How to write your own science curriculum for homeschool

The scientific method outlines your basic plan in any science activity. Learn to use the scientific method and you're set for exploring, observing, forming hypotheses, and experimenting during everyday experiences.

1. observe (watch)
2. make a hypothesis (ask and speculate)
3. experiment (try, test, and observe)

In this way, you'll integrate scientific inquiry into your daily life.

Is your child a burgeoning entomologist? Does he or she especially like sunflowers, video games, or explosions? Remember that science is about everything. Some topic ideas include

• sound,
• light and rainbows,
• recipes and chemical combinations, and
• insect habitats.

Whatever your child is interested in, you can explore it with science activities.

The Web is a boon to homeschool parents and conventional teachers. On the Internet, you can find a host of science resources to share with your child, including

• interactive lessons, experiments, and simulations,
• free online science lesson plans and science experiment activities, and
• fun science websites and explanatory and how-to videos.

These are just a few. Use the Web to network with other homeschoolers, join science clubs and field trips, and discover local community science learning opportunities such as museum exhibits, classes, camps, and workshops, 4H groups, and local interest groups relevant to your child's interests.

You'll find many basic science supplies in your home. Common science tools are used for observation (i.e., magniying glass, microscope), measuring (i.e., measuring cups, measuring tape), and changing environmental factors (i.e., containers, water dropper, matches, dark box, food coloring).

• Create an area, such as a pantry shelf or box in the garage, for collecting science supplies.
• Save plasic bottles and jars for use as containers, habitats, etc.
• Keep an eye out for anything you could use for measuring, observation, or altering the environment in a container.

Tools will vary depending on your subject. Check field guides to discover the specicif tools of various scientific disciplines, i.e. rock tools for rockhounds. Then gather the closest matches from your home and obtain others as needed.

Once you've familiarized yourself with the scientific method, got a plan, and collected your tools, you're ready to immerse yourself in your chosen subject. Whether you have an experiment outline or are approaching your subject in a more exploratory manner, remember that science is everything. Don't be afraid to wander off the path and explore. You may be surprised where you'll end up. Have fun.

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