The Wired Homeschool

Don’t miss this opportunity to see a phenomenon you and your kids will talk about for years. Please note: This podcast episode is from 2017 but I have updated this blog post for the upcoming solar eclipse in 2024.The best way to see the eclipse in 2024 is to be somewhere along the path of totality that goes from Mexico to Maine. Even if you’re outside this area, you’ll still be treated to a sight unparalleled in all of nature.Think about it: the moon will pass between the earth and the sun and darkness will engulf you. The stars will be visible at midday!A short video illustrating why we don’t have an eclipse every month.See the Eclipse in PersonThe best way to view the eclipse is to be there in person. For many people in the United States, you can drive 4-6 hours and be along the path of totality.If you live along that path, or you plan to travel, here are a few tips:1. Plan AheadDon’t wait until the last minute to make plans. Travel will be difficult as the date approaches, especially around major metropolitan areas.If you want to use this as an opportunity to teach your kids about astronomy, find some books or videos to share with them. You might want to start with my blog post Best Resources for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse.2. Be SafeWhether it’s while traveling or when viewing the eclipse, safety is important. Animals freak out when an eclipse occurs so if you’re in a rural area watch out for strange behavior.Don’t plan to drive too far on the day of the eclipse. If you need to travel that day be conscious of the fact that many people will be trying to do the same thing.Make sure you have protective eyewear for viewing the eclipse. DO NOT look directly at the sun until it’s totally covered! Once the sun is covered, you can remove your glasses for naked eye observation.3. Be CourteousI recommend that you and your family observe the event alone. If you plan to go to a viewing party be aware of the people around you. Don’t block a person’s view.If someone has a telescope, DO NOT just walk up and use it. Don’t even touch it without permission. Professional and amateur astronomers are kind and helpful people but touching their equipment without permission is a no-no.Where to Watch OnlineIdeally, you want to see the eclipse in person. However, work requirements, family situations, and other situations out of your control may prevent that.If you live anywhere in the lower 48 states, you’ll be able to see a partial eclipse. The same safety rules apply when viewing the eclipse. At no point during a partial eclipse is it safe for you to remove protective eyewear.If it’s cloudy where you are or you live in Alaska or Hawaii or you want to watch the eclipse from overseas I recommend checking out the NASA Live Stream or the SLOOH Live Stream.Both of these sites will have excellent programming leading up to and on the day of the eclipse. Again, it’s not the best option but it’s better than nothing.If you found value in these ideas, maybe consider buying me a coffee? Even though new episodes aren’t actively being made, there are still costs for hosting and maintaining the website. You can also follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.And just so you know, some links you might see are “affiliate links,” meaning if you click and buy, I might get a commission. Sometimes I even get free samples to review, all disclosed transparently.Music for the podcast is “RetroFuture Clean” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

If you’re new to the podcast, you might be wondering why I haven’t released an episode. If you’ve been around here for a long time you may want to know what’s going on.If you want to keep up with me on social media (not the blog/podcast) you can follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

Are you planning to give your child a smartphone, tablet, or console this holiday season? Before you wrap it (if you haven’t already) consider doing a few things first.Set ExpectationsThe number one piece of advice I give parents when buying their child a device is to set expectations. You need to decide what kind of restrictions you’ll put in place and how you want it to be used. Will you limit how often and how long they’re allowed to use it? Will you limit the types of games they’re allowed to play? All of these things should be thought about before you give them the device so you can set their expectations after they receive it.Device ControlsNearly every electronic device comes with some form of parental controls. I’ve advocated for them for over 10 years and companies are finally making it easier for parents to manage how, when, and how long their children use their devices.Screen Time (iOS) – Apple has always had a walled garden so you’ll either need to manage your child’s device directly or use another iOS device. Screen Time has great controls and works well with Family Sharing.Family Link (Android) If you got your child any smartphone besides an iPhone you most-likely will use Family Link to manage parental controls. Fortunately, they have an iOS app too.Amazon FreeTime Fire tablets, TVs, and even Alexa-enable devices can be managed with Amazon’s FreeTime. In my experience, Amazon has the weakest controls.Consoles: The Nintendo Switch and