Science Unit Studies For Homeschoolers and Teachers {Review}

Hands on experiments have never been my thing.  I'm one of those students that is happy to sit at the back of the class and observe.  I don't need to touch to learn.  I'm happy to read about an experiment in a book and watch someone else do the practical. Nathaniel on the other hand loves to try new things and look and touch to learn.

Enter in Funtastic Unit Studies the creator of  Science Unit Studies For Homeschoolers and Teachers. This A4 size book is a treasure trove for homeschool mothers like me out there.  It's 200 pages of science from home goodness. Science is best learned with plenty of hands on application and in this book Susan Kilbride has provided 20 chapters of hands on learning and explanation set out in an easy to teach format. 


What we received

• Physical copy of Science Unit Studies For Homeschoolers and Teachers
• 200 pages
• Soft Cover
• ISBN 9781463549152
• Author: Susan Kilbride (A homeschool Mom with a passion for science and a degree in biology)

How we used it
This book is easy to use.  The table of contents is divided by topic followed by the recommended age for the topic and the page number.

A friend of mine has this neat molecule set that I've been itching to play with so when I discovered that Chapter 13 was all about Atoms and Molecules I decided we could jump in there.

You do NOT need a fancy molecule set to work on this unit.  Susan recommends marshmallows and toothpicks!  Shhh don't tell Nathaniel he missed out on consuming delicious marshmallows ...

After a one paragraph introduction on what molecules were we had a look at the supplied periodic table and then built some water molecules (one red and two white balls), Carbon Dioxide (One black and two red balls), Methane (One black and four white) and Carbon Tetrachloride (One Black and four Chlorine ball).  It was so much fun.

Next we explored microscopes and how they work in Chapter 14. This was so much fun rediscovering the world around us through magnification.  It's been a few years since we used this microscope so we've had to blow the dust off of it and find the slides but it's been so good to use again.

We also took a little detour in Chapter 15 Chemistry is Fun! and learned a little about polymers.  The instruction was to build a paperclip chain.  (I couldn't find the box of paper clips so we improvised with these clips).  Here Nathaniel is holding a chain of 10 clips.  Each clip represents a glucose molecule and the ten clipped together represent starch.


For the Parent

• Each chapter begins with a materials needed for this unit list. 98% of the items were everyday items found in and around our home and the kitchen. 
• If there were any items a little out of the norm Susan has noted where to purchase the items from.
• If there is a form or pattern required for an activity these are supplied in the chapter for you to photocopy and use within your homeschool.

Cost of Science Unit Studies For Homeschoolers and Teachers

• $16.95 (Available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Rainbow Resources)
• Download two chapters for free {Plant Unit and Molecules Unit}

Recommended Age Range

• 4 to 13

Over All I thought ...
This is one of those great resource books to have on hand. I love the simplicity and hands on uncomplicated experiments that are presented in the book.  I like the fact that Science Unit Studies For Homeschoolers and Teachers is written in easy to understand conversation with includes the use of the correct scientific jargon along with understandable definitions.  We're enjoying exploring the world around us through this short science unit studies.

Be sure to download Sue's Free Lessons and Activities

Blessings
Chareen

The Conversation, by Leigh A. Bortins {Review}

Homeschooling through the High School years has been the topic of conversation in our local homeschool group for the last couple of months.  Over the years I've heard a lot about Classical Conversations and have been researching this homeschooling method.  Classical Converstaions is built on the Trivium model of education with a Christian Focus.

With this years focus on long term planning for the High School years I was very excited to hear that Leigh A. Bortins had authored a new book covering this period of education titled The Conversation.

Leigh is a veteran home educating mom of 30 years and has written this marvelous book to equip, encourage and help you form a firm foundation for your children as they walk through the high school years together with you.

What we received

• Paperback book 
• 267 pages
• Author: Leigh A. Bortins
• ISBN: 978-0-9904720-2-5
• Published: 2015

About the book

The Conversation is the third book in the Classical Conversations Trivium Trilogy.  The first two books are: The Core and The Question.

