Our science this year will include astronomy. Nice, because it was a particular interest of mine (although my mathematical skills fell short when it came to advanced work). The girls have an interest as well, in part because we have a telescope (similar to this, but without the computer assist):
Unfortunately we lack the space to be able to keep it up and available, but we do set it up and drag it outside from time to time.
While inside, where it is warm, we can look at a couple of interesting web sites. First, a site for tracking satellites. My brother sent me this link when he knew SkyLab was going overhead. We could not see it because of our location, but I find the link fascinating. I usually click the "Satellite" setting on the Google map, and tracking the orbit also becomes a geography and geology lesson.
Next is NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day. They are not all masterpieces, but they are informative, and link to tons of information about the subject in question - for instance, the International Space Station.
First is an enterprising gent who decided that building Stonehenge should be no big deal, as long as you have a bit of engineering know-how (and the family to cheer you on):
When we were recently in Savannah, Georgia, I was fascinated by the size of the cargo ships that ran the river. Of course someone has to build them - not hard to picture. But getting them into the water... well, you don't back the trailer down the boat launch, do you. Not with a vessel that size:
Still not meaning to get political, I intend this next example to be a warning about looking at data. The fact is, anyone with an agenda can manipulate the presentation of data in this way. Students need to know not only how graphs work, but how the data set can be presented to appear to be something other than it actually is. This video examines a graph commonly used in AGW (Anthropogenic Global Warming) presentations.
Whether dealing with junk science, or with claimed rates of return for a mutual fund, or any number of situations, people need to know to ask questions. They also need to know which questions to ask. Skepticism is always healthy, and especially when someone is reaching for your wallet. More especially when they claim to be doing you good while reaching for your wallet!
Devoutly religious types are often accused of accepting faith over science. I think it an unfair characterization; I find that most of the devout people I know are highly educated, and understand science as well or better than the average fellow. Some may disagree with some current scientific theories, but have the historical perspective to understand that today's accepted science can become tomorrow's example of faulty or incomplete understanding.
Those who declare themselves to be intellectually above superstition and religion often lack a certain perspective. G. K. Chesterton described it thus: "When men choose not to believe in God, they do not thereafter believe in nothing, they then become capable of believing in anything."
I find this to be proven in today's culture, and specifically in the on-going debate about Anthropomorphically-caused Global Warming. When warming does not take place as expected, we change the term to Anthropogenic Climate Change (as though the climate of the Earth has never before changed). When questions are raised about observed effects, methodologies used, or possible alternative hypotheses are proposed, the "true believers" respond with fierceness, even calling in some extreme cases for imprisonment or death as a punishment for the heresies. These are the people who accept AGW on faith while assuming a cloak of scientism.
Following is an example of faith in the guise of science trumping true science. Lord Monckton (Christopher Walter Monckton, 3rd Viscount Monckton of Brenchley) interviews a young lady who is in attendance at the Copenhagen climate summit. Her responses to Monckton's questions are interesting; her obstinate refusal to question her beliefs in the face of contradictory scientific evidence is enlightening.
Considering that our kids are being force fed junk science in public schools, it is particularly important that some students (home schoolers and others) learn that the science is not settled. They need to learn skepticism. They need to understand that a new religion is being accepted in our culture, and they need to find ways to argue facts without attacking deeply held belief (evangelism in its essence). They need to understand how wicked men use this new religion (as they have, at times, used Christianity and other religions) to manipulate and control others, while they profit nicely. This whole episode can be instructive, and will prepare our children for future leadership.
Christian husband, father, sometime home school teacher, and business owner. Anglo-Catholic postulant, Acolyte, Licensed Lay Reader, Licensed Preacher, and Senior Warden. Most of the time a nice guy, sometimes a jerk, and often a pipe and cigar smoker - not necessarily in that order.
- and a great resource for catholic books, especially for your students. I particularly like the range of books on the saints that are geared toward the younger reader.
