Author Topic: Homeschool Elementary Science (Read 2312 times)

MaterDominici · « **on:** September 11, 2013, 09:49:43 PM »

Anyone use a curriculum or approach to early elementary science that they really like?

We're just starting science this year (grade 2) and I'm already not a fan of the material I bought to use.

Viva Cristo Rey · « **Reply #1 on:** September 11, 2013, 09:58:24 PM »

Frances might know.

Robin · « **Reply #2 on:** September 11, 2013, 10:53:38 PM »

Seton Home School has great Science program for elementary school children. The workbooks are Catholic and children really enjoy them. Very colorful.

parentsfortruth · « **Reply #3 on:** September 11, 2013, 11:12:07 PM »

I don't use this myself, but perhaps it would be good to look into Kent Hovind's science curriculum. Sure he's a protestant, but try to find a decent Science course these days that actually teaches Creation Science in a truthful way.

http://store.creationtoday.org/curriculum/homeschool

Iuvenalis · « **Reply #4 on:** September 11, 2013, 11:33:23 PM »

Make sure they're getting math facts down cold, and let them explore the natural world.

That and old Mr. Wizard videos.

MaterDominici · « **Reply #5 on:** September 11, 2013, 11:35:29 PM »

Quote from: parentsfortruth

I don't use this myself, but perhaps it would be good to look into Kent Hovind's science curriculum. Sure he's a protestant, but try to find a decent Science course these days that actually teaches Creation Science in a truthful way.

http://store.creationtoday.org/curriculum/homeschool

Matthew was watching a bunch of "Dr Dino" stuff at one point. I didn't know he made anything other than a website and a bunch of videos, so I'll have to check it out.

Frances · « **Reply #6 on:** September 12, 2013, 06:08:51 AM »

We don't use a "curriculum" in the lower grades. I teach my own units, make my own materials, do own projects. Works well for lower grades only. Much after third grade, better to use a prepared curriculum.

songbird · « **Reply #7 on:** September 12, 2013, 08:28:25 AM »

Seton put together their Science and it is great, I used it! Seton makes sure that there is catholicism in all their curriculum or they make it themselves and they do a great job!

Elizabeth · « **Reply #8 on:** September 12, 2013, 10:52:09 AM »

Hey Songbird,

Seton is really good...but I had no idea how expensive they have become for the whole package!! At least they are hyper-accredited and they have webinars etc.

Dear Mater,

I think 2nd Grade is the most wonderful grade of all, because at that stage there is such an ENORMOUS capacity for work and creativity. (my kids would have been better off if I had left off the creativity and had Math pounded into their brains, though)

Elizabeth · « **Reply #9 on:** September 12, 2013, 10:53:11 AM »

Quote from: Iuvenalis

Make sure they're getting math facts down cold, and let them explore the natural world.

That and old Mr. Wizard videos.

Wise advice.

momofmany · « **Reply #10 on:** September 12, 2013, 12:10:21 PM »

I don't do formal science or history with 2nd grade...or 3rd for that matter.
Nature journals, exploring their questions about the world around them, going to the zoo...it really is sufficient.
CHC's Behold and See books are nice if you really want a textbook. I could bring you the 2nd grade one. They have a sweet book with science "stories" that is geared towards the k-2 crowd. I don't know if they publish it anymore. I still have it around here somewhere though.
I've got a gazillion science resources for elementary. I rarely use any of it unless they are itching for a project or experiment.

CHC used to publish a FAB book called My Temple of The Holy Spirit that was human A&P, I think they rolled into their 4 or 5th grade Behold and See. That would probably be the only science text I would bother with in lower grades. It was really, really well done.

In the end, buy some nice sketch books and let them nature journal and take plenty of trips to the zoo and botanical gardens and let them sketch and then learn more about their favorite animals/plants. That is plenty for 2nd grade.

songbird · « **Reply #11 on:** September 12, 2013, 07:58:52 PM »

That last time we bought Seton material was 2004. Then parents wanted to buy books to keep and not to return to Seton. I wonder if that is one reason why prices are high. I can understand why families wanted to buy books for keeps.

Elizabeth · « **Reply #12 on:** September 12, 2013, 09:25:51 PM »

Quote from: momofmany

In the end, buy some nice sketch books and let them nature journal and take plenty of trips to the zoo and botanical gardens and let them sketch and then learn more about their favorite animals/plants. That is plenty for 2nd grade.

I really enjoy that stuff. I'm also mad for making those little dioramas out of shoe boxes, and tiny gardens or ecospheres on plates or glass containers from the thrift store. There just needs to be a good spot to work that doesn't need cleaning up after while the experiments or studies are in progress.

ShepherdofSheep · « **Reply #13 on:** September 12, 2013, 09:41:04 PM »

I wish I could teach science at any grade level- I deeply enjoy the subject myself.

I don't think that second grade needs a formal text or anything like that for science. It might be better for children to just explore for now, and focus on sharpening their skills in math, reading, and writing.

Some ideas for kids that age (well, I've been out of 2nd grade for 12 years now!): take them to a farm to watch a calf or lamb or other baby get born, and explain the process, go herping or birdwatching (buy the field guides and identify species), dissecting organs or plants and make posters about the structure in an age-appropriate way, make a simple wiring project on a board with a doorbell or lightbulb, etc. They love to do things at that age. And take advantage of their natural curiosity and teach on the spot. I've had a lot of fun explaining DNA and biochemical concepts to little children using age-appropriate terms. They are little sponges and definitely understand more than we give them credit for.

Elizabeth · « **Reply #14 on:** September 12, 2013, 09:49:14 PM »

Hi Shepherd!

What is herping? I LOVE bird watching, identifying trees, catching bugs and all of that. They say it increases the IQ even. :geezer: So incredibly grateful to be near all that once more. I have never seen an animal being born before, though. It would be great for little ones, because so often they have to see dead animals along roads.