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How to Teach Homeschool Science

Teaching science at home can be a daunting task. Many parents think that because they don’t have the resources that science teachers in a typical learning environment have, they can’t teach science to their learners. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Teaching science at home just takes a little creativity, and we’re here to help.

Make Teaching Science a Priority

Do you view teaching science as a priority? You, as the parent, set the tone for the year through your attitude towards active learning in science. If you find science boring, less important than other subjects, or much too challenging, this article is for you!

Science is an essential part of a well-rounded education and learning experience. Euka has included Science lessons right from our smallest students in Clever Kids. The important thing to remember is you can pick and choose what parts of the lessons you do. Some students love hands-on experiments but don’t like activity sheets. In this case, enjoy the experiment and discuss the findings. Some prefer videos and activity sheets, not a problem, most experiments can be found online.

Tips for Teaching Science at home

Start at an Early Age

If possible, it’s best to start teaching science concepts at home in the early grades for several reasons. The main reason is to build concepts upon concepts. Learning high-quality science basics in Infants school enables students to study further in Primary school, continue building on their comprehension and content knowledge, and, therefore, arrive at High school well equipped for science.

Second, young children are highly curious and learning science is the best way to answer many of the questions kids have.

Third, learning science at an early age helps students understand the world they live in, making them appreciate and enjoy their world more deeply.

Finally, an early introduction to science helps develop a love for science. With the growing demand in science professions, providing science education for your children may lead to a future career in science. Your child could be the person that discovers a cure for Lou Gehrig’s disease or diabetes. Your child may discover a new source of energy or better use for resources in the natural world. The possibilities in science are endless.

Hands-on Science

You will notice that most weeks your Euka program contains hands-on Science Activities. Adapting these so that it fits your family well will set you up for success in teaching science. Whether your student enjoys science or feels indifferent to it, you need lessons that keep your student engaged and interested. Euka Hands-on science exploration not only keeps students connected to their studies but also is the best way to learn science and problem-solving. The High-quality science lessons provided by Euka will include hands-on experiments, questions to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving, and objective evaluation of learned material.

Children are naturally curious and love to explore their world. Remember if you don’t have something needed for an experiment, you can adapt the activity, replace the item with something else or wait until after you have been to the shop. The Euka Science team develop experiments using items generally found around the home.

Schedule Science

When you first introduce it, you may wonder how it’s possible to fit science into an already busy schedule. The answer is simply to prioritise science in your homeschool weekly plan. You may only teach science one day a week but engage in experiments regularly and consistently on that day.

Here are more ideas for how to fit science into busy schedules.

Involve a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or neighbour who would enjoy spending time doing science experiments with children. By involving others, you free up your time for other necessary teachings. Plus, children and helpers will all benefit from building those relationships.

Multitask when possible. Many chores can be done while the student or another parent reads aloud. Examples include folding clothes, cutting out classroom materials for the next day, or preparing part of a meal. Although some students will require undivided attention during their science reading, others may embrace the independence of working on their own, knowing you’re still available for questions.

Organise Science Materials

The old English Proverb “A place for everything and everything in its place” is especially true when teaching science at home. Though it takes work and energy, organising science supplies, creating a space for them, and training children to put them away, is a worthwhile endeavour. Science equipment, in particular, will last longer if it’s cared for well. Designate a shelf or box for equipment that’s beyond the reach of younger children.

Teaching Science to Multiple Children

Teaching science to several children at once makes efficient use of your time. Below are some ways to teach multiple students at home.

Whenever possible, enjoy science with all your children. Bring the younger child up to the level of the oldest student. The younger student may have to work a little harder, but both students will benefit from this way of studying science. In most cases you can do all the hands-on Science as a group, then they can complete their own level activity sheets.

Involve older children in teaching younger children. Not only is this a good use of time but it also develops important teaching skills in older students. These children may set up experiments, read a textbook aloud, and assist or even perform an experiment or dissection for younger children.

The bottom line is that if you devote the time and energy to make science a priority now, your children will reap the benefits for years to come. After all, the love of science is truly a gift that keeps on giving. It’s something your children can use throughout their lives and even pass along to their own children someday.