Tips for Homeschool Science Podcast from Elemental Science

Want to talk shop? Send me a text.

{Prequel} Science Soundtrack

• I can't teach science that way.-->I have a unique way to approach teaching science.

Season 8 of the Tips for Homeschool Science Show is officially beginning next week!! In this short episode, we share a sneak peek at what's coming up for the Science Soundtracks season.

Key Takeaways

• Season 8 will be all about how to flip the negative beliefs we have about homeschool science into positive soundtracks that will help you teach science at home.
• Teaching science at home is totally doable when you have the right soundtracks playing in your mind and the right tools in your hands.

Links Mentioned

• Soundtracks by Jon Acuff 
• Full Transcript

Got questions? Email [email protected] or connect with us on the web:

• Instagram - @elementalscience
• Website - https://elementalscience.com/

Read this far? THANK YOU! 

Please help us get the word out by REVIEWING this podcast, by SUBSCRIBING to this podcast, and by SHARING this podcast with your homeschooling friends. 

We would REALLY appreciate it!

Want to talk shop? Send me a text.

This past month I shared a Zoom session with a charter school and at a conference and we thought you all might have the same questions they do. So we are sharing the Q & A sections from those calls.

Show Notes - https://elementalscience.com/blogs/podcast/100

Timestamps

(0:35) I am using a logic stage program with my older student, what should I do with my 5-year-old?

(0:59) Do you have kits?

(1:49) What age range is Science Chunks for?

(2:19) Should I use Classical Science or Sassafras Science? (Follow-up comment - Yes, my student would prefer to use the children's encyclopedias.)

(3:45) What age is the Sassafras Science series for? And where do we start?

(4:25) 8 Steps for a science fair project? Tell me more...

(5:18) What grade level are your programs?

(5:29) Can you use a Classical Science program with a Sassafras Science program?

(6:21) Are your programs open-and-go?

(7:14) What should I use for a 4th grader?

(8:04) Do you have anything to use with my high schooler?

(8:51) We love the Sassafras Twins!! (Which caused me to launch into a bit of the history of the series...)

(9:37) Our kids are 4 years apart - what do we do for science? Can we do science together?

(11:23) Get help for teaching science at home with our programs.

If you want to see the answers to even more questions about teaching science at home, check out Season 5 of the Tips for Homeschool Science Show.

Got questions? Email [email protected] or connect with us on the web:

• Instagram - @elementalscience
• Website - https://elementalscience.com/

Read this far? THANK YOU! 

Please help us get the word out by REVIEWING this podcast, by SUBSCRIBING to this podcast, and by SHARING this podcast with your homeschooling friends. 

We would REALLY appreciate it!

Want to talk shop? Send me a text.

This past month I shared a Zoom session with a charter school that I thought you all would enjoy listening in on. It's all about how to teach science at home!

Show Notes - https://elementalscience.com/blogs/podcast/99

Timestamps

Here is what you'll find in this episode along with a few links to what is mentioned in the session. 

(0:37) The session begins

(1:21) Your goals for teaching science at the different ages.

(3:18) What you can use to teach science at home.

• How to know if you should demonstrate or experiment
• The Science Fair Project
• 50+ Videos List
• Writing with Science series

(17:14) The nitty-gritty = how to put it all together

(19:43) A look at our three series - Classical Science, Sassafras Science, and Science Chunks.

Got questions? Email [email protected] or connect with us on the web:

• Instagram - @elementalscience
• Website - https://elementalscience.com/

Read this far? THANK YOU! 

Please help us get the word out by REVIEWING this podcast, by SUBSCRIBING to this podcast, and by SHARING this podcast with your homeschooling friends. 

We would REALLY appreciate it!

Want to talk shop? Send me a text.

If you have been listening to this podcast for any length of time, you know how important hands-on science is. But I also live in reality and I understand that there are times when skipping an experiment is an unavoidable reality.

Today, I am sharing what to do when you find yourself in that rare situation.

