Tips for Homeschool Science Podcast from Elemental Science

Season 11 of the Tips for Homeschool Science podcast is all about writing and science.In this episode, we'll be interviewing Robin Williams from All About Spelling. In our conversation, we discussed tips and tricks for spelling all those science words! Get 10% off from All About Spelling through the end of March with the coupon code SAVE10!Key TakeawaySpelling words correctly is important for science.Games are a fantastic way to learn how to spell science words!Episode's Topics00:00 – Intro 02:01 – How to handle spelling science words02:45 – Best tip for spelling and science03:58 – Tips for writing and science05:53 – About All About Spelling09:51 – Wrapping it up Episode LinksFull TranscriptScience Chunks SeriesDownload the FREE All About Spelling PacketAll About Learning PressGot questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

Welcome to season eleven of the Tips for Homeschool Science Show, where we're breaking down the lofty ideals of writing and science into building blocks you can use in your homeschool.In this episode, we are chatting about notebooking with different age groups!Key TakeawayNotebooking is a wonderful tool we can use to document what our students have learned in a way that is meaningful to them.Episode's Topics00:00 – Intro 00:28 – Notebooking with different age groups00:57 – Preschool Notebooking01:52 – Elementary Notebooking 03:54 – Middle School Notebooking04:59 – High School Notebooking05:55 – Wrapping it up Episode LinksFull TranscriptScience Chunks SeriesGot questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

We are so excited to share this interview about writing in science with two experts from the Well-Trained Mind. In this episode, Susan Wise Bauer and Susanna Jarret are joining Paige to share tips and tools about the third key to teaching science!Key TakeawayUse your narrations in science for writing.One thing - just worry about your students remembering one thing to write down.Episode's Topics00:00 – Intro 00:35 – Welcome our guests 01:11 – Should we write everything down for science?04:20 – What are your top three tips for writing and science?08:44 – How do we handle the blank stares?11:58 – How do our expectations of writing in science change over the years?14:30 –  What I wish all homeschoolers knew about writing and science (Susan's answer)15:38 – What I wish all homeschoolers knew about writing and science (Susanna's answer)19:24 –The Well-Trained Mind Press20:31 – Wrapping it up Episode LinksFull TranscriptScience Chunks SeriesThe Well-Trained Mind WebsiteThe Well-Trained Mind PodcastGot questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

Season 11 of the Tips for Homeschool Science podcast is all about writing and science. In this episode, we'll discuss how to choose between lapbooks and notebooks in your homeschool.Episode's Topics00:00 – Intro 00:32 – Lapbook or Notebook 01:33 – What is a Lapbook02:04 – What is a Notebook03:17 – 4 Questions to Ask05:18 – Wrapping it Up Key TakeawayLapbooks are great for younger kids and shorter units.Notebooks are great for older kids and longer units.In the end, choose what will work for you and your student.Episode LinksFull Transcript Science Chunks SeriesGot questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

Welcome to season eleven of the Tips for Homeschool Science Show, where we're breaking down the lofty ideals of writing and science into building blocks you can use in your homeschool.In this episode, we are chatting about lapbooks!Key TakeawayLapbooks are educational scrapbooks that fit into the lap of a student.Episode's Topics00:00 – Intro 00:36 – A review of notebooks 01:36 – What are lapbooks03:32 – The Mini-book05:04 – 3 Ways to use lapbooks 06:58 – Wrapping it up Episode LinksFull TranscriptScience Chunks SeriesGot questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

We're back with new episodes for the eleventh season of the Tips for Homeschool Science Show. In this season, we are talking about writing and science. I've gotten a lot of questions lately about lapbooks, notebooks, and what to expect, so I thought it was time to dedicate an entire season to the third key to teaching science—writing it down. In this episode, we're chatting about notebooking!Key TakeawayNotebooking is the best method of writing for science! Episode's Topics00:00 – Intro 01:05 – What Season 11 is going to look like 01:46 – Why notebooking is the best method for writing in science 03:24 – The Two Components of Notebooking 03:50 – The material component of notebooking05:16 – The visual component of notebooking06:41 – Wrapping it up Episode LinksFull TranscriptScience Chunks SeriesGot questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

