elementary science

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

December 26, 2022 | Leave a Comment
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I have two fun candy cane hands-on winter experiments today. Be sure you grab more ideas for winter fun on my page winter season unit study.

Candy canes are plentiful right now and did you know that they make for a tasty, easy, and inexpensive item for science experiments?

Your kids will love tasting and exploring the world of science with these two simple hands on science experiments in honor of National Candy Cane Day on December 26.

Two Fun Candy Cane Hands-on Science Winter Experiments

These experiments are a great way to introduce all sorts of scientific terms like hypothesis and bonds.

You can encourage them to make educated guesses (hypothesis) document results, make observations, and learn about how experiments work in general.

Don’t forget to save some to munch on while you learn about them.

Cool Candy Cane Facts

They were first made in 1670 but didn’t make their way to American until 1847.
Candy canes were once white, no one is sure when the red stripe was added but looking at images prior 1900, they were always white.
The world’s largest candy cane was 63 feet tall and was created in 2011.
Candy canes have no fat or cholesterol.
Two billion candy canes are made each year.
The hooks were created by hand until 1921 when a machine was invented to do it.
The original candy cane flavor was originally used as a medicine for indigestion and nausea and then the oil was also used to help cover up the flavor of more unpleasant medicinal concoctions.

Furthermore, add some other hands-on candy cane activities.

Candy Cane Hands-on Activities

Before you begin investigating watch How Candy Canes Are Made on YouTube.
Here is another fun experiment you can do with candy canes Fizzing Candy Canes.
Make some Candy Cane Paint to add some art.
Use candy canes as counters and manipulatives for math, measure the length, grab various sizes and let your younger child arrange them in size order.

More Winter Unit Study Resources

Look at these other winter unit study resources.

Now, let’s have some candy cane fun.

For these two winter science activities, you’ll want to grab the supplies below.

Two Candy Cane Science Activities

Here are all the supplies you will need to gather so that you can complete both experiments:

Mini Candy Canes
Clear bowls or cups
3-5 liquids-water, sprite, milk, vinegar, etc
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
paper/pen

Now, let’s make this first one which is bending candy canes.

1. Bending Candy Canes Science Activity

For the first experiment we are first going to let your child attempt to bend a candy cane fresh out of the package, it just breaks right? Ask them why they think that is? How were candy makers able to bend it in the first place?

Preheat oven to 250 degrees.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Spread out several candy canes on parchment lined sheet.

Bake for 7-10 minutes. Start checking at 7 minutes because you want to pull them out before they begin to distort and melt.

Immediately remove parchment paper from pan and place on a flat surface away from the hot pan.

Your child can immediately pick them up and begin bending them into shapes.

You can make letters, shapes like hearts or knots, or even a cute little candy can make like this one.

You’re just a couple of minutes the candy cane will harden again into its new shape.

You can repeat the process in the oven with candy canes after they’ve hardened or with fresh ones to continue experimenting with what you can do.

2. Melting Candy Canes

Now we are going to test and see which liquid melts candy canes the fastest.

So, you will want to check this one often. We put ours in the bowls and forgot for about 45 minutes and came back to this.

First, choose your liquids, I would suggest no less than 3 to get a good reading and probably not more than 6 to keep it manageable.

Whatever number you choose to test, place that many clear bowls or cups on a surface where they will not be disturbed. Add a mini candy cane to each.

Measure exact amounts of each of the liquids and pour over the candy cane.

This is a good time to explain that when conduction an experiment like this you want to keep everything the same except for the one variable that you are testing, in this case the type of liquid.

Write each of the liquids onto a small slip of paper and place it in front of each container to keep track.

Check after 5 minutes to see how much they have dissolved; these ones were noticeably smaller.

After the first 5 minutes you want to change to every minute or two because it seems to go so much faster after that.

At less than the 10-minute mark we had a clear winner when we came back, and the vinegar had completely dissolved it.

