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May 30, 2005
Scared by Science
This post title is actually a song title. If anyone out there gets it, I'll be amazed and terribly, terribly impressed. I'm not at all scared by science - I just wanted to use the title.
The first time I read "The Well-Trained Mind," I fell in love. Except for the science parts. It seemed to me as if the wonderful Susan Wise Bauer managed to suck the very life out of science, and turn it into just another content area with which we can practice our outlining and writing skills.
Ugh. No. Even though I was enamored with the rest of her program, I knew we'd never do science like that.
And we haven't. In fact, through reading "Climbing Parnassus" and "A Thomas Jefferson Education," I don't believe that formal science is necessary in the elementary years at all. I'm not convinced it has a place in the middle grades, either. I am convinced that it has a very important place in high school, preferably after a child has grappled with algebra.
We all love science, though, so of course we're going to "do science." It's not science that I have a problem with, it's a formal course. To begin with, at the elementary level these courses are largely composed of inane content. These are a waste of everyone's time, and teaching them does not create scientists.
I flirted with the ideas in "Nebel's Elementary Education" for awhile. Dr. Nebel's science chapters are superb, packed with information I never knew; his approach is to teach science experientially, and only as the child shows interest. I still use Nebel's as a reference, but it didn't turn out to do much for us otherwise.
Last year I stumbled across this free workshop: How to Teach Science. Teresa, the brains behind the workshop, has a different approach to science. She says we should start with chemistry, and teaching the skills of observation and accurate description. She says we start with chemistry because chemistry is the basis for so many other things, such as biology, and much of physics. Nebel, for contrast, believes that young elementary students cannot grasp something as abstract as atoms and molecules, and suggests leaving chemistry alone until later.
I liked Teresa's workshop, so I have decided to give her ideas a try. My kids beg for a formal science program. By happy coincidence they beg for chemistry, and Teresa suggests starting with chemistry. So far so good.
Next problem: Have you ever looked at elementary-level chemistry programs? Ninety-nine percent of them are crap! Most of them don't get more advanced than combining vinegar and baking soda. Oooh. They discuss the three states of matter, but that's often it. Then they wrap up with a bunch of experiments that have ooh, shiny results, but don't teach ANYTHING.
I decided on Real Science 4 Kids chemistry, Pre-Level 1. RS4K is a solid program that presents actual, good scientific information in a way young children can understand. It turns out that Pre-Level 1 is a little young for my kids, but still, the information is good and the experiments actually teach something.
I want to strike a balance, though, between my kids' need to feel like we are "doing a chemistry program" and teaching via the ideas in Teresa's workshop. So like everything else (except math and Latin), we are approaching this casually.
Last week we read through the chapter that teaches about how atoms combine into molecules. The experiment had us taking large and small marshmallows and toothpicks, and making molecules. The instructions had us combine them according to different rules, teaching the kids that atoms only combine according to certain rules. I brought out a periodic table for them to look at, as well.
Voila! That afternoon we were the homeschooling poster family. They made molecules for hours (except for the three year old who, predictably, ate all of his). Then they discovered the periodic table.
"Mom, what does 'atomic number' mean?"
"Mom, does this table tell me how many connections an atom can make?"
"Mom, what does 'element' mean?"
"Look, platinum is on here. Does that mean there are platinum atoms?"
"What happens if I put hydrogen and chlorine together?"
Heh heh heh.
How about that: the little kids do grasp this abstract chemisty stuff. Set 'em up with a periodic table and turn 'em loose. Who knew?
Since then I've ordered this Molecular Model Set (though I was disappointed; I thought it would come with some kind of pamphlet or activities, but it doesnt), and Teresa's version of the periodic table. Now I need to find a good chemistry reference so we can look up the answers to their questions. I remember a little chemistry, but not enough!
Posted by lynx at May 30, 2005 10:08 PM
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Comments
I got it! :) Now, should I ask where the yellow sandles are too ?
LOL ! Seriously, I am sooooo glad that the boys ENJOY science, and I agree elementary science in your average run of the mill neighborhood elementary school classrooms really REALLY suck!