Show Notes - https://elementalscience.com/blogs/podcast/98

Timestamps

Here is what you'll find in this episode: 

(0:38) Introduction

• You are staring at this week’s experiment and you realize that you don’t have the materials you need and you don't have the time or resources to figure out a work-around for the experiment.
• Is it possible for you to skip an experiment and still have your students learn something?
• Yes, and in this episode, I'm sharing how to skip and experiment and still have a successful learning experience.

(1:40) Before we chat about the steps, I have to add two caveats...

• Caveat 1 - I am going to assume that we are speaking about skipping experiments with students who are in fifth grade or higher.
• Caveat 2 - This is not a license to skip every one of the planned scientific demonstrations or experiments. 

(2:50) Here are the steps you should follow when skipping an experiment:

1. Read the Introduction - The introduction sets the stage for what the students should have discovered in the experiment. 
2. Formulate a Hypothesis - The students are still capable of formulating their hypotheses even if they don’t complete the actual experiment.
3. Read through the Directions - Reading through the directions will give the students a picture of how the experiment would have been set up.
4. Read through the Expected Results - When you share the expected results with your students, they will have an idea of what should have happened in the experiment.
5. Discuss the Explanation - By sharing the explanation, you are making sure that the students have grasped the concepts they need to from the experiment.

(4:20) The final word...

• To successfully skip an experiment and still have your students learn, you need to mentally run through the experiment. It's not exactly the same as actually doing the experiment, but it is better than nothing at all!

(5:12) Get help for teaching science at home with our programs.

Got questions? Email [email protected] or connect with us on the web:

• Instagram - @elementalscience
• Website - https://elementalscience.com/

Read this far? THANK YOU! 

Please help us get the word out by REVIEWING this podcast, by SUBSCRIBING to this podcast, and by SHARING this podcast with your homeschooling friends. 

We would REALLY appreciate it!

Want to talk shop? Send me a text.

Do you struggle with the idea that science is boring?

It doesn't have to be! In this podcast, we'll be chatting about three ways you can make science fun and exciting.

Show Notes - https://elementalscience.com/blogs/podcast/97

This audio is an expansion of a popular post from Elemental Science. See the original post here: How to Make Science Fun

Timestamps

Here is what you'll find in this episode: 

(0:37) Should science be fun?

• Not everything in our homeschool has to be exciting.
• But science can, and should, be fun - at least part of it should!
• When part of science is exciting, it helps kids to remember what they are learning.

(1:57) One Way to Make Science Fun: Real-life Examples

• Show what science looks like in real life!
• Take field trips or do nature study.

(3:07) Another Way to Make Science Fun: Hands-on Science Activities

• No better way to learn about science than to do it!
• Try out ideas or use the planned activities in your curriculum.
• Always make sure that the activities relate to what you are learning.

(4:51) Another, Another Way to Make Science Fun: Talk to Experts

• Experts are passionate and that passion is contagious.
• Talk to experts on field trips - sit at their feet and learn.

(5:34) The final word...

• Back up the fun with facts because the fun partners with the facts to create pegs in your kiddos' memories! 

(6:58) Get help for teaching science at home with our programs.

Got questions? Email [email protected] or connect with us on the web:

• Instagram - @elementalscience
• Website - https://elementalscience.com/

Read this far? THANK YOU! 

Please help us get the word out by REVIEWING this podcast, by SUBSCRIBING to this podcast, and by SHARING this podcast with your homeschooling friends. 

We would REALLY appreciate it!

Want to talk shop? Send me a text.

Lapbook or notebook? Notebook or lapbook?

How do you choose between the two? In this podcast, you are going to learn how to do just that!

Show Notes - https://elementalscience.com/blogs/podcast/96

This audio is an expansion of a popular post from Elemental Science. See the original post here: Should you use a lapbook or a notebook?

Timestamps

Here is what you'll find in this episode:

(0:33) Introducing Science Chunks - with both lapbooks and notebooks!

(0:52)  Notebooking, or rather narration, is a way of writing down what your students have learned.

• We love notebooking over comprehension worksheets!
• This can be done with either lapbooks or notebooks.

