For those of you living in Canada, here is a wonderful opportunity to teach your children about plant growth, in particular, tomato plants. 

Tomatosphere is a science project with two different groups of seeds.  One group has been exposed to a simulated space environment with temperatures of negative 80 degrees Celsius and low atmospheric pressure for a period of 18 days. This simulates a breach in the space vehicles storage system on a long-term journey in space.  The other group is the control group. 

You won't know which seed group you have until the end of the experiment!  If you'd like to find out more about this project then click on over to Tomatosphere.

Would you like to find out what is happening in your state?  Check out the
Homeschool Nations blog.  A list of states is in the right hand side bar.  States that have ** after them are looking for more coordinators.

If you have support group information you would like to have posted for your state, please click here.

Tia Linschied
Senior Editor of HSB

You may not be interested in what homeschoolers are doing in a state clear across the country, be it field trips or new legislation.  However those states would appreciate it if you would keep them in your prayers as they stand up for what they believe in or make decisions on what is best for their individual families.

Please click on the state/province names to find out more.

Oregon - URGENT CALL TO ACTION! Senate Bill 392, if passed, would lower the age a child is required to start attending school from the age 7 to 6.  Oregonians can listen to the actual legislative committee meeting about bill 392.  You can hear it at  http://www.leg.state.or.us/listn/archive/archive.2007s/SEGG-200701300803.ram

Quebec, Canada - A wonderful opportunity has been brought to our attention.  If you would like to become a nurse, this offer is fabulous! 

Would you like to find out what is happening in your state?  Check out the

Homeschool Nations blog.  A list of states is in the right hand side bar.  States that have ** after them are looking for more coordinators.

If you have support group information you would like to have posted for your state, please click here.

Tia Linschied
Senior Editor of HSB

With the holidays over and school back in swing, it's time to get back to visiting Homeschool Nations and the states that have exciting events taking place.  Take a look at the following:

Connecticut - A date has been secured for our first Connecticut Capitol Day--Wednesday, February 7, 2007 at the Capitol in Hartford from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.  Students of all ages and their parents are warmly invited to participate in this educational experience.

Activities will include:

    * An opening time of worship
    * An interactive tour of the Capitol
    * A mock legislature, complete with instruction in parliamentary
procedures
    * Lunch in the Legislative Office Building cafeteria (bring your
own lunch, or money to purchase it)
    * An opportunity to meet with your legislator

This event is FREE, but for our planning purposes, we would appreciate
your RSVP by January 17.  With questions or to RVSP, please e-mail me
at paulmartinct @ gmail . com.  (Remove spaces)

Nevada - Nevada Homeschool Network is pleased to announce the
Southern Nevada Homeschool Convention to take place on
June 29th and 30th 2007.  Click on the state name link to read more!!

Would you like to find out what is happening in your state?  Check out the Homeschool Nations blog.  A list of states is in the right hand side bar.  States that have ** after them are looking for more coordinators.

If you have support group information you would like to have posted for your state, please click here.

Tia Linschied
Senior Editor of HSB


Related Tags: homeschool, state events, activities

I personally am not sure about this one, but it does offer a discount to homeschoolers.  If you will be in Seattle, WA between now and December 31st, you might want to take in Bodies The Exhibition. 

Tia Linschied

Senior Editor of HSB

Each state over at Homeschool Nations has something to share with those who live within that state or province.  Some have more to share than others, but even if your state doesn't have regular entries, be sure to check out the sidebar for links to resources that benefit homeschoolers.

Wisconsin - Paul and Gena Suarez will be speaking in Oak Creek on Feb. 19th.

Wisconsin - CHEA has some important updates.  The Fall event has been canceled, but the Spring event is still a go.  Mark May 31st - June 2nd on your calendar for the CHEA's Spring Conference.  You can read more about the guest speakers by clicking on the state name link at the beginning of this paragraph.

That's it for this week! 

Would you like to find out what is happening in your state?  Check out the

Homeschool Nations blog.  A list of states is in the right hand side bar.  States that have ** after them are looking for more coordinators.

If you have support group information you would like to have posted for your state, please click here.

