Tag: Middle School Science

6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, Curriculum, Curriculum Resource, Homeschool, homeschool science, Middle School, S.T.E.A.M, Science

Homeschooling with Home Science Tools: Science Unlocked for Middle Schoolers

Little Learner and Mom

We received “The Dark Side” Kit from Science Unlocked kit from Homeschool Science Tools for our honest review. This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you.

As we gear up for another exciting homeschool year, I’m thrilled to share our latest adventure in science education: Science Unlocked from Home Science Tools. This program has been a game-changer for our middle school science curriculum, offering comprehensive kits that bring hands-on science right into our home. Whether you’re looking for a stand-alone program or something to complement your existing science curriculum, Science Unlocked fits seamlessly into any homeschooling plan.

Why Middle School Science Labs and Lab Report Writing Matter

Introducing science labs and lab report writing in middle school is crucial for several reasons. First, it fosters a deep understanding of scientific concepts through hands-on experimentation. This experiential learning helps students grasp abstract concepts by seeing them in action. Second, writing lab reports teaches critical thinking and scientific communication skills. Students learn to observe, hypothesize, experiment, analyze data, and present their findings clearly and systematically.

Comprehensive Kits for Engaging Science Labs

Home Science Tools offers a variety of kits designed to guide middle schoolers through fun and educational science labs. These kits are well-structured, providing all the necessary materials and clear instructions to conduct each experiment successfully. This takes the guesswork out of preparation and allows students to dive straight into the excitement of scientific discovery.

Versatility of Science Unlocked Accelerated

One of the standout features of Science Unlocked is its versatility. These kits can be used as a stand-alone science program or alongside your current curriculum. This flexibility makes it easy to integrate into your homeschool schedule, regardless of the resources you’re already using. For those who might already be using programs like Oak Meadow Grade 7 Earth Science or Apologia Chemistry and Physics, Science Unlocked can enhance and expand upon the topics covered.

What Makes Science Unlocked Accelerated Stand Out?

Engaging and Comprehensive

Science Unlocked kits are designed to engage students with hands-on activities that are both fun and educational. Each kit includes detailed instructions and background information, making it easy for students to understand the concepts behind the experiments.

Ease of Use

These kits come with all the materials needed for each experiment, reducing the time and effort required for preparation. This is especially beneficial for busy homeschool moms who want to provide quality science education without spending hours gathering supplies.

Encourages Independent Learning

The clear, step-by-step instructions empower middle schoolers to take charge of their learning. They can work through the experiments independently or with minimal supervision, building confidence in their abilities as young scientists.

Our Experience with “The Dark Side” Kit

We recently started our new back-to-school science with the “The Dark Side” Kit from Science Unlocked , and my son has been thoroughly enjoying it. This kit delves into the fascinating world of optics, light, and shadows, providing hands-on experiments that illustrate these concepts in an engaging way.

What’s Inside “The Dark Side” Kit?

  • Comprehensive Guide: The kit includes a detailed guide with background information on light and optics, step-by-step instructions for each experiment, and questions to encourage critical thinking and discussion.
  • Materials: All necessary materials for the experiments, such as lenses, mirrors, light sources, and more, are included.
  • Experiments: The kit features a variety of experiments that explore how light behaves, how shadows are formed, and how different materials can affect light.

Our Hands-On Experience

My son has been captivated by the experiments, eagerly exploring how light interacts with different objects and materials. The hands-on nature of the kit has made learning about optics both fun and memorable. Plus, the included guide has sparked some great discussions about the science behind what we observe.

Science Unlocked by Home Science Tools has been a fantastic addition to our homeschool curriculum. Its engaging, hands-on approach to science makes learning both fun and effective. Whether you’re looking for a complete science program or something to supplement your existing curriculum, these kits are a valuable resource. Our journey with “The Dark Side” Kit has been a wonderful start to the new school year, and we look forward to exploring more kits from Science Unlocked . If you’re seeking a way to bring the excitement of science into your homeschool, I highly recommend giving these kits a try!