XBox both have dedicated apps that you can use to manage parental controls on their consoles. Sony’s Playstation requires you to use a browser or its general Playstation app.Network ControlsFor whole-house Internet controls you can turn to your router or a secondary device. If you’re using the router your Internet provider installed, check with them for information on parental controls. I suggest either a second router for the kids or Circle by Disney.Circle Home Plus – The Circle Home Plus device connects with your router to manage every Internet-connected device on your home network.Home Router – Every home router these days has some level of parental controls. Check your manufacturer’s website for instructions to configure those settings.Software and AppsNo solution will fully protect you and your children so if you need to take a belt and suspenders approach I recommend installing an app on their device for additional monitoring.Covenant Eyes – I’ve been an advocate (and affiliate) for Covenant Eyes for over a decade. They’re the gold-standard when it comes to monitoring and filtering.Accountable2You – If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, Accountable2You has got you covered. It occasionally triggers false alarms but I’ve still found it to be a useful tool.If you found value in this episode of The Wired Homeschool, consider a donation that reflects the value you received by buying me a coffee.Music for the podcast is “Loopster” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/Some of the links in the posts on this site are “affiliate links.” That means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I receive a commission. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

If you were forced into homeschooling because of an emergency, you may have found that it works well for your family and want to continue.Maybe you’re not comfortable with how your school district is planning to reopen or you’ve decided that this is something you think is a good fit for your family.In this episode of The Wired Homeschool my wife Lisa joins me to talk about homeschooling philosophy, curriculum, online resources, and more.We condense 20 years of homeschooling into a 30-minute episode. Listen in to learn what you need to know if you plan to homeschool after COVID.Resources mentioned (in order):DuckstersCathy Duffy ReviewsThe Great CoursesKhan AcademyMultiflyerMark RoberCincinnati ZooDeep Space SparkleArt for Kids HubScouter MomDanica McKellar’s Math BooksIf you found value in these ideas, maybe consider buying me a coffee? Even though new episodes aren’t actively being made, there are still costs for hosting and maintaining the website. You can also follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.And just so you know, some links you might see are “affiliate links,” meaning if you click and buy, I might get a commission. Sometimes I even get free samples to review, all disclosed transparently.Music for the podcast is “RetroFuture Clean” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

If you’re looking for homeschooling inspiration, you might not immediately think of a Fortune 500 CEO. But Ursula Burns—the powerhouse who led Xerox and headed the White House STEM program—is a masterclass in authenticity and strategic thinking. Whether you are a veteran homeschooler or just starting out, here are six leadership lessons from Ursula Burns that can transform your school year. 1. Own Your “Different” (Be Authentic) In the early days of her career, Ursula Burns famously refused to change her hair to fit a corporate mold. She encourages people, especially in STEM, to use their uniqueness as a way to stand out rather than blend in. The Homeschool Takeaway: Sometimes being the “homeschool family” feels like a burden or a label we have to explain. Instead, teach your kids to lean into it. Their unconventional education is their superpower. It makes them unique, adaptable, and interesting. Don’t just be okay with being different—own it. 2. Listen to the “Employees” (Your Kids!) Great CEOs don’t bark orders from an ivory tower; they listen to the people on the ground. Ursula Burns knew that for a company to thrive, she needed to hear from her team. The Homeschool Takeaway: You might be the principal, but your kids are your team. As they grow, their interests will shift. If you want them to stay invested in their education, you have to listen to what sparks their curiosity. When they have a say in what they learn, they take ownership of how they learn. 3. You Can’t Do It All Alone Burns has been vocal about the fact that partners need to step up, especially when it comes to raising a family. No one reaches the top of a global company (or a successful school year) without a support system. The Homeschool Takeaway: One parent shouldn’t carry the entire weight of education, house management, and planning. Whether it’s involving your spouse, joining a co-op, or utilizing online resources, remember that homeschooling is a team sport. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. 4. Stand Your Ground From navigating tough business deals to advocating for STEM, Burns knows how to hold her position. The Homeschool Takeaway: Let’s be real—you’re probably going to face skepticism. Whether it’s a pushy relative or a stranger at the grocery store asking about socialization, you need to be confident in your “why.” Know your reasons for homeschooling and be prepared to stand your ground when your choices are questioned. 