Tia Linschied

Senior Editor of HSB

There are so many great things happening in each of the states at Homeschool Nations that it seems a shame not to share them.  This Homeschool Nations Highlight will feature various states and their upcoming events and news.  Each state name is a link over to the article.

Indiana – Dr. Jay Wile will be speaking at the IFHS Scholars Symposium on Nov. 15^th.  If you love Apoligia Science you won’t want to miss this event.

Iowa – A homeschool class to learn about regional Native American history is being offered on November 15^th.

Maryland – Did you know that your children can take advantage of community college courses starting in 4^th grade?  You can learn more on Nov. 11^th.  Pre-registration is required. 

Minnesota – Considering Homeschooling?  Then you don’t want to miss this workshop on Nov. 11^th in Big Lake.

Nevada – Ever wanted to ride the Polar Express?  The Nevada Northern Railway will be hosting this event Nov. 24-26.

New Mexico – Do you have an inspiring Christmas story?  Radio station KKIM would like to hear about it.  Deadline is December 15th

North Dakota – In December the North Dakota Legislature will convene. Please keep them in your prayers as they decide on such matters as more regulations on immunization, lowering the attendance age and raising the number of school days.

Tennessee – Paul and Gena Suarez and Harvey and Laurie Bluedorn will be speaking in Gray on Nov. 6^th and again in Maryville on Nov. 7^th.  You don’t want to miss a chance to hear these fabulous couples share their hearts on homeschooling.

Utah – Are you ready for the 4^th of July?  With the cold weather just starting you may not even be dreaming of the summer heat.  However Melanie Skelton would like to get a start on the 4^th of July parade float.  If you’re interested be sure to read the rest of this article.

Puerto Rico – Bill 2754 will be presented to the House of Representatives any day now.  This bill will show that Puerto Rico will now “recognize” homeschooling. 

Would you like to find out what is happening in your state?  Check out the Homeschool Nations blog.  A list of states is in the right hand side bar.  States that have ** after them are looking for more coordinators.

If you have support group information you would like to have posted for your state, please click here.

Tia Linschied

  Senior Editor of HSB

The school year is off to a great start and many of you have posted on your blogs that snow is in the air!  Homeschool Nations – Colorado has already seen the white stuff.  Think of all the fun field trips that could bring!

With snow comes the comfort of long talks with friends while curled up on the couch sipping cocoa.  Colorado welcomes back a very dear old friend who has been away for six years.  The Rocky Mountain Education Connection is back!  RMEC is an online resource for homeschooling and unschooling in Colorado.  Be sure to check it out!

With the snow comes the start of the holiday season.  Maybe your family is a little short on funds for curriculum, what with all the presents, parties and yummy food to buy.  Born Again Used Books is just the place for you!  If you’re in Colorado Springs be sure to take a look and say hello to the owners.

Just when you think you can’t take one more day of winter, you can have your teen take a field trip to the state capitol March 12 – 17, 2007.  TeenPact is sponsoring this event and you don’t want to miss it!  Your teen will be introduced first hand to how the state is run.  Hurry and register by Nov. 1 so that you can get in on the savings. 

Colorado can be proud and thank Treon Goossen for all her hard work to help preserve homeschool freedoms.  Treon won the Homeschool Liberty Award from HSLDA, an honor bestowed on those who have shown to serve and protect their home state.  Congratulations Treon!

Would you like to find out what is happening in your state?  Check out the

Homeschool Nations blog.  A list of states is in the right hand side bar.  States that have ** after them are looking for more coordinators.

If you have support group information you would like to have posted for your state, please click here.

Tia Linschied

   Senior Editor of HSB

   Related Tags: homeschool, nations, Colorado, curriculum, TeenPact, capitol

You would think that after all this time, the fact that homeschooling is legal in all 50 states, that homeschoolers out perform their public school counterparts and that many colleges and universities are seeking out homeschooled students, the public school system would be bored to death with trying to take control of homeschoolers.  Not so, and Homeschool Nations – North Carolina has a new threat on their hands.