Be sure to have your child record their guesses (hypothesis), then list the types of liquids (variables), and finally their results.

Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity

December 8, 2022 | 1 Comment
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Growing a seed activity for kindergarten science is one of the easiest and delight science experiments with kids. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

A seed activity for kindergarten is a great way to introduce your child to life science.

For this science experiment, I wanted to keep it simple while also letting the kids fully see the seed as it sprouts.

Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity

Too, by not being hampered by soil or being tucked inside a paper towel your kids will be amazed at the growing stages.

For this seed experiment we are going to investigate if seeds need darkness to sprout.

Begin by explaining that seeds need the proper temperature, moisture, air, and light conditions to germinate.

But they do not require being covered in soil.

Let’s investigate if the light or dark makes a difference.

You can keep activities simple and still learn so much by investigating life around you with your child.

A Seed is Sleepy Activity

In addition, I based this experiment off the book A Seed is Sleepy.

Aa beautiful picture book that is a great science reference book for preschoolers to middle elementary students.

The illustrations are rich and the snippets of information it provides give a lot of great information for young learners.

Also, below you will see a list of some other books you can use as well

Books About Seeds for Kids Science

Even picture books can be used with older learners.

5 Fun Books About Seeds

Children of all ages love activities about seeds. Add a few of these books to your learning day or use as a unit study.

A Seed Is Sleepy: (Nature Books for Kids)

This gorgeous book from award winning artist Sylvia Long and author Dianna Hutts Aston offers children a beautiful and informative look at the intricate, complex, and often surprising world of seeds. Poetic in voice and elegant in design, the book introduces children to a fascinating array of seed and plant facts, making it perfect reading material at home or in the classroom.

Seeds Move!

Every seed, big or small, needs sunlight, water, and an uncrowded place to put down roots. But how do seeds get to the perfect place to grow?

A Seed is the Start

Meet seeds that pop, hop, creep, and explode in this vividly illustrated introduction to the simplest concepts of botany.

From Seed to Plant

With simple language and bright illustrations, non-fiction master Gail Gibbons introduces young readers to the processes of pollination, seed formation, and germination.

Go Seed, Grow!

Through wind, drought, fire, and water, a seed can be one of the most tenacious miracles on the planet. A seed is life, and life always finds a way. Follow how a seed magically beats the odds time and time again, to transform the world.

Then, look at more seed activities here or choose several and make it a great seed unit study.

Hands-on Seed Activities

Make Wildflower Seed Bombs to plant.
Plant a small container with one or two seeds and track the plant’s growth once it bursts out of the soil.
Learn How to Easily Make Fun Seed Tape With Kids.
Check out this tutorial on How to Make a Fun Kids Root Viewer.
Have a Green Bean Investigation.
Figure out How to Easily Garden Plan With Kids Using LEGO to plot it out.
Look at Easy Seed and Gardening Unit Study for Kids to get some more ideas.
Buy several packages of inexpensive seeds and let your child sort, compare, and investigate them. Research the types by looking in books or online to find out what each seed will become.
Another similar experiment to this one is testing what temperature seeds like best to grow in is found at What Temperature Do Seeds Like Best and
Try out the Do Seeds Need Their Coat Experiment.

You can also use the book to investigate other types of seeds besides fruit and vegetables.

Go on a nature walk and collect pinecones, acorns, seed pods, and flowers to investigate.

More Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum

Look at these other resources.

Then, look below at how to do this easy science activity.

Before you begin the experiment, have your child make a hypothesis as to what they think will happen?

Will both sprout? Which will sprout faster?

If they can, write down their answers so they have the opportunity to see their words in print.

Let your child do as much of this as possible so they have ownership in the experiment.

Help your child create a small booklet by stapling together half sheets of paper.

For example, staple down one side to bind to record the different steps in the experiment with words or just their drawings.

Explain that you want to try and keep everything the same in the experiment except for the one thing which is light and dark so that your results are accurate.