5. Measure What Actually Matters In business, you track goals to make better decisions. But Burns knows that the right metrics matter more than just raw numbers. The Homeschool Takeaway: Grades and test scores are just data points—they aren’t the end goal. In our house, we measure success by a love of learning and the ability to solve problems. Ask yourself: Is my child becoming a resourceful, kind, and curious adult? That’s the “ROI” (Return on Investment) that truly counts. 6. If You’re Not Having Fun, You’re Doing It Wrong Burns is a big believer that you need to enjoy your work to truly succeed. The Homeschool Takeaway: If homeschooling feels like a heavy chain around your neck every day, something needs to change. There is so much joy to be found in a “history nugget” or a science experiment gone wrong. Find the fun in the process. When the teacher is enjoying the journey, the students will too. If you found value in these ideas, maybe consider buying me a coffee? Even though new episodes aren’t actively being made, there are still costs for hosting and maintaining the website. You can also follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms. And just so you know, some links you might see are “affiliate links,” meaning if you click and buy, I might get a commission. Sometimes I even get free samples to review, all disclosed transparently. Music for the podcast is “RetroFuture Clean” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Educational content is available all over the Internet. As streaming services become more popular, more educational documentaries become available to homeschoolers. Previously, I’ve shared YouTube channels and documentaries on Netflix that are educational. In this episode of The Wired Homeschool, I share 10 documentaries you can find on Hulu right now that you can use for homeschooling. The list reflects my leaning towards science and technology (especially, space) but you can find other interesting educational content on Hulu that covers topics like humanities, finances, and history. Updated 3/16/2020 — Since the release of the podcast, some of the titles mentioned in the recording are no longer available. I’ve substituted the missing titles with the current ones. Drugs, Inc. Drugs: A multibillion-dollar industry that fuels crime and violence like no other substance on the planet. Turning cartel leaders into billionaires, the illegal drug industry also provides vital income to hundreds of thousands of poor workers across the globe. Rating: TV-14. Watch now. Mythbusters The MythBusters, Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, two special effects experts with more than 30 years of experience, methodically set out to bust urban legends. Rating: PG. Watch now. What on Earth Some images caught by satellites in space defy explanation: massive tsunamis that disappear, a sinister blood-red lake in war-torn Baghdad and a whirlpool in the ocean the size of a state asking experts, analysing the sites on the ground ‘What on Earth’. Rating: TV-PG. Watch now. Above and Beyond: NASA’s Journey to Tomorrow Directed, produced, and narrated by Academy Award®-nominated and Emmy®-winning Rory Kennedy, the film examines the ways NASA has changed not only our vision of the universe, but also our planet, and ourselves. Running time: 90 minutes. Rating: NR. Watch now Apollo 11 Crafted from a newly-discovered trove of 70mm footage, and more than 11,000 hours of uncatalogued audio recordings, Apollo 11 goes straight to the heart of NASA’s most celebrated mission. Rating: G. Watch now. Lo and Behold: Reveries of the Connected World Oscar®-nominated documentarian Werner Herzog (Grizzly Man, Cave of Forgotten Dreams) chronicles the virtual world from its origins to its outermost reaches. Rating: PG-13. Watch now RBG An intimate portrait of an unlikely rock star: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. With unprecedented access, the filmmakers explore how her early legal battles changed the world for women. Rating: PG. Watch now. How It’s Made How It’s Made shows viewers how many of the everyday objects we seldom stop to think about become the things they are. Viewers will be amazed to see the process of how many common items are manufactured in high-tech factories around the world. Running time: 22 minutes per episode. Rating: TV-G. Watch now. Revolt In this documentary series, we explore the future of energy in America’s Heartland and how that will shape the future of our climate. Running time: 11-15 minutes. Rating: NR. Watch now. Zero Days A black ops cyber-attack launched by the U.S. and Israel on an Iranian nuclear facility unleashed malware with unforeseen consequences. The Stuxnet virus infiltrated its pre-determined target only to spread its infection outward, ultimately exposing systemic vulnerabilities that threatened the very safety of the planet. Delve deep into the burgeoning world of digital warfare in this documentary thriller from Academy Award® winning filmmaker Alex Gibney. Running time: 114 minutes. Rating: R. Watch now. If you found value in these ideas,...

