Homeschool ScienceIt's all around you!Science is SO exciting and covers more than one person could ever learn. Teaching homeschool science may seem overwhelming, but before you panic, realize that your child doesn’t have to know everything about every discipline. In fact, scientists who are specialists in their field don’t know everything about their specialty! When you look at the branches of science, you soon realize that trying to teach it all would be impossible. So what should you do?
Start Thinking Like a Scientist!Homeschool science education should teach children to observe objectively, record data accurately, analyze thoroughly, and report truthfully.The deeper you get into a specific discipline, you realize that the studies will naturally lead into another entirely different study from time to time. For example, my children are interested in marine zoology. During our study we learned about the moon’s effect on tides and launched into another study on astronomy. (Having a total lunar eclipse happen around the same time helped build the excitement as well.) When your children are tested with nationally normed standardized tests on science topics, they are rarely tested on outright knowledge of a particular discipline. They are tested on their ability to comprehend, organize and interpret research and data. Spend time when children are younger exploring all the fun aspects of each discipline and returning to study their favorite in more detail. Really focus on observation at this point. Start doing science projects in the early years. Here are some science project ideas that you can do at home. You don't have to enter a "science fair", but if one is available I would highly encourage the experience. Look for science in your backyard. We found a turtle laying eggs in our garden, and caught it on camera! Check out the pictures here. Of course, that lead to an enthusiastic in depth study of turtles and constant observation of the egg laying site. Older students should be familiar with the general concepts of each branch and have a fair amount of practice with the scientific method and scientific principles. It is hard to find (and afford) the expensive equipment that is necessary for lab credits. Check with your local support group for ideas on homeschool science group lab classes. Some private schools will allow students to enroll for just one class, which is another option. Also, check with your local community college about science classes (if your student is old enough to enroll) or for recommendations on private instruction. Leave the Homeschool Science page and return to the HBD Home page.
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