Season 11 will be about writing and science! We've got two guests scheduled, plus loads of tips for writing in science. The first episode will be here on February 19th, 2024.Got questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

The new year is the perfect time to hit reset on our homeschool science plans. But before you do that, be sure to ditch these three negative thoughts!Episode LinksOriginal PostWhat is the heart of science education?The Three Keys to Teaching ScienceMid-year Evaluation for ScienceGot questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

We have shared often about how nature study is a great way to make science real and practical. In our homeschool, we lean towards doing impromptu nature study while we are already enjoying the outdoors. But as the weather turns colder should you bother with continuing to do nature study?This month, I thought we'd share three subjects that make us bundle up and brave the temps for winter nature study!Episode LinksOriginal PostTypes of LichenTypes of RocksGot questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

Science during the holidays, to change or not to change - that is the question. Here are two options for you to consider!Episode LinksOriginal Post 25 Activities for Christmas ScienceTimestamps 00:00 Introduction00:32 Science During the Holidays01:05 Option 102:30 Option 204:05 Help for Holiday ScienceGot questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

Homeschool science-teaching mojo is the magical ability to attract your kiddos to want to learn about science. These 4 tips from Elemental Science will help you increase your HST-mojo!Episode LinksOriginal Post FREE Science Activities50+ Books for ScienceYouTube Channels for ScienceSee how we can help you teach science!Got questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

Fall may be a sign that winter is close at hand, but it also has a beauty of its own that can't be beat! I wanted to share with you all three of my favorite supplies to use for fall science experiments.Episode LinksOriginal Post - 3 Supplies you must have on hand for Fall Science ExperimentsFall Leaf Chromatography Video Got questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

Homeschool science can be simple when you have the right tools in your hand. This audio boot camp helps you gather what you need before your homeschool year begins!Homeschool Science Boot CampDay 1 - Get ready for experimentsDay 2 - Get ready for science readingDay 3 - Get ready for writing in scienceDay 4 - Get ready for the extrasDay 5 - Get ready for this next yearGot questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

It's time for you to take the quiz and know for sure if you are a homeschool scientist!Episode LinksOriginal Post - Are you a homeschool scientist? Take the quiz to find out!Got questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

Summer the fun season. And science is known as the boring subject. But that doesn't have to be the case! You can mix science with summer and have a blast!Episode LinksOriginal Post - 5 Ways You Can Learn About Science And Have Fun During The Summer48 Summer Science ActivitiesList of Living Books for ScienceThe Sassafras Science Adventure SeriesGot questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

Wondering how the Sassafras Science series came about? And how this modern living book will work for science in your home? In this Season 10 bonus episode, we're answering these questions and more!Episode's Topics00:00 – Intro 00:32 – The story of how the Sassafras twins came into existence03:29 – The Novel 05:24 – How you can use the Sassafras Science Adventures Novels05:37 – What the support materials are meant to do06:00 – The Activity Guide06:39 – The SCIDAT Logbook07:10 – The Lapbooking Guide08:00 – The Coloring Pages08:40 – What does a week with Sassafras Science look like?09:20 – What do you need for Sassafras Science?09:44 – Will Sassafras Science work for your family?11:14 – How can Elemental Science help you with living books and science?Episode LinksArticle - Are you wondering how the Sassafras Science series works?The Sassafras Science AdventuresGot questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

Are living books superior? In this episode, we'll be discussing whether or not living books are superior and if they are the only tools you should use in your homeschool.Key TakeawaysLiving books are really wonderful resources to have in our homeschooling toolbox. Living books help create interest pegs and these interest pegs can help boost retention of the material.Living books aren't necessarily superior or the only way to teach science, but rather a tool that we have in our homeschooling toolbox.Episode's Topics00:00 – Intro 00:42 – Are living books superior?02:48 – Yes, living books are superior.04:20 – No, living books are not superior.05:17 – How to choose if you should use a living book06:14 – If you listen to nothing else, this is the part to hear07:53 – How Elemental Science can help with living books and scienceEpisode LinksFull TranscriptThe Sassafras Science Adventures Volume 7: ChemistryGot questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

