Science is a great subject to be taught with hands on demonstrations and experiments. (Or, “experiences” as my little one calls them.) I encourage you to take the time and make the effort to add in some activity and not just study science from a textbook. Many of us cringe with the extra planning or extra mess that this might make. However, I firmly believe that these concrete examples will solidify sometimes vague concepts in your little learner’s mind. Most students will absorb more from a fun, active study.

Quite honestly, science activities can be simple and don’t even have to be messy! If you don’t particularly enjoy science, consider pairing up with another homeschool family to work together.  Our local homeschool group has enjoyed studying science together this year. I thoroughly enjoy teaching the class, and I know many of the moms are glad they don’t have to do the activities at home. A well-seasoned homeschool mom, Jennifer MacDonald, told me a couple weeks back that someone told her early in her children’s education that children who don’t love science don’t DO science.

Some of science is not visible to us, right? So, consider how difficult it is even to understand the term “heartbeat” for little ones. However, when they are able to hear it with a stethoscope or feel their pulse, that begins to open their educational eyes. Or, if you are really brave, consider accepting a friend’s offer to save the heart from the buck her husband got in hunting season to let the co-op class explore!

Here are some other sources to help you find activities:

• The internet: Many free activities or lesson ideas are available online if you take some time to look. I used a great idea I found online to make an example of a sphincter valve out of an old sock when we were studying the stomach.
• Curriculum: When choosing a science curriculum for your family, I encourage you to choose one that includes experiments or activities. Though, I also encourage you to make sure they are simple and use common supplies, or you will not follow through with them.  Our family and homeschool group are extremely satisfied with Apologia this year. If your family follows a more whole books approach, I encourage you to supplement with demonstrations and experiments.
• Special needs resources:  Of course, these are valuable to families who have special needs students. But, I found some great activities on special needs sites just because they often need to address various learning styles.
• Games: Homemade or purchased games are great reinforcement for science material.  Keep your eyes open when perusing catalogs (or Home Educating Family’s fantastic review site) for these items. Or, make one together as a family if you are so inclined.
• Dissections and microscopes: The age of your students and size of your family’s budget will determine how early and how often you can include these activities. I challenge you to include these as often as you are able when appropriate to your study.

I hope these ideas stimulate your own that will work best for your family!  Have fun!

Sarah Andrews has been married for ten years to her best friend, Van.  They are the blessed parents of one daughter.  The Andrews are continually learning on their life’s journey as a family.  Sarah is currently serving her local homeschool group as part of the leadership team and teaching science.  She is enjoying home education and is thankful God took her from “I’ll never!” to “I love it!” She is excited to share with others about her path in adoption, home education, and being a “keeper at home.” You can read Sarah’s reviews at our review site.

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