Here are some goals I have made in my science program through the years. The first is:
1. Exploring and Discovering: Many of my children's favorite school memories begin here. Giving them a box of science related equipment and an experiement book...or allowing them to take the science kit outdoors has resulted in great experiences. You may be surprised to discover that science can begin at a very young age. Give your children opportunities. I gave my then 3-year-old son bubbles when he took a bath. He soon learned that bubbles only form when he blew gently. Then, he found the bubbles could be blown again without dipping the wand into the jar by catching another bubble and gently blowing. He learned that bubbles stuck to some surfaces and popped when they encountered another. He did not understand the physics of a bubble, but this was the beginning of learning science! Slowly you can add some structure to your child's experiences, as they begin to explore and discover. The key here is to expose them to many opportunities. [Teaching Science and Having Fun, by Felice Gerwitz has information about science supplies found around the home and on a shoe-string budget!]
2. Learning Concepts: Beginning with the Scientific Method which is: observation, collecting and classifying, prediction and finding answers, proving a conclusion, evaluating and interpreting findings and discussing results. The scientific method is an organized way to approach science studies.
3. Applying Knowledge: The goal is to be able to apply what they have learned in new situations. This can be as simple as using the principles of heat to boil water, or as complicated as using the study in carbon dioxide production in yeast to make bread.
I pray that I’ve convinced you that science is important, and with scheduling you can find time to include it in your curriculum. Now, how are you going to keep a record of all the exciting things you are going to do? You may consider having your children make a record what they observe or discover. We have used nature guide books we created ourselves, or science diaries made up of good quality art paper in a ringed binder that they can bring outdoors (a smaller one for a back pack and a larger one for home notes and study.) In the downloads section on this website you will find handy forms you can print out and add to your child's school portfolio.
What do your use for science? Text books, work books, books with science topics? Post your responses here!
Next my top ways to J*A*Z*Z* up your science program.