The DNPE is asking for more information than is required by law.  This year North Carolina homeschoolers were asked to go to the school office on November 2^nd.  Some of the items requested that you bring are stated to be optional, while others are not.  If you live in North Carolina you need to read this article.   Even if you are not affected by this request, it helps to know what your state is up to.  Don’t bury your head in the sand and believe that you are safe.

Not sure exactly what the North Carolina homeschool law states?  You can find out HERE.  Every homeschooler in every state should know the law regarding homeschooling.  Your state may be homeschool friendly, but knowing the law certainly gives you an advantage as well as makes you sound intelligent when talking to others about it.

Be sure and check out Homeschool Nations – North Carolina on a regular basis for information on field trips, activities, and homeschool support.  Share what your area support group is doing as well. 

Would you like to find out what is happening in your state?  Check out the

Homeschool Nations blog.  A list of states is in the right hand side bar.  States that have ** after them are looking for more coordinators.

If you have support group information you would like to have posted for your state, please click here.

Tia Linschied

  Senior Editor of HSB

Related Tags: homeschool, home school, home education, nation, North Carolina, DNPE, requirements, law

Each week I have been covering one state, province or country that is a part of Homeschool Nations.  The information shared isn’t just for the homeschoolers who live within that state, but to remind you that your state blog may have something to offer you as well.  Not every state has information because they still need a coordinator. 

Homeschool Nations – Oklahoma was without a coordinator for a short while, but Sunny has stepped up to the plate to take over.  Those of you living in Oklahoma, go on over and give Sunny a big welcome and thank you!  If you know of any news, activities, field trips or support group meeting news be sure and let Sunny know so she can put it up on the blog.

Want to celebrate the harvest?  Take a field trip to the Lawton Pumpkin Patch.  You’ll find fun and educational activities for the whole family!

Take a pottery class from skilled Cherokee artisan Bill Glass!  You can learn the basics of Southeastern Pottery Sculpture on Saturday, October 28^th.  If you are even remotely interested take a closer look, as this class will fill up quickly and early registration is recommended. 

Would you like to find out what is happening in your state?  Check out the

Homeschool Nations blog.  A list of states is in the right hand side bar.  States that have ** after them are looking for more coordinators.

If you have support group information you would like to have posted for your state, please click here.

Tia Linschied

Senior Editor of HSB

Related Tags: homeschool, home school, home education, nation, Oklahoma, coordinator, support group, field trip, activity, news, harvest, pumpkin, patch

While taking a look at the Homeschool Nations – Iowa blog, I came across several different items for Iowans to participate in.  This is only a sampling of the various activities so be sure to read about more by clicking the above link.

A homeschool open house will be held at the Musser Library on Oct. 12^th.  This is a perfect opportunity for those thinking about homeschooling to meet other homeschool parents.  For those that are already homeschooling take the opportunity to give your suggestions for the types of books you would like to see the library carry.

Would you like to know the ABC’s of birds?  Is your child fascinated with birds of prey?  Then take advantage of the Davenport – Art, Biology, Conservation Workshop taking place October 10-14^th at the Putnam Museum.

A part of conservation is understanding what is taking place with the water supplies.  Your family can volunteer to help take water samples in Polk County.  This would be an excellent field trip/unit study.  This event takes place on Oct. 18^th.

One of the best places to buy books to supplement your homeschool curriculum is the library book sale.  Davenport library will be hosting their Fall book sale on Oct. 20-21. 

Would you like to find out what is happening in your state?  Check out the

Homeschool Nations blog.  A list of states is in the right hand side bar.  States that have ** after them are looking for more coordinators.

If you have support group information you would like to have posted for your state, please click here.

Tia Linschied

Senior Editor of HSB

Related Tags: homeschool, home school, home education, nations, states, provinces, activities, field trips, programs, events, library, museum, books, curriculum, unit study, science, conservation, biology, habitat, open house

This week’s state is full of history!  It would be like living in an outdoor museum.  Homeschool Nations – Massachusetts shares how you can learn more about their great state by studying the state government with six unit studies and co-ordinated field trips. 

What if your family isn’t ready for a full blown study about state government but wouldn’t mind a trip to the State House on Oct. 26^th?  Then this field trip is just right for you.

