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Jordan
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| Posted: Jan 23 2007 at 7:38am | IP Logged
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In addition to nature walks, I am interested in a list of topics for science areas to explore in the early years. I know I can make things up but I'd feel more confident picking from a well thought-through list that covers the different disciplines. Do any of you use a text book or a curriculum source as a topics guide? I'm interested in the CHC as a whole but from what I read, I think I'll need to explore other areas for science ideas.
After you choose your topics for a given time, do you have a technique for finding good books and hands-on things? I don't have access to a great library so much of what I need I'd have to order.
Thanks!
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ShawnaB
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| Posted: Jan 23 2007 at 9:15am | IP Logged
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Hi Jordan!
Here is a link to the California Content Standards for Scienceorganized by grade level. I use this "list" to jar my memory for science concepts that are grade level appropriate. Each year, I try to cover at least one Life Science unit and one Earth or Physical Science Unit.
That being said, I also don't limit myself to the Standards when it comes to an area of interest on the part of my child. For example, last year, ds Kindergarten REALLY was interested in our Solar System. According to the standards, astronomy should be covered in the 4th/5th grades, but we covered it anyway. He learned a ton because of his interest, and he'll have a great foundation when we choose to explore it in greater depth when he is older.
I also have been gathering ideas for specific unit studies from The Hands of a Child. Their Science Project Packs are great, and just the list of ideas gets me inspired.
Because I like to use Nature Study, I try to keep our Science Units seasonal, when possible. Two springs ago, we did a Seed to Plant unit. This winter, we just finished a unit about Snow.
I thought I did not have access to a great library either, as we live in small, rural area. However, a fellow CM homeschooling mom enlightened me on really how to USE our library system, such that it is, to its utmost potential. Our system has a website that is searchable, and I can hold books from any of the many tiny brances in our county system. I request books from my home, and within a few days, they arrive at the branch closest too me.
I used to find booklists and search for those specific titles in our library, with little success. Now, I search by Topic. For example, when I searched "Winter" and "Snow", I came up with a huge list from our local library. I requested many titles. When they arrived, some were twaddle, but there were many, many gems. If there is a certain book or two for a unit that comes HIGHLY recommended and is not available through the library, I will purchase it. But most of the time, while perhaps not finding the specific title I'm looking for, there will still be plenty of great books to support my Unit.
I am further inspired with science ideas, activities and booklists at MacBeth's Opinion. MacBeth is a naturalist and a moderator on this forum. She is a WEALTH of great science resources!
__________________
Shawna, wife of Jacob, mom to Abraham 8 Amelia 5 and Jillian & Jonathan age 3 years http://www.psalm121family.com
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Jordan
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| Posted: Jan 23 2007 at 2:34pm | IP Logged
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Shawna, thank you so much for this information. I think it will be very helpful. I will have to look into our library system and see if what you've described is an option. I am living overseas and the military base is our only English library around here. I haven't enjoyed it nearly as much as our libraries back in the States so I don't go often. I really should try to work with what's there.
I also have a husband named Jacob and a 1 yo Jonathan.  How fun!
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4Real Forums : Exploring God's Creation in Nature and Science
Topic: Science topic ideas for early years