Easy Grow a Seed Activity

You will need:

Seeds (radishes are a quick sprouting seed)
2 containers
Black paper
Paper towels
Water

Directions:

Grab two of the same containers, whatever you have laying around will work, cleaned out yogurt containers, paper cups, etc.

Then, fold a paper towel so that it is small enough to fit in the bottom.

Soak the paper towel and place a few seeds on each damp paper towel in your cup.

Cover one cup completely with black construction paper.

Next, place both in a sunny window. Explain that you want to keep everything the same except for one.

Check both every 24 hours.

Usually at this time they are completely or almost dried out so you will need to rewet the paper towels. Take care not to disturb the seeds.

Here is what our experiment looked like at the start.

After 24 hours, there was really no difference yet in either cup.

At 48 hours we could see a tiny sprout bursting out of the seeds which were covered with the dark paper but nothing on the one exposed to light.

After 72 hours there is an obvious sprout from several seeds in the dark cup.

Also, at this point we noticed that one of the seeds in the cup which was covered finally started to germinate but just a tiny bit.

Look how much has happened with the covered seeds after just 3 days.

It’s clear that seeds need the darkness to sprout.

After the experiment is done you can transplant your seedlings to soil for planting in the garden once they are large enough.

About Astronomy and Space Science Fun Quick Unit Study

December 7, 2022 | 3 Comments
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Learning about astronomy and space science is a fun quick study. Sometimes you want to study about science without having to dig too deep. Add it to my Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for a fun study and look at m page Best Homeschool Unit Studies.

When learning about astronomy and space in general there is a vast amount to cover.

About Astronomy and Space Science Fun Quick Unit Study

Everything from stars to space dust, the mapping out of the milky way to UV rays.

I have gathered up some resources to help you build a unit study on astronomy and space science for all ages.

5 Questions and Answers for Kids about Astronomy and Space

First, let’s break it down a bit by answering some questions that may help your student better understand what and why of space sciences.

1. Is there a difference between space science and astronomy?

Yes. Space science boundaries include everything which happens from our outer part of the atmosphere to the edge of the solar system (our heliosphere).

But astronomy or astrophysics does not have boundaries. It is past the atmosphere and into the entire universe.

2. What exactly does astronomy entail?

We know it’s all about space but what exactly does that include?

Astronomy is the study of everything in the universe beyond Earth’s atmosphere. This covers objects we can see with our naked eyes.

For example, objects like the sun, the planets, comets and the stars.

It also means objects we can only see with telescopes or other instruments, things like galaxies far away.

3. Why are astronomy and space so important to us here on earth?

Because astronomy is used to measure time, mark the seasons, and help us to navigate the oceans.

Also, it helps us to know where we came from and to understand space sciences on different atmospheres.

4. Where did the name astronomy come from?

Astronomy was originally called astrology.

Both astrology and astronomy have Greek roots, the prefix astro-means “star.” The suffix -ology means “knowledge” or “science”

5. How many sub-fields is astronomy broken into?

There are 4 sub-field and they are:

Astrophysics: Applying the laws of physics into space.
Astronomy: The mapping of celestial bodies.
Astrology: Examining rocks, terrain, and space materials.
Astrobiology: The search for life outside of Earth.

This isn’t an exhaustive list just some that jumped out at me.

Additionally, these subfields are then broken into 17 different branches:

Astrophysics
Astrobiology
Astrogeology
Astrometry
Physical cosmology
Solar Physics
Observational Astronomy
Radio Astronomy
Optical Astronomy
Ultraviolet Astronomy
X-ray Astronomy
Gamma-ray Astronomy
Cosmic Astronomy
Planetary Astronomy
Solar Astronomy
Stellar Astronomy
Galactic Astronomy

About and Astronomy and Space Books

Next, books are always my favorite place to start when putting together must have resources for a unit study.

This collection begins with a biography on Neil Armstrong.

