Science is so deliciously hands on! It is the perfect subject for all ages. It is one subject that everyone can get involved in at whatever age or grade level they are.
My kids love science, and in fact have been known to beg for it! But, do-it yourself science curriculums can be difficult to come across. Well, the kind that actually teach science, anyway.
If you're like me, you've found lots of books that claim to have 234 cool science experiments you can do at home...but often times the explanations are lacking, or they just plain don't work.
I like science to be exciting, fun, and educational. So, I was looking for a good book that treated chemistry the way I would have approached it as a scientist; while at the same time giving the children a sense of learning it themselves and really doing science experiments.
So, where do you turn for some really good science?
Enter: Adventures with Atoms and Molecules by Robert Mebane and Thomas Rybolt. Each experiment is laid out similar to a science lab. There is a lead in question which needs answering, followed by is a listing of materials required (which truly are things which can be easily found around the house!) Next is the procedure and suggestions for observations. And, finally there is a discussion section, which is recommended to be read after you complete the experiment. There is a good deal to be learned about the physical interactions between molecules and the chemical reactions that can result.
This book is a great way to teach the scientific method of inquiry by testing and observation. We made mini-lab sheets for each experiment to keep in our science notebook. And also made a glossary of new science terms. Now, don't let the dull illustrations fool you. This book is the real deal. |
We use this book for Chemistry too - and there's a Volume 2 as well - it's mentioned in The Well-Trained Mind :)
ReplyDeleteYes! We didn't need a second volume, but we thought we might use it in the next round of chemistry, during the logic stage.
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