(1:39) What is a lapbook?

• Definition: A lapbook is an educational scrapbook that fits into the lap of a student.
• Basically, lapbooks are a collection of mini-books in a file folder.
• These are good for younger students.

(2:50) What is a notebook?

• Definition: A notebook is a workbook—spiral bound, pre-printed, or blank—that student can use to record what he or she is learning.
• A notebook contains both the information the student has learned and pictures that relate to that.
• These are good for older students

(4:04) How can you choose between lapbooks and notebooks?

• Both have a place in your teacher toolbox!
• Ask the following questions: How well is my student writing? How long will we spend on the unit? How old are my students? Which would we prefer?

(5:40) The final word...

• Both lapbooks and notebooks can help you record what your students are learning for science.

(6:28) Get help for teaching science at home with our programs.

Got questions? Email [email protected] or connect with us on the web:

• Instagram - @elementalscience
• Website - https://elementalscience.com/

Read this far? THANK YOU! 

Please help us get the word out by REVIEWING this podcast, by SUBSCRIBING to this podcast, and by SHARING this podcast with your homeschooling friends. 

We would REALLY appreciate it!

Want to talk shop? Send me a text.

I never intended to work from home and homeschool, but that's exactly what I have been doing for almost 15 years.

And in that time, I have learned a few tricks to get done what needs to be done, which I am sharing in this podcast!

Show Notes - https://elementalscience.com/blogs/podcast/95

If you want to know more about the story of how I became a work-from-home homeschooler, you can find the story of our business here.

Timestamps

Here is what you'll find in this episode:

(0:36) The quick version of my journey to become a work-from-home homeschooler

• We didn't plan to homeschool and work from home
• But that's exactly what we have been doing for almost 15 years

(1:23) The number one thing I have learned to handle combining work and homeschool is to give yourself grace.

• There will be things that you want to do that you don't have time to do - give yourself grace.
• There will be days that don't go as planned - give yourself grace.
• Realize that this is just a season and give yourself the grace you need to enjoy it!

(2:21) The second thing I have learned is to have my day laid out in time blocks.

• I don't do well with minute-by-minute schedules, so I use blocks of time.
• The first block sets the tone for the rest of my day and then comes work, homeschool, work, and family time.
• I know that my days will follow a set flow.

(4:08) The third thing I have learned is to get help.

• The reality is that you can't do it all.
• Decide your priorities and then get help for the rest.
• If you can't afford help, let things go.
• "Everything is figureoutable!!" - Marie Forleo

(6:26) The final word...

• You can work from home and homeschool!

(7:00) Get help for teaching science at home with our programs.

Got questions? Email [email protected] or connect with us on the web:

• Instagram - @elementalscience
• Website - https://elementalscience.com/

Read this far? THANK YOU! 

Please help us get the word out by REVIEWING this podcast, by SUBSCRIBING to this podcast, and by SHARING this podcast with your homeschooling friends. 

We would REALLY appreciate it!

Want to talk shop? Send me a text.

Should you demonstrate or experiment for hands-on science? And how do you know the difference? 

In today’s podcast, we are going to take a look at these two types of hands-on scientific tests and when you should use them.

Show Notes - https://elementalscience.com/blogs/podcast/94

Note - This audio is an expansion of a popular post from Elemental Science. See the original post here:

• Scientific Demonstrations or Experiments 

Timestamps

(0:57) Your options for hands-on science.

• You have lots of ways to help your students encounter science face-to-face.
• Two of the most common are scientific demonstrations and experiments.

(1:55) The Scientific Demonstration

• Definition: A scientific demonstration is an explanation of a process that is illustrated through an example, which serves as proof or evidence of the scientific principles at work. 
• These allow your students to see the principles of science firsthand.
• The teacher models the principles of science as the student observes.

(3:40) The Experiment

• Definition: An experiment is a test or trial done for the purpose of discovering something unknown or validating a theoretical principle. 
• These always follow the scientific method.
• The student is the driving force and the teacher is the mentor.

