Math "Switch"

Decided to switch all the kids to Switched-on Schoolhouse for math. Mainly this is a record-keeping choice. I just need to save time wherever I can and if SOS will grade math for me, that's one thing I don't have to figure into my day. It's the thing that always gets left behind anyway, when time is tight, and then I end up WAAAAAYYYY behind on it.

So, David and Emily have been taking the placement tests online and as soon as I can figure out how to add James and Suzy to my already-created account (should be easier than it is), they will take them as well. I assume Suzy will start with grade 3, but I have no idea where to put James or Emily.

I've enjoyed Math-U-See and still would use it in a perfect world. But in a world where the mom has to work 4-5 hours of every school day, that same mom has to go for time-saving procedures wherever possible.

I think I am also going to use SOS Science - Chemistry for David next year and someone gifted us with a 7th grade Science Emily is going to use. I may have James work through that one as well. Or I will get him another level if it's too difficult.

Sketchup

David was planning to do a stop-motion animation class for art this year. (He is a freshman.) However, buying the materials we need has not been in the budget. So yesterday, when I read this entry on the Math-U-See blog, my interest was piqued.

So I went looking for Google Sketchup, thinking maybe it was something David would be interested in learning.

Wow! It's a FREE 3D computer modeling program. Of course, there is a Pro version that bears a hefty $500 pricetag, but the free version looks pretty darn useful.

David is enthralled with the idea of trying it out and designing some 3D models, starting with some cell phone prototypes he's been sketching on paper. This won't be the first 3D computer modeling he's worked with, though. Another great FREE program is the Lego Digital Designer. The car graphic to the left is a screenshot from LDD.

So, he will be practicing 3D computer modeling beginning very soon. The other kids will also have the opportunity to explore the program and what it can do. However, David plans to build a career around computer-aided design in some fashion, so this will be great experience for him.

As I was searching for some good illustrations for this blog, I noticed that a Google Sketchup for Dummies book has been published. I've just requested that at the library and hopefully it will prove useful.

Check out Google Sketchup. Even preschoolers can use this program, as evidenced by the winners of the contest referenced on the MUS blog. They had a category for children ages 0-5. See what you and your children can do with this program!

Try-It Tuesday - Interlibrary Loan & Online Library Services

You know that book you've been wanting to read? The one your library doesn't own? The one you're not sure you want to spend the money on? Another library probably owns it. You can get it! Free! The answer is interlibrary loan.

Interlibrary loan allows you to borrow books (and sometimes other items, like DVD's) from other libraries with whom your library has agreements. You can usually search and reserve these online. Sometimes if the regular library co-operative doesn't own the item, my friendly librarian will find it from somewhere else for me.

We have borrowed a great number of library items this way. What fun it is to get the call from the library that they are holding an item for me! It also benefits the library by increasing their circulation numbers and they like that.

If you already use the online components of your library, you probably agree with me. If you haven't tried signing into your library system online, give it a try right away. Interlibrary loan is my favorite part of my library's online system, but it isn't the only one.

You can check your account to see what's due. You can renew your items online. Some libraries offer reference items or computer programs as part of their online offerings.

Online library systems are the icing on the cake. If you're not sure what your library offers, go check it out right now!