Homeschool, homeschool curriculum, Literature Base, Middle School, Reviews, S.T.E.A.M, Science

A Comprehensive Exploration of Health and Anatomy: Sonlight’s Science Level F”

Little Learner and Mom

We received Sonlight’s Health, Medicine, and Human Anatomy Level F for our honest paid review.

If you know our homeschool you know that my son wants to be a cardio thoracic surgeon. He inhales human anatomy and health books and has a hefty collection. Imagine his excitement when he opened up the Sonlight’s curriculum box and saw all the goodies. Once the book was open he took off with all the books and started reading them.

As a homeschooling parent, finding a well-rounded curriculum that covers health, medicine, and human anatomy thoroughly can be challenging. Sonlight’s Health, Medicine, and Human Anatomy Level F program has proven to be an invaluable resource in our homeschooling journey. My son was beaming with happiness when he saw the comprehensive curriculum awaiting his exploration.

Sonlight’s Health, Medicine, and Human Anatomy Level F is for grades six through ninth. You can choose from a four or five day lesson plan. For this review we did the the four day a week lesson plan, but I am looking into getting the fifth day activity sheets. For this level you also need to choose between boy or girl because one of the books will be personalized for that gender. Sonlight’s curriculum are faith based, but so far what we have been exploring has not included much faith inclusion. Full disclaimer we are on week four of this curriculum.

One of the standout features of this program is its comprehensive approach. It not only delves into the intricacies of human anatomy but also explores broader health and medical concepts. The curriculum seamlessly integrates various subjects, including science, literature, and hands-on activities, creating a holistic learning experience.

Literature Based

The choice of literature in Sonlight’s Health, Medicine, and Human Anatomy Level F has been particularly engaging. The carefully selected books provide diverse perspectives on health-related topics, making the subject matter relatable and interesting for my child. This literary component not only enhances reading skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of health concepts.

Interactive Lessons

The inclusion of hands-on activities and experiments adds a practical dimension to the program. My child has enjoyed the interactive elements that reinforce theoretical knowledge. Whether it’s creating models of body systems or conducting simple experiments, these activities bring the subject matter to life and make learning memorable.

The flexibility of Sonlight’s Health, Medicine, and Human Anatomy Level F is another asset. The well-organized schedule and detailed lesson plans offer a clear structure, making it easy for me to guide my child through the material. Additionally, the program allows for customization, accommodating various learning styles and allowing us to delve deeper into specific topics of interest.

The program’s integration of health topics beyond anatomy is a significant advantage. It covers essential health and wellness concepts, nutrition, and even touches on medical ethics, providing a well-rounded education in the broader field of health sciences.

From a parent’s perspective, the resources provided by Sonlight’s are extensive and well-organized. The instructor’s guide, reading lists, and supplementary materials offer valuable support, reducing the preparation time needed to implement the curriculum effectively.

How We Used

Sonlight’s Health, Medicine, and Human Anatomy Level F is recommended to be used over a four day lesson plan. My son is pretty independent when it comes down to all things science. We used this in combination to his spine curriculum. The lessons are not time consuming and because this topic is one his biggest passion he pretty much can do the first three lesson assignments in one day. I have him them stretch them out over the four days but he has been known to sneak in extra questions. He is pretty excited to share with me what he has learned and enjoys each of the lessons so far.

In conclusion, Sonlight’s Health, Medicine, and Human Anatomy Level F program has exceeded our expectations. Its holistic approach, engaging literature, hands-on activities, and flexibility make it a standout resource for homeschooling families seeking a thorough exploration of health-related topics. I highly recommend this program to parents looking for a comprehensive and well-designed curriculum in the field of health sciences. Be on the lookout for our review on Sonlight’s 50 States Unit Study and Hands On History: World Cultures until then be sure to enter the US Elections Lap Book giveaway by clicking the banner below.

