The recipe for those who missed it: http://www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1910,156160-225196,00.html

My son did all of the review questions, plug and chugs, etc., and also did selected labs from the lab manual. Not everything can be performed at home, but we were able to improvise a number of the labs.

Janice, I am giving you an award for longest post to date! One of the problems that I had in thinking about high school initially was trying to determine our path. There are students who have had very successful experiences doing CC or AP or CLEP or whatever, but their path is not necessarily my son's path. One of my friends who has produced two engineers through homeschooling swears by CC and CLEP. Her sons attended a state university which accepted the credits no questions asked. But the schools themselves are changing what is acceptable. Formerly a '3' on certain AP tests would earn credit at some schools; now students almost universally need 4's or 5's. Some selective schools do not recognize CLEP. The mantra is and will always be "Ask the College". My son, who at one point appeared to be leaning toward engineering, is now talking about archaeology. (In fact, he told the eye doctor who asked him about college this morning that he is interested in too many things!) He recently told me that he has no desire to attend a large state university and would really prefer a smaller world. If he goes out of state, many schools will not recognize CC credits from NC. I think it will be wise for him to have a couple of CC courses on his transcript to demonstrate that he is capable of doing college level work in a classroom situation, but I think it would ultimately be a waste of time for him to take a number of CC classes, particularly at a CC which I think is an inferior school. (No flame wars, please. I taught at this school but know that there are better CCs out there!) So let's get down to brass tacks. Last year, as a freshman, my son took two tests: ACT (which fulfilled the NC requirement for an annual achievement test) and the National Latin Exam. I did not have him write the essay part of the ACT but will have him do that this year. My son enjoys Latin and does well on the NLE. I am looking for ways to distinguish his transcript. An interest in Latin, backed up by these non-Mommy numbers, may help. This year, my son will add an AP Biology test and a SAT-subject test in Biology. Next year, however, he will take chemistry at the CC. Are there other AP tests in his future? Probably Latin. Maybe Computer Science. But there is more to life than just the test. My son plays sports, participates in 4-H and assists at a wounded bird rehabilitation center. If he spent his days only preparing for standardized tests, he would be a dull boy indeed. Jane

As a fan of Hewitt's Conceptual Physics, I would have her start with that so that she builds an intuitive sense of physical concepts. From there I would move on to a text like Giancoli after she has studied Algebra II/Trig. An alternate plan if she is flying through her math is to take Calculus based Physics at a nearby college while she is in high school. Here is the recommended college course list for a BS in Atmostpheric Science: http://www.ametsoc.org/policy/statement_2005_BS_degree_atmospheric_science.html#2 Lots of math and physics. Many schools do not even offer Bachelor's degrees in the field. Students major in something like physics as an undergrad then do their Atmospheric work in grad school. It would be terrific to find an internship and get some hands on work. There are weather consultants out there who might just take on a motivated student for a few weeks in the summer. You never know. Good luck. Jane

You are a such a pleasant voice in my Internet world. I wish that I could help you, but I too am figuring out this format. Would it help to disable the avatars and signatures? I think someone said you could do this. Welcome aboard! I hope that this becomes less painful... Jane

You will have marvelous dinner discussions if you use this method for history and literature.

I have her email. Should I contact her and tell her that she has been voted ON the island?

I had not realized this. Our purchase had been delayed by some bureaucratic restructuring within 4-H. Looks like that may be a good thing. Thank you! Jane

My husband has coached FLL teams through 4-H which purchased the robot. Several members of our group have aged out of FLL, so we are currently raising money to purchase a Vex system. The Lion's Club gave us a donation after two of the boys gave a presentation on the program. Another path some parents follow is to find Robotics clubs at science museums if there are any nearby. One of the afterschool clubs (check out science magnet schools) may also welcome you. Good luck! FLL has been a lot of fun! Jane

But I don't think that Nan is posting on this new board! Nan did a natural history study involving drawing. I can't remember if she included reading nature classics or Aristotle, but one could certainly draw on a an interesting literary/philosophical component. The real question is why does your son hate science and math? Truly, I can't fathom why anyone would.

