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WINTER 2018 HOMESCHOOL IOWA 9
Cleave.) The kids loved the
hand-on aspect and seeing
the results of their projects.
Good experiment books
have a short explanation
of the concepts behind the
experiments. For the first
years, that is usually good
enough. But, of course,
if your kids want to learn
more, hit the library again
for more books on that par-
ticular subject, and encour-
age your kids to dive deeper.
When you and your kids have this relaxed, fun introduction
to science, it sets you both up to be excited about science
as you move through your homeschool journey. It takes the
scare factor out, and stirs curiosity and wonder.
Another simple science option is going for a scripted, all-
in-one box curriculum. Just open the book and go. All you
need is right there. No need to be a science expert.
Join A Co-Op
Co-ops are wonderful ways for homeschool students to
learn from other parents and instructors that may have more
experience in a subject area or at least have a higher comfort
level teaching that subject.
Science is probably the number one reason co-ops are
formed and the number one class kids take in a co-op setting.
So a homeschool science co-op class shouldn’t be hard to find.
Online/DVD Course
If teaching science on your own is just too far out of your
comfort zone, consider an online or DVD course. There are
great options available in almost every area of science.
These courses allow your student to get instruction from
experts, but you have control of the grading and the experi-
ments (which is the fun part anyway). This will take the pres-
sure and stress off of you!
Look for one with a format and instructor that your child
enjoys. Online and DVD courses are, also, a great way to ex-
pose your student to a branch of science that is totally new
to both of you but that captures their attention.
Just Do It!
You CAN teach homeschool science! Don’t be scared. You
will do great. Choose the method that fits your style. Jump in
and have fun!
Marci Goodwin considers herself a guide, helping home-
schooling parents teach science to their kids. She runs the web-
site: and her mission is to equip
and encourage homeschool parents by taking the fear out of and
putting the fun into science education. Her goal is to help parents
and students become a Homeschool Scientist.
Science Resources
for Homeschoolers:
The Homeschool Scientist
Experiments, articles, and a store! Don’t
miss the monthly science calendar -
making monthly science easy for the
homeschooling parent to plan! Learn
more here: www.thehomeschoolsci-
.
Home Science Tools
Science curriculum kits for Abeka, Bob Jones, Lifepac,
and MORE! I purchased the kits for Abeka 6th and 4th
grades this year, and I love how easy it has made it for my
kids to do those experiments in our curriculum! Additionally,
Home Science Tools has many other resources. Learn more
here:
Answers in Genesis
Resources for teaching creation science! Get more details
here:
Other Websites:
How the Body Works:
Kids Health in the Classroom: www.classroom.kidshealth.
org
How ScienceWorks:
CK12:
NASA For Educators: www.nasa.gov/audience/foreduca-
tors/
and: www.science.nasa.gov/ems
The Vega Science Trust:
Math Science Nucleus:
The Physics Classroom:
NOAA ~ the weather: www.noaa.gov/education
Iowa Department of Conservation: www.iowadnr.gov/
Conservation/For-Teachers/Classroom-Resources
And so many more! Do you have a favorite science
resource? We’d love to have you share it on our Face-
book Discussion group at:
HomeschoolIowaDiscussionGroup.
...at its heart,
science is much
simpler. Science
is in our everyday
life. It’s all
around us...