One of the options for the DO part of science is nature study. And the wonderful thing about nature study is that it partners well with living books! In this episode, the empress of nature study, Cindy West, is coming on to share about this homeschooling game-changer.Key TakeawaysNature study is science! It's experiential and hands-on, almost as if it's a science lab for your kids. Nature study can be ever-changing based on the needs of your homeschool. Maybe that's the most important thing to say about nature study - it can look like whatever you want it to look like in your homeschool.It's exercise. It's sunshine. It's getting oxygen to muscles. It's getting the wiggles out. Episode's Topics00:00 – Intro 01:30 – What is nature study?02:47 – How Cindy discovered nature study03:36 – What has nature study looked like in Cindy's house?05:44 – How do nature study and living books work together?09:02 – How Cindy can help you with nature study14:14 –  How Elemental Science can help with living books and scienceEpisode LinksFull TranscriptOur Journey Westward WebsiteGot questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

What does it look like to use living books for middle school science? In this episode, we'll be chatting about what you need for middle school science and what it looks like when you use a living book as your main source of information.Key TakeawaysThe three keys remain the same - do, read, and write - but they mature with your students.Discussion time is still just as important, but the questions you ask will be more thought-provoking and less information-parroting.Don't forget to add in a science fair project!Episode's Topics00:00 – Intro 00:55 – Your goals for middle school science01:54 – What you need to do during the week05:49 – Day 1 (Read and Write)08:26 – Day 2 (Rinse and Repeat)10:12 – Day 3 (Hands-on Science)11:42 – Day 4 (Additional Information)12:28 – Day 5 (Additional Projects)13:21 – If you listen to nothing else, this is the part to hear15:16 – How Elemental Science can help with living books and scienceEpisode LinksFull TranscriptThree Keys to Teaching Science The Sassafras Science Adventures Volume 3: BotanyWriting in Science: Part 1 - The Elementary Years and Part 2 - Middle School and BeyondScience Fair Project ResourcesGot questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

At this point in the season, you know how amazing living books are . . . but how can you fit them into your plans? Enter morning time! In this episode, the queen of morning time, Pam Barnhill, is coming on to share about this homeschooling game-changer.Key TakeawaysMorning time is the best time of the day! It's about connections, efficiency, and quick wins. Morning time is a great time to add in living books on science. Morning time is also a good time to look at nature.Episode's Topics00:00 – Intro 01:27 – What is morning time?02:57 – How did Pam find morning time?03:56 – What does morning time look like in Pam's house?05:37 – How does morning time help us with science?08:16 – How Pam helps with morning time10:00 –  How Elemental Science can help with living books and scienceEpisode LinksFull TranscriptYour Morning Basket WebsiteGot questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

What does it look like to use living books for elementary science? In this episode, we'll be chatting about what you need for elementary science and what it looks like when you use a living book as your main source of information.Key TakeawaysLiving books are definitely excellent tools we can use to accomplish the goals for elementary science. Remember, with living books, we're creating a relationship with the knowledge. So we want these narrations and these written and notebook pages to be a personal record of what the student has learned. For the first three days you're reading and writing and you're doing, you're getting those three keys done. Then if you want to add in extra projects, you can do those on the next two days.Episode's Topics00:00 – Intro 00:56 – Your goals for elementary science01:49 – What you need to do during the week03:31 – Day 1 (Read and Write)06:22 – Day 2 (Rinse and Repeat)07:22 – Day 3 (Hands-on Science)09:07 – Day 4 & 5 (Optional Extras)10:17 – If you listen to nothing else, this is the part to hear11:10 –  How Elemental Science can help with living books and scienceEpisode LinksFull TranscriptThree Keys to Teaching Science The Sassafras Science Adventures Volume 1: ZoologyGot questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

Let's chat about living books and science! In this episode of the Tips for Homeschool Science podcast, we'll be discussing what to look for in a living book for science, how you can use these books, and a few suggestions for you to check out!  Key TakeawaysYou want a living book to pull the reader in such a way that they don't even realize that they're learning about science.We can use living books as a resource that we add on to our current science program to add a little bit more interest. Or we can use living books as our main spine or main source of information for science.However you choose to use living books for science, you can't go wrong! You are creating an interest and a passion in this subject within your students by using these resources. Episode's Topics00:00 – Intro 00:34 – What to look for in a living book for science02:06 – How to use a living book for science05:27 – Recommendations for the preschool years06:20 – Recommendations for the elementary years07:13 – Recommendations for the middle school years08:18 – Recommendations for the high school years09:08 – If you listen to nothing else, this is the part to hear09:56 –  How Elemental Science can help with living books and scienceEpisode LinksFull TranscriptLiving Books for Science List Sassafras ScienceGot questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

