The Joy-filled Homeschool - Getting Your Child Excited About Science

Getting Your Child Excited about Science

By: Stacey Wolking

The FIVE States of Matter

No, that’s not a typo. Maybe you remember too, but back when I was young, we were taught that there were three. Solid. Liquid. Gas. (uh-oh, am I dating myself?) While some scientists will say there are now up to nine or more states of matter, it is more commonly known that there are FIVE.

While Plasma is not very common here on Earth, it is the most common matter of the Universe. And if you are into quantum mechanics, you probably already know that back in 1995, using lasers and magnets, scientists actually created a new state of matter, the Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC).

Isn’t that amazing?! Doesn’t that make you want to go look it up or find a cool video online of a BEC?

Science study should be like that! It should inspire curiosity about the world we live in and how things work, not just learning facts. So how can we be enthusiastic about science and share that excitement with our kids, especially if you’re NOT a science person, like me?

Tips for Getting into Science

· Find someone who is passionate and excited about science. Possibly another mom, a tutor, a high school science geek or even a resource that presents science in an awe-inspiring kind of way.

· Do plenty of hands-on experiments. Don’t worry about the experiment coming out “right”. Something can be learned, no matter the outcome. Make it fun to learn WHY it did what it did.

· Reverse order. Usually, we do the book work and then do the hands-on. Instead, pique their interest and get them fascinated by giving them hands-on projects and experiments first and then follow-up with the “why did that happen?” This just may motivate them to find the answers! So try the fun stuff first and then dig into the books for the answers.

· Inspire interest by learning about the often eccentric and quirky lives of the great scientists. Did you know . . . Nikola Tesla (b. 1856 and Thomas Edison’s primary rival), known for designing the AC electrical current system that we still use today which ultimately powered the automobile, suffered from insomnia and OCD and built an 185-foot tower for the purpose of sucking electricity out of the air. (It didn’t work) Or that Descartes (a scientist AND philosopher) spent a good part of his days in bed. Yet he pioneered the study of barometric readings and atmospheric pressure for the purpose of forecasting the weather and earned the title, “the father of analytical geometry”. Or that because Isaac Newton feared controversy and criticism, he was a very shy and lonely recluse until his friend nagged him to publish his scientific discoveries. Thank goodness for his persistent friend! So consider spicing up your science studies by exploring the eccentric lives of scientists; it just may intrigue and drive even the most reluctant science student.

Science Resources

In the early and middle years, I tended to stay away from (often dry) science textbooks. (I was more heavily focused on mastering the basics of language and math.) Even though I am not the creative or crafty type, I did want my kids to have lots of curiosity-creating and wonder-based hands-on science experiences. There are now, more than ever, lots of great resources to choose from - many created by enthusiastic homeschool parents!

* “Research shows that humans are best equipped to learn language from birth through age seven, during children’s explosive brain growth period. Exposure to science terms and concepts during that time can lead to improved language fluency and understanding later in life.” I have already purchased Jumbo Minds’ Science ABCs for my grandkids, but boy, do I wish these had been around when I had little ones!

* And speaking of learning the language-of-science, learning through song can be a lot of fun and help make the information “stick” too. My kids learned so much from Lyrical Science. If the kids complain the songs are cheesy, just laugh and agree with them. But I will tell you this, my adult kids tell me they still remember a lot of anatomy because of those cheesy songs! Music to a mother’s ears!

* Science can be fun for mom too; dissecting owl pellets was one of my favorite things! Home Science Tools offers a wide variety of science resources including all kinds of complete science kits, and free science experiment videos in their “Resource Center”. For finding the perfect presents for all the kids in your life, try out their “gift selector”, a program that searches by age, interest and topic.

* Elemental Science Armed with their Biology and Biochemistry degrees, homeschooling parents, Paige and Brad Hudson, have a passion for sharing the “wonders of science”. Their website is jam packed with all kinds of resources including free science activities, printables and monthly email tips. They also offer easy-to-use homeschool science plans using living books or a hands-on classical approach, for all ages from preschool through high school.

* If you love a good story, combine Joy Hakim’s, The Story of Science series with the optional student workbooks and teacher's guides which includes coordinated "hands on" experiments and activities. This classical and biographical approach to science is geared for upper middle school age.

* The creator of Supercharged Science was a NASA rocket scientist, now homeschool mom! In addition to fun and exciting science curriculums, activities and cool science videos, she has some awesome free materials including a science experiment guide.

Science is the very foundation for critical and analytical thinking, while hands-on science also helps develop creativity. These skills will help all kids, no matter what career they end up in.

Permission granted to reprint article in its entirety with credit given to Stacey Wolking and TranscriptReviews.com.