The Planets - an experience at Sheffield University

We are so lucky to have such a great, community involving, University in our wonderful city. (Well the University is actually the reason we live here as well)  Anyway today was another of those wonderful experiences, this time in the form of a large orchestra playing the Planet Suite in the Octogon Centre, accompanied with talks and amazing graphics.

So far I've just heard a bit from Pat, since they just got home at 9.30pm (on a week night, shock horror!!) I am excited to hear more about their experiences.  Pat said Autumn asked him how the sun was made. They sat right up close to the instruments so could see the score, and the beauty of the instruments.  They had decided to sit up close to the harps (yes, plural!) and found that there are actually 6 pedals on a harp altering the sound, and the notation on their music was full of big flourishes up and down the scale.  Definitely one of those evenings I wish I didn't work in the evening.  Before they went, Autumn got really sad as I wouldn't be going too.  As did I.  However, I am super fortunate to be able to fully enjoy my endless days with them doing super fun and exciting things.  Hopefully, I'll be able to develop this post more with more that they want to tell me, or learn about as a result of this magical experience.

University Science Day

This Wednesday, Evan had the opportunity to visit the Chemistry department at the University for some experimenting in the School's lab and an Electricity lecture.  During the evaluation he said he had an amazing time and he thought all of it was brilliant.  I was surprised at this, as the afternoon was a lecture on Electricity, which, whilst interesting and interactive, Evan appeared to pay no attention to as he was obsessed with making his newly made slime, touch the floor.  However, my husband mentioned to me last night, that Evan gave his own lecture on Electricity to him with all the elements that were discussed using all the terms correctly and giving examples.  He seemed capable of not showing any outward signs of engagement in a topic, whilst actually taking it all in and understanding the concepts clearly.  He is a keen scientist, so the subject matter helped,  but the level at which his mind is working on these ideas seems beyond what I am capable of fully understanding.  Today, I have been reflecting on my role with this.  Everything we come across to do with Science he seems to understand instantly.  Do I, therefore, provide him with as many opportunities as possible to take on board new science things, or continue allowing him to pick things up when the moment or situation arises that it feel pertinent?  I am not really sure.  My instinct tells me that he will find his way to all the learning he wishes in time, but what stops me is the fact that a lot of the learning that he could do with science may require external skills that he has yet to require, therefore needing me to be more proactive in my approach.

I toyed with the idea of postponing the density exploration until science club next month, but decided instead to do it today.  He said to me on the Science day that he has been inspired by the day and want to do more Science work in the future.  He is most keenly attuned to the fact building rather than experimenting at the moment.

Thank you to all involved in the Science day, it really has given us a lot to think about.

Discovery Night at Sheffield University

I'm glad I got to see a bit of this after I finished work, but Pat and the kids had a whale of a time along with many other Home Ed families, as well as general public, but we were certainly in full force thanks to the marvellous community we have who share the details of these brilliant events.  We really are so blessed to live in such a wonderful place to home educate.  So much community spirit it fills me with such joy.

Anyway, as I wasn't there, I'll let the photos speak for themselves.