Season 10 of the Tips for Homeschool Science podcast is here! This season will be all about living books and science. In this episode, we'll be discussing what living books are with Charlotte Mason education expert, Leah Boden, the Modern Miss Mason.Key TakeawaysA traditional education spoon-feeds. A Charlotte Mason education ask of the child, "Why don't you contribute?"Living books help our kids to form relationships with knowledge.If a book is full of facts and pictures, it's not a living book.Episode's Topics00:00 – Intro 01:23 – Who was Charlotte Mason?04:05 – The single most important idea from her education philosophy06:35 – What is a living book? 10:57 – Tips for picking living books12:40 – How you discuss living books with our kids.19:33 – Leah's living books for science, plus a glimpse at how they handled science24:52 – Leah's new book - The Modern Miss Mason.31:20 –  How Elemental Science can help with living books and scienceEpisode LinksFull TranscriptThe Modern Miss Mason WebsiteLeah Boden's InstagramGot questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

We love sharing about the key men and women in science with our students. We usually do this at different stages throughout their journey and this is something we incorporate into our programs. Episode LinksOriginal Post - 5 Simple steps for writing an interesting  biography report on a famous scientist (With a FREE download)FREE Scientist Units - Mendel and PasteurGot questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

Need tips for hands-on science in your homeschool? Don't miss these tips for experiments, nature studies, and science fair projects!Episode LinksFull Post - 19 Tips for Hand-on Science Success in your HomeschoolEp 77 - Can you do science without experiments?Ep 94 - Should you demonstrate or experiment?Ep 93 - How to keep a record of experimentsEp 76 - Should you combine for science?Ep 88 - 3 Tips for doing experiments without suppliesDay 1 of the Homeschool Science Boot CampFailed experiments: episode 23, episode 51, episode 103100 Science SuppliesNature Study - the Natural Way to Study ScienceEp 7 - Impromptu Nature StudyEp 68 - Science with Middle SchoolersEp 17 - Nature Study in WinterJuly 2020 Tip of the Month - ObserveEp 82 - The Scientific MethodEliminating fear around the Science Fair Project The Science Fair Project: A Step-by-step GuideGot questions? Email support@elementalscience.com 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!

Welcome to the final episode in season 9 of the Tips for Homeschool Science podcast! In this episode, we'll be discussing how classical science compares to traditional science and a few of the benefits we have found from doing classical science.Key TakeawaysThe classical student won't follow the traditional model, but you can rest assured that they will be prepared for what's ahead.We found that classical education allowed us to dig deep into an area of science to come up with questions that our student had.The way that classical education approaches science already has the foundation of success already woven into a plan for science.Episode's Topics00:00 – Intro 00:20 – Traditional Science versus Classical Science01:51 – Our Experience (at least part of it) 03:33 – Three Benefits of Classical Science06:12 – Wrapping it up07:00 – How Elemental Science can helpHelpful LinksFull Transcript - Which is better traditional science or classical science? {Season 9, Episode 116}Instagram - @elementalscienceWebsite - https://elementalscience.com/Got questions? Email support@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!

Welcome to episode 5 in season 9 of the Tips for Homeschool Science podcast! In this episode, we'll be discussing rhetoric stage science - your goals, the tools, and how to put it all together.Key TakeawaysThe goals for the rhetoric stage student will be to teach them how to learn and apply the principles of science to what they see in front of them. I'm going to suggest that the level of rigor will be dependent upon what your student wants to do in the future. We can do this through textbooks with experiments, through events and science, through exams, and then we can also have them do in-depth research projects and in-depth science projects that can enhance what they are learning. Episode's Topics00:00 – Intro 00:26 – What is a rhetoric stage student?03:04 – Your goals for rhetoric stage science03:46 – How hard should rhetoric stage science be?04:36 – The main tools for rhetoric stage science08:07 – The optional tools for rhetoric stage science09:21 – A model week of rhetoric stage science10:13 – Wrapping it up11:03 – How Elemental Science can helpHelpful LinksFull Transcript - What should rhetoric stage science look like? {Season 9, Episode 115}Instagram - @elementalscienceWebsite - https://elementalscience.com/Got questions? Email support@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!