11 Astronomy Resources & Books

Add one or two books to your unit study or use one as a spine for studying about space.

The Planets

From the burning surface of Venus to the freezing darkness of Neptune, Gail Gibbons takes children on a tour of our planetary neighbors—which are very different from each other in size, shape, orbit, and even weather.

The Planets

With her bestsellers Longitude and Galileo's Daughter, Dava Sobel introduced readers to her rare gift for weaving complex scientific concepts into a compelling narrative. Now Sobel brings her full talents to bear on what is perhaps her most ambitious topic to date-the planets of our solar system. Sobel explores the origins and oddities of the planets through the lens of popular culture, from astrology, mythology, and science fiction to art, music, poetry, biography, and history. Written in her characteristically graceful prose, The Planets is a stunningly original celebration of our solar system and offers a distinctive view of our place in the universe.

Who Was Neil Armstrong?

On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong stepped on the moon and, to an audience of over 450 million people, proclaimed his step a "giant leap for mankind."

Find the Constellations

Containing star charts, a guide to the constellations, and details about seasons and the movement of the objects we see in the sky, this classic book makes H. A. Rey’s passion for astronomy evident on every page.

New updates concentrate on the planetary and solar system information in the latter part of the book. Facts and figures for each planet have been revised, and new scientific information has been added, such as Pluto’s reclassification as a dwarf planet.

Where Is Our Solar System?

Our solar system consists of eight planets, as well as numerous moons, comets, asteroids, and meteoroids. For thousands of years, humans believed that Earth was at the center of the Universe, but all of that changed in the 17th century. Astronomers like Nicolaus Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, Johannes Kepler, and Isaac Newton proposed the unthinkable theory that Earth and the other planets actually revolved around the Sun.

Signs and Seasons Understanding the Elements of Classical Astronomy

Gorgeous. Worth every penny! Signs & Seasons is an introduction to “Classical Astronomy,” the traditional, historical approach to the sky, as had been practiced from ancient times. The biblical basis for astronomy

The Mysteries of the Universe: Discover the best-kept secrets

Space is so much bigger than young minds can fathom and there is always more to learn. The Mysteries of the Universe is a stunning space encyclopedia for young readers to explore, with reference pages packed with fascinating information, little learners will be captivated as they journey through the vastness of the Universe.

Basher Science: Astronomy: Out of this World!

Like a Facebook for the universe, Astronomy gives every important celestial body and concept its own page, where readers can learn its behaviors, likes, and dislikes up close and personal. From the flashy stars to the shadowy and strange objects that hang out like loners at the edges of the universe, no player goes unnoticed.

Stargazer's Guide to the Night Sky, The

The Stargazers Guide to the Night Sky offers everything you need to explore the remarkable beauty of the stars, moon, and planets. Dr. Jason Lisle, a research scientist with a masters and Ph.D. in astrophysics provides a very thorough, practical and easy to read resource to fuel the curiosity of amateur astronomers ages 10 to 100.

Solar System Puzzle Wooden Space Toys for Kids

【Planet Toys for Kids】Our wooden solar system puzzle is the PERFECT CHOICE for you and your kids as it is made from natural wood, vivid planet patten with well designed. This preschool learning activities is suitable for 3+ years kids and represents the perfect activity to learn through play!

Solar System Planetarium - DIY Glow In The Dark Astronomy Planet Model

The Solar System Planetarium set teaches children about the wonders of the solar system. Just assemble, paint and learn.

This set includes planets, stencils, squeeze glow paint pen, rods, string, a fact filled wall chart and 10 sets of Kidz Quiz questions.

Furthermore, here are some videos your kids will love.

Videos are a great addition to unit studies to give kids independent learning time and they can be used for all age levels.

In addition, don’t forget to include a few fun nonfiction and fiction movies for enjoyment.

Drawing comparisons between real and imagine is a fun teaching tip.

