You say that science is your least favorite subject to teach and the subject your kids enjoy the least? Well, make it fun! Is that even possible? Yes!
Here are some tips to help you move science up the ladder of fun in your homeschool!
In the elementary years most curricula use the spiral approach when it comes to science.
For subsequent years, just a little bit of information is added onto the previous year’s serving of life, earth, and physical sciences. For many kids this ends up being boring surface information. Why not take a specific area or two and really dive deep into it with books, movies, experts, and field trips? There’s no need to skimp on the amount of time spent on the subject as long as the interest is there!
Think about biology.
In additional to learning about animals and the classification of animals, there’s veterinary sciences, zoo keeping, marine biology and more! Think about field trips to the zoo. On specific trips it can be all about reptiles, another day for amphibians, another day for mammals and so on. How about attending a talk by a local vet or maybe calling their place of business and ask for a tour or a shadowing opportunity for older children? An aquarium or other aquatic facility with an accompanying tour guide is a great way to learn more about our finned friends and possible careers. Even a scheduled presentation with your local fish friendly pet store that has an “expert” in tank care is still a great learning experience!
Interested in Earth Science and live in a region near caves?
How about a unit study on Caves, Karst Topography and spelunking. What a great way to learn hands on than a trip into the earth! In fact, any type of geologic landmark (cave, volcano, mountains, flood plains, oceans, glaciers) can easily be turned into a longer study period and will make a memorable mark on your child’s brain that filling out a worksheet in a workbook.
Look up!
What better way to explore and learn space than with a trip to the science center, space center (if nearby) and countless books and videos available online and through the library. Everyone has access to the night sky. You can look online to see what stars are viewed in your next of woods. After sunset, grab your jacket and head outside for some stargazing!
Hopefully some of these ideas will help you find a new and more exciting way to study and learn science with your children. Learning should be fun and there are many ways to make science more interactive and enjoyable by leaving the workbook behind and seeing the field of science first hand.