The grammar stage (The Core) allows children to learn and memorize facts. During the dialectic stage (The Question), students are encouraged to start asking questions and evaluate what they are learning. The rhetoric stage (The Conversation) allows teens to apply that knowledge practically. “Rhetoric is the use of knowledge and understanding to perceive wisdom, pursue virtue, and proclaim truth” (The Conversation, p. 38-39)

The book is broken down into three main parts:
Part One – High School at Home

• Chapter 1 – Confidant Parents
• Chapter 2 – Rhetoric Defined

Part Two – The Rhetorical Arts

• Chapter 3 – Reading
• Chapter 4 – Speech and Debate
• Chapter 5 – Writing
• Chapter 6 – Science
• Chapter 7 – Math
• Chapter 8 – Government and Economics
• Chapter 9 – History
• Chapter 10 – Latin and Foreign Language
• Chapter 11 – Fine Arts
• Chapter 12 – A Graduation Conversation

Epilogue
Part Three – Appendices

• Appendix One – Conversation Games
• Appendix Two – Common Rhetorical Devices
• Appendix Three – Resources
• Appendix Four – Real Parents Respond

"As classical parents and educators, we sometimes forget that we really only need four things in order to educate someone. We need pencil, paper, good books and time for great conversations."

In part one Leigh does a wonderful job of equipping and encouraging parents to home educate through the high school years.  She presents a good case explaining why home educating through the high school years is possible.

In Chapter two she takes the time to define rhetoric and what that means for you as an educator. In this chapter she introduces the five canons of the this educational model. "The word comes from the Greek Kanon, which refers to a measuring line or standard of excellence."(The Conversation page 42)

1. Invention - coming up with and researching ideas
2. Arrangement - organizing these ideas in a manner that makes sense
3. Elocution - determining the style of presentation for the type of audience
4. Memory - Memorizing the information and adding key points of remembrance
5. Delivery - Presenting the ideas, in either a written or spoken format

Leigh takes the time to define each of these areas and why they are used in the classical model of education.

She uses these five canons to define how to teach each of the subjects outline in chapters 3 to 12 along with examples for each subject. She introduces the subject matter, breaks it down into each of the canons and finishes each chapter with a summary of the subject matter and canons. The examples are often presented in conversational format so you can clearly see how to have a conversation using this model of education with your high school student. These are all built around real life examples.
She provides great arguments for why all of this is important, how parents can integrate them, and what children gain from studying such subjects.

The final section of the book contains games, definitions, resources and further reading suggestions.
 
Cost of The Conversation

• $16.00
• Download a FREE Sample Chapter 2

The Conversation is specifically written for parents who are approaching the high school years, considering homeschooling through these years or who are currently homeschooling through the high school years. 

I have already graduated two high schooler's and found that this is one of those wonderful resource books to have on your shelf to reference as you teach your children through all levels at home.  It's a great book to read even if you are not following the Classical Conversation method of educating at home.  In fact I've enjoyed reading it so much I am looking forward to purchasing the first two books in the series.

Blessings
Chareen

Connect with Classical Conversations

Electives in the High School Years {Homeschool High School}

Welcome to the second edition of Homeschooling in the High School Years Blog Hop.

Last month we shared some thoughts on Homeschooling High School Planning.  This month we would like to talk about Electives in the High School Years.

High School years are a wonderful time to explore the greater world around you and discover the more complex subjects.


During these years most subjects are compulsory and needed in order to gain credits and a pass depending on the Country/State you are in.  Be sure to examine the laws/requirements of your particular area when planning the non- negotiable subjects.  Before you start considering the electives you will be pursuing in the high school years it is important to decide which subjects are non-negotiable.

The electives serve your home school well during this time as they keep your students inspired to keep on keeping on with their studies. They provide a platform to exercise choice and a vehicle to explore their own passions and educational motivations.

I've been speaking to my nephews and nieces and discovered that electives abound. These days there are subjects that I've never even heard of presented as electives...