Michael Prince from BecauseFamily joins me again to discuss safe digital parenting. With the holidays just around the corner, you’ll want to make sure any gifts you’re giving to your kids are safe and ready to use when they’re unwrapped. Michael and I talk about some of the things you’ll want to do before handing a pocket-computer over to your kids this Christmas. Resources iOS 12’s Screen Time App Changes Everything!The Best Way to Keep Your Kids Safe On YoutubeCircle With Disney Whole-House Device ManagementAccountable2You – Accountability SoftwareBark – Monitor Your Kid’s Online Activity If you found value in these ideas, maybe consider buying me a coffee? Even though new episodes aren’t actively being made, there are still costs for hosting and maintaining the website. You can also follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms. And just so you know, some links you might see are “affiliate links,” meaning if you click and buy, I might get a commission. Sometimes I even get free samples to review, all disclosed transparently. Music for the podcast is “RetroFuture Clean” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Many kids and parents are fascinated by the night sky but don’t know where to start with nightly observations. With Experience Astronomy homeschool parents and students can learn to navigate the heavens and figure out if that bright light is a planet, star, or just an airplane. About Luke Gilkerson Luke Gilkerson is the creator of Experience Astronomy, a series of online courses for homeschool students of all ages. For the last several years he has taught astronomy at his local homeschool co-op and now also enjoys teaching over 1,000 students all over the world about the sky! Learn more at experienceastronomy.com. Links mentioned in the podcast Experience AstronomyNeave Planetarium  If you found value in these ideas, maybe consider buying me a coffee? Even though new episodes aren’t actively being made, there are still costs for hosting and maintaining the website. You can also follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms. And just so you know, some links you might see are “affiliate links,” meaning if you click and buy, I might get a commission. Sometimes I even get free samples to review, all disclosed transparently. Music for the podcast is “RetroFuture Clean” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

A major part of homeschooling involves teaching practical life skills like how to fix cars. OK, maybe not everyone needs to learn to fix a car but basic maintenance or knowing when to take your car to a mechanic are skills every homeschooler should learn. If you have a budding mechanic or if you don’t think you can’t teach your kids to change the oil in a car, you can lean on these 7 YouTube channels to help you and your kids learn how to fix cars. 1. Scotty Kilmer With 50 years of experience as a mechanic, Scotty Kilmer provides down-to-earth advice in his videos. You won’t get detailed instructions for repairs but his decades of experience are an invaluable resource for beginner mechanics. 2. Eric the Car Guy When I need to fix something on my 2000 Honda Civic or 2004 Odyssey, the first YouTube channel I check is Eric the Car Guy‘s. Eric’s videos often provide step-by-step instructions for many common repairs. It also helps that he used to be a Honda-certified mechanic. 3. Humble Mechanic Honestly, I don’t know how Charles, aka Humble Mechanic, keeps his beard out of the way when he works. Here’s another great channel to learn how to repair cars with step-by-step instructions. 4. Engineering Explained When I want to learn about certain automotive principles I check out Engineering Explained. On this channel, Chris explains how a car works. This is very important when you want to learn to repair them 5. ChrisFix Often when you see videos on YouTube they don’t show you how to make the repairs with common hand tools. ChrisFix shows you how easy it is to maintain and repair your car with common hand tools. 6. Richpin The first mechanic channel I subscribed to was Richpin’s. I had an old Saturn wagon that needed some mechanical help and his videos helped me save money by doing the repairs myself. Bonus: Mighty Car ModsOut of all the channels, Marty and Moog over at Mighty Car Mods are probably the most entertaining. What started as a channel that featured simple modifications done on a weekend now features weeks-long projects that turn out fantastic & fun cars. If you found value in these ideas, maybe consider buying me a coffee? Even though new episodes aren’t actively being made, there are still costs for hosting and maintaining the website. You can also follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms. And just so you know, some links you might see are “affiliate links,” meaning if you click and buy, I might get a commission. Sometimes I even get free samples to review, all disclosed transparently. Music for the podcast is “RetroFuture Clean” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

When you think of 3D printers, what comes to mind? Do you think technology like 3d printing is beyond the reach of homeschoolers?It’s not! 3D printers have become affordable and easy to use. There are many 3D printers that have been specifically designed for home use and homeschoolers can use them to teach STEM topics.Your kids can learn about 3D modelling, engineering, and other scientific principles while designing their own creations. Who knows, maybe your child might design a better mousetrap with his or her 3D printer.In this podcast, I’ll cover the basics of 3D printing, some basic guidelines to consider when purchasing a 3D printer and talk about 5 3D printers under $500 for homeschooling. If you’re already familiar with 3D printing you can skip ahead to the list.How Do 3D Printers Work?Let’s start with a primer on how 3D printing works. 