Making Sense of the World: Science
Link to purchaseCornell Notes
Main Notes
- Science study is divided into four years: life science, earth science and astronomy, chemistry, and physics.
- The approach moves from most concrete to most abstract subjects.
- Science is secondary to reading, writing, arithmetic, and history in the classical education model.
- Recommended schedule: 2-3 hours per week, 60-90 minutes twice per week.
- Emphasis on exploration and hands-on learning rather than textbook-based study.
- Use of science notebooks to record observations, experiments, and learning.
- Integration of narration and writing skills into science study.
- Focus on developing curiosity and observation skills rather than comprehensive coverage.
- Use of encyclopedias, experiment books, and library resources instead of traditional textbooks.
- Flexibility in following student interests within each year's subject area.
Cue Column
- How is science study structured in the classical education model?
- Why is science considered secondary to other subjects in this approach?
- What is the recommended time allocation for science study?
- How does this approach differ from traditional textbook-based science education?
- What role do science notebooks play in this method?
- How are writing and narration skills integrated into science study?
- What is the main goal of science education in the early years?
- What types of resources are recommended for science study?
- How does the approach accommodate student interests?
- What is the rationale behind the order of subjects (life science, earth science, chemistry, physics)?
Summary
This chapter outlines a four-year science curriculum for elementary students in a classical education model. The approach emphasizes hands-on learning, exploration, and the development of curiosity over comprehensive coverage of topics. Science is considered important but secondary to core skills like reading, writing, arithmetic, and history.
The curriculum is structured to move from concrete to abstract subjects: life science (animals, human body, plants) in first grade, earth science and astronomy in second grade, chemistry in third grade, and physics in fourth grade. This order aligns with the child's growing ability to think abstractly and loosely corresponds with the history periods studied in the classical model.
Instead of traditional textbooks, the approach recommends using encyclopedias, experiment books, and library resources. Students keep science notebooks to record observations, experiments, and learning. The method integrates narration and writing skills, adapting to the child's abilities as they progress. The overall goal is to foster a love for scientific inquiry and provide a foundation for more advanced study in later years.
Action Items
- Option 1: Study one field per year (e.g., biology in first grade, earth science in second grade)
- Option 2: Cycle through all sciences each year in 6-8 week intervals
- Option 3: Develop your own custom structure
- Choose an encyclopedia-type work as a 'spine' for each science field
- Gather supplementary living books on various topics
- Obtain science kits and project materials
- Read from the spine and have the student narrate key points
- Conduct hands-on projects and experiments
- Ask questions about the material and find answers together
- Record narrations from readings
- Document project outcomes and observations
- Write down questions asked and answers found
- For life science: focus on observation and classification
- For earth science and astronomy: combine reading with outdoor observation
- For chemistry and physics: emphasize hands-on experiments
- For younger students: 1-2 days per week, 60-90 minutes each
- For older students: 2-3 days per week, 60-90 minutes each
- Adjust based on student interest and other curriculum demands
- Cultivate a sense of amazement about natural phenomena
- Encourage students to look closely at the world around them
- Promote questioning and curiosity about how things work
Resources
curricula
A Beka Book Traditional Arithmetic series
Includes Arithmetic 1-4, teacher editions, speed drills, and test keys
Calvert Math
Grades 1-4, includes textbook, workbook, and lesson manual
Developmental Mathematics
20 levels covering various math concepts
Math-U-See
Levels include Primer, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Zeta
Right Start Mathematics
Levels A-E starter kits
Saxon Homeschool Mathematics
Includes Math 1-3, 5/4, and manipulative kit
Singapore Math, U.S. edition
Primary Math Textbooks and Workbooks 1A-4B, with extra practice and word problem books
educational Tools
digital Resources
reference Materials
Life of Fred series
Includes Fractions, Decimals and Percents
Math on the Level
Includes Operations, Geometry and Measurements, Money and Decimals, Fractions, Math Adventures, and practice sheets