Gasp! Not teach science!
I know you are thinking that I can’t possibly be suggesting that!
And you are right. I definitely believe that science should be one of the subjects we consistently teach our students.
However when I chat with homeschoolers at conventions, I often hear the following reasons for why they don’t teach science:
- I don’t like to do experiments.
- I don’t feel comfortable with teaching science.
- I don’t know what to teach for science.
Do you find yourself agreeing with any of those reasons? I want to help you out!
So over the next few months, I’ll be sharing the top reasons I hear for not teaching science, along with some tips to help you get past these reasons and start teaching some science!
Reasons not to teach science #1 – Experiments
Today, I want to take a moment to address the first of these reasons – I don’t like to do experiments. Let’s chat about why we even need experiments, and how you can overcome the experiment hurdle!
But I don’t like to do experiments…
Here is what I have heard from homeschoolers:
I don’t like experiments, because they never work for me.
Or
I don’t like experiments, because I just don’t get the point.
I understand that experiments can be daunting, but they are one of the key aspects of teaching science.
Why you need experiments
Experiments are the hands-on aspect of science. Think of them as the flesh of the scientific facts your students are learning about.
Experiments provide practical reinforcement of what the students are studying.
Experiments allow students to interact with science face-to-face, showing them that science is more than just facts and figures.
To teach science without the hands-on aspect of experiments would make no sense. It would be like a blind man watching a movie. It will sound right, but you won’t really have a complete picture.
Getting over the experiment hurdle
I get it – experiments don’t always work the way you want them to. I’ll let you in on a well-known secret – even scientists in the lab have experiments that don’t work the way they thought they would.
Experiments are learning opportunities.
If the experiment goes the way it should – great! Your students have had the chance to see the principle in action and have learned more about science.
If the experiment doesn’t go the way it should – ask why. Your students will have the chance to practice their skills of observation, logic, and reasoning. In the act of breaking down a failed experiment your students will learn about science.
Here are a few articles to help you out with experiments in general:
- 5 Easy Tips for Experiment Success- These 5 simple tips will set you on the road to experiment success.
- Science Essential # 1: Performing Hands-on Tests- Learn what a hands-on test is, how you can use them in your homeschool, and several tips for success.
- But I don’t have the experiment supplies- Three ways you can get around not having the supplies you need for an experiment.
- Homeschool Science Experiments- Kris Bales shares tips for experiments and how to rescue a failed experiment at About Education.
Some encouragement for those days when your experiments do fail:
- How failure teaching kids to think like scientists- Erica encourages you that a failed science experiment is just a different type of learning experience.
- What to do when an experiment fails- Ticia details the steps you should take when you have a failed experiment.
Wrapping it Up
I trust that you now feel more comfortable with experiments.
If you really can’t get over the experiment hurdle, check out nature study. It is a great way to add the hands-on aspect to science without having to enter the lab, especially during the elementary and middle school years.
If you still have questions, leave them in the comments below!
Want a year’s worth of weekly experiments all wrapped up in one neat package? Here you go.
The post Top reasons not to teach science – #1 Experiments appeared first on Elemental Blogging.