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Need elementary science advice
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I was hoping to keep science more informal and nature study focused until dd would start a more independant jr high/high school progression in 7th grade. I’m horrible about actually doing experiments with all those different components and am the oposite of a pack rat so tend to throw away projects before their time.
She is first grade this year and we have been enjoying Outdoor secrets and the suggested library books and poems, but we haven’t done any of the extra project things recommended in the companion guide. I looked at 106 DOC but there seem to be a fair number of experiments and projects in there. I cringe at the thought of having to do that stuff.
Do I need to get over it and force myself to do the projects? Will my kids be scarred for life if I don’t?
Are there other options out there? I do realize that there is a big list of science/nature books listed in the curriculum guide, I guess I’m wondering if *just* reading books is enough?
Do you go outdoors and observe/enjoy nature? For our science this year (2nd grade and Kindergarten), we read good books and go on a nature walk each week. My kids also each draw something we observed while outdoors. (combines nature and art!!) I definitely think that is complete. Example: Recently, we have been reading about insects. My children are pointing out insects ALL the time and explaining to me how they know it is an insect. They also gave me an impromptu lesson on how a roach is just an insect while I was screaming in terror because one flew onto me last week. I am not at all squeamish until it comes to roaches!!
Of course as they get older, the books will be more in depth I’m sure, but I hope to stick with this no nonsense science and nature study until middle school years.
BTW, we use the Outdoor Hour Challenge as our science/nature guide: http://handbookofnaturestudy.blogspot.com/
The experiments in 106 Days are really only scheduled for the first few weeks – and then you totally go into books and other kinds of things…they are not overwhelming, space consuming projects either. Only three of them that I can think of took more than one day to do, and they were so easy and uncomplicated and didn’t require any care or much space that it really isn’t a problem. =) We are finishing up 106 Days and love it…. I can’t wait to do it again and continue to add to it in different ways using the resources around us.
Also, we love Nature Study and my kids 12,11, 5, and almost 4 have learned so much. It is hands down their favorite subject. We just go and look and draw. Fun!
I don’t think you need to do projects and things. We do nature walks and read books and that’s it.
Nebby
We like “Narure Readers” and then we do”Backyard scientist” by Jane Hoffman also. I love these because they have simple observations/experiments and they are very easy. All useing household items really easy ones. I felt the same way. Now it is better because we found great simple things we can do. takes only a few minutes to do them.
hope that was of some help! LOL…
Thank you all for your replies and suggestions. I’m already feeling better about doing another year of book reading and nature study. We do get out for ‘nature walks’ regularly. The kids love it and I can handle it much better than projects. Perhaps I’ll look at ways to beef up our nature study and nature journaling next year to make it feel more full.
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