Beltane: Solutions & Modern America
Solutions, Acids & Bases, and the Progressive Era
🔥 Unit Overview
Beltane celebrates fire, fertility, and community—the creative spark that drives change. In chemistry, we study solutions and acids/bases: how substances mix and react. In history, we trace America from Reconstruction through the Progressive Era, examining how the nation grappled with its ideals. Students complete major research projects, demonstrating their growth as scholars.
📚 Learning Goals
English II
- • Conduct independent research
- • Evaluate and cite sources
- • Write formal research papers
- • Present findings effectively
Geometry
- • Calculate area of polygons
- • Find surface area of 3D figures
- • Calculate volume of solids
- • Solve composite figure problems
Chemistry
- • Describe solution properties
- • Calculate concentration
- • Explain acid-base chemistry
- • Perform titration calculations
U.S. History
- • Evaluate Reconstruction's legacy
- • Analyze Gilded Age issues
- • Explain Progressive reforms
- • Understand America's global role
Weekly Lessons
🕯️ Hearth Circle
Community and connection; dissolving barriers
📖 Language Arts
Research project introduction; topic selection; source evaluation
📐 Math
Area of polygons; composite figures
⚗️ Science
Solutions; solutes and solvents; solubility factors
🇺🇸 History
Reconstruction; 13th, 14th, 15th Amendments; freedmen's experiences
🎨 Art
Solution art; watercolors and dissolution
🏃 Movement
Community building activities
😫 "Just Can't" Day Alternatives
When the full lesson feels like too much, try these lighter alternatives:
- 📺 Watch chemistry experiment videos (NileRed, ChemicalForce)
- 🎧 Listen to history podcasts on the Progressive Era
- 🎮 Play pH and titration simulation games
- 📱 Explore 3D geometry with GeoGebra
- 🎨 Create pH indicator art with red cabbage
See the supply list for optional "Just Can't" Day purchase suggestions.