Sickle Cell Disease

Continuing our study of cells today we covered Sickle Cell Disease. I remember seventeen years ago I received an official looking letter in the mail from our local health department. The letter informed me that our oldest had sickle cell trait, being a new mother I was upset to get such news. My husband informed me also that he had trait at that time. Thanking God I did not have the trait. Thinking back if only I had knew to ask that question when we first started dating. Not that it would have made a big impact with my decision to date him but I think that is something that should have been discussed. Three children later they all carry the trait.

We have discussed this topic in the pass with our boys but I think our oldest is the only one who truly understood what it meant. So today we researched it again deeper because I knew they all are old enough to understand. We started out looking at the disease and after I asked the big question. What does this topic have to do with us? My younger two were clueless. Then I dropped the bomb and the room went silent and eyes popped out their head. I said all three of you have sickle cell trait. WHAT!!! is all I heard them say then we have it.... 

Now this topic had their undivided attention everyone was paying attention. HOW!!! WHAT DOES THAT MEAN? So now when I meet a girl I have to ask her this question? Jaedan suggested when they meet a potential wife that they act like they are watching a video about Sickle Cell and ask if she has seen it. That way they can ease into asking questions. Gotta love that kid.

Let's just say a 45 minute science class turned into a whole day of learning about Sickle Cell and Sickle Cell Trait. This is why I love homeschooling.

Links to some of the material we covered.

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)

Fact Sheet: Sickle Cell Trait

Sickle Cell Anemia | HHMI BioInteractive

Sickle Cell Anemia -- Hope from Gene Therapy

Japanese Culture Exchange Highlights 2015

Toyota City Meets the Motor City. We had the amazing opportunity to meet 3 gentlemen from Japan. They are from churches in Toyota City, Japan, where a large percentage of our Japanese friends return to when they leave Michigan. These gentlemen have the awesome (but challenging) calling to minister to our friend when they return home.

Japan Festival 2015

Over the summer I offered craft classes in our home.

Everyone really enjoyed the classes.

Class picture with Easter baskets.

Japanese Calligraphy Lessons

Japanese Cooking Class

I have learned to cook many authentic Japanese recipes.

Dinner outings with international friends.

Jigsaw Puzzles

Sometimes we forget about the simple things in life. Jigsaw puzzles are a great educational tool for all ages. Working on puzzles and solving them provides us with many helpful benefits. First of all it makes us alert, increases our concentration, expands our creativity. My goal is to use them more often in our classroom to help with cognitive development. 

Some of the various benefits of completing jigsaw puzzles:

• enhances visual perception
• hones coordination
• improves memory
• develops critical thinking
• increases dopamine production in the brain
• heightens creativity
• stimulates the whole brain

BobbleHead 3d Printed Robot

Jaedan completed his first Blender software project a 3d printed bobble-head. It took him two months to complete the online class.  The class was a bit challenging at times but he did not give up. He missed a few major steps but was able to go back and make corrections which took extra time. In the end he is very pleased with the outcome and looks forward to future projects using the knowledge he gained from the class.