By Donna Vail
“Science is simply common sense at its best that is, rigidly accurate in observation, and merciless to fallacy in logic.” ~ Thomas Henry Huxley (1825-95) English biologist.
Our modern world has become completely dependent upon the advances in technology. As parents who have taken self-responsibility for our children’s education, we must be dedicated to providing the proper educational pathways to the sciences arming them with the skills and knowledge that will help sustain them in an ever advancing world. The key ingredients: mathematics, advanced mathematics and the sciences.
Because science and engineering are based in mathematics doesn’t mean you neglect the sciences until upper mathematics is completed. Just be sure that the student develops the ability to learn through observation.
Note: Observation and experience alone are not a substitute for exhaustive lessons in science. Because a child plays with magnets or works with a pulley does not give him full comprehension of that field. That can only come once he has learned the math.
The good news is that since he has had exposure to many different fields of science through observation and hands on experience, when he does learn the mathematics it will become truth.
“We see only what we know.” ~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) German poet, dramatist
Science will not be an academic subject until introductory calculus has been completed and until that time it can be considered an extracurricular subject. I in no way suggest that this be neglected but rather run with it and immerse yourselves in it. Science is life and the best way is to follow the child’s natural interests, explore and offer many opportunities of discovery.
Here are some resources to make your science learning more fun:
1. Get out in nature on a regular basis.
Let the kids run and play outside. When you’re outside with them be sure to notice specific birds, their habits and uniqueness. Notice different things on the ground, what stage plants are in during different seasons and don’t be afraid to get dirty.
Let them catch bugs and observe them, watch animals, draw pictures of what they see, or take photographs. Do this in your backyard, front yard and neighborhood.
Take a trip to the neighborhood park or to your state park. Just go out in nature and observe your world as it expands around you. As your children see you appreciate nature, they will mirror you and develop their own affinity with science and nature.
Let your kids develop an affinity with science and nature2. Build your own science library or support your local library with frequent visits with the kids.
Checking out books is a fun activity for all. Choose books that have the most detailed and descriptive content as well as plenty of color pictures and diagrams. Find books by experts of who have a real passion for their field of study. Be sure to include field guides on all subjects. We often refer to our library of field guides on birds, reptiles, wildflowers and astronomy.
A few of our most favored nature study books include:
• Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock
• Wild Days: Creating Discovery Journals by Karen Skidmore Rackliffe, and
• Keeping a Nature Journal: Discover a Whole New World of Seeing the World Around You by Clare Walker Leslie and Charles E. Roth.
There are more books listed in the AIE Self-Educators Study Book.
3. Supplies and resources can be found at many educational stores locally and online.
Here’s our most favorite: Acorn Naturalists. Request a free catalog and this will give you an endless resource for books, tools, and everything you could possibly need to study the world around you.
4. As an online science resource for information, I recommend: www.thescientifichomeschool.com
You will find a wealth of information, resources, books to read and support your child’s learning. I’m not going to reinvent the wheel on this one, you’ll see me there too. They’ve got fabulous information and even videos so your children can see science in action. You might even be interested in becoming a citizen scientist.
5. Have fun!
Parents, be sure to enjoy the learning right beside your children by getting in on the exploring and making time to read and discover new things together. Rekindle your love for learning and share in the enthusiasm. There is so much to learn and experience, so love more and live more, then you will learn more.
” I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.” ~ Albert Einstein
Think peace, live love.
Making Science Fun For Kids
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