Get to Know Your Galaxy SciShow Kids
What’s Up In Space The Solar System Kids Series
Explore the Solar System SciShow Kids
The Martian Prime Video
Secrets of The Universe
Planets of our Solar System Homeschool Pop
Hidden Figures Prime Video

In addition, games are a fun way to spice up your learning day.

Games and Additional Resources

Games can create a warm family bond while you use them to teach a certain subject but also strategy, improve memory, focus, sometimes math, reading skills, and critical thinking.

Games and Resources for Astronomy

Games can bring to your boring learning day.

Space Memory Game for Boys & Girls

What you get – space memory game comes with 48 tiles and instructions.

Fun play experience - you can play a game in 5 minutes, and it's perfect for 2 - 8 players ages 3 and up, Which makes this a perfect children's gift and other special occasions.

Easy to understand instructions – space memory comes with a clearly written instruction manual that's easy to understand - you can start playing right away!

Late for the Sky Space-opoly

For 2-6 players

Traditional play or one-hour version

Great family fun

10 Out Of-This-World Toy Figurines, Including 2 Astronauts, 1 Space Chimp, 6 Space Craft

I like to use Safari Ltd Toobs, they are my weakness. I encourage kids to use them in their dioramas but I can also put them in a basket to introduce a new study or include them as part of a sensory bin. They can even be put on top of a treat like a cupcake used to decorate a cake as part of your lessons.

Another important part of learning are hands-on activities.

Hands-on Astronomy and Space Activities

Look at these hands-on activities.

Get out and explore the night sky in your own backyard, take a blanket into the backyard, turn off whatever lights you can and enjoy the beauty of the night sky.

This image of the moon is one I was lucky enough to capture with a tripod and long-range lens.

Make an Easy Straw Rocket and get everybody outside for some fresh air to launch them again and again.

Make Astronaut Ice Cream to enjoy together while you talk about the different food astronauts have to eat in space.

Younger Children will enjoy creating a Puffy Paint Moon but you can challenge older kids to do it as well and see how realistic an image they can come up with.

Make marshmallow constellations and enjoy a tasty snack while you teach and grab my free astronomy pages for older kids.

Recreate the phases of the moon using oreos, paint, paper, or whatever medium you choose depending on your child’s level. Don’t assume your older children don’t want to do it, sometimes they long for simpler activities.

Finally, here is another huge list in my Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study for Multiple Ages.

National STEM Day – Popsicle Sticks for Creative DIY STEM Projects

November 8, 2022 | Leave a Comment
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If you’re looking for DIY stem projects, you’ll love these ideas for National Stem Day.

What is so great about STEM?

A STEM activity is one that incorporates one or more of its components.

Science,
technology,
engineering, and math in a learning activity.

Stem is hands-on which is always a great method for learning.

National STEM Day - Popsicle Sticks for Creative DIY STEM Projects

It teaches children about science and technology, problem solving, critical thinking, curiosity, accepting failure, initiative, flexibility, creativity, innovation, and so much more.

It has its place in your homeschool whether you are an unschooler, Charlotte Mason, classical, or eclectic family.

Careers in STEM

There are many fascinating careers in STEM that your child might be interested in-

Computer Sciences
Software Developer
Web Developer
Mechanical Engineer
Statistician
Mathematician
Actuary
Accountant
Cartographer
Aeronautics-aviation, aerospace, and astronautics
Biology
Biotechnology
Chemistry
Civil Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Environmental Science

This isn’t even an exhaustive list just some that jumped out at me.

Popsicle sticks are an amazing homeschool tool.

And you have probably used them for art projects but have you ever considered their many uses as a STEM tool?

They open an amazing world of possibilities for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

In addition, they are inexpensive, very versatile and easy to get your hands on.

It’s a great idea to keep a bunch on hand in different sizes for all sorts of projects.

Jumbo ones are fun and oversized.

And Rainbow popsicle sticks add a little flair and color to your projects.

Too, standard popsicle sticks the backbone of most diy stem projects.

