Do you ever find yourself intimidated by certain subjects? I know many
moms dread teaching science, perhaps because of their own weak science
background. Some of them attempt to avoid the subject entirely; others
overreact and try to cram years’ worth of information into a single
year.
I just heard from one parent who has scheduled her little kindergartener
for a full, three-day-a-week science program using a complete curriculum
along with all the extras. But she’s still concerned it isn’t enough.
Ever been there? I sure have! It’s easy to feel either insecure or
overly zealous, especially teaching topics in which we may feel
inadequate. But let’s remember why we are home schooling . . .
God Provides
We began home schooling in 1991, blissfully unaware that there was such
a thing as "home-school curriculum." Not knowing any better, I used our
own books, the library, Scouts, the community, the Institute for
Creation Resource, and the out-of-doors as our science curriculum. You
know what? It worked! Not only did it work, it worked well. My sons have
excelled in the sciences and in all the ways one measures science
achievement. Most importantly, they are able to logically and
compellingly express their understanding and belief in creationism to
skeptical evolutionists. Despite my own weakness in this subject, God
has again and again provided. We learn about science as another
manifestation of loving and glorifying God.
It’s Supposed To Be (At Least) Interesting!
I’d like to share with you strategies I’ve used over the years to teach
science and encourage you to relax and enjoy the pursuit of scientific
knowledge with your kids. It’s ever so much more fun than feeling
chained to worksheet pages!
I came across this quote by Cathy Duffy a few years ago and found it
mirrored exactly what I’d been trying to do with my science courses:
Cathy Duffy, author of Christian Home Educator’s Curriculum Manual,
Elementary Grades 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... The best way to meet these goals is NOT by
using science textbooks. We can turn our children on to science by
teaching them to observe, experiment, read, and think about the things
that surround us."
Science Goals
My husband and I would choose four topics a year to study in-depth,
allowing the boys to have some say in the decision. Then we’d find great
resources, take field trips, read-aloud, look things up, and discuss,
discuss, discuss. (Well, okay, we are a very verbal family!) What were
the goals of all this reading, discussing, and exploring?
To approach problems using the process of orderly thinking (the basis
of the scientific method).
To allow the boys time for in-depth exploration when they lit on a
topic they loved.
To generate and maintain an enthusiasm for science.
True Confessions
I don’t always LOVE science!! Some sciences I find to be a bit, well,
boring. Other times I might find it to be, technically speaking, gross!
(Think frog dissections and bug collections.) This reminds me of a key
principle in teaching science to our kids: our attitudes. (Yes, ours,
not theirs!) Here’s a real life example:
Attitude Is Contagious!
We were studying insects. JB was about twelve and, of course, what is
the obvious project to do with an insect unit? Right: a collection. I’d
avoided it because I hate using those "killing jars." But I knew my
attitude was contagious so I asked God for some gusto and went for it.
My girlfriend told me I didn’t need a killing jar; she said to "just put
the insects in little margarine containers and stick them in the
freezer." Perfect!
So that’s what JB did. And did. And did some more. In a short while we
had a freezer full of bugs. (Note: based on my experience, labeling is
highly recommended!) The day of reckoning arrived and it was time to
pull all of the little critters out, identify them, and mount them with
pins. We pulled them out. They defrosted. We quickly discovered we
weren’t supposed to LEAVE them in the freezer for storage; rather we
were meant to use it to quickly kill them. Defrosting beetles and then
sticking a pin in them is not an activity I’d recommend for the
squeamish ... But, and here’s the good news, we learned much, had fun,
and created vivid memories. Sometimes learning it with our kids "the
second time around" is all it takes to ignite a love for a topic.
Ten Strategies For Developing A Love Of Science
1. Read aloud from interesting science books and provide kids with such
books to read independently.
2. Collect things: this is natural for most kids! Encourage them to
classify their collections.
3. Grow things: cultivate their use of observation and recording of
findings.
4. Visit places: from zoos to doctors’ offices and vacant lots -
science lurks all around us!
5. Set up ecosystems: backyard habitats, bug cages, aquariums,
terrariums.
6. Make recipes and concoctions together: experiment.
7. Observe nature: insects, birds, weather, seasons, etc.
8. Use construction/engineering toys: blocks, Fisher-Technics, Legos,
etc.
9. Model "look it up" and "lifelong learner" behavior: attitude is
(almost) everything. Your enthusiasm is contagious!
10. Use reference and resource materials regularly. Keep lab notebooks
of various sorts.
My Six Step Plan
1. Pick a topic... for example:
Rocks, minerals, and fossils
Solar system
Human body
Weather
Nature and environment
Animals
Machines & motion
Energy
Heat, light, & sound
Chemistry
Creation
Ocean/seas
Gather an assortment of resource books, colorful picture and
informational children’s books, games, and videos about your chosen
topic.
2. Encourage the kids to read books and look at pictures as much as they
wish. Take special note of any strong interest and foster it.
3. Plan experiments, activities, crafts, and even recipes to use in
learning about your topic. Make a list of potential trips to take.
4. Using the materials you’ve gathered, make a lesson plan for the next
six-to-eight weeks.
5. Keep a book list and a record of your studies - either one family
notebook or individual student notebooks. Don’t forget to take pictures!
6. Finish the unit with a family-fun night based on the topic. Kids need
to show what they’ve learned.
Summary
If we are to raise lifelong learners and problem-solvers, we need to
teach our children HOW to learn, we need to cultivate the DESIRE to
learn, and we need to provide a framework for WHAT to learn. Remember,
too, facts are much easier to learn when you’re having fun!
Curriculum Ideas
Want to develop your own science course? Check out the book "Science
Scope" for a very detailed scope and sequence - the perfect tool for
planning.
Want the fun but not the work? "The Scientist’s Apprentice" (elementary
grades) by Hilary Welliver ($26.95) makes it easy to teach science.
Topics covered are Oceanography, Astronomy, Anatomy, and Earth Science.
Includes lesson plans, reproducibles, activities, experiments, even
songs and crafts. Great for teaching multi-grade levels together.
Both books and more available from
www.BrightIdeasPress.com.
Maggie Hogan is a motivational speaker and co-author of "The Ultimate
Geography and Timeline Guide," "Gifted Children at Home," and other
resource books. She and her husband Bob have been home schooling their
boys since 1991. Involved in local, state, and national home-schooling
issues, they both serve on boards of home education organizations in
Delaware. They are also owners of Bright Ideas Press, a home-school company dedicated to bringing
the best practical, fun, and affordable materials to the home-school
market.
Maggie's e-mail address is Hogan@BrightIdeasPress.com.
