Since Ladybug is still not feeling great (thankfull the fever is gone) and we have been quite at home all week; and since I didn't think you wanted to see all the ironing I have gotten done, I thought I would show you our first Lapbook.
We had decided to study astronomy for science during the 2005-06 school year and so we chose the very excellent book: Exploring Creation with Astronomy, by Jeannie Fulbright/Apologia. We started strong, read 2 or 3 chapters and did a little review, but for some reason, was interrupted in our studies. When we returned a bit later, I realized not only had the girls forgotten all the great information we had "learned", but so had I. AUGH! So, I decided to start again, but do our first Lapbook with it. This proved to be just the ticket. We/I learnt sooo much and we had a great display for our year-end Arts & Academic Fair at Co-op.
The book has 14 chapters, in which we covered a chapter a week and made our Lapbook projects for each chapter at the end of the corresponding week.
First we spray painted the file folders for the black outerspace. I found some clipart on the web. Each girl got a photo of her face that she taped in their space helmet (this is Bookworm's). We then glued a sting lifeline that wrapped to the back of the Lapbook...
...to the Space Suttle flying over the moon. The book is a mini-copy of our Apologia book.
Here you see it opened up all the way, using 2 file folders and 2 additional pieces of 8.5 x 11 cardstock for flaps. Flaps are tape/hinged on with clear mailing tape. All items are glued in using 3M Spray Adhesive (the best, but messy). Folders were spray painted (not recommeded - they still stink after over a year). Make sure to do all spray adhesiving & painting outside!
Back/Main Page gives vocabulary terms, Bible verses, and a fun thing we learned about "Diamond Rain" that we put in a miniture matchbook fold.
Below flap contained the Categorizing of Stars (Hot/Cold; Bright/Dim; Big/Small) and fun facts about what a black hole is (I though this was sooo neat, but my husband got a little tired of me sharing my new-found knowledge lol). I used the Patch Work Quilt Square fold for the black hole insert.
We did a Layered-Look Book of the planets on the top flap - with a mnemonic phrase to help remember which order the planets come in. Then on the back side of the top flap...
contained facts about Space Rocks using an Envelope Fold.
Right side had the layers of the Earth; the Phases of the Moon; facts about stars; and information about the first man on the moon.
Lastly, this was my brainchild of how to show "revolve" and "rotate" with a few sun facts thrown in. (When we are doing Lapbooks, I often wake up in the middle of the night with such ideas). lol
Much of my inspiration comes from Tobin's Lab (the original Lapbook creators); and the Big Book of Books and Activites by Dinah Zike (available through Tobins Lab or many other suppliers).
We Love Lapbooking! It is such a fun way to retain what we learn and great keepsakes. We are currently working on our "Early American" History Lapbook and will be doing a "Weather" one this coming school year as well. You can Lapbook about ANYTHING!
If you would like to join us on "Show & Tell Friday", we would love to have you. Just post a photo(s) and tell about anything you wish. The only rules are to keep it wholesome; leave a link to Mary (who started Show & Tell Friday) and let Mary know your Show & Tell is up so she can link you back and we might all be able to visit you and comment. | 
Training Hearts 
