Today, I wanted to share with you some resources that should help take away the scare factor lots of homeschool parents see in hands-on science. I have always felt that the study of science shouldn’t be scary and complicated. It should be natural and easy. It should be the result of asking “why” and “what if”.
In fact, one of the best tips I ever received about teaching science when we started homeschooling was to keep it simple and keep it fun. Along with that advice came the name “Janice Van Cleave”. My friend handed over a battered book of science experiments for kids and told me to look for more books by Mrs. Van Cleave. In this book, there were loads of simple science experiments that could be easily done at home with various age groups. The experiments were fun and stimulated curiosity and wonder. The activities answered the “why’s” and “what if’s”. In our first year of homeschooling, our science consisted almost exclusively of experiments out of that book.
Since then, I have found additional copies of hands-on science books from Janice Van Cleave in the library, in the used bookstore and online. I have recently discovered her website ScienceProjectIdeasForKids.com . (There is a 20% off discount code for her books on the website!!) The website is loaded with ideas!
If you are struggling with finding do-able science experiments and activities or the ones listed in your curriculum aren’t right for you, I encourage you to look up books by Janice Van Cleave. You and your kids will love them!
Do you have a favorite source for hands-on science activities?
Thanks for this resource — looks like lots of fun! I’m headed to her website right now!
I just like the way she makes science fun for everyone. Enjoy!
We have Science Around the Year and it has been very helpful in finding new things to do when we want to get outside and get hands-on!
That one is on my homeschool wishlist!
For those homeschoolers seeking out a great resource for hands-on science check out High Touch High Tech. They provide innovative, educational, hands-on science workshops that come to you! Unlike some other programs I have seen, all of their materials are safe, non-toxic and age appropriate. They have over 50+ elementary programs but also offer programming for preschoolers, middle school students, afterschool enrichments, summer camp programs and senior science. They have over 30 locations nationwide…all align with their state standards in science…talk about a great STEM resource!! The website is http://www.ScienceMadeFun.net.
They have a great interactive kids website that provides science trivia, at home experimens and silly science jokes for kids of all ages.. check it out at http://www.ScienceMadeFunKIDS.net
Hope this helps all of you guys out there!