Complete Science Homeschool

Have you been wondering where to find complete science homeschool information for your classroom? We've scoured the Internet to find the information you need to either design your own science units or places where you can purchase complete science kits. If you've run out of ideas for teaching science, the following information will help you get back on track!

A Slinky can teach physics!

Even if you've been teaching homeschool for a while, coming up with fun and unique science units can present a challenge. This may be especially true with older students. Science doesn't have to be dry and dull though, especially if you incorporate lots of hands-on activities in your curriculum. Publicly schooled children often miss out on hands-on activities because of budget limitations. After all, large groups consume a lot of supplies. However, kids who are schooled at home often have access to many items that can be used for science activities, often in unlimited supply.

For example, many of the following things can be used to teach science, and you probably have them readily available!

• Plastic liter bottles
• Paper clips
• Batteries – a variety of sizes
• Slinky
• Water
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Popsicle sticks
• Potato
• Liquid food dye (used for coloring cakes and frosting)
• Legos
• Rubber bands
• Digital camera
• Duct tape

A family may use their own complete science homeschool ideas or use those that are available for free on the Internet. Many teachers use some of the ideas found on the Internet, but tweak them to suit the children in their own classrooms. Instead of using expensive "professional" materials like beakers and pipettes, a teacher can use common household containers, such as measuring cups and medicine droppers with measurements printed on the side.

Some simple science ideas include the following:

A favorite science experiment with children is replicating a tornado. This can be easily done with two clear one liter bottles, water and duct tape. Fill one of the bottles half way up with water. Place the empty bottle on top of the first one, lining up the openings in the bottle (they should now look like an hourglass). Secure the two bottles together with duct tape so that the bottles won't leak. Next, flip the bottles so that the one with water is on top and swirl it a few times to get the "tornado" started. You will need to hold onto the bottles to keep it from tipping while the tornado is forming.

Get more information on tornados at The Online Tornado FAQ's website.

Almost everyone owns a slinky, and any type will do for this project, whether it is plastic, colored or a miniature one. For this project you'll need a slinky, monofilament line (plastic fishing line), two chairs and masking or duct tape. To assemble, attach the filament line to one chair, thread the slinky onto the line, and then attach to the second chair. The filament line can either be tied to the chair, or taped on securely. Pull the chairs apart until the monofilament line is taut.

There are many things that can be taught using a slinky including learning what types of nodes there are, antinodes, sound columns and longitudinal waves.

To do the node experiment, do the following: Take one end of the slinky in each hand and stretch it to at least twice its length. Then, push it back together, and then pull it apart again as if you were clapping your hands. You'll notice that your hands are moving a lot, but the middle of the slinky isn't. That center point is called a node.

Find more slinky experiments at Science With Toys: Slinky on Eclectic Homeschool Online.

For those that don't have time to gather all of the necessary supplies for a science experiment, there are many kits available online. The following websites sell easy to assemble science kits that come complete with everything you need to inspire children of all ages.

• Supercharged Science
• Fun With Science
• Home Science Tools – kits work with a variety of curriculums including A Beka, Castle Heights, Bob Jones and more.
• Quality Science Labs

Simply reading about science isn't half as much fun as actually doing it yourself. Get your children interested in homeschool science again by doing hands-on experiments. They're easy to do and they'll be remembered for years to come!

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