Many homeschooling parents become concerned when it comes to math and science fields. For parents without a background in science fields, the idea of teaching it can be intimidating. However, there are loads of resources available. Teaching science is not only possible, it can also be a lot of fun.
Step 1: Determine Your Worldview
Before you can really dive into a science program you’ll need to determine how you want to present it to your children. For example, if you find the concept of evolution particularly troubling, you’ll want to find curricula that either omit it or gives a different scientific explanation. For those who have a belief in God, you may want to find materials that support the idea that God is at the center of science.
On the other hand, if you’re non-religious, or if you have different religious views, you’ll want to choose programs that avoid a creationist perspective.
Step 2: Pick a Great Curriculum Program
Having a really good curriculum program to lean on is an important step especially if science is not your strength. Here are some science programs that we recommend.
Apologia
Apologia is a Christian curriculum company best known for their science curriculum because that is how their business began. In the early 90’s a professor of Chemistry and Physics created science materials for homeschool families.
The most important aspect of the curriculum is that it could be self-taught. Unlike a lot of the materials available in the early 90’s, it was accessible to people without a strong background in science.
Elemental Science
Elemental Science is a very popular science program. It is known for being easy and doesn’t require a science degree to understand. They offer science programs from preschool through twelfth grade.
If you go to their website they also offer free weekly emails that give tips and advice on teaching science at home.
Step 3: Pick a Good Lab Program
Lab experiments can be difficult to produce at home due to funding or lack of materials, but thankfully there are some pretty great science programs that include hands-on science experiments. Read on for some of our favorites.
Real Science 4 Kids
Real Science 4 Kids is aimed primarily at ages Kindergarten through middle school. This program has a good focus on hands-on experiments that will keep kids interested especially if they have a difficult time learning solely from a textbook.
Super Charged Science
Super Charged Science is another great option if you want hands-on experiments and projects. It is meant to be easy to use even if you don’t have a strong background in lab work, or science in general. It was created to help families who were intimidated or frustrated by other less accessible materials.
Step 4: Use Nature
When it comes to creating a science lesson plan it doesn’t all have to be pre-created of fancy. In fact, walking outside will provide plenty of things for your students to explore. If you’re doing a lesson on geology, go outside and challenge your kids to find different kinds of rocks.
If you’re studying biology, make a game of identifying plants and animals. Collect insects, listen for bird sounds, and discover ecosystems. There is a wealth of scientific study just outside your door.
Step 5: Go into your Community
When it comes to education there are usually a lot more community resources available than people realize. If you’d like to bolster your science program, consider searching for free educational events.
Your local park may host learning centers that talk about insects, plants, and wildlife. You may also find that your local library hosts events related to science. To keep up with the potential events in your area, you can follow their Facebook pages and tag educationally related ones on your calendar.
STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) is generating a lot of attention recently and there are often camps and gatherings in communities centered on this theme. Generally, these events are created to be fun and to get kids interested in these fields. You may find that your kid develops a new passion for science after spending some time exploring it in a new venue.
Science for all
Science doesn’t have to be a subject to be feared. There are loads of resources available today to help parents give their kids a well-rounded education. And remember, helping your kids develop a love for science, especially at a young age, will help you both muscle through some of the harder materials during the high school years. Enjoy the time you spend learning and teaching science to your kids.