More STEM Resources

If you want to put together a STEM kit for your young scientists, mathematicians, or engineers to tinker with these are a few more great items you might want to add to your supplies.

First, look at these LED lights.

Next, add copper tape.

Too, rubber bands are important.

Binder clips, rulers, pipe cleaners and lithium batteries.

Finally, look at these STEM ideas.

13 Fantastic Popsicle Stick STEM Activities

Medieval Catapult. Try this Medieval catapult using the oversized jumbo craft sticks, catapults are a great lesson in force, mass, and acceleration.
100 Brilliant STEM Activities Using Everyday Items.
STEM: Build a Da Vinci Parachute Activity
Popsicle Stick Chain Reaction. Teach your child about potential energy turning into kinetic energy and chain reactions by giving them the tools they need to create an exploding chain reaction.
Popsicle Stick Gears. These are a great way to learn about mechanical concepts, simple machines, motion and force. This is a great basic project to use as a springboard for more advanced activities.
Craft Stick Crossbow. Not only is this tiny crossbow fun but it teaches physics lessons in force, energy, motion, trajectory and projectiles.
Rubber Band Powered Boat. Launch this lesson on potential energy on the water. Popsicle sticks and rubber bands are all you need.
STEM and Geography: How to Build an Ancient Viking Ship
Rubber Band Powered Car. Same concept but on firm ground rather than the water. Use the stored potential energy in the tightly round rubber band to launch a car
LED Flashlight. Explore circuits, positive and negative charges,
Newton’s Cradle. What a fun way to learn about kinetic energy with Newton’s Third Law of Motion. “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Kids love that clickety clack perpetual motion
Truss Bridge With Craft Sticks, The STEM activity of building bridges gives your child a hands-on opportunity to learn about engineering through weight distribution, gravity, changing loads, and tension.
STEM Ferris Wheel. Enjoy a turn on a popsicle stick ferris wheel that introduces axles, problem solving, creating symmetrical sides, and engineering with a fun activity.

18 Kindergarten Science Homeschool Curriculum For Active Kids

July 28, 2022 | Leave a Comment
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Choosing kindergarten science homeschool curriculum for energetic kids is challenging. Too, check out my other tips and activities on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curiculum should be fun.

Today, I’m sharing solid tips in how to choose science curriculum for your homeschooled kindergartner.

Some take a spiral approach and are very workbook driven while others include many hands-on lessons.

However, before I jump into sharing so many wonderful choices, you need to know the importance of balancing subjects.

18 Kindergarten Science Homeschool Curriculum For Active Kids

For example, as a seasoned homeschool mom with three grads I know the importance of focusing on the skill subjects first.

The skill subjects are also known as the three Rs – reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic.

How to Balance Kindergarten Homeschool Science with Skills Subjects

And here are three reasons why the skill subjects should stay in the forefront.

First, if a child can’t read well, he’ll struggle his whole life
Second, when a child does read well, he can study any subject or topic which delights him and
Third, math is needed lifelong and without a solid start in math, a child will struggle in science.

However, what some educators tout in the homeschool world is that it must be an either or choice.

Choose skill subjects or content subjects like science to focus on primarily in the younger grades.

Don’t get me wrong. There is some merit to that way of thinking.

Look at Slow and Steady Get Me Ready For Kindergarten: 260 Activities To Do With Your Child From Age 0 to 5 to show how playing and learning are essentially linked.

For instance, some moms of kindergartners can have an unrealistic view of what a learning day looks like for a kindergartner.

In addition, they also have an unrealistic view of how much time their children should spend homeschooling.

Although children are on different learning scales, here are some ways that kindergarten moms may not understand the learning process.

They want their kindergartener to write or worst yet write with a pencil.
Too, they think that a child should be reading at this age. It’s very normal for children to still be learning letter and blend sounds. Even children reading beginning chapter books is normal.
In addition, instead of embracing their energetic child, they think children should sit down for long periods of time to learn.

