Science

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  • February 3, 2011 at 5:32 am
    amandajhilburn
    Participant

    We have done very, very few science experiments in the past. Is that bad? lol  I mean, is it okay to just read about science and keep our nature journals? I am I depriving my children of something that is important?

    We have used Apologia science, some texts books for reading, some Answers in Genesis, and lots of library books. We have not finished any of these completely and have touched on several different subjects, but not many experiments. Oh, my children are ages 8 and 10.

    What are your opinions?

    February 3, 2011 at 6:45 am
    suzukimom
    Participant

    My understanding – if they are observing nature (which I would say they are if you are doing Nature Journals…) – they are fine without a lot of experiments until about Junior High (Middle School)

    February 3, 2011 at 7:36 pm
    amandajhilburn
    Participant

    Okay, my next question…if you don’t use a science “curriculum” how do you decide what to do with your children each year?

    I was thinking of using a science encyclopedia to find topics and then check out books that are about that topic…would that work? Basically interest led by the kids until they are old enough for Apologia (the ones for older, middle school kids)

    February 3, 2011 at 8:00 pm
    Linabean
    Participant

    Well, I’m not a veteran, but I would say that would be a pretty darn good science year for those ages! They would be ensured to absorb the information because it would be topics that they are already wanting to know about, which would also make it fun. Also, they would probably be putting in best effort, sharpening their skills of observation as well as doing “extras” (ie. experiments 🙂 ) on their own that you could also “count” as school. It would take a lot of pressure off of everyone also, just because you wouldn’t feel like you were behind if you spent extra time on something. Remember that science is, in large part, simply asking “what if”, “I wonder what would happen if…?”, “why does (such and such) do that? “. Etc. This is how discoveries are made! This is what science is all about and at these ages, I think they would get a lot out of a year of science studies set up in this way.

    This is just my opinion and thoughts, though. My oldest is only 8 and so I am not as experienced as others!

    -Miranda

    February 3, 2011 at 8:05 pm
    csmamma
    Participant

    Amanda, have you seen these archives? http://www.redshift.com/~bonajo/sciencebooks.htm – living science books listed by topic. Just click on the links of interest – tons of great choices. Most are for elementary & early middle school. Blessings ~ Heather

    February 3, 2011 at 10:59 pm
    amandajhilburn
    Participant

    Thanks Heather. That list looks really good to me 🙂  Yep, I think I’m gonna just do it. Pick topics and read…..do projects as they come up, and let the kids enjoy.

    Thanks everyone 🙂

    Amanda

    February 4, 2011 at 1:47 am
    lgeurink
    Member

    http://www.yesterdaysclassics.com have lots of great living science books that are very inexpensive.  Some are based on a topic, some touch on a variety.  All have great samples to download so you get a very accurate idea of what you are getting.

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