What should middle school science look like?

I was researching for one of the programs I am working on and ran across this statement from the National Science Teacher's Association: The middle school years, grades 5 through 9, are a time of tremendous physical, emotional, and cognitive changes for students. It also is a pivotal time in their understanding of and enthusiasm for science. Research has shown that if educators don’t capture … [Read more...]

3 Thanksgiving Science Activities

Thanksgiving is almost upon us! Bring on the turkey, the sweet potato casserole, the pumpkin pie, and . . . the science! In honor of the upcoming holiday, I wanted to share with you all three Thanksgiving science activities that you can enjoy after the clean-up is done. But before we do that, I have to take a proud mama moment to tell you that the turkey pictured in this post is actually … [Read more...]

All About Lichens at the Homeschool Science Corner

Lichens are perfect to study around this time of year. As the trees are shedding their leaves and the plants are starting to die off, the lichens in the area begin to stand out. Lichens can be found all over the world, including the in the desert! Typically, you will find them on the bark of a tree or on a rock. Many lichens are about the size of a human fist, but they can grow to be as large … [Read more...]

3 Reasons to make time for science

Science is awesome! It is passion of mine which has easily spilled over to my kids. I understand, though, that not everyone shares my passion for science. In fact, it is usually one of the subjects that is passed over in favor of the 3 R’s during the elementary years. I’m here to say that science education in the elementary years is beneficial in so many ways! I know that it takes a bit of … [Read more...]

Types of Pollination

The Joshua tree has a unique insect-pollinator, the yucca moth. The bumble bee pollinates the morning glory in the cool beginnings of a new day. And a gentle breeze is responsible for spreading the pollen of the spruce tree. The moth, bee, and wind all act as pollinators for these plants. They are responsible for getting the pollen from the male part of the flower to the female part, so … [Read more...]

3 Pieces of advice for your homeschooling journey

I have been homeschooling for over nine years now. My daughter is wrapping up her middle school years and very quickly heading toward high school. It is a bittersweet time as I watch my little girl grow up and realize that I will probably be the shortest one in the family! The thing is – I get to start the whole homeschooling journey over again. My kids are eight years apart. It is not … [Read more...]