Time Commitment

Usually 2-3 hours per week of work, including class.

Week 1 – DaVinci Bridge

When Sultan Bayezid II, ruler of the Ottoman Empire from 1481 to 1512, put out a request for designs for a bridge that could span the Golden Horn, Leonardo da Vinci sketched out a design in 1502. If built, the bridge would have been the longest at that time, 918.6 feet (280 meters). The bridge design was not chosen. The bridge would have to wait until 2019 to be built by a group at MIT.

During class on week 1, learners will study this fascinating historical invention as they draw plans like da Vinci did, and then build the bridge!

Week 2 – Marshmallow Catapult

The earliest catapult was built in the 7^th century B.C.E. (and it didn’t shoot marshmallows!) Catapults were used throughout history from that time into World War I. The purpose of a catapult is to extend the range and force of propelled projectiles.

During class, we will build a catapult, then we will experiment and see which goes farther, marshmallows thrown by hand or marshmallows launched by catapult.

Week 3 – Buoyant Boats with Archimedes

Archimedes didn’t invent boats, but his thinking about them is important for understanding why boats float! Archimedes was a classical Greek thinker and tinkerer who lived from about 287 B.C. to 212 B.C.E. He realized (while in the bathtub, according to history) that the weight of the water that is pushed out of the way is equal to the lifting force on that object. In this week’s class, students will apply Archimedes principles and design thinking to a foil boat & learn why boats float as they do.

Week 3 is also report week. This week, students can report about a famous historical invention of their choice.

Skills Needed
None

Skills Gained

• Students will gain an understanding of some important basic concepts in design and engineering
• Students will learn important on-topic vocabulary
• Students will learn lab technique
• Students will gain an understanding of the scientific method

Individual Support
Families and learners are welcome to share any information about their individual learning preferences and needs and instructor will make accommodations that are helpful to the class.

Materials List: 
Listed on the Teachable website. All materials are inexpensive, easy to obtain, and in most cases you already will have them at home.

Class Interaction: 
Live sessions will be best experienced with a camera and microphone. Parents will need a Zoom account (free).

Blair Lee, M.S.

Blair’s goal through her speaking and writing is to empower educators to dare to be innovative and create something unique and academically-rich when handcrafting their child’s journey through learning.

Visit Blair’s Profile & Policies

This is the first time this class has been taught, so there are no reviews for it yet. Below you will find reviews from parents and students who have taken other classes with Blair.

• Hi! I’m listening to my 6.5 year old ASD/ADHD/SPD/GAD kid in his science class with Blair right now, and I just feel like everyone should know how incredible these classes are. They’re hands-on, engaging, absolutely challenging but also totally appropriate for interested young kids, and FULL of great science. Blair and Alison have been so patient and kind with Gus and they do a great job developing a comfortable and exciting learning community. We’ll definitely be signing up for more classes and I’ll recommend them to anyone who’s looking. If you’ve been on the fence, give it a try!
   
  Update: He is running around the house finding simple machines, and just grabbed a pencil to draw as many types of levers as he can imagine  Becca and Gus
• Annabelle looked forward to taking Blair’s Marine Science classes every week. She was so excited to contribute to the discussions and really felt empowered by how Blair and Alison interact with the learners. Annabelle now feels more confident sharing her marine science knowledge with family, friends and really anyone that will listen. It also reignited a passion to save marine life. Annabelle felt so proud of the reports she completed and presented to the class. That was also thanks to the enthusiasm, love and support given to her by her AMAZING teachers. Thank you Blair and Alison!!! Annabelle is always engaged and learning. I love how real terminology is used and learned. No dumbing down. High expectations that all seem to meet! Blair and Alison are so kind and really engage with each learner and make sure everyone is seen, heard and valued.   Yvonne And Annabelle 

• Blair really brings the subject to life when she teaches. My daughter can’t help but be so excited about the topic she is hearing about from Blair! Marine Biology has such amazing nuances on the amazing creatures of the ocean. I found myself wanting to listen in on my daughters class, as I LOVED hearing so many cool things about kelp, and endangered species. My daughter leads the way when it is time for this class. (and not all her classes) She gets to class early to chit chat and see her instructors and LOVES learning in such a safe, and fun environment. Colleen and Millie

• The dog communication lab was really fun. It was the best online class I’ve ever had. My daughter had an excellent experience with Blair in the Wolves class. She was always very excited to login to each class, and came running out with a smile and tons of facts to share after each session. Would absolutely recommend it. We look forward to her next classes! Kate and Alice

• From the student: The instructors made the material, which might sound bland and boring, super fun. Blair is an exciting teacher who is clearly very enthusiastic about her work. From the parent: Blair is very supportive of her students and was prompt with communication if we ever needed anything outside of class hours. I would recommend her classes to anyone! Rachel and Carlos

• Loved the Interactive part. My learner is very social (can get distracted/be distracting) but the teacher was good at letting her meet her social needs and gently redirecting when needed. My daughter is very engaged in the content and enjoys the live and interactive format of the classes. Blair Lee does a great job with these classes. Erika and Hazel

• Biology 2 has been a well structured class. The course content and materials cover the subject well and the weekly meetings have been welcomed for continuity. Blair’s enthusiasm for the subject comes across strongly and is encouraging for the young learners. Sheila and Elisa

Reviews for SEA Online Classes.

• SEA online classes have a way about them that ENCOURAGES my child in a way that I know that EVERY instructor will bring my child to life, and empower my child to work harder as she WANTS to do her best. I never worry about a teacher who shames or uses cohesion in class. That is a gift! SEA has teachers of very high character and professionalism. C.D.

• From homeschooling parent classes to learn how to best guide our learners to outsourcing subject classes with passionate teachers, SEA Online Classes have been a vital part of our homeschooling journey. I am so grateful for the variety of subjects offered and for the wonderful team making it all happen. We are happy to support SEA online classes, where we hope to be learning for years to come! Outsourcing some of our subjects has been a positive change to our homeschooling curriculum. It has allowed myself and children to stay on target this year and I’m very appreciative of the teachers and this forum for our learning. Sheila 

For More Reviews for Blair and her Classes, check out the slider at the bottom of this page!