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Monthly Archives May 2014

Collecting Stamps: The Most Popular Hobby

May 24, 2014 In category Blog

Stamps have an interesting history. They were created from a need of a better system for delivering letters. I’m sure you’ve seen in movies or plays the folded letters sealed with wax, given to the delivery person. It was then taken to the recipient who was to pay the delivery guy. The price was often high. If you didn’t have money to pay the delivery fee, you didn’t get your letter no matter how important it was. I’m sure the IRS is happy that stamps were created.

As with most systems in history, people found ways to circumvent problems. Are you old enough to remember the collect call commercial with “Bob Wehadababyitsaboy” calling?

Its a funny way to think about cheating the system, but that’s essentially what people did with letters...

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Stars, Planets, & Black Holes! Tips To Get Into Astronomy.

May 13, 2014 In category Blog

Summer time is a great time to do outdoor activities. Swimming, camping, amusement parks, beaches. Star gazing, too! Perhaps we know how to find the big dipper, but how do we help our kids learn about the stars or what if they ask about black holes? I asked my friend, who pursued a career in astronomy, a few questions to map out some tips. Her name is Lara Eakins and she works at The University of Texas.International Observe the Moon Night

The Hobby Hound:
We took astronomy in high school together but how long have you had an affinity for it?

Lara:
Probably since I was about 4 or 5 years old, but I think it really took off after I saw the original “Cosmos” when I was 8 years old. (It’s so cool that I have to designate the “original” vs “new”!!)

The Hobby Hound:
What is your current job title?

Lara:
My “official” titl...

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What are you doing this summer? Learn with a hobby!

May 9, 2014 In category Blog

Are we done with those tests already? Is summer here yet? Like your kids, you’re probably thinking of all the possible things you could do during the summer, keeping an eye out for those swimming schedules and camps of interest. It’s all good. They keep the kids busy and happy for sure. What do you do if you’re in between activities or can’t afford those camps? Hobbies are a great way to pass the time!

Hobbies have many benefits. I like how they support the project-based learning approach and can be totally self-directed learning. Project-based learning is exactly that, learning through a project with guidance. BIE.org has a good list explaining what pbl is here. Self-directed learning has very little guidance from teachers (or parents) within a goal or project idea. selfdirectedlearning...

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