought my camera. She still loves to imitate the performance of Amy, in her exaggerated way: "Roo-dreee-go! Roo-dreee-go!" It really was funny. You had to be there.

I had a wonderful time both with booking this show (even though I called with questions at least 3 times and even though I was not the only person booking tickets for our group), and of course, at the performance itself. I will definitely return for another show.
The tickets cost $8.00 each, but could have been $7.00 if we had had a group of 15. Maybe next time. It's not appropriate for anyone under 5 due to the length of time. This is also one to call early due to the possibility of selling out.

North Canton Playhouse - Jack & the Beanstalk

In April, we attended a performance of "Jack and the Beanstalk" at the North Canton Playhouse, which is located inside Hoover High School. I would like to give you a first-hand description of the performance, but it so happened that I spent all but the first 5 minutes out in the hallway on the phone selling my piano.

What I did witness was very funny and exciting. The play was not contained by the borders of the stage. As soon as my phone rang, the characters were traipsing around the auditorium through the aisles and right behind me. I felt rude enough talking on the phone near the other audience members. It was incredibly rude to do so with the actors immediately behind me. My 20 month old came with me, and my 8 year old stayed to watch. She loved it, and so did the many other children in the packed auditorium, as evidenced by the roars of laughter and cheers. After the performance, there was an opportunity to meet the performers onstage and have a picture taken with them. We opted out of this but might not next time.

I had planned to arrive early since I was meeting 2 other moms there, but it did not happen. My directions were completely wrong. Apparently, MapQuest has a major issue differentiating between Canton and North Canton. It gave me directions to a residential neighborhood in Canton. I drove around there for a few minutes, searching in vain for something that resembled a high school, then I called a friend who I knew would be home and could look it up on her computer. She gave me their phone number, but also tried to talk me through directions, which again ended up being incorrect (not her fault). I did call the Playhouse, and the girl I spoke with was extremely apologetic.

She said that although they have requested that MapQuest discontinue giving the wrong directions, nothing has changed. She quickly got me on the right road, and I arrived at the theatre about 5 minutes late. Unfortunately, one of the moms I was to meet also had the wrong directions, spent time on her phone with her husband at home trying to find the right ones, and called me to get help. She was about 10 to 15 minutes behind me in the whole wrong directions cycle, and ended up arriving at the performance about 25 minutes late.

The best part of this story was how the NC Playhouse dealt with her inconvenience. They immediately offered to replace the tickets for our entire group (!!), even though most of us had not missed the performance. We are all able to attend another performance at their expense. Although we have not yet taken advantage of their generosity, I am quite impressed. This is professional customer service at its best.

Tickets cost only $3.00 each (school group rate), prepaid, and you don't want to wait until the last minute or they will sell out.
All in all, it was a good experience for us all. We definitely learned to double check MapQuest, and had no other problems with the performance. I highly recommend it.

Cleveland Museum of Art

In November, we toured the Cleveland Museum of Art. I had heard that the museum has specific educational programs, and I thought that it would be great to take advantage of this as a home schooling group. We chose to take a tour of "Line, Shape and Color" through the museum, led by a docent.

As it turned out, our "docent" was a soft-spoken, older woman who had never heard of home schooling and spent the first 15 minutes of our 1 hour tour asking us parents questions about how we teach our children and "What do they know?" Although she seemed very kind and good-natured, she was extremely quiet and wasn't very good at getting the children's attention. She led the group to one room, one gallery, and went around the room asking the children extremely basic, pre-school level questions about each painting. We spent the entire hour in that one room. I know I was a bit bored, but I have to laud our children for being very well-behaved and respectful of this woman. There was very little chatting and wandering among the whole group. When she apologized at the end for spending so much time in one room and asked if we wanted her to lead us somewhere else, I respectfully declined, but we were all ready to spend some time exploring on our own.

I found the museum to be easily accessible with a stroller, and interestingly laid out. We were awed at the number of famous pieces of artwork in the permanent collection. I personally stopped a few children in our group to point out Picasso's "Harlequin with Violin" as they attempted to hurry past. The younger children basically were just able to see something pretty, but many of the older children could identify with the talent and effort involved in creating the artwork. The history of art was also readily apparent, as well as the relevance of artwork as historical evidence. There is a lot to see there. To really enjoy and appreciate all of it, I would recommend more than one visit.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and plan to return.

There is a gift shop with so many art and art-related items, I can't begin to describe it. There is also a cafe with very tasty gourmet-style foods. Although it's not bargain-priced, they do have an advantage in being the only place there to eat, so it could have been much more expensive. My sandwich cost around $6.oo and it was very good.
Although the museum's permanent collection is free, parking is not. I believe it cost me around $7.00 to park there, but don't quote me.