(6:04) The Subtle Difference

• Scientific demonstrations are teacher-led and student observed.
• Experiments are student-led and teacher-facilitated.

(6:23) Learn how to know which one to use in your homeschool.

• Use scientific demonstrations during the early years. Think of these as your knowledge-building tools.
• Use experiments as your students get older. Think of these as your exploratory tools.
• As your students mature, your role shifts from the demonstrator, or feeder of knowledge, to the mentor, or educational facilitator.

(11:14) Get help for teaching science at home with our programs.

Got questions? Email [email protected] or connect with us on the web:

• Instagram - @elementalscience
• Website - https://elementalscience.com/

Read this far? THANK YOU! 

Please help us get the word out by REVIEWING this podcast, by SUBSCRIBING to this podcast, and by SHARING this podcast with your homeschooling friends. 

We would REALLY appreciate it!

Want to talk shop? Send me a text.

So you have been doing hands-on science activities and your kiddos are having a blast! And you know that these will become a part of your weekly routine, but how do you keep a record of the science they are learning is behind those activities?

Simple – you have them write it up.

And in today’s podcast, we are going to breakdown what this should look like through the ages.

Show Notes - https://elementalscience.com/blogs/podcast/93

NOTE - This audio is an expansion of a popular post from Elemental Science. See the original post here: How to record an experiment (You can also download free templates from this post.)

Timestamps
(0:45) What season 7 of the Tips for Homeschool Science Show will look like.

• We'll be chatting about how-to's
• Some will be from popular posts and some will be brand-new content
• Let us know ([email protected]) if you have a how-to question you would like us to address

(2:11) This episode to about how to keep a written record of your hands-on science activities.

• This will change with age
• It's one of the three keys to teaching science
• ALWAYS keep writing expectations at or below the student's level

(3:19) If you have a preschooler, you will want to listen to this part!

• Keep it simple and sweet
• Just a picture and a sentence

(4:48) If you have an elementary student, you will want to listen to this part!

• And, keep it simple
• Four sections - tools, methods, outcome, and insights.
• Begin to show what the scientific method is all about

(7:37) If you have a middle school student, you will want to listen to this part!

• Reports will be after the scientific method
• Six sections, some can come from the program you use
• Include the title, hypothesis, materials, procedure, observations/results, and conclusions

(11:48) If you have a high school student, you will want to listen to this part!

• Same as middle school, but with more detail
• Those going into science can add analysis and research as well

(13:04) Get help for teaching science at home with our programs.

Got questions? Email [email protected] or connect with us on the web:

• Instagram - @elementalscience
• Website - https://elementalscience.com/

Read this far? THANK YOU! 

Please help us get the word out by REVIEWING this podcast, by SUBSCRIBING to this podcast, and by SHARING this podcast with your homeschooling friends. 

We would REALLY appreciate it!

Want to talk shop? Send me a text.

When we started sharing monthly science tips over four years ago, I wasn't sure how long we would keep doing so. Well, here we are at tip number 52. And I feel like this is the perfect time to wrap-up the homeschool science tip of the month series. The final tip I want to leave you all with is . . . to be a student first. 

Welcome to the Tips for Homeschool Science Show where we are breaking down the lofty ideals of teaching science into building blocks you can use in your homeschool.

Helpful Links->

All 52 Homeschool Science Tips of the Month

-------------------------------
**Share the Tips**
If you found these homeschool science tips to be helpful, would you please take a moment to rate it in the podcasting app you are using? This would help me tremendously in getting the word out so that more earbuds are filled with science-teaching encouragement.
-------------------------------
Find Paige here:
> Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elementalscience/
> Elemental Science Website: https://elementalscience.com/
> Homeschool Science Help Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/homeschoolsciencehelp/

Got questions? Email [email protected] or connect with us on the web:

• Instagram - @elementalscience
• Website - https://elementalscience.com/

Read this far? THANK YOU! 

Please help us get the word out by REVIEWING this podcast, by SUBSCRIBING to this podcast, and by SHARING this podcast with your homeschooling friends. 

We would REALLY appreciate it!