Electives serve as a wonderful tool for the non-traditional track learners in your home and will equip them in their chosen field of study.

Electives to Consider

• Technology {Computing, Web Design, Virtual Assistant, Social Media Management}
• Business {Accounting, Business Math, IT}
• Foreign Language
• Bible {Old/New Testament Survey, Doctrine, Apologetic s}
• Fine Arts {Music, Drama, Dance, Theater, Art Appreciation}
• Humanities {Literature, Psychology, Journalism, Sociology, Communication, etc}
• Life Skills {Foundations for daily living, Consumer Math, Home Economics, Nutrition, Budgeting, Banking}
• Logic 
• Agriculture

This is in no way a definitive list but rather a list to get you thinking about the possibilities ...

Read more about Electives on the WWW 

• Planned Parenthood and an Organic Teaching Moment. If you are teaching High school Students then this is well worth a read. Sharon does an excellent job of helping you to untangle logic and thinking and encourages you on how to train your children to think well.
• Sonlight Electives
• 50 Fabulous electives for homeschooled high schoolers Great list of ideas.
• Homeschool High School Electives
• Homeschool Electives Curriculum - wonderful list to other sites addressing specific courses.
• ChristianBook.com - Homeschool Electives
• Possible Courses for Fulfilling High School Electives 
• Exploring Possible Elective Courses for High School This is an excellent article with a wonderful list of ideas.

On Pinterest

• Critical Thinking
• Current Events
• High School - Electives 
•  Hymn Study
• Homeschool - Latin 
• Life Skills 
• High School 

Life Skills

One of the areas most neglected in the high school years is in the area of life skills.  It is  important to make a list of life skills your student will need when they leave home to either attend tertiary studies, work full time or moving out to start living independently.

A life skill is defined as a skill that is necessary in order to fully participate in every day life. It is the ability to cope with the challenges of daily life. It covers the skill sets of communication, decision-making, occupational requirements, problem-solving, time management and planning.

Take some time to think of the things you encountered when you left home that were daunting and felt like curved balls.

• Talk about these things with your children.  
• Schedule time in for them to practice new skills such as meal planning, etc.  
• Take them with you to the bank so they become familiar with the banking system. 
• Change a tire on the car.  Check the oil/water on the car together.
• Get them looking for a bargain. Price compare for an item the family are needing to purchase.
• Teach them to iron their clothes. 
• Simple clothe mending (sewing on a button) etc.

Read More on Electives in the High School Years

• Chareen at Every Bed of Roses with thoughts on Electives in the High School Years
• Debbie at Debbie's Homeschool Corner shares Electives: The Fun Part of High School
• Carol over at Home Sweet Life on Homeschooling High School ~ Electives
• April from ElCloud Homeschool shares High School Homeschooling: Electives and Jobs
• Tess from Circling Through This Life shares on What about Electives? ~ Homeschool Highschool Blog Hop
• Leah from As We Walk Along the Road shares her thoughts on Choosing Electives for Homeschooling High School
•  Kym at Homeschool Coffee Break shares on Customized Education and Electives
•  Wendy at Life at Rossmont shares thoughts on High School Electives
•  Gena over at I Choose Joy! shares Homeschool High School Public Speaking: Drama, Speech, and Debate
• Cristi from Through the Calm and Through the Storm shares on Interests + Opportunities = Electives
• Dawn Oaks at Double O Farms shares Just What Do You Do with Elective Requirements?
• Jennifer from A Glimpse of Our Life on High School Electives
• Michele at Family, Faith and Fridays shares How About Some Fun?
• Lisa at Golden Grasses says Frosting on the Cake- High School Electives, Jobs and College Prepping
• Meg from Adventures with Jude on  High School Electives - Tasting the Real World
• Debra over at Footprints in the Butter asks Is your high schooler taking the "right" electives?
• Laura from Day by Day in Our World shares about Selecting the Best Electives in High School

We hope that you have found the information you are looking for on home educating in the high school years and look forward to chatting about Math, Science, Biology, History next month.

Blessings
Chareen