Using the scientific method regularly will teach the student to look at all the evidence before making a statement of fact, which makes it an integral part of science education. If we want our students to be prepared for higher education science, they must be comfortable with this most fundamental process. What is the scientific method? In a nutshell, the scientific method teaches the brain to … [Read more...]
Science Corner: Holiday Science Projects
There is a lot of buzz around the internet about the holidays, including a fair amount of ideas for weaving science into your festivities. I thought that this year I would share with you a list of holiday science projects that I have compiled to use with my children this season. Links to Holiday Science Projects Reduce, Reuse, Recycle at Christmastime: The Homeschool Scientist has some … [Read more...]
Science Corner: Scientific Demonstrations vs. Experiments
Scientific demonstrations and experiments are two different types of scientific tests used in the educational setting. Many people use these two terms interchangeably, however there is a difference between these types of scientific tests. Scientific demonstrations are very teacher-directed, while experiments are much more student-led. What is a scientific demonstration? A scientific … [Read more...]
Where Does Nature Study Fit into Science Education?
So where does nature study fit into a science education? Nature study can be the core of your science curriculum... OR nature study can be the icing on the cake. Either way, there is so much to learn from the natural world. What is nature study? Nature study is the study of the plants and animals around you, which can be found both inside and outside your home. It employs the power of … [Read more...]
The Science of Exploration
Every child loves to create things and mine are no exception. I'm always amazed at the different things they create. If I'm honest, sometimes I get frustrated by all the mess (I know that I'm not the only one who feels this way!), but I have to remind myself that they are learning. You see, exploration is the purest form of learning, especially for learning science. I can tell my daughter … [Read more...]
Science Corner: Preschool Science
Typically preschoolers are taught the basics, such as colors, the alphabet and the numbers 1-20 through simple worksheets and activities. We also provide them with structured play, such as a kitchen set or a dress up station, and we make sure that they have time to build their motor skills through creating art and exploring music. However, all too often, we neglect to introduce our youngest … [Read more...]