First, let me start out by saying this: I. Hate. Messes. There I said it. I understand the need for children to get their hands dirty, and I encourage this, outdoors, where they can be hosed off later. However, indoors, where the majority of our homeschooling takes place, I like to keep things a bit cleaner. This certainly includes science studies.
I am not that type of mom. You know, the fun mom. At least not when it comes to science experiments. The type of experiments I am talking about in this post are the ones that include things exploding or building…see I can’t even give you more examples because I haven’t done many experiments to even tell you what they include. Sorry, not sorry.
Now that we have gotten the confessions out of the way we can move on.
“You cannot teach a man anything; you can only help him discover it in himself”
—Galileo
Science is Important
This is a no-brainer. Science should be a part of your homeschool studies. For example, here are a few reasons why you should study science:
- Fosters independent thinking
- Builds critical thinking skill
- Develops an understanding of the world around us
- Encourages asking questions, and finding the answers
The list could go on. I am sure I don’t need to tell you all the benefits of science study. However, you might need some reassurance that science doesn’t have to include messy experiments.
Think of it this way, the experience is more important than the experiments. I just made that up, does that make sense? We’re going with it, it’s a thing now.
When I stopped worrying about what we would do for science and planning out every detail, we were able to enjoy ourselves more. I stated in a previous post that I am learning to relax more in my homeschooling. Experiments do not allow me to relax.
What If My Child Loves Science Experiments?
Right there with you friend. My older son loves experiments. His brain works best by taking things apart, figuring out how to put them back together, and yes by making messes. Once, his iPad wasn’t charging anymore, so he tried making a new charger with a potato, fork, battery, and a few other items…there was a rotting potato in his room a month later, and his iPad was still dead.
Don’t get me wrong, he learned from this experiment, however, I was not involved. Between him and I, our brains just work differently. If I were to take something apart, it would get thrown away, and I would just buy a new one because that thing is not getting put back together. My son gets this interest from his father. So, if you are in the same boat, allow your child to find like-minded people or family members, that they can work with. When my husband is taking something apart, my son enjoys being right there with him. That works great for me, because my husband also cleans up after himself, bonus!
Keep Things Simple, It’s Not Rocket Science
Keeping things simple has been a struggle for me in the past. I am learning to relax more, but it has taken three and a half years of homeschooling to get here. When you are not relaxed it is harder to enjoy the experience.
I love having a plan. I love writing things down, and if it isn’t written down on the planner for the day, it isn’t happening. Sound familiar? I have really had to let go of this type of thinking.
I found when I let go of the specific plans for the day, we were able to enjoy the experience more.
Let Go of The Planner
Let it go. (I know, we’re all singing the song now, and if you weren’t before, you are now…you’re welcome.) But seriously, let go of the plans and schedules. You are just overwhelming yourself and your child if you are being too strict with things. (Did I just say that? I have come a long way.) And if you are not ready to completely let it go, then just be more relaxed. Maybe write down what you want to do, as a general idea. This is what I have been able to do, I still have some control, but I can be relaxed about it.
Consider only doing science studies occasionally. Maybe this is once a week, once a month, three months out of your year, half of the months out of your homeschool year, whatever works for you. This is our first year of homeschooling year-round, and I have found I have more than enough time to fit it all in. We only do it occasionally.
Use an Open and Go Style
Consider an open-and-go curriculum. We are currently using The Good And The Beautiful’s “Science for Little Hearts and Hands”. It is open-and-go, with low to no prep. I am using it for a third grader and a kindergartner, and it has been age appropriate for both. That alone would be sufficient, as it is quick, easy, informative, and fun. (These are my own opinions, and I am not making any money from these statements.) However, I have been able to build on it in various ways. We read library books about the subject, or related subjects, paint leaves to do leaf impressions, do leaf rubbings, and draw, just to name a few.
One lesson recently was about tree sap, and it just so happens that my in-laws make syrup from sap, so we may just plan a field trip to observe and help one day.
These are the experiences that my boys talk about more often than the experiments they have tried.
Go With the Flow
For example, you are on a nature walk, and your child looks up and sees a bird flying by and asks what it is. Observe as much as you can about the bird, and when you return home you can look up more about it. Do this every time you go out. Observe trees, flowers, leaves, and grasses. The options are endless. Draw or paint the things you see. Ask questions about the things you observe and find the answers.
Find books at the library on specific interests you develop in your nature study. Touch the items and discuss how they feel and smell (if you dare). Keep a simple nature journal. Even small children can draw a stick or a tree, then discuss it.
The options are endless, and there is no right or wrong way to experience science. You are not limited to nature studies, either. Most importantly, follow your child’s interests and you can’t go wrong!
In conclusion, remember
The experience is more important than the experiments.
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