Science Savvy: Master the Art of Back-to-School Science Planning With These Tips

by | August 9, 2024

It’s August, and the school year is quickly approaching. I love this time of year! Summer’s heat dissipates, fall is approaching, and our kids are excited to get back to school. Okay, maybe not that last part. But this is the perfect time to start planning for the new school year.

I thoroughly love to plan, but planning can be challenging for many people. The good news is it doesn’t have to be. You are all planners.

Wait, what did she say?

The little voice inside you may’ve just said, “I have no idea how to plan science for my child.” You all are gifted planners because you love your child more than any other person in this world, and you’ve chosen to teach them at home. So, you’ve already taken the first step in planning because you plan to teach them at home this year.

This doesn’t have to be daunting. I like the saying when tasked with an overwhelming job, “Take small bites out of the elephant.” It may be easier for you to think of it as forecasting instead of planning. Grab a piece of paper, and let’s do some forecasting. 

An open planner with a pen resting on it sits on a wooden desk. Next to it, there is a cup of coffee, a small alarm clock, and a potted plant. A wall calendar in the background is partially visible, bathed in warm, soft sunlight.

Let’s call it forecasting- not planning!

I like to forecast first by asking myself how many hours per week I reasonably think I can teach science for the grade levels of each of my children.  I like writing this down at the top of the page, setting my expectations.  Don’t freak out… these hours aren’t necessarily per child. Remember, you’re the one-room schoolhouse teacher who can teach multi-aged children at the same time. I know from teaching my own children that when I taught the older ones, the younger ones were listening, and to my surprise, they heard parts of the concepts and learned.

Next, write bullet points asking yourself what scientific concepts you want your student to know.

  • What scientific concepts are recommended at their grade level?
  • What curriculum do you want to use to teach science?
  • What are their interests?
  • What may be covered through the available science co-op in your area?
  • What resources and activities do local home school organizations have that you can tap into?
A cheerful homeschool mom is helping two young boys with their schoolwork at a table. The text reads: "Get tips and encouragement every month. Get plugged in! Click to get e-news." The image includes an electrical plug graphic.

Take another bite of the elephant. 

If you’re not sure what concepts to cover, skim through your child’s curriculum.  The Mystery of Science curriculum offers several scientific concepts for you to consider.  Ask yourself what concepts covered your child will enjoy learning about. Is it the circulatory system, the cell, or the animal kingdom? You know, if they’re interested, they’ll stay focused. 

Take those concepts on your list and dive deeper. Don’t be afraid to lean into scientific events that are coming up or have come up during the school year, like eclipses, northern lights, volcanoes, cicadas and space exploration.

An event allows you to use many modes of learning. If the event was a volcano, have your child create a visual image of it, listen together to a podcast about volcanoes, or have your student make a model of a volcano.  Then, have your child write a report about it or have them teach the concept to a younger sibling or you.  This method ensures your child knows the material.

Two young girls wearing safety goggles conduct a science experiment in a classroom. They use a pipette and a test tube to create a volcanic eruption model with red and yellow lava on the table. In the background, lab equipment and another student are visible.

Yum, the elephant is starting to taste like roasted chicken.

Next, write down what supplies you’ll need or take inventory and see what you have on hand. You don’t want to get into a lesson on volcanoes and realize you don’t have enough vinegar or baking soda. You’d have to suddenly stop and possibly cause a minor emotional eruption.

If cost is a concern, remember you don’t have to buy everything at once. Write down your list of supplies and buy them in the month or semester you plan on covering the scientific concept.

Two elephants are in a shallow, muddy water area with stone borders. The foreground elephant has its trunk raised and is facing the camera, while the background elephant stands in the water and reaches its trunk down into the water.

Hey, this elephant isn’t so big!

You’re starting to look like an experienced elephant hunter, so why not do some hunting and go on a safari!  Start by hunting around your local area.  Look for the “elephant” at your local planetarium, aquarium, zoo and museum.  Most of these places will advertise their special exhibits and have presentations for children to participate in. 

Grab some other “hunters” and their families and make it a special event. Afterward, take time to lead discussions with your children about what happened on the “hunt” and ask questions about the most meaningful fact they learned.

A young child with shoulder-length brown hair is intently looking at items displayed in a glass case at a museum or exhibit. The child is wearing a brown hoodie and appears to be deeply focused on the display. The surroundings are softly lit.

Remember, the home education experience is unique because of the customization you can do. It can be so rewarding to see the excitement in your children’s or student’s eyes when they are excited about learning a new concept. You’re going to do great, so let’s set the table for roasted elephants and start planning—I mean, forecasting.

We would love to hear your comments about what scientific concepts you plan on covering this school year or what has worked for you.  We’d also love to hear a cute story about your child’s excitement from learning a new concept or fact, so please let us know by commenting below. 

3 Comments

  1. Anonymous

    I love how we need to take small bites of the elephant and have the ability to customize homeschooling for each kid differently. We get to spend more time as a family and the ability to take big junks or little junks as the day progresses with schoolwork.

    Reply
  2. ElaineI

    Oh boy I needed this! Planning the school year is what gives me the most anxiety about homeschooling! This helped me see that it is not so bad when you break it up into smaller chunks!
    Thanks a lot!

    Reply
  3. MeritK

    Thank you for sharing these tips!

    Reply

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