The cross-section human brain model by Learning Resources, is a great prop for science classes, especially middle school to early high school years. We are studying the brain in middle school science presently, and the students really, really, like to have the hands on feel of the brain, as we study the subject. It makes a big difference in learning, to be able to touch something so mysterious and somewhat lifelike. Also, to have a cross-section model of the brain that can come apart, helps a student very much, to be able to remember the inner workings of the brain.

Strengths:
Strong points of this unit are that it weighs about the exactly the same as a real human brain … Read the rest of this post…

There are many hours of fun and education to be found in a science kit. However, if a child is considering using a chemistry set, certain basic safety guidelines should be discussed. While most kits do not contain problematic chemicals, some common substances can cause skin discomfort and other minor injuries. Children have thinner skin and can be more subject to these effects. In addition, establishing clear safety guidelines is a sensible precaution and teaches children how to handle chemicals properly. These are valuable life skills.

For a start, children should use appropriate protective equipment. While a lab coat is not necessary, read the chemistry set instructions thoroughly before starting. Experiments may require both gloves and safety goggles. Gloves … Read the rest of this post…

Apologia Science is closely identified with Dr. Jay Wile, founder and principal author of the curriculum. The Ball State University professor was so impressed with the ability and enthusiasm of homeschool graduates in his college classes in the early 1990s, that he connected with state and local support groups and began writing science curriculum specifically for home educators. The business grew to the point he left university life to focus on “making parents comfortable teaching science.”

Starting this year, several new names will be associated with Apologia, and a new line of practical and inspirational titles will join the popular science textbooks. After fourteen years, Dr. Wile is handing the management of the company to a pair of veteran homeschoolers … Read the rest of this post…

Looking for a science fair project that will be fun and interesting? Here are some great science fair ideas, creative, yet simple to do at home. Some of them use easily available science kits, others just yourself and a pencil!

1. Do most drivers stop at stop signs? How many people obey the traffic law in one county versus another?

Select 3-4 stop signs in various parts of one county (A). Enlist some friends to work with you as a team on this project. Spend several hours at the same time of day on the same day of the week observing people’s behavior at these stop signs. Do the same thing in another county (B) on the same days at … Read the rest of this post…

High school science students really benefit from the general approach of Alpha Omega Lifepac.  Designed to inspire and motivate non-science minded students and reluctant learners, this college preparatory science course for 10th grade biology has some unusual and successful features.  A unit workbook format is especially unusual at the high school level, but proves very helpful.  Mastery learning is important as well.  Perhaps the best feature of all in a high school biology textbook is the unabashedly Christian perspective.

Topics and Methodology:
The challenging and interesting 10th grade biology topics include cells and cell theory; plant anatomy; human genetics; microorganisms; sexual and asexual reproduction; elements and compounds; classification and taxonomy, and much more.

For the 10th grade biology student, … Read the rest of this post…

Among the more interesting of chemistry sets are the miniature kits such as Microchem.  These fascinating little kits contain a grid of coin-sized plastic containers in which chemistry experiments are performed on miniature scale.  These miniature chemistry sets are designed to make chemistry experiments safer and less messy than ever before.

For the homeschool classroom or as a hobby item for a science minded child, these little chemistry sets are a wonderful thing.  A whole range of fascinating chemistry experiments can be carried out in the middle of the living room with no fear of blowing anyone up or spilling beakersful of caustic chemicals.  On the contrary, the tiny bottles of chemicals that are used come fitted with dropper caps, … Read the rest of this post…

Strengths:
For first graders when you are teaching them science, they always have a blast, especially if you make it very hands on.  In Alpha Omega Lifepac, I love the way the curriculum is full of color and lots of cute illustrations.  It is also easy for the teacher to use, since the teacher guide is just one thin book.  There are a few notes that are very helpful on how to use the curriculum and what I really love are the lists.  There are all kinds of first grade science activities and experiments that you can do, with supply lists or suggested resources, too.

There are all the typical ones that you might remember from your own childhood, such … Read the rest of this post…

Terrariums make great cool science projects for kids.  To make a terrarium with kids requires only a large waterproof container with clear sides and moisture-proof lid, potting soil, plants, and of course water.  For a very small terrarium, a clear 2 quart glass jar will work nicely.  For a larger terrarium, commercially available terrarium containers are best.  A ten gallon aquarium fitted with an airtight sealed lid will also work.

Select very small plants that will not touch the side of the container when planted.  For long term, slow growers are best, so that the plants will not outgrow their container.  For a sealed terrarium demonstrating the water cycle, moisture loving plants are essential.  The little carnivorous Venus Flytrap plants … Read the rest of this post…

Apologia Chemistry is a high school level science course intended to prepare students to study college level chemistry.  We used this curriculum in the sophomore year following a year of biology.

Strengths:
Apologia chemistry curriculum is student-centered taking the burden of teaching a difficult subject off the home school teacher.  The text is divided into modules and written in a conversational style which makes reading and learning from the text very easy.  The introduction of the text clearly outlines what is expected of the student as far as memorization of definitions, formulas, scientific laws, etc.  and provides advice on how the student can successfully complete the chemistry course.  The student is presented with problems to solve throughout each module as … Read the rest of this post…

Meet Apologia Press, an up and coming science curriculum publisher designing materials specifically for homeschoolneeds. These texts are everything that I have wanted in a homeschool science resource. They are user friendly, high quality, interesting, and exciting science materials.  Each book is hard back and made to last through many years of use in your home.

Strengths:
The elementary Apologia Science texts are a wonderful addition to a homeschool series of study. The wonderful thing about this curriculum, is that it can be used for multiple grade levels at  one time. I have a sixth grader, two fourth graders, and a kindergartener who all used this text at once. These books are written to be read aloud or read by … Read the rest of this post…