3D printing can also be referred to as “additive manufacturing”. The printer slowly adds material to build the 3D object through an extruder.Most 3D printers use a technology called Fused Deposition Modeling, or FDM for short. The material, or filament, is added layer by layer on to a build plate in 2D layers. When all of the layers have been completed, a 3D object has been printed.The filament in a printer can consist of many different materials but most are PLA or ABS plastic. All the printers discussed here use PLA, a non-toxic material derived from natural materials like sugar cane.For more information about 3D printing and how 3D printers work, check out this guide from 3Dprint: What is 3D Printing & How Do 3D Printers Work?Things to Consider When Buying a 3D PrinterPrices for 3D printers vary depending on their application. Many entry-level 3D printers can be had for under $500. Some hobbyists spend $2,000 – $5,000 on personal 3D printers.I’m primarily focusing on entry-level 3D printers designed for home use. If you plan to purchase one here are some things to consider:Safety features. The filament can be very hot when extruded from the nozzle so consider features like an enclosure and a tip sensor so that printing stops if the door is opened or the printer is tipped.Ease of use and setup. Does the 3D printer need to be assembled or is it ready to go out of the box? Is the software provided easy to use for your kids?Cost of supplies. Most printers come with a small about of filament. Once that runs out how much will it cost? Does the 3D printer support generic filament or is it proprietary?Software included. What software is included with the printer? Is it compatible with other 3D printing software or can you only use the software designed specifically for the 3d printer?Online resources. Does the manufacturer provide online educator’s resources? Are there lesson plans and a curriculum guide available? Are these guides designed for home use or in a classroom?Build volume and resolution. How big are the objects that you can print? Also, how fine is the nozzle? Can you print smooth and intricate objects or will you need to manually add details.Production speed. Depending on the size and complexity of the object being printed, it can take as little as 10 minutes or several hours to complete. If you have impatient kids, consider a 3D printer with faster production speeds.Additional features. Heated plates, wireless or Bluetooth connectivity, and LCD screens are just some of the options you’ll find. Typically, the more convenience features a 3D printer has, the higher the cost.5 3D Printers Under $500 for HomeschoolingNow that we’ve covered the basics of 3D printing and what you want to look for in a 3D printer, let’s talk about some of the 3D printers that you might want to consider for homeschooling.da Vinci miniMakerXYZprinting’s da Vinci series is colorful and affordable. Designed specifically for young kids, the miniMaker uses a proprietary filament and software package.It comes with 300g of starter filament and you’ll have access to a free online curriculum and education guide.It has one the largest build areas on this list at 5.9″ x 5.9″ x 5.9″ but the built plate is not removable.da Vinci miniMaker – $189 at AmazonMP Select MiniThe MP Select Mini is a great 3D printer for people who want an open platform. It can use any compatible filament and software package.Despite its low price, it features a heated build plate , color LED screen, nozzle cooling fan, and accessory kit. All of these features are normally only found in more expensive 3D printers.It ships fully assembled but getting started has a pretty steep learning curve. Be prepared to tinker and tweak to get it going. Build area is 4.7″ x 4.7″ x 4.7″.MP Select Mini – $219 at AmazonToyBoxToybox is designed to get kids started with 3D printing quickly and easily. It comes with a companion app that lets kids find and print toys easily. It has the smallest build area on the list: 3.5″ x 3″ x 3.9″It comes with half a pound (~225g) of “printer food” and features a removable, flexible build bed that allows kids to easily remove their builds. Additional “food packs” are available for $34 that include your choice of 4 colors of filament.Toybox is currently on back-order until March and will retail for $399 but if you purchase through their crowdfunding campaign you’ll save 25%.Preorder ToyBox from IndieGoGo – $299Flashforge FinderThe Finder is an entry-level 3D printer from Flashforge. It comes pre-assembled, is easy to use, and features a number of convenience features.It uses a proprietary filament so you’ll be buying your supplies from Flashforge and that will limit your selection of colors.Features include a filament run-out detection, a color LCD screen, removable built plate, and USB stick support. The build area is about 5.5″ x 5.5″ x 5.5″ making it one of the largest in the group.Flashforge Finder at Amazon – $399Printrbot PlayPrintrbot Play provides high-quality 3D printing at an affordable price. It has a metal chassis, fan shroud, and heat shield to protect little fingers from touching the hot nozzle.Printrbot Play uses open filament so you’ll have plenty of choices with regard to color and spool capacity. Printrbot is known for their customer service and a great community surrounding their 3D printers.In addition, PrintrBot provides lesson plans and other educational resources for use with their 3D printers.The movable stage has a print volume of 4″ x 4″ x 5″.Printrbot Play at Amazon – $499Do you have a 3D printer? What model would you recommend? Are you thinking about introducing 3d printing to your kids? Let me know in the comments below.If you found value in these ideas, maybe consider buying me a coffee? Even though new episodes aren’t actively being made, there are still costs for hosting and maintaining the website. You can also follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms.And just so you know, some links you might see are “affiliate links,” meaning if you click and buy, I might get a commission. Sometimes I even get free samples to review, all disclosed transparently.Music for the podcast is “RetroFuture Clean” Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/