Welcome to episode 4 in season 9 of the Tips for Homeschool Science podcast! In this episode, we'll be discussing logic stage science - your goals, the tools, and how to put it all together.Key TakeawaysThe goals of logic stage science are to capitalize on the student's need to know why and continue to feed them with scientific information. Science fair projects are a great tool for our kids to see the scientific method from start to finish and our logic students really benefit from that experience because it's helping them to think critically and to organize the information. Look at all the tools, all 7 of them, as options you as a classical educator can use.Episode's Topics00:00 – Intro 00:50 – What is a logic stage student? 03:15 – Your goals for logic stage science 03:59 – The main tools for logic stage science07:54 – A case for the science fair project 09:17 – The optional tools for logic stage science12:31 – A model week of logic stage science13:45 – Wrapping it up 15:00 – How Elemental Science can helpHelpful LinksFull Transcript - What should logic stage science look like? {Season 9, Episode 114}Writing in Science - Elementary Years and Middle SchoolThe Complete Writer: Writing with Ease by Susan Wise BauerThe Science Fair ProjectInstagram - @elementalscienceWebsite - https://elementalscience.com/Got questions? Email support@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!

Welcome to episode 3 in season 9 of the Tips for Homeschool Science podcast! In this episode, we'll be discussing grammar stage science - your goals, the tools, and how to put it all together.Key TakeawaysThe goals of grammar stage science are to spark an interest and build a foundation for the future.For the grammar stage, you need to have the three keys - do, read, and write - plus, you can add projects and memory work.We want what we do for science, what we read about in science, and what we write down in science to all relate.Episode's Topics00:32 – What is the grammar stage02:04 – Your goals for the grammar stage02:26 – The tools for the grammar stage05:08 – The key to putting the pieces together05:40 – A model week for the grammar stage07:06 – A quick word about kindergarten07:44 – Wrapping it upHelpful LinksFull Transcript - What should grammar stage science look like? {Season 9, Episode 113}Living Books - Inspiring your students to love science with living booksInstagram - @elementalscienceWebsite - https://elementalscience.com/Got questions? Email support@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!

Welcome to episode 2 in season 9 of the Tips for Homeschool Science podcast! In this episode, we'll be addressing whether a plan for classical science can be rigorous or not.Key TakeawaysAt its core, a rigorous, or a strong, science foundation is going to have three things each week - doing, reading, and writing.You'll have those three keys in a well-balanced way. A strong plan for science will start early and build upon that foundation throughout the years - sound familiar? That's exactly what classical education calls for.Episode's Topics01:00 - What makes a plan for science strong? 02:28 - What else makes science strong? 03:31 - Science and classical education 04:44 - Grammar and logic stage (quick look) 06:08 - Wrapping it upHelpful LinksFull Transcript - Is classical science weak? {Season 9, Episode 112}Instagram - @elementalscienceWebsite - https://elementalscience.com/Got questions? Email support@elementalscience.com.Read this far? THANK YOU! Please help us get the word out REVIEWING this podcast, SUBSCRIBING to this podcast, and SHARING this podcast with your homeschooling friends. We would REALLY appreciate it!

Welcome to season 9 of the Tips for Homeschool Science podcast! In this episode, we'll be sharing the basics of classical education and how science fits into that model.Key TakeawaysThe heartbeat of classical education is to teach our students to think critically and to know how to learn.In classical education, there are stages or cycles of learning that every student goes through. In each stage, you are teaching to the student's strengths. Episode's Topics01:16 - My history with classical education and homeschool science02:50 - What is classical education04:14 - The stages of classical education05:24 - Science and classical education06:36 - The four-year cycle08:03 - Wrapping it up08:37 - A look at Season 9Helpful LinksFull Transcript - What is classical education? {Season 9, Episode 111}Instagram - @elementalscienceWebsite - https://elementalscience.com/Got questions? Email support@elementalscience.com.Read this far? THANK YOU! Please help us get the word out REVIEWING this podcast, SUBSCRIBING to this podcast, and SHARING this podcast with your homeschooling friends. We would REALLY appreciate it!