6th Grade, Curriculum, Homeschool, Middle School, Science

Discover! Science Grade 6: Timeberdoodle Co. Review!

Little Learner and Mom

Timberdoodle Co, finally unveiled the highly anticipated new 2023 curriculum kits and secular homeschoolers got a brand-new science offering this year. Science came at the right time for us because my son loves all things science and loves science curricula. The new science is Discover! Science Grade 6 and let me just tell you my rising middle schooler was very happy with Discover! Science Grade 6. Discover! Science is also available in grades 1 through 6 and Timberdoodle Co has them all!

Discover Science 6

Discover! Science Grade 6 is a secular curriculum designed with homeschoolers in mind. A full year’s curriculum is divided into two books with one instructor’s guide. Book 6A has six chapters and 6B has seven chapters. Chapters consist of 6 -10 lesson that includes a chapter review. The instructor guide includes the lesson layout for all the chapters. Each lesson is divided into sections:

  • Lesson Objective
  • Explore (connection to real-world interactive activities)
  • Vocabulary
  • Reading (lecture)
  • Practice
  • Take A Closer Look (experiment)
  • Show What You Know (Q &A about the lessons)

What is unique about Discover! Science Grade 6 is that it is colorful and appeals to all learning styles. The instructor manual offers suggestions for auditory, visual, and kinesthetic learners. There are in-depth but not overwhelming instructions for instructors, along with research suggestions for you to offer your students. The student text is nicely laid out with real-life photos, detailed diagrams, and writing exercises that are not overly excessive. Students’ experiments and lab reports are also included in the lessons.

How we plan to use it!

What I like about Discover! Science Grade 6 is that it’s not overwhelming for those students who may not be science kids. The colorful pages make the lessons more interesting and encourage the students to want to continue to learn. Discover! Science Grade 6 also encourages critical and logical thinking skills. Lesson average 2-3 days a week which is about 150 days of instruction. It is encouraged that students complete 3 pages on the first day and 2 pages on the second day. You can see complete sample pages on Discover! Science Grade 6 Timberdoodle Co landing page. Discover! Science Grade 6 is a part of the 2023 6th grade non-religious curriculum kit.

Lesson 1 Scientific Process

We do have a spine curriculum that we love and will use, but because my son really loves science I always add a supplement to our science curriculum. Discover! Science Grade 6 lessons are interactive which will be a great supplement for him, and he can do them on his own. Discover! Science Grade 6 lessons are quick and short for him and will act as an opener to what we are learning. They will also help enhance what he is learning and give him extra practice.

The Middle Schooler

Hey, everyone, it’s me and I am happy to co-author this review with my mom. I love science and I like to research and learn as much science as possible. I helped my mom look over Discover! Science Grade 6 and I really like what we noticed in the lessons. Almost all the lessons match up with my spine curriculum. I like the pictures and the experiments in the book. The experiments give me more things I can do to explore the lessons. I also like that the book has really nice diagrams. I also like that they include talking points for me to think about. As a middle schooler, I think it’s important that books still look like they are fun and not just a bunch of words and things for you to learn.

I also like that in the second book, there are four chapters dedicated to the human body topics. There are also topics in the books that aren’t like typical science books. I think if you are a 6th grader, and you don’t want to do boring science, Discover! Science Grade 6 is a great pick for a middle schooler. I am looking forward to using Discover! Science Grade 6 this school year and I am trying to persuade my mom to let me start it sooner than September

In Closing

We both highly recommend Discover! Science Grade 6, I feel like even if you have no experience with teaching science this curriculum will work for your family. I also think if your student is a visual learner or if you want to change things up Discover! Science Grade 6 would be a great fit. The price point is affordable and experiment supplies cost is minimal. Stay tuned for our upcoming review of Discover! Social Studies 6.

Until the Next Time,

Mom and J