I think the most important part is to remove power struggle from your and DS relationship. If you can walk away from the arguments then he will have nobody to fight with. It may look like giving in but sometimes that's the smartest thing to do. I like to be in control but if it ends up with a battle of wills then neither one of us is in control, we both loose. This was the most important lesson I learned during the first few weeks/months of homeschooling. If you think something will end up with power struggle then don't even go there.

I love all the suggestions regarding your DS's interest in ship. It's amazing how much you can do with a subject of strong interest.

Homeschool Co-op has an excellent list of places to visit, the best I've seen so far.

http://www.homeschoolbuyersco-op.org/field-trips/

LMom