Science Soundtrack #9I have to teach it all.-->I get to customize my chosen science program to fit our needs.For season 8, we are taking these negative soundtracks, or beliefs, and turning the volume dial down. Then, we are turning the dial up on a new soundtrack – one that will help us share science with our kiddos.Key TakeawaysI used some of the same programs with my kids but did different things.We weren't slaves to box-checking, we customized our science to fit our needs.We can cherry-pick what we know will benefit our students the most, fitting in the keys to teaching science in a way that is meaningful to them. Links MentionedSoundtracks by Jon Acuff Full Transcript

Science Soundtrack #8I do not know enough.-->What I do not know, I can learn or find someone else who can teach it.For season 8, we are taking these negative soundtracks, or beliefs, and turning the volume dial down. Then, we are turning the dial up on a new soundtrack – one that will help us share science with our kiddos.Key TakeawaysWe, as home educators, don't have to know it all. We can learn what we need to know, modeling a life-long pursuit of knowledge. Or we can find a program or person that can do the heavy lifting for us! You don't have to know it all, you just have to be willing to either learn or turn over the reins to someone who can help. Links MentionedCan't Teach Science (Ep 107)Soundtracks by Jon Acuff Full Transcript

Science Soundtrack #7Science has to be done in a lab.-->There are lots of ways to see science in action.For season 8, we are taking these negative soundtracks, or beliefs, and turning the volume dial down. Then, we are turning the dial up on a new soundtrack – one that will help us share science with our kiddos.Key TakeawaysIn your home, co-op, or at your school.Even at the kitchen sink is cool.There are lots of different ways for us to share the hands-on aspect of science with our kiddos. As homeschoolers, we can escape the lab and share science where we are at!Links MentionedSoundtracks by Jon Acuff Ep 106 - Silent ScienceFull Transcript

Science Soundtrack #6I cannot teach science.-->With the right materials in hand, I can teach science.For season 8, we are taking these negative soundtracks, or beliefs, and turning the volume dial down. Then, we are turning the dial up on a new soundtrack – one that will help us share science with our kiddos.Key TakeawaysThere are endless possibilities and options, but the basic idea is to find materials that will make it possible for you to DO science, READ about science, and WRITE down science each week.Those materials could be a full science program, an eclectic mix of resources, or an outsourced class. Whatever you choose as your support materials, I want you to know that you can teach science to your kids. Links MentionedSoundtracks by Jon Acuff 3 Common Misconceptions about Science Do you have to love science to teach it? The Fully Stocked Home Science LaboratoryThe Three Keys to Teaching ScienceFull Transcript

Science Soundtrack #5I have neglected science for so long that there is no point in starting now.-->I have been sharing silent science and now it is time to put words to what we have seen. For season 8, we are taking these negative soundtracks, or beliefs, and turning the volume dial down. Then, we are turning the dial up on a new soundtrack – one that will help us share science with our kiddos.Key TakeawaysI really mean this, whether we realize it or not, we have been sharing science silently.  You can always get a good program to help you teach science or you can do your own investigations based on the silent science you have already been doing. So even though you may have neglected science in the past, there is no time like today to start putting words to what your kids have already observed.  Links MentionedSoundtracks by Jon Acuff Get help putting words to your silent scienceFull Transcript

Science Soundtrack #4I MUST teach science.-->I GET to teach science in a way that works for us.For season 8, we are taking these negative soundtracks, or beliefs, and turning the volume dial down. Then, we are turning the dial up on a new soundtrack – one that will help us share science with our kiddos.Key TakeawaysLet's stop saying that we must teach science or that we have to teach science. Just the switch from “must” to “get to” takes a load of pressure off our shoulders, but then when you add in the idea that you can teach science in a way that works for you and your unique family, well that just opens a world of possibilities.  The point is to have the three keys present in your science plans each week in a way that works for you. Links MentionedSoundtracks by Jon Acuff The Three Keys to Teaching ScienceFull Transcript