Do your children like to rollerskate?  If you are in Lancaster on Oct. 3^rd then be sure to click over for a discount at Roll On America.

If you are studying World War II history and your children like the theatre, then The Diary of Anne Frank is a must see!  Keep the morning of Oct. 30^th free for this event. 

The Rennaissance Centre in Sutton has something for the whole family!  You will enjoy a real educational experience in restoration and the operation of a historical family farm.  Activities, meetings, classes, workshops and more are offered.

Don’t forget to check out the sidebar to learn more about homeschooling in Massachusets.

Would you like to find out what is happening in your state?  Check out the

Homeschool Nations blog.  A list of states is in the right hand side bar.  States that have ** after them are looking for more coordinators.

If you have support group information you would like to have posted for your state, please click here.

Tia Linschied

Senior Editor of HSB

Related Tags: homeschool, nations, state, Massachusetts, history, house, museum, unit study, field trips, roller skating, The Diary of Anne Frank, theatre, World War II, children, farming, family, historic, farm, educational

Sorry, but I just have to do it.  Homeschool Nations – Oregon covers what is happening in my home state, and Ali is doing a fantastic job keeping everyone informed about what is going on in Oregon!

First of course is the Oregon HomeschoolBlogger Picnic.  If you blog here at HSB, (or are even thinking about blogging but not sure you are ready to just start a web journal for a bunch of homeschool strangers to read,) then please attend!  We want to meet you in real life!

There are a couple of workshops happening in Hubbard, Oregon.  If you are interested in how to make Portfolders, or would like to learn how to use Geoblocks in teaching your children about geometry then these classes might just be for you.

With e-bay’s ban on teacher’s manuals, several new websites and groups have cropped up to help keep homeschoolers buying and selling their teacher’s manuals.  Oregon Homeschool Classifieds is one such group that has just started to help Oregon homeschoolers.

Interested in history?  How about homeschool history?  Then read about Oregon homeschool history!

As always don’t forget to check out the sidebar of each state.  Oregon has a list of Sites to Visit which includes OCEANetwork, Oregon’s homeschool watch dog.

Would you like to find out what is happening in your state?  Check out the

Homeschool Nations blog.  A list of states is in the right hand side bar.  States that have ** after them are looking for more coordinators.

If you have support group information you would like to have posted for your state, please click here.

Tia Linschied

Senior Editor of HSB

 Related Tags: Oregon, homeschool, nation, state, blogger, blog, picnic, Hubbard, portfolders, Geoblocks, geometery, classes, e-bay, ban, teacher, manual, group, website, classifieds, history, OCEANetwork

You know you can read some very interesting things over at Homeschool Nations.  Not only that but each state listed in the sidebar offers some valuable information as well.  This week let’s focus on Georgia!

Want to know exactly where Paul and Gena will be on September 18^th?  They will be the featured speakers at the Blue Ridge Area Christian Home Educators Homeschool Night.  If I lived near there I would be going.  Maybe if I leave now….

Would you like to take a tour of Holy Land antiquities but can’t afford the plane fare?  Just drive on over to Atlanta!  From Abraham to Jesus is a multi-media exhibit with over 340 artifacts.  You don’t want to miss this event!

As homeschoolers it can be tough to find the funds to do all those really cool field trips.  The Fernbank Museum is offering FREE admission on September 11 and 18 2006 ONLY.  Click the link to read the fine print, then get those children in the car and drive on over!

A couple of other really great field trips are Georgia Aquarium Homeschool Days and the Atlanta Botanical Garden Homeschool Day. Mark them on your calendar!

Don’t forget to check out the sidebar!  You’ll find helpful links and resources that a homeschooler in Georgia won’t want to be without.

Would you like to find out what is happening in your state?  Check out the Homeschool Nations blog.  A list of states is in the right hand side bar.  States that have ** after them are looking for more coordinators.

If you have support group information you would like to have posted for your state, please click here.

Tia Linschied

Senior Editor of HSB

Related Tags: homeschool, home school, home education, state, nation, Georgia, Blue Ridge Area Christian Home Educators, From Abraham to Jesus, Fernbank Museum, Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta Botanical Garden, homeschool days