We recently discovered a great microscope companion book, perfect for the beginning science buff. This book has many fun and easy activities, but the best thing about the book is its explanation of how and why. Additionally, it offers really useful practical tips on improvising when you don’t have all of the tools. For [...]
Archive for the ‘Biology’ Category
University of Utah Hosts Cool Genetics Learning Website
Posted by ginac on October 31st, 2009
Thanks to the Homeschool Math Blog for finding this cool genetics website. We checked it out and highly recommend it. The site is really interactive, beautifully designed, and easy to read and navigate. The short animations provide a nice, basic overview so that younger learners aren’t overwhelmed. I bet even older kids will enjoy the [...]
Get Ready for Wolfram|Alpha Homework Day Oct.21
Posted by ginac on October 20th, 2009
Wolfram|Alpha, the online worldwide computation engine is hosting Homework Day on October 21, 2009. There promises to be a lesson plan showcase for all levels (K-12 and beyond), a chance to interact with the Wolfram|Alpha experts, and an amazing line up of thought leaders. The event kicks off online at noon and doesn’t end until [...]
Free Unit Study: The Case of the Missing Rumbleometer
Posted by ginac on October 4th, 2008
Although this isn’t the usual weekly homeschool language arts lesson, it is interesting enough as a unit study that you should adapt it to include more language arts activities. For example, choose from the extensive glossary of terms to create a vocabulary list, stressing definitions, spelling, etc. Also, have your homeschooler do some additional research [...]
Posted in Biology, Chemistry, Eclectic Homeschooling, Interdisciplinary, Language Arts, Physics, Science, Teaching methods, Unit Study 
Comments OffU.S. Math & Science Scores Lacking: Homeschoolers Not Exempt
Posted by ginac on August 28th, 2008
The TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) is conducted every four years and compares 4th and 8th grade math and science scores for dozens of participating nations around the world. Surprisingly (or not), the U.S. scores are not great. Depending on how you look at the scores, they are either lackluster or terrible. [...]
Posted in Biology, Chemistry, Eclectic Homeschooling, Math, Physics, Science, Teaching methods Comments OffSummer Homeschool Unit Study: Eastern Mosquitofish
Posted by ginac on May 26th, 2008
Eastern Mosquitofish are tough little fish that got their name because they love to dine on mosquito larvae. Well, every body of water in our area is filled with these little fish so we decided to learn a bit more about them. We compiled some of our favorite learning activities into a short unit study [...]
Posted in Biology, Eclectic Homeschooling, Ecology, Science, Unit Study 
Tags: Eastern Mosquitofish, Puzzles Comments OffGenetics Website for Kids
Posted by ginac on April 2nd, 2008
GlaxoSmithKline has created an interesting website aimed at teaching kids a bit about DNA and the basic chemistry involved. Professor U. Gene guides kids through a few games that help kids understand the concepts of genetics. Some of the topics covered include protein building blocks and how they fit together, RNA transcription, codons, peptides, etc. [...]
The Importance of Teaching Physics, Chemistry and Biology Early
Posted by ginac on March 28th, 2008
Home school parents are lucky. They can choose curriculum materials customized to their children’s learning style, tailor the material to suit their children’s interests and take the time to focus on a really good question — even if it takes a week! As a result, learning becomes an adventure full of daily discoveries and fun. [...]
