For many years we never used a formal science program in our homeschool. Most of our science consisted of nature walks, field trips, bird watching, and just observing nature while playing outside. For a long time that worked very well for us, it was exactly what we needed to be doing. This year at the request of my 12-year-old we opted to start a science program. I searched a bit for a program that would fit our needs:
My Science Program Requirements
– Hold the interest of my children
– Work with a wide range of ages
– Would not require any prep work from me {this was a big consideration!}
– Would fit with my relaxed approach to homeschooling
When I came across Nancy Larson Science I was immediately intrigued. Nancy Larson Science is available for both the classroom and for home use. When I read the programs goal on the website:
“to provide curriculum that is engaging and challenging for your child while being fun and easy for you to teach.”
Well, that was speaking my language!
I’m happy to say the program meets its goal. My kids ask to do science. No moans and groans when I pull out the books. We generally do science two afternoons per week and they are remembering the work from session to session easily. All the materials that we need arrived in one box!
The lessons are guided, meaning there is a script to follow for presenting the information. I appreciate that aspect as it makes it even easier for me to incorporate science into our week. Each lesson has a workbook page and then a review lesson page that can be done the same day or at the next session. This is the perfect amount of written work for my group. The get in a bit of writing for the day, but it’s not overwhelming for my kids who are “allergic” to holding a pencil!
We chose Science 2 to begin with because my oldest was interested in exploring physics and our family has long had an interest in birds. Technically Science 2 is geared toward 7-9 year old students, but since my older kids have had limited formal science it works for all of us. At this stage of the game in our homeschool, I’m most concerned with laying a solid foundation for scientific terms and scientific ideas. I hear my kids using science terms with each other in everyday conversation, that’s how I know they are learning.
This science program has definitely been a welcome addition to our homeschool!
~ written by Jen Dunlap, Forever, For Always, No Matter What
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