How lovely to meet you if I have not "known" you already. My only child is a fifteen year old young man who has been homeschooled since seventh grade. Prior to that, he attended a small, nurturing Montessori School. We have always been considered odd ducks since we did not buy into the values of the traditional public school education that is offered here in a small coastal Carolina community. There were no options but one method which in my opinion focused on standardized testing: no science in elementary school, minimal arts exposure. Hence, we chose Montessori with its broader brush. When my son was in 3rd or 4th grade, I discovered the first edition of TWTM and recognized immediately what our eventual path would be. We follow a number of WTM recommendations, particularly with regard to history, literature and Latin. My husband and I both have master's degrees in mathematics, preferring the old Dolciani text books in that subject. My son also studies French (French in Action) and AP Biology (Campbell). I should have enrolled him in some online courses this year, but I am a stubborn old fool who likes to micromanage everything. Next year's plan includes both the community college and online work. My son and I both volunteer at a shorebird/raptor rehabilitation center. We feed owls, hold gannets and loons while their shark bites are cleaned, and herd pelicans when the weather requires they be moved from outside pens to indoor facilities. The owl photo was taken by my son at the shelter. This bird was struck by a car, but after a few days of assisted feeding, was successfully released in the wild. Wish I could have you all over for coffee some morning. Jane

Someone posted this on the old boards: http://www.classicalco-op.com/co_op_new/ce_tiki/tiki-index.php?page=Precis%20Writing

Our fishmonger suggested to my husband that he buy one of the spendy diamond dust sharpening blocks which he did. It works well, but we still have our knives sharpened professionally on an annual basis, right before Thanksgiving in fact. There is a man who comes to our local kitchen shop and sets up his equipment on a table outside. He only charges us $15 for five knives. My husband's carving of the Thanksgiving turket takes on a professional appearance because of the well sharpened knife that he uses! My parents gave us a set of really good knives after we married. I figure that $15 a year is a minimal investment in keeping them going for our lifetime and then some.

We loved FLL! Unfortunately my son aged out and we could not find enough kids who could make the commitment this year. (We had the robot, the adult coach and two fifteen year old mentors ready to go!) Now we are interested in moving up to Vex, the next level of the First organization. Anyone with any experience?

Frugality seems to take on different definitions to different people. I had an extreme tightwad friend who was really good at the coupon game. For me, though, the amount of time that she spent with sale flyers and cruising stores for deals was beyond what I would want to spend. My time is valuable! Also, she brought home lots of things because they were cheap or free. I remember that she once told me that I should go get this free or almost free widget. I asked her what I would do with it. "It's free." "Yeah, but what would I do with it?" These lines were repeated a few times, until we each realized that we were not speaking the same language. I think that my frugality takes on a more environmental tone. I don't want cheap stuff because it is cheap. Nor do I want a corn syrup filled diet. I guess this is all part of the picking and choosing. Cheers, Jane

My Mom used to braid rugs from discarded woolen clothing. Have you seen some of the purses and things that people are making from felting old sweaters? Recycling has great possibility! Here is one site on crocheting rugs from fabric strips: http://crochet.about.com/library/weekly/aa100299.htm Good luck with your project. I have resolved to return to my formerly crafty state. I love the satisfaction of handwork and feel that this is a component that has been missing from my life! Can't help you on the frugal forum question. Ages ago, I belonged to a frugal group from which I gleened some excellent information. But much of this sort of thing varies depending on your situation, your geographic region, etc. I know that The Tightwad Gazette was recommended to you earlier and I will do the same. I will also add some Reader's Digest books that you might be able to find at your library or at a library book sale for a dollar or so: Practical Problem Solver, The Family Handyman Helpful Hints, and Back to Basics. All teach basic skills, simple fixes, and have interesting projects. Good luck. I enjoy the frugal discussions so I hope that you will continue to post questions here on the general board. Jane

Thank you, Robin. This helps a lot!

I see that Needleroozer mentioned Coghill in a post on another thread. Any comments on this one or others? Thanks in advance. Jane

Please continue to keep us posted.

It has been extraordinarily beneficial to listen to The Teaching Company's lectures on Dante. This is what has kept us company on the way to and from hockey games during the last few weeks. (Trust me, the dear lad's reading assignments are, um, unique! But from what he tells me, the locker room represents some circle of Hell, based on smell alone!)

is reading The Inferno, as is my husband. (Ciardi's translation because we own two copies of it!) Additionally, the same son recently ran away with Bryson's latest on Shakespeare from the library bag, which was fine because I am busy with two books: Deep Economy (Bill McKibben) and The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon, a truly interesting fantasy/mystery. Oh, I do like the ability to easily underline and use italics--nice feature of the new board! Jane

I like being able to do a quick search on a name for previous posts, particularly when earlier comments are referenced or when I discover someone with whom I think I have something in common. Does the Board Master determine the longevity on the basis of date or number of posts or what? (Searching old boards in the old format could be problematic.)

This is exciting. Thank you Susan and Company.