BLOG

Ideas for Elementary
PhysicsWaves

Make Waves in the Tub

Light waves . . . sound waves . . . it's all pretty hard for a younger elementary student to understand. They can see light and hear sound, but the wave part just isn't something they can perceive with their senses. A good way to begin to introduce the topic of waves is with water waves. A wave that is visible and moves slowly enough for them to observe the actual wave itself. Use bath…
Cheryl Taylor
March 31, 2014
ForcesPhysics

Understanding and Measuring Friction

For elementary children, the topic of "opposing forces" can be hard to understand. Friction is an opposing force that children can "feel." Here's a lab on measuring and comparing friction that's appropriate for older elementary children. You will need one piece of "science equipment" to get the most out of the lab . . . a spring scale. A spring scale with small increments will be easier for elementary children to use. Here's what to…
Cheryl Taylor
March 30, 2014
Earth's HistoryGeology

Learning about Earth’s Past through Creative Writing

Most kids love to be creative and make up stories. Use that creativity to research Earth's past. Depending on the age of the child, you might want to first introduce them to the Geologic Time Scale. Here's a good website with some basic information from Britannica Kids. For younger children, you might just help them pick a topic from Earth's past, such as "dinosaurs." Next, help your student narrow down a specific time period (or…
Cheryl Taylor
March 30, 2014
MotionPhysics

Calculate Speed While Encouraging Exercise

We all know that kids have a lot of energy. Put that energy to good use by combining a physics lesson, a math lesson, and some good exercise! All you'll need is an energetic kid, a tape measure, a stopwatch, and a safe place for your child to run. Calculating Speed 1. Pick out a "track" that your child can run safely. Select a distance appropriate for your child to run several times. 2. Help…
Cheryl Taylor
March 28, 2014
Earth's AtmosphereGeology

Cotton Cloud Model

If you're teaching your kids about the different types of clouds, have them make a model to show cloud structure and the different levels of the atmosphere where clouds form. Here's a good website that covers the basics of cloud classification. There's a good diagram of different types of clouds and the atmospheric levels in which they form. For younger children you might want to let them use the image as a guide for their…
Cheryl Taylor
March 28, 2014
AnimalsBiology

Bug Collection – Go Digital!

Remember having to do a "bug collection" project when you were in school? There is a lot of value in observing animals in their natural environment and learning how to identify them based on physical characteristics. But, is it really necessary to catch, kill, and mount them? If your kids are afraid of crawly things or squeamish about killing live creatures, why not have them do a "virtual bug collection"? Armed with a digital camera,…
Cheryl Taylor
March 28, 2014
Acids and BasesChemistry

Red Cabbage as a pH Indicator

pH is a hard concept for younger children to learn. Add a little excitement to the subject of acids and bases by using a natural pH indicator. First, the science . . . an indicator is a chemical that "indicates" or shows the presence of a substance, usually by a color change. There are many pH indicators, each working for a different range on the pH scale. A wide-range indicator detects substances on the entire…
Cheryl Taylor
March 24, 2014
BiologyCells and Microbiology

Edible Cell Models

When teaching about the parts of the cell, increase your child's interest by having them build an edible model of a cell. The type of cell and the type of model depend on the age of the child and your snack preference for them. If your child is older they can research "parts of a cell" online to find many different diagrams of different types of cells. Help your child find a diagram at an…
Cheryl Taylor
March 23, 2014
Earth MaterialsGeology

Making Rocks Fun!

Okay, I have to admit, rocks sound boring to most people. But here's a way to get kids interested in the topic of rocks and minerals! Kids (and adults) love to find treasure. Purchase a bag of "mining rough" and you have a ready-made treasure hunt for your kids. Mining rough is the left over material generated by the mining process. To a mine that recovers and sells gemstones, it isn't cost effective to spend…
Cheryl Taylor
March 22, 2014
Teaching Science

Getting ready for middle and high school science

Parents decide to homeschool for many different reasons, but there's one thing they all have in common . . . they want what's best for their children. I teach college prep science classes to middle and high school level homeschoolers in my area. I'm often contacted by elementary school parents who are looking ahead, and their number 1 question is, "What background will my child need before (s)he can take your classes?" My answer usually…
Cheryl Taylor
March 21, 2014