I use haikulearning.com for my Challenge class. It has great features that are simple to use. They offer a teacher edition, which is free for one class.

Georgia Public Broadcasting has a chemistry course online at www.gpb.org/chemistry-physics. The teacher is a little corny, but the information is clearly presented and the notetaking sheets are helpful as an introduction to notetaking. We are combining the lectures with a traditional textbook for variety. Sheri

My son has done Challenges A, B, and 1 and we've been very pleased with all three. He loves getting to attend weekly classes with the other kids, participating in debates and discussions, and completing labs. The positive peer pressure and accountability have been fantastic for him. He makes sure all of his work is not only complete, but that it's well done because he knows he's going to have to present it in class. Because so much of the class time involves presenting work, participating in discussions, or doing labs, we do not change the assignments or reading even though I'm allowed to do so as his primary teacher. He doesn't want to be unprepared or unable to participate in class. We do not use Saxon at home (we love Lial, thanks to Jann in TX), but he has gone to the math seminar as a review. We have to be there anyway and it doesn't hurt to review. Occasionally I'll see a new curriculum or hear a friend talk about how much she loves what they are using and I'll wish we could use it. The feeling passes, however, when I think about how well Challenge is working for him. Relinquishing curriculum choice wasn't easy, especially at first because it's so much fun, but now I enjoy the freedom. Sheri

My kids were 10 and 12 when we visited and they said their favorite was a monument tour we did with DC By Foot (www.dcbyfoot.com). We started at the Washington Monument and ended at the Lincoln Memorial. Our tour guide was interesting, funny, and knowledgeable. Their second choice is the air and space museum. Sheri

I want to encourage you to give the homeschool coordinator a few more days and then make a follow-up call or even better, send an email request. I'm the director of a very busy group and while I try very hard to reply quickly to any requests, sometimes co-op related jobs have to wait until the weekend or until a big project is complete. It's also possible her husband simply forgot or misplaced his to-do list. Both of those have certainly happened to me. Please give them another chance! You can also see if there are any other groups in your area. Quite a few groups have started using www.homeschool-life.com and their website lets you look for groups by state. Attend a class for homeschoolers at a museum, zoo, or science center and ask the other parents what groups and activities in the community their children enjoy. Most moms love to help new homeschoolers locate those types of opportunities. Sheri

I don't know of a site like you've requested, but I found the Wheelock's Latin website helpful. It has some general pronunciation guides, as well as an audio file for each chapter. It helped me get a general feel for pronunciation as we began our Latin studies.

I saw the cookbook Eat Your Way Around the World recommended at http://harmonyartmom.blogspot.com/. It's available from Geography Matters at http://www.geomatters.com/products/details.asp?ID=374.

The year LG Year 1 links wouldn't open for me, but the Year 2 LG links worked. I'm glad you asked this question; I've been thinking through this myself.

I charged $25/hour and they had to come to my house. Driving to them would certainly have cost another $10 for gas and time.

I have 2 pair and LOVE them! The pair I wore all of last summer still looks great. In fact, I'm wearing them right now. They do tend to run a bit wide, though, so if you have a narrow foot they may not be a great fit. Sheri

Perhaps the Carson-Dellosa Hands On series? They have Chemistry, Life Science, Earth Science, and Physical Science.

If you have wall space, this pocket chart is very convenient: http://www.teachersparadise.com/c/storage-pocket-chart-p-30445.html I used a file box because we seem to do school in at least 3 rooms each day.

I bought our crate from, believe it or not, Amazon. Half the price of the pet stores and free shipping. We needed a small one, so it was about $30.

Another vote for Arizona slims from JC Penney. They are the 'skinniest' we've ever found AND they have an adjustable waistband. It's an added bonus that they are frequently on sale - I think I paid about $12 a pair at the beginning of October.

1. What is the membership fee? $35/session, 2 sessions/year 2. How many leaders does the group have? Director + 4 person leadership team 3. How are decisions made in the group (group vote, leader vote, other?)?leadership team discusses, comes to a conclusion 4. Does the group provide a monthly newsletter? If so, is it mailed or emailed to members?We use www.homeschool-life.com for all communication, reservations, registration, and class sign-ups 5. Does the group hold monthly meetings? If so, are these strictly "encouragement/fellowship" meetings or is there an agenda? 1 summer planning meeting during which we develop class schedules for both sessions, everyother month or so moms night out events, occasional meetings for classes (like CPR) or curriculum share nights 6. Is the membership restricted at all, or what are the requirements for membership? anyone can join, but we do have a statement of faith which must be signed 7. When there is discord in the group, how is that settled? Haven't experienced any and I've been on the director for 2 years and on the leadership team for 3 years before that. 8. What makes the group really great? Dedicated moms/dads who are willing to teach/assist or help in any way 9. What would you like to change about the group? I'd like to add a 'first year of homeschooling' support group. We have several new-to-homeschooling families each year who would really benefit from having a small support group to encourage them, as well as give practical direction and suggestions. ETA: 10. How many members does your group have? 60-70 families