Science

It is, in fact, nothing short of a miracle that the modern methods of instruction have not entirely strangled the holy curiosity of inquiry; for this delecate little plant, aside from stimulation, stands mainly in need of freedom; without this it goes to wrack and ruin without fail. It is a very grave mistake to think that the enjoyment of seeing and searching can be promoted by means of coercion and a sense of duty.
Albert Einstein

The study of science can be one of the most fascinating parts during your school day. Teacher and students alike learn descipline, reasoning, observation and love for the Creator as we study the world around us.

Most science text-books are dry, void of reference to a Creator, and limiting to the student. Get your hands dirty. Dissect, draw, experiment, experienc what our world has to offer. Do not get between the child and discovery. There are wonderful videos available that cover a wide range of subjects and that use a wide range of approaches. Watch with your children in order to aid discussion. Using a sketch book for science recording allows for sketches, thoughts; graphs, charts and tables, and experiments to be contained in one book. Study each disicpline separately. Human anatomy, botany, astronomy, chemistry, etc. are easiest to understand when studies systematically. Study the lives of famous scientists. Learn what led up to their discoveries. Encourage your students to experiment and invent. You can find science kits, books, stories and experiment ideas at the libraray,second-hand stores, on the internet and at the mall. Give kits as gifts yourself or request them from grandparents. If you are going to make the investment, spend money on good equipment. Do not buy the cheapse microscope or telescope, for example. They may not serve you very well. Do your homework before you purchase!

If you study history on a four-year rotation, you cna include science in it. The rotation may then look something like this: Ancient world-Life Science, Medieval and Renaissance-Earth Science and Astronomy, Early Modern-Chemistry, Late Modern-Physics. Perhaps summers could be used for computer science, electronics, or anything else on which you want to spend extra time.

• Study and outline science texts
• Read and write reports. (Include data from experiments performed or observations from the world around them.)
• Biography reading
• Put science history dates in a time line; watch for the effects of scientific discovery on history in general
• Perform experiments, go on nature walks, ask questions, etc.
• Keep a nature notebook.

Application Level

• Read biographies of great scientists
• Take Honors level classes at the local high school or college courses
• Perform experiments, dissect, investigate
• Learn the laws and principles of scientific study
• Record experiences in their nature notebook
• Look at the ways science, history, literature play off each other and affect the world as a whole.

Discovery Level

• Memorize facts, figures, tables, vocabulary, etc.
• Read biographies, literary science, etc.
• Hands-on activities
• Spend time in the kitchen experiencing the wonders of food interaction. Learn safety and how to improvise.
• If interested, keep a nature notebook
• Learn about the world by experiencing it.
• Organize collections and learn to label and classify - try Latin classifications for the serious scholar.
• Orderliness and focus are important skills for any scientist. Encourage these at every opportunity.