In addition to our spontaneous nature study excursions (which we’ve enjoyed immensely lately, getting to know our new area), we’ve also delved into a more formal science study this year. Our first official science experiment was to make our own speleothems with epsom salt and colored water, a very impressive start.
Oldest loved watching his experiment change. Our curriculum (Christian Kids Explore Earth and Space) provided an experiment sheet to record the daily changes. He measured the water in the cups and sketched the changes each day. It went very well for our first experiment, and I was so grateful that it did. (Nothing like a failed first try.) But there are a few things I might do differently next time.
The form was cool and made him feel very grown up, but it was a little small for him to draw accurate sketches. A larger notebook page or a fun folding book might have been a better method of accomplishing the same thing.
Overall, though, it made a big impression and boosted his enthusiasm for science and discovery.
