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Science Secrets: Keep It Simple!

By Maggie Hogan


 
What constitutes a Good Science Curriculum?

Cathy Duffy, author of 100 Top Picks For Homeschool Curriculum writes: “Field Trips, experiments, observation, and nature collections will all stimulate interest [in science] in children. They should be a major part of our science curriculum . . .

Our goals in teaching science for elementary levels (K-6) should be:

  • To turn children on to science

  • To expose children to many of the numerous aspects of science


  • To teach children the foundations of scientific method - orderly thinking and forming, testing, and evaluating hypotheses.”


    • Secret # 1
    Elementary science should be Fun

    Secret # 2
    What We Perform We Remember

    Secret # 3
    Attitude is Everything (Yours!)

    Simple Science Unit

  • Pick a topic. Here are several suggestions:



  • Gather an assortment of resource books, colorful picture and informational children’s books, games, and videos.


  • Encourage the kids to read look at and read as much as they wish. Take special note of any strong interest and encourage it.


  • Plan experiments, activities, crafts, and recipes to use.


  • Make a list of trips to take.


  • Using the above materials, make a plan for the next eight weeks.


  • Keep a book list and a record of your studies--either one family notebook, or individual student notebooks. Don’t forget to take pictures!


  • Finish the unit with a family fun night based on your topic. Kids can show what they learned.


    • Creative Ways to Present Information Learned
    (or How NOT to do a book report!)

    Poem
    Song
    Skit
    Diorama
    Picture book
    ABC Book
    Video
    Mural
    Computer
    Multi-media presentation
    Oral report with visuals
    Games or Game show
    Book jacket
    Puppet show
    Audiotape

    One of Cathy Duffy’s 100 Top picks is: Christian Kids Explore Biology by Stephanie Redmond $29.95 1st – 6th grades. Christian, complete, and teacher friendly. Includes both hands-on and elements of the classical approach.

    New! Christian Kids Explore Chemistry 5th – 8th grades. $29.95. Watch for Christian Kids Explore Earth & Space summer of 2005.