Saddlemomma Posted June 29, 2014 Share Posted June 29, 2014 I'm so sick of science! Every single curriculum we've tried has been sub-par. Therefore, I decided, since DD was going into 6th grade, that we would try interest-led science for all our middle school years. I asked DD what she would like to study, and she came up with a couple ideas which could be unit studies. However, when I specifically asked her which branch of science she enjoys most, she had absolutely no clue and didn't express enthusiasm about science at all. So, I got a Home Science Tools catalog in the mail the other day. This is the first one I've ever gotten, and I was AMAZED. A little light bulb went off in my head. I took the catalog and a highlighter to my daughter. I proceeded to ask her to highlight everything in the catalog that she liked or thought would be cool to use or learn. She gave me a YUCK face, but took the stuff. Lo and behold, a few minutes later she ran into the room I was in and started gushing about this...and that....oh and look at this! When I finally got the magazine back, almost everything on the Chemistry, Physics, Geology, and some Biology pages were highlight -- some with STARS! This told me a lot. DD really likes Chemistry and Physics! Who'd a thought?! She always tells me she hates bugs, yet she highlighted the insect backpacker kit....because it has a glass viewing container and she wouldn't have to hold or catch the bugs with her hands! She scoffs at Geology, but loves rocks and highlighted almost everything in that section -- along with a lot of other earth science stuff. Oh, and forensic science -- all highlighted with stars! Now I have some inkling of what to concentrate on, what kits to buy and build a unit lesson around. No more so-so science for us (I hope). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alte Veste Academy Posted June 29, 2014 Share Posted June 29, 2014 Yay! Honestly, nothing impacts our days more than the kids' buy-in, and nothing impacts their buy-in more than being given (varying degrees of) choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FloridaLisa Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 We did two years (not back-to-back) of interest led science. I've found some good science curriculum, but as I look back over our 15 years of homeschooling, those are some of the best memories! It wasn't off for me (as teacher) by any means! But it was a different role in which I was more the co-navigator and locator of good resources. Good stuff! Enjoy your year! Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pen Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 How does one get that catalog? I think I might be another stage of devious and just let it come since my DS gets the mail most days...maybe with his name on it.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arcadia Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 How does one get that catalog? I think I might be another stage of devious and just let it come since my DS gets the mail most days...maybe with his name on it.... Here :) http://www.hometrainingtools.com/requestcatalog/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coffeemama Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 Awesome idea! I'm giving my 6th grade son the catalog right now! I had been trying to come up with some type of unit study for him to get him more engaged, This sounds great. I just received an email from them for free shipping on orders over $99 until 7/15. Here's the code: PSHIP714 Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shamima Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 Have you tried Noeo? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
songsparrow Posted July 3, 2014 Share Posted July 3, 2014 What a great idea! As of right now, my younger daughter is planning to go back to B&M school in the fall, but if that changes I think I will do the same thing with her! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daijobu Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 That's awesome. Don't forget to check out youtube. there's lots of diy science projects there, it's amazing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brookspr Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 I have a bachelors degree in chemistry, and when I was in HS and college I HATED studying in my book-only lecture classes. Get me in a lab and I would shine! I cannot say enough about how important hands on science experiments can be when studying science. Good luck to you and I hope you have a wonderful year using all of your supplies! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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