There are 616 named glaciers in Alaska. Though there is estimated to be around 100,000 glaciers within the state. I have seen more glaciers than I can count since moving to here. We have hiked to both Byron Glacier and Exit Glacier. However, until last Saturday I had never actually touched a glacier!
From The States
Adventures in Travel and Education
I have been trying to find incentive to get us out in these frigid temperatures and Pinterest has provided! The last few days we have been experimenting with making colorful icicles! Let me tell you, they are beautiful!
Yesterday we built our second rainbow snow volcano in just over a week! This may be Jasper’s new favorite thing to do! To create this project all you need is some simple household items (until your child uses all of the vinegar and baking soda and you have to run to the store to replenish it)!
Before we moved to Alaska, we had never celebrated the solstices before. I only knew when the winter solstice was because it is the same day as my brother and sister’s. However, in Alaska the summer and winter solstice is a big deal. There are multiple celebrations. We particularly enjoy the Solstice Tree Tour in Kincaid Park and the Ice Lantern Walk at the Eagle River Nature Center. This year we hope to attend Anchorage’s solstice festival for the first time.
This time next Fall we will be a few months into our true home school journey. For the time being we are trying to find what works for us and when good times for lessons are. I love to incorporate learning into the time we already spend outside. The last few weeks we explored a “Fall” theme. At this age, exploring the world around us is a great way for Jasper to learn! In addition Jasper is very interested in writing, so I have found ways to incorporate writing into our learning.
Acoustic Dispersion isn’t a term I was familiar with until earlier this week. There was a video that I believe went viral a few years back (video below). It was of a man throwing a rock at a frozen lake and the lake making this amazing noise (something similar to the pew pew noise of Star Wars blasters). Well, this lake happens to be in Alaska and is only a short distance from where we live!
During Alaskan fall and spring we have the unfortunate reality that children need to wear gloves to stay warm outside. However, we then encounter the problem that most gloves quickly become soaked in our endless puddles or soggy snow. Jan and Jul Waterproof Mittens solve this issue!
Well, we jumped on the slim bandwagon! Honestly, I had avoided making slime because it was my understanding that some of the ingredients weren’t completely safe. Did you know you don’t have to use borax to make awesome slim? Well apparently my husband did! Jasper and his dad started making slime together earlier this year and Jasper loves it!
