Chemistry and Science for youngers

[Coco_Clark]

We have done a TON of life and earth science over the last 3 years. I was thinking it would be fun to split next year into 1/2 chemistry and 1/2 physics. Then either restarting our cycle or moving into BFSU.

 

My students will all be between grades 1-3. And I'm fine with just scratching surfaces and peaking interest at this age group. But I don't want just a bunch of empty "experiments" if you know what I mean. Nor do I want hours of prep time (some prep is expected and ok).

 

Ideas?

[Jackie]

It took a bit of additional information from me, but the Thames and Kosmos Candy Chemistry set was a hit here. Most recipes used the same basic ingredients, so it was an interesting study in how slightly different combinations and different energy input resulted in very different end products. We were doing this at the same time as Ellen McHenry's The Elements, which likens elements to ingredients, so it fit surprisingly well.

[Momto6inIN]

I replied to your other thread too so if you're getting tired of hearing from me, sorry! :)

 

My 2nd grader did a Magic School Bus chemistry kit and while she enjoyed it, she hasn't retained much beyond the fact that all things are made of atoms and molecules are bunches of atoms put together. We're getting ready to start a magnets kit, again from Magic School Bus. There are probably programs out there that would be better, but we're just introducing her to general concepts at this point.

[Porridge]

We've been loosely using Apologia's Elementary level Chemistry and Physics. I say loosely because we adapt it heavily for our own needs and interests. The text is a bit verbose, but the explanations are generally very good, and the suggested experiments are easy to do and really help to demonstrate the principles being taught.  

 

I don't have a lot of time for prep, so I use the book as a kind of guide for what topics to cover and in what order. I'll usually skim through the section I'd like to cover before hand, then either pick out the things I want to read to the kids, or teach it on my own without the book.... That might be more prep than you're looking for, but if you have a reasonable science background, it's not too hard to do.  I use a white board to draw atoms and stuff.

 

We have the junior notebooking notebook. My older child likes it. I don't have her do every activity. I just pick or two things for her to do to help reinforce the concepts we've learned. It takes her about 15 minutes.

[benzino]

I have really enjoyed super charged science.  The range of material is astounding, available in separately titled modules.  ie Earth Science, Mechanics, Sound etc.

 

The experiments are cheap, fun and actually kinda crafty which my kids love.

 

 

[dsbrack]

I considering the same for next year.  I've pretty much decided to go with either Pandia Press' RSO Chemistry or Elemental Science Chemistry.  They both look like strong programs to me with a good deal of scientific method and experiments that are applicable to what we are learning.  I like the look of the RSO Chemistry better in terms of aesthetics which matter to my oldest but I like the spines offered for Elemental.  I'll probably purchase the Usborne Science Encyclopedia and do some readings from there along with RSO Chemistry.  I'm still debating whether or not to purchase both a chemistry and physics year and do half next year and the rest in 4th.   

 

eta:  I always feel like you and I are deciding on science right around the same time each year.  It's fun to have another momma asking the questions I'm thinking!

Edited February 18, 2016 by dsbrack

[Miss Tick]

If you start BFSU, volume 1 is aimed at that age and has a nice physics progression that covers the basics, but then will also be reinforced by later lessons. Chemistry doesn't really happen in a traditional sense until the third book, though. Also, BFSU lessons can be done in whatever order you want, so no problem slipping life science stuff you have already done.

 

For chemistry, my 5th graders spent some time this past fall putting together a lagoon using parts from the homeschoolshare periodic table and elements books, and playing some of Ellen Mchenry's Quick Six Elements game. We assembled the book group by group, using the Fizz, Bubble & Flash book by Brandolini, along with a few other demos. It was ok, but we are also doing BFSU and occasional Crash Course videos to make it all stick, oh and the American Chemical Society's middle school lessons. I wonder if they have anything for elementary? Anyway, some of that might work for your crowd - with some tweaking.

[rebbyribs]

Check out Guest Hollow's reading list for elementary Chemistry and Physics:  http://www.guesthollow.com/homeschool/science/knowledge/knowledge_of_nature_books.html 

 

(and possibly the whole curriculum if you want a Christian approach)

[T'smom]

I'm doing the Pandia Press Chemistry with my 3rd grader this year. We are enjoying it. It has lots of experiments/demonstrations, short explanations, doesn't use stuff that is difficult to find. I probably wouldn't use it with a 1st grader- at least not my 1st grader! I have a Ker that doesn't hang around for the bookwork, but does show up to toast marshmallows and make slime!

[Jess4879]

RS4K Physics & Chemistry would be great for those ages.  I have used the Pre-Level 1 Physics & we will use the Chemistry this year.  We did the Physics last year and the kids loved it. It definitely just skims the surface, but it's a fun, entry-level program.  I usually suck at experiments, but these were easy to do and they fit well with the reading.  It is very easy to tweak and make more "meaty" with extra books. 

 

Cons:  It is pricey and short (I think we covered it in 9 weeks?)

 

Oh, I only ordered one set and had the kids use notebooks for their lab work.  It saves on the cost a bit. 

[cmarango]

We did a combo of RSO and McHenry's Elements. I skipped the elements/periodic table stuff in RSO and used McHenry's book instead. My daughter (3rd/4th grade) has really enjoyed it and learned a lot, but it was too much for my son (1st grader).

[Classically Minded]

We loved Fizz, Bubble & Flash!