When I started homeschooling, I had no idea how to teach homeschool science. Even the thought of teaching science used to overwhelm me. The science curriculum was dry and boring at best and I didn't have supplies for the elaborate experiments they presented. However, I was determined to make it an exciting subject for my kids. So, how do I teach homeschool science now? After experimenting, I found a variety of approaches to teach science in a fun and exciting way. Now it is a favorite subject for us all. Below I've listed the methods we use that changed science from boring to exciting.
Before I talk about each method I use, let me start with science tools. At the beginning of each year, we go over scientific tools and safety rules. To build their excitement for science, I set out the science tools we have from the Learning Resources® Primary Science Deluxe Lab Set, and we explore how they work and go over the safety rules for each one. The Science Beakers are my daughter's favorite, while the Super Science Tongs are my sons'. These tools are not the only science tools we will end up using during the year, but they are the most used tools. To add to the experience, have them wear Kids' Lab Coats!
The first method is using books. Reading is a necessary part of science. Most science curricula are text-driven; informative and detailed, which can be good, but boring. Instead of presenting the science curriculum text, I provide books with the same science topic, in a variety of genres. My kids can explore the topic from different perspectives and gather meaningful information. Children can see themselves as scientists in books like Ada Twist, or or they can see science in everyday things with Capstone Press® Our Amazing Senses Book Set. The curriculum is a great reference, but not the main text in this method. I add new science books like, Life Science 1st Grade Book Set, each year to reflect their grade and spark their curiosity for new topics! Science becomes manageable and even enticing with the right book and perspective!
Books are also a great resource for unit studies. A unit study is learning about a chosen topic through a variety of mediums. You can learn from books, curriculum, YouTube videos, documentaries, movies, field trips, hands-on experience, activities, games, and more. Several methods of teaching can be combined when doing a unit study. For example, we did a mini-unit study on dinosaurs. We watched videos and documentaries about them, read books of different genres, and visited our local Science Discovery Center. I made fossils with Dino-Mite Dinosaur Skeletons, and my children became Paleontologists and dug out the skeletons, then matched the skeletons to the Dinosaur. They also made fossils with other creatures; most of them were from our Creepy Crawly Toy Assortment pack. At the end of the week, they filled out a fun Dinosaur Facts Activity Book which was helpful for me to test their knowledge without them realizing it, and they each created and named a dinosaur! It was a great week, and they were learning science the whole time and didn't realize it!
Technology is a useful tool for teaching homeschool science. When done purposefully, the use of technology enhances our science curriculum. We have watched our fair share of science documentaries, Bill Nye, and The Magic School Bus! I was relieved to find step-by-step science experiments on YouTube as well. The World Wide Web is filled with science-based content. With a little bit of searching and discretion, you can find virtually anything!
Speaking of experiments, they are the most memorable aspect of a science lesson and one of the best methods for teaching science. Science experiments can be modified for all ages to participate and can be completed in one sitting or over several months. Science experiments are real-life learning lessons that the student can actively participate in. Students will learn by multiple learning styles and senses for most experiments, increasing their understanding. We complete most of our experiments right in the kitchen. These Super Science Test Tubes are a useful tool for experiments!
If doing experiments still feels a bit overwhelming, I suggest using a science kit. When I first started teaching homeschool science, I used kits for every experiment. I still use them and recommend science kits because they are an easy, comprehensive option. I was a little overwhelmed with teaching magnetics, so I got this STEM Explorers™ Magnet Movers kit. It checked all the boxes for our curriculum and came with an activity guide, bonus! Our magnet unit was a breeze because of this kit and my kids did additional experiments found in the activity guide. Happy dance! Next week we will use the Electronic Playground kit for our electricity unit.
One of the easiest and most overlooked methods to teach homeschool science is with pets. This method is topic-specific, but still a valuable approach to tangibly learning about science. Pets offer a close-up, real-life, lesson in science. We discuss its current habitat and the native habitat, domesticated and wild, classification, what it needs to live, discuss the differences between omnivorous, carnivorous, and herbivores, their life-cycle, list physical characteristics, label anatomy, and study its behaviors. 4-H is also a great organization to broaden your knowledge of pets. There's a lot to learn from a pet. If you don't have a pet, your child can observe insects or use an Ant Mountain kit. Yes, another kit to make your homeschooling science a breeze!
Opportunities to learn about science are all around us. Nature is bursting with science. A nature study is a great way to get your kids outside to learn about the world around them, weather permitting. Although a nature study is beneficial when learning about natural science in your area, it is limited. You will need to use a different method to teach science topics like electricity and chemistry. A few tools to have on hand before your kids explore: nature Science Journal, Sand Bucket assortment to collect nature items, Magnifying Glasses to observe details, and a See-Thru Bug Jar to collect and observe insects closely, and then put them back in nature. My kids enjoy drawing and writing in their journals about what they saw while exploring!
Field trips are another way you can get out and experience science. You can find science-based field trips within your community. I find that they are the highlight of my kids homeschool experience. Here are some places we have visited in our community. Science Discovery Center, Butterfly Garden, Zoo, Aquarium, Farm, Sunflower Farm, Animal Rescue Sanctuary, Botanical Gardens, Museum, Observatory, Caves, Rock & Minerals, Nature Center, Ice Cream shop (we learned how to make ice cream), Birds of Prey, and the University Science Dept. Search your community for opportunities to learn more.
The last method I used to teach homeschool science is through activities. Most activities are combined with another method and used to teach, reinforce, or review the lesson. For example, as I taught the life-cycle of a butterfly, I used the Learning Insects Magnetic Activity set to model the life-cycle of butterflies. The visuals helped them see the information and transformation process, not just hear it. After we learned about butterflies, I set out the Life Cycle Sticker Scene Assortment butterfly sheet. I assessed their understanding as they completed the activity. We also use Animal Classifications Sorting Boxes and Animal Movement Sorting Boxes when talking about animal physical characteristics or classification. Activities are a fun, hands-on way for kids to visualize what they are learning! I try to include an activity with every lesson.