It's the last week of our school holidays. I have realised that if Caspar went to a traditional school here in the ACT he would be in Kindergarten, not even in Grade 1 yet. I'm so thankful we have Montessori where age doesn't define the child - or what grade they are in. 

Next week he will be back at school which I am so thankful for. I cannot keep up with him at home. Now he will have his teachers and his friends in addition to us at home. Without school I'm not sure we could cultivate the community that he needs so much. 

Last week Caspar begun to make some science experiments (as seen somewhere here). He would fill jars with various items, look and study them, pipette them and study them under the microscope. To guide him just a little I gave him The McGraw-Hill Big Book of Science Activities Fun and Easy Experiments for Kids. This book has fantastic illustrations. Much like our recipes Caspar can follow the instructions by looking at the pictures. (The book says ideal for children 8-12. Caspar is in no way gifted or talented in this area - he's just interested. The book is definitely suitable for younger children.)

So the book arrives and the next thing I know Caspar is putting a balloon in the refrigerator.                          

How Temperature Affects Air Molecules. 

He completed seven experiments in two days. He needs help occasionally to do something like set up the fan.

How Evaporation Cools. 

Compressed Air is Heavier.

How to Make Fog.

How to Make a Water Level.

Such experiments are great at home Montessori activities because the learning is all child led and hands on. Like Reducing Air Pressure with a Funnel, blowing through each end of a funnel to blow out a candle. Really simple and kids just 'get' it - they can see the science. Using a pictorial book is wonderful as the child can select the experiment and with very little help see it through. Although I'm now on the look for alum most of the materials needed are everyday items we have at home. 

We are really going to miss him next week.