Pre-k/K science curriculum...

[Thandiwe]

I am fairly new to the scene and am trying to figure out what direction we will go. I have been reading up on curriculum sets and brands and so far we are just going through workbooks. Turns out my son loves to blaze through workbooks and "do" things. He plowed through the four workbook set by Rod/Staff for preschool/pre-k in a matter of less than 2 weeks. I just ordered a ton of workbooks from Hooked on Phonics, and we continue to read through a kids Bible and library books. As for arts...I need to beef that up.

However, I am struggling to find a science text for pre-K/K. I found "Christian Kids Explore Earth and Space" and think I like it (from what I saw online and the two reviews I've been able to find). Anyone use them? Like/dislike?

Any other alternatives? I want to get him into science text but just don't know where to start...

[SamuraiMom]

Jessie Wise, The Well Trained Mind, suggests Bubbles, Rainbows and Worms for this age group. I haven't checked it out yet, but I'm going to look for a copy at the library tomorrow.

[Ruthiegirl]

We are really enjoying this book:

http://www.amazon.com/Building-Found...d_bxgy_b_img_b


It is not a simple curriculum in a box. More of a 'way to think scientifically' lesson plan. I love that everything is very hand-on, very idea oriented.

This week, we built a balance with straws, string, paper clips and two balloons and proved that air is indeed matter and we can prove that by showing that air has weight and occupies space the same way solids and liquids do.

It was a simple idea, a simple experiment, but a large scientific idea. The next lesson builds on this one and we will talk about matter being made of 'particles' and the attraction between particles is what determines whether matter is solid, liquid or gas. Wow! I don't think I heard this idea until my teens. Again, there are fun and easy experiments proving this.

I am always in awe when we are done with a science lesson, because the kids REALLY get the ideas. 'Oh sure, mom. We know all about the states of matter. Solids are locked in strong attractions, liquids slippy-slidey, and air doesn't connect at all.' And I look at them and I stare...they are absolutely correct.

[Thandiwe]

Thanks for the info, mamas! I am checking them out now!

[luv-my-boys]

Since your child likes workbooks and you have used other Christian materials I would suggest alpha omega's life pacs. They are little *unit* themes and a yr of it is a nice mix of different sciences. You are able to buy individual units so you could mix and match levels or skip areas you have already covered.

[rahrahgobg]

I second the Building Foundations book. A college professor wrote it. It is meant for K-2. He is in the process of writing another book for up to grade 5 to compliment this one. He has a Yahoo! Group to, so you can ask him questions ant time.

For preK last year I started doing science as 'is it cloudy, rainy, sunny,etc'. Then my son asked how rain is made, and we got books on rain. Then he was obsessed with the sun, and that led to love of planets. So if you introduce one concept, it can take a life of it's own. Let your child's curiosities lead the way at this age.

;-)

Vicki

[Momma Aimee]

i will have to look at these -- i know our Science is weak, and frankly I am not a Science fan