Science in a Nutshell

Pulley Power

Science in a Nutshell kits by Delta Education are geared towards 2-6th grades.  They come in a huge array of life, earth and physical science topics.  There are enough materials for 3 children to use together including 3 student journals, and all the materials you will need to do the experiments, except household items.  You also get a teacher’s guide.  The teacher’s guide gives you background information on the topic before each experiment.  The student journals have a place for data, charts and questions to answer as each experiment is done.  The kits generally have 8-12 experiments.  You work at your own pace, and the kits can line up with any science curriculum that has the same topics.

Here’s what I like about these kits:

Even things like straws, Dixie cups, string, and rubber bands are included.  So, you really do get practically everything you will need to do the experiments.  Also, I want to point out that there is enough materials to do the experiments 6 times.  So, these kits are good for homeschool families with multiple students and co-ops.  I’ve used several of my kits twice with multiple students, because you can buy extra journals.

What I would suggest to add with the kits:

Although the experiments are great, I think you still need to use a science text or living book that goes with the topic.  This requires a little extra planning, but makes it a more well-rounded science program.

Microworlds

Here’s some ways I have used the kits:

1.)  One year I purchased 4 chemistry themed kits (physical and chemical changes, gases, solids, and liquids) and used them in a co-op setting with another family. We did 2 experiments a week.

2.)  Another year I had my oldest child lead his younger brother through the One and Only You kit.  They worked through it together and told me about what they learned.  I highly recommend this kit about DNA, it was interesting.

3.)  Another year for physics I bought 3 physics topics (flight, electromagnetism and sound vibrations) and matched the experiments to a science text.  Since the topics lasted 8-19 weeks, we thoroughly investigated these topics and we touched on others more briefly with smaller science kits and experiment books.  It was an eventful year!

Visit Delta Education for ordering information and more information on Science in a Nutshell kits.  These kits would work for unit studies in-depth studies of one science topic.

Brenda is a classically eclectic mother of 5.  She blogs at Tie That Binds Us about her homeschool journey and family traditions.

Brenda  (135 Posts)

Brenda is a homeschooling mother of 5, who has a wonderful husband encouraging her to be the best woman that God has created her to be. Together they are very intentional about spending time together as a family. She considers her daily life with her children as her ministry and has found many avenues to encourage others to live a lifestyle of learning. She is the founder of an online homeschool community, Our Lifestyle of Learning and a curriculum review site authored by a group of well-known homeschool bloggers, Curriculum Choice. She blogs about their homeschool journey and family traditions at Tie That Binds Us.

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