As you can see, there are a variety of skill levels.

Nevertheless, there are qualities which make homeschooling easier which a lot of young children share.

So, tap into those natural strengths to capitalize on for learning.

How to Match Science Curriculum with Learner

Look below at the strengths you want to tap into.

Most are very energetic and eager to learn.
Being wiggly and inquisitive, they can tolerate a variety of learning material that meets their needs for hands-on activities,
They move and wiggle but they’re paying attention.
Playing IS how children this age best learn. It should be hard to separate science fun from playing during the day.
And they’re learning with every breath they take.

Now that you have a glimpse of the big learning picture with kindergartners, I want you to choose kindergarten science curriculum meticulously.

Choose one which aligns with your child’s nature desire to learn.

Next, I don’t believe you have to make a choice between teaching science which is a content subject versus a skill subject. You can do both.
But you do need to know what is important to teach when your child is feeling overwhelmed or when life hands you a less than a desirable schedule to homeschool.
Sometimes, you can only teach the skill subjects.

But if you can teach science right along at the beginning it will make your child’s learning experience more enriching.

However, there is one more significant foundational point I want you to know.

Besides, I can’t help sharing with you points that have helped me succeed in homeschooling for 20+ years.

Two Approaches to Teach Homeschool Kindergarten Science

Thus, there are two ways to teach science at this age

One is where you take a beautiful science topic book or story and teach facts through finding easy hands-on activities to go along with the topic; and
the second way is using a laid-out curriculum which covers a multiple of topics like earth and science, animal science, plant science or human body.

The important point to remember is that science is not a subject a child can be behind in at this age.

Besides kindergarten science homeschool curriculum comes in a variety of options.

You want to create a love for science.

So hands-on activities should be abundant and writing about it should not be.

18 Kindergarten Science Homeschool Curriculum

Finally, look below at solid science curriculum for kindergarten.

1. Nick and Tesla Series

This first one is Nick and Tesla series. This is a reference story like series more than curriculum.

And this is a perfect example of a fun series for a bit older child, but one that will feed the curiosity of a budding scientist.

If you have an eager science minded child, you can tweak an older resource to meet his needs.

One of the best parts is that you can do this with all your children.

Follow your child’s interests and include hands-on ideas as you child wants to do them.

2.Summer Beach from Sassafras Science Adventures.

Next, Summer Beach is a kindergarten full year program from the same company that makes the The Sassafras Science Adventures.

It includes a Summer’s Lab Teacher Guide, Summer’s Lab Student Lab Manual and a Summer’s Lab Reference Notes. You decide if you want to use the Student Lab Manual or the Reference notes.

Each unit has 4 lessons and is presented in a short story form along with questions for you to ask.

They use the idea of making a sandwich like learning science. You add different parts to build your science topic or sandwich for the week.

And you have two scheduling options.

Summer’s Lab Lab Manual

3.The Sassafras Science Adventures.

Then, this curriculum can be used for multiple ages too. However, it is a curriculum if you want more laid out.

Next, is The Sassafras Science Adventures which is written for grades K to 5. And there are several books each based on a different topic.

There are components for creating a lapbook and it too is written in a story form.

As I mentioned each book is on a different topic.

There is Anatomy, Botany, Zoology, and Earth Science; there are other books in the series but they begin with first grade.

4.The Cat In the Hat’s Learning Library.

Also another fun one which has been around for a while is the Cat In the Hat’s Learning Library. Kids love this series anyway.

Use the science focused books for a fun science program and add in coloring, crafts, and drawing as you child wants to. It’s such a fun introduction to science.

5.The Magic School Bus Science Chapter Books

In addition, another fun keeper and great choice is the The Magic School Bus Science Chapter Books.

I loved these too like the other books especially if you have younger children, it’s worth buying to use over and over again as each child comes along.

6. Preschool Science: Exploring Creation Together

And although this next one says preschool, it’s for ages 3 to 5.