I guess because we teachers have no time to spend on REAL science and FUN science. See what happens when you TEACH the state/national assessment criteria only. It's a shame we classroom teachers never have time for FUN things.
Posted by: Jewels at May 30, 2005 10:20 PM
Mmmm...smashmallow molecules (drool)
Posted by: Brian at May 30, 2005 11:38 PM
How large is the periodic table?
I could understand the concepts of chemistry, but was never good at anything hands on.
Posted by: Shawna at May 31, 2005 2:19 AM
We did RS4Kids Chemistry last year. My older dd has very fond memories of it, although she emphasizes that much of the time "it smelled really bad." The marshmallow molecules rate as one of the best homeschool moments of the year (the other was building a castle keep out of Cocoa Puffs and marshmallows).
Over time I began to do the experiments first, then present the lesson later. This made more sense at our house -- grab their attention with the activity, then explain how and why it works.
Posted by: GailV at May 31, 2005 10:36 AM
Have you seen the Usborne Dictionary of Chemistry? James fell in LOVE with it. It's not an engaging read, from my perspective - it's a dictionary with an encyclopedic bent. But, OH THE JOY this child experienced over having this book in our home!
I just tried to buy him one from Amy (on the WTM boards), but her site says it's out of stock. Gotta find out if that's a permanent thing or if it'll be back. It is WONDERFUL.
Thank you for this post. It's great stuff.
Dy
Posted by: Dy at May 31, 2005 11:36 AM
Shawna, I don't know how large it is. It doesn't say. I'll post once it gets here. I am thinking it will be better for my young ones, and I'll get a more complete periodic table poster for my older ones.
Gina, thanks for the idea! I can see that it would work well to do the experiments first. I never did the Cocoa Puff marshmallow castle. My junk food radar wouldn't let me. I should probably squash the radar and try it. The boys would be in heaven.
Thanks for the tip, Dy! Does it go more in-depth than their chem. section in the general science encyclopedia?
Posted by: Stephanie at May 31, 2005 12:44 PM
Love Real Science 4 Kids. We're finishing up the Biology, and then moving on to Chemistry this year. My kids are older (5th and 6th grade this fall), but I thought this would be a gentle intro to 'formal' science before high school (we're the non-formal, delight-led types for early years).
There are so many reasons to love it; colorful, but not overwhelming text, it's *actual* science, no namby-pamby stuff, and it's well-written enough that I won't cringe to use it for outlining, re-writing exercises, etc. Good stuff.
Posted by: Jill, OK in VA at May 31, 2005 7:40 PM
Had to stop in and say that Teresa is going to revolutionize the way science (esp. chemistry) is taught to children. I'm a big fan, as science makes up the core of our homeschooling adventure.
A good primer (for kids and us parents) on chemistry I found is www.chem4kids.com. I enjoyed it. And this post. Let us know how you like the Periodic Table.
Also, I just discovered The Science Channel program Hot Rocks. It is essentially geology, but since the earth is made of elements that react, it is heavy on chemistry. Very descriptive and show-telly without being patronizing. I tape them now for my 13 yo who is a rock hound/chem nut.
Posted by: Natalie at June 1, 2005 12:19 AM
Hi,
I'm the Teresa that is discussed here (and thanks by the way for all the great compliments!!!) I wanted to add that the table I made comes with a booklet that answers all those questions your kids are asking. I wrote it and so far getting good feedback on it. I'm presenting the table and teaching it the weekend of June 24th in Gadsden AL if anyone's interested. Also speaking in Tennessee in September and a tentative date in July in Mississippi. You can email me and i'll give you info. (teresa@howtoteachscience) Anyway, I hope you all sign up for the workshop, it's free. Buy a table, not free but helps support the site and ask me any questions if you have 'em!
Posted by: Teresa at June 2, 2005 8:36 AM
Oooh! Ooooh! Science links! Science talk!
Thank you!
Right now, I'm having a fair bit of success doing a few Science in a Nutshell kits with them a year and then just 'talking' science the rest of the time.
Posted by: Poppins at June 2, 2005 8:39 AM
"Scared By Science". I'm assuming we're thinking of the same song by The Hooters. If so, go to my site and download it!
Posted by: Carburetor at June 10, 2005 8:53 AM