Science Soundtrack #3Science is boring.-->I get to make science fun!For season 8, we are taking these negative soundtracks, or beliefs, and turning the volume dial down. Then, we are turning the dial up on a new soundtrack – one that will help us share science with our kiddos.Key TakeawaysLet's stop looking at the blank science squares on the planning sheet template and stop skipping something that we assume will be boring. We have the ability to make science interesting for our kiddos. We don't have to have a boring repeat of our experience with science. We get to make science fun!  Links MentionedSoundtracks by Jon Acuff Episode 97 - How to make science fun and excitingFull Transcript

Science Soundtrack #2This experiment will fail because all the ones we try fail.-->When we do experiments, we may not get the expected outcome, but we can always learn from the experience.For season 8, we are taking these negative soundtracks, or beliefs, and turning the volume dial down. Then, we are turning the dial up on a new soundtrack – one that will help us share science with our kiddos.Key TakeawaysThe reality is that in science, we learn from our failures. In fact, failed experiments are a normal part of the scientific process. Our main goal in homeschooling is not to cram our students with facts and Pinterest-worthy experiences. When you do experiments, you might not get the expected outcome, but you can always walk away with a successful learning experience. Links MentionedSoundtracks by Jon Acuff Episode 23 - Have you visited the realm of the failed science experiment?Episode 51 - It's okay to have a failed experimentFull Transcript

Science Soundtrack #1Science is too hard.-->Science is simply providing opportunities for the mind to work.For season 8, we are taking these negative soundtracks, or beliefs, and turning the volume dial down. Then, we are turning the dial up on a new soundtrack – one that will help us share science with our kiddos. Key TakeawaysAt its heart, science education is about providing opportunities for the mind to work.When we approach science this way – read, do, write – we provide opportunities for the mind to work. This doesn't mean that you have to manufacture every single learning opportunity. You can use a program to help you provide pockets of opportunities for the students' scientific minds to work each week.Links MentionedSoundtracks by Jon Acuff Episode 81 - What is the heart of science education?Full Transcript

{Prequel} Science SoundtrackI 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 TakeawaysSeason 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 MentionedSoundtracks by Jon Acuff Full Transcript

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/100Timestamps (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.

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/99TimestampsHere 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 experimentThe Science Fair Project50+ Videos ListWriting 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.

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/98TimestampsHere is what you'll find in this episode: (0:38) IntroductionYou 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:Read the Introduction - The introduction sets the stage for what the students should have discovered in the experiment. Formulate a Hypothesis - The students are still capable of formulating their hypotheses even if they don't complete the actual experiment.Read through the Directions - Reading through the directions will give the students a picture of how the experiment would have been set up.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.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.

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/97This audio is an expansion of a popular post from Elemental Science. See the original post here: How to Make Science FunTimestampsHere 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 ExamplesShow 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 ActivitiesNo 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 ExpertsExperts 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.

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/96This audio is an expansion of a popular post from Elemental Science. See the original post here: Should you use a lapbook or a notebook?TimestampsHere 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.

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/95If 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.TimestampsHere is what you'll find in this episode:(0:36) The quick version of my journey to become a work-from-home homeschoolerWe didn't plan to homeschool and work from homeBut 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.

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/94Note - 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 DemonstrationDefinition: 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 ExperimentDefinition: 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 DifferenceScientific 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.

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/93NOTE - 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'sSome will be from popular posts and some will be brand-new contentLet us know (support@elementalscience.com) 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 ageIt's one of the three keys to teaching scienceALWAYS 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 sweetJust a picture and a sentence(4:48) If you have an elementary student, you will want to listen to this part!And, keep it simpleFour 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 methodSix sections, some can come from the program you useInclude 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 detailThose going into science can add analysis and research as well(13:04) Get help for teaching science at home with our programs.

Homeschool Science Tip of the Month - Be a student first. 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/

Homeschool Science Tip of the Month - Give your kids the tools to build something.There's a meme out there that says physics is the branch of science concerned with using extremely long and complicated formulas to describe how a ball rolls. It cracks me up every. single. time. And the deeper you get into physics, the more this becomes a reality. But during the elementary, middle, and high school years, physics doesn't have to be this complicated!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->FREE Physics ActivitiesTo see the full tip: https://elementalscience.com/blogs/homeschool-science-tips/build-something-------------------------------**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/