One of the best parts of Preschool Science: Exploring Creation Together is not only presenting science in a story form, but it includes hands-on ideas with items you can find at home.

Another part is the parent’s section where they speak to you in how to use the curriculum as a guide.

7. Funschooling Level A for K- 2

Additionally, the funschooling books for Level A are K – 2. You can use them to cover a couple of years. depending on how much science you want to cover.

Funschooling is such a fun series of books. And they are quite a few choices for science. Remember too although they say K to 2, some books may be a bit more mature in terms of activities.

However, the content is solid and fun. Until your child can do some of the activities, you can try easier ones.

They have space, oceans and a nature study journal to name a few.

8. Be Naturally Curious

Also, Be Naturally Curious is another choice.

I’ve not used them but I have been eyeballing them. They have minicourses as they call them which are downloadable pdfs.

They take a story approach along with games, activities, nature and being outside.

If you lack the room for a ton of books this pdf guide would make a great resource and I love the topics hey have for grades K to 5. So you could use this with your older children too.

9. Christian Liberty Nature Readers

The Christian Liberty Nature Readers I’ve used and are beautiful and packed full of information for your eager learner.

I love the fact that I could just sit and read about spiders to my kids or whatever topic they were interested in and just ponder the beautiful creatures.

As mentioned, they’re readers. So if you want to add in some hands-on activities there is plenty of information to pull from.

I loved reading ahead and finding science activities like insect lore to go with our reading.

10. Science Unlocked

Another one we’re going to do soon is Science Unlocked.

Science Unlocked is everything that you need to teach your child an entire month’s worth of science in one box – complete with detailed teacher guide and student workbook.

The series Wonder is for K to 2. And they have topics like

Squishy Science,
Penguin Parenting
From Brrr to Burrow and
Blast off to name a few topics.

11. Master Books

Too, Master Books is a curriculum which has a series named Let’s Talk Science.

Master Books has a beautiful Charlotte Mason approach to teaching science. We have not used it, but it has experiments, memory verses and activity pages.

12. The Good and The Beautiful

Furthermore, we’ve been using the other components of The Good and The Beautiful but not the science yet.

They have a science series they want to expand on it and named it Science for Little Hearts and Hands. The first course is for Preschool to 2nd and is Course Set—Fields and Flowers .

13. BookShark

Yet another wonderful science curriculum for kindergarten age is BookShark.

PreK is geared toward ages 4 – 5 and Level A is for ages 5 – 7.

BookShark uses beautiful literature with hands-on projects lined out in a full year program.

14. Christian Liberty

This next one is Christian Liberty which has a sweet 92 page book called The World God Made and is straight up and simple if you’re looking for a faith-based curriculum.

15. Nancy Larson Science

Another solid choice is the Nancy Larson Science programs which are for K to 5. As stated on her site, she believes a hands-on, cross-curricular approach wrapped in a scientific conversation is the best way to teach children.

16. Pandia Press

REAL Science Odyssey – Life Level One is geared toward K/1 as it states up to 2nd grade. And it is a secular program which many homeschoolers like as well.

You can find REAL Science Odyssey – Life Level One on Home Science Tools where they pair the program with a science kit.

Next, these two choices are some of my favorites we used.

17. Use Subscription Boxes

Something about getting a fun box of surprises every month just adds the excitement to learn science. We really love getting our science boxes.

Look at this Little Passports Science Jr. – Subscription Box for Kids | Ages 5-8.

And here is another one STEM Discovery Boxes – Monthly STEM Science Subscription Box for ages 7 to teen.

18. Use Topical Science Books.

This last choice is to use a topic-based reference science book and explore on your own. Because science should be fun, follow your child’s lead and choose beautifully illustrated books on one topic.

Add in hands-on projects and you have a very unique science curriculum. Add in a few science workbooks but sparingly. This will allow you to not have to create assignments.

Look at some of the choices for topical books.