Summer school sounds horrible, but it is actually one of the best parts of homeschooling.  Our summers are always a time for learning-adventures; practicing skills, and jumpstarting imagination as we throw ourselves headlong into a subject.

This year, when I asked the kids what topic we should choose for our in-depth study, they decided that they want to spend time building.  We had a great time brainstorming ideas, and I noticed that most of their inspiration seemed to be coming from the  Boston Museum of Science playground exhibit, which we visit on a regular basis.

Aha!   Physics.  Great idea kids!

I like using Gravitas’ Real Science 4 Kids over the summer, simply because the lessons are so short.  It is perfect for a few weeks of fun diversion.  Especially if you add in weekly videos of the antics of Bill Nye the Science Guy.

Elementary Physics is far much too fun for little tiny experiments.  We will do the little ones, but in all reality, we want to go BIG!  Wood, metal, tools and messes are calling to us.

Time for a backyard playground.  Here is what I have planned:

(Warning, disclaimer, and I-already-told-you,-so-don’t-blame-me:  These instructions are not my own, and I can not vouch for their safety.  Many communities have discontinued use of similar toys because they believe them to be dangerous.  Build at your own risk – I am.)

Chapter 1 – What is Physics?: gravity & rules

We are building our first tree house.  This has been a long promised project, so it is high time we get it done.  The kids have been climbing around our trees trying to discover the perfect treehouse location.  Once they discover it, they will start by build a simple platform with their dad and then we can drop balls of various weight (Galileo style) as they investigate gravity.  Building the rest of the treehouse will keep us busy over the course of the summer.  I’ll keep you posted! {Update: Completed Treehouse Photos}

We also plan to make our own giant jenga game ( instructions available at ImLovingToday), cutting and sanding large quantity of rectangular blocks so that we can build and then topple towers, watching the effects of gravity. Physicscentral.com does a great job of describing why the towers always break in the center.

A super easy balance beam from Genny at InLieuOfPreschool is also a possability.

Watch: Bill Nye – Gravity

Chapter 2 – Push and Pull: force, work and energy

Levers are my favorite physics concept for little kids, and there is nothing more fun than creating your own see-saw.  Ana White provided the great  instructions we plan to use.  We will hopefully change the plans a bit to include a moveable pivot point so that we can experiment with it a bit.

Pulleys are lots of fun too.  A flagpole, zip line, and bucket delivery system will probably find their way into our treehouse before the summer is over.  Update – zip lines are so much fun!!!  Everyone needs one of these.  {Completed Zipline Photos}

Watch: Bill Nye – Simple Machines & energy episode

Chapter 3 – Kinds of Energy: storing & releasing energy

We already have a swing-set, but I hope to add a tire swing using instructables as a guide (spinning swings are my daughter’s favorite, so she will be thrilled to get her own) while we learn about the period of a pendulum and potential energy. {Completed Tire Swing Photos}

Watch: Bill Nye – stored energy

Chapter 4 – When Things Move: inertia & friction

Inertia & friction –  We could build a spinning top with household items, but what we really want to build is a giant backyard merry-go-round using these instructions from Treehouses and Other Cool Stuff.  So. Much. Fun!  I remember playing for hours on these when I was a kid.  I really hope it works out the way I imagine.

Watch: Bill Nye – Law of Inertia

Chapter 5 – Chemical Energy: atoms & batteries

Chemical Energy is a bit tricky to incorporate into a backyard.  I may change my mind, but for now I think we will just discuss photosynthesis as we work some of our grape vines into the beginning of a decorative arch.  I’ve always loved the way these look.   It seems as if there must be a mystical play-land beyond.  If we are really ambitious, it could come out something like these plans from Popular Mechanics, but I have a feeling ours is going to be much simpler

We will also take the time to turn the compost and feel for heat underground.

Watch: Bill Nye – atoms episode, and plants

Chapter 6 – Electricity: electrons, static, & charge

Water is pure delight for kids.  No backyard is complete until there is someplace to get wet.  We are going to build a pvc sprinkler and use it to “bend water” showing static charge.

Watch: Bill Nye – Static Electricity

Chapter 7 – Moving Electrons:

After practicing with our snap circuits, we plan to wire up several of our own solar powered lights for our treehouse.  Yes, we could buy these very inexpensively and save ourselves the time, but the goal is to understand wiring and to have some fun creating a useful item.

Watch: Bill Nye – electric circuits episode

Chapter 8 – Magnets: poles & force

This project is specifically for our youngest, who spotted it a while ago and really wants her own outdoor magnetic toy.  The big kids will make her their own extra large version of the levitating bunny using big ring magnets, pvc pipe, and milk bottle shrinky-dinks of their drawings.  This has a lot of potential to be adorable.  I can’t wait to share photos.

Watch: Bill Nye – Magnets

Chapter 9 – Light & Sound:

An outdoor xylophone will probably drive the dogs next door out of their mind, but the kids are really excited about this project.  I found instructions at Instructables.com, but we may play with the design a bit.  I think it would sound even better if we made it out of metal.

Watch: Bill Nye – waves

Chapter 10 – Saving Energy: use & waste

Our final project is the one that I am looking forward to the most.  I have always wanted an outdoor storytelling nook.  We have a perfect location – a bunch of boulders that we unearthed when we added on to our house.  Building a bench and fire pit out of recycled materials will make it into a cozy spot.  I am going to give the kids a lot of freedom on this project, so that they can make it their own.  No plans, we will just see what we have on hand and start from there.  Recycling at its finest.

Watch: Bill Nye – Fuel Systems

By the way – my kids are still little.  Our lessons aren’t intended to cover all the bases, but to develop a foundation of vocabulary and concepts that they will be able to reference as they grow older.

I’ll let you know how our summer goes. Wish me luck!