4Real Forums: Mid-year science check-in

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Exploring God's Creation in Nature and Science
4Real Forums : Exploring God's Creation in Nature and Science

Topic: Mid-year science check-in

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SeaStar
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Posted: Jan 10 2011 at 7:50am \| IP Logged

How is everyone doing with their science programs so far this year?

What are you using? Do you like it?

We are using Catholic Stories from Science, which is very good and contains a few experiments. Also using Easy as 1-2-3 Science from CHC... it's OK, not my favorite, as I find it sort of vague. Supplementing with a ton of library books- that is making it a nice program for the kids.

I recently looked at Patterns in Nature from Rod and Staff... looks very good; I think my kids would like that. Has anyone used it?

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Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)

SQUILT Music Appreciation

mamaslearning
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Posted: Jan 10 2011 at 10:37am \| IP Logged

I'm using CHC's Easy as 1-2-3 as a jumping off point for our science (first grade level). I haven't spent much time in this area for a month or so and plan to get back into doing our science notebook/journal.

I really like the looks of Elemental Science and might start these in the summer.

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Lara
DD 11, DS 8, DS 6, DS 4
St. Francis de Sales Homeschool

SeaStar
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Posted: Jan 10 2011 at 11:38am \| IP Logged

Patterns of Nature

I have been thinking about The Easy As 1-2-3 book today, and I have realized that the manual itself is not vague, but, for me, it is not that much fun to use.. It does not inspire me or make science planning enjoyable. And that surprises me, since I love so many other of Nancy Nicholson's books. I don't know- it just lacks a certain flow or appeal that makes me want to pick it up. I enjoy reading the Stories From Science to my kids. I do not enjoy sifting through the stages in 1-2-3 and seeing what is there, trying to coordinate the faith questions, etc.

But that is just me

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Melinda, mom to ds ('02) and dd ('04)

SQUILT Music Appreciation

Trinity
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Posted: Jan 10 2011 at 11:40am \| IP Logged

Science is my favorite subject. : )

I have loosely been following CHC's science lesson plans this year with my eldest. We have been focusing on studying birds the last couple of months.

I plan to place an order with Ward's this month for the materials we need to begin our geology studies in February. (I have a couple different coupon codes if anyone needs 15% off from Wards.) This year we are ordering the classroom size mineral, rock, gem and crystal collections for study.

I also recently discovered Identi-blocks. We will be studying trees and leaves later this year and I thought these were so neat. I'll be purchasing ours through Wards so we can get a discount.

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Trinity
DS(05/01/03)& DD(03/02/08)

Grace&Chaos
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Joined: June 07 2010
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Posted: Jan 10 2011 at 11:45am \| IP Logged

mamaslearning wrote:

I'm using CHC's Easy as 1-2-3 as a jumping off point for our science.

This is what I'm doing for second grade. I took each unit and then each sub unit and found a Let's Read and Find Out Science, Dr. Seuss Learning Library, Magic School Bus, and a sprinkle of different books towards the end to cover each topic (once a week, this gave us a total of 33 weeks for the year). She is also reading through Among the ___ People series.

For my fifth grader we are doing Apologia's Human Anatomy and she loves it, especially the journal notebook (twice a week). Once a week she is reading through The Fairyland of Science, also enjoying.

I'm considering the Outdoor Secrets Companion for 1st & 3rd next year

.

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Blessings,
Jenny
Mom to dds(00,03) and dss(05,06,08,09)
Grace in Loving Chaos

krygerzoo
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Joined: Aug 12 2006
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Posted: Jan 14 2011 at 8:06pm \| IP Logged

I've been feeling like such a slacker

in science and was just searching this site. I just saw this
inspiring post and am excited once again!!

I've decided to do physical sci in Feb, Earth in March, and life sci in April.

Mackfam wrote:

I know we've linked Home Science Tools as a resource site for shopping before, but I wanted to take some time to encourage you to check out their MANY FREE RESOURCES and sign up for their free newsletters!!

You can choose from 3 options, and of course it's great to be notified of sales and coupons, but the Young Science Explorers (ages 4-9) and the Science Explorations (ages 10-14) newsletters are fantastic for inspiring an activity or two in your science plans!

There are samples to view on their website. When you receive the newsletters by email, a great feature offered is a link that allows you to generate a pdf or printable version of the worksheet so you can save them in your files. The topics are fun and the newsletters are full of extra links that really build an activity into a deeper study. As you'll be able to see from the sample newsletters, the topics are really quite meaty and engaging. All this is FREE!

They include on their site an ARCHIVE of ALL the newsletters! AMAZING RESOURCE!!!!!!!!

** Science Explorations Archive

** Young Science Explorers Archive

I print the newsletters out and set it out for my children to explore further on their own! I'm looking forward to making use of these more in the future and I wanted to share them as a resource as you consider your upcoming year!

There are a few other great resources on the Home Science Tools website that I wanted to mention...

** Science Teaching Tips and Articles - this section is FULL of very helpful information!!

** Science Coloring Pages - These are a must for checking out!!

** Science Lessons for Elementary - if you're uncertain about what to do or how to do it - wonder no more! Look at this amazing Learn about Ladybug Lesson with a printable ladybug lifecycle chart. And there are so many more lessons in this section! I'm impressed with the depth of information and the linking of additional resource information as well as the offering of free materials!

** Science Projects is an extensive section subdivided by both age and topic.

This site is just an amazing collection of free resources for the family exploring science at home and includes resources for every age from preschoolers to high school! It's well worth a visit if you haven't been!!!

Happy science planning everyone!

Thanks for the inspiration, Jen!! I can't wait to get it all together! I'm planning on doing a "science fair" with the kiddos the end of Feb. and inviting the neighbors!

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Peace, Katherine
wife to David '89, mom to +Kaden Michael (8/15/94-5/10/05), DD'97, DS'99, DD'01, DS'05, (+baby'08), DS'09, (+baby'12) & DD '13

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