science

068. Discovering Math in Nature

Discovering Math in Nature

Are you searching for a way to make math more engaging? You’re in the right place! Today, we’re stepping outside the usual curriculum and bringing math to life with nature. Imagine transforming those groans into excitement with hands-on activities that show math in a whole new light. We’re sharing inspiring ideas to help you and your kids rediscover the fun in math, right in your own backyard. Tune in now and get your ⁠⁠Free Fibonacci and Golden Ratio lesson plan! Also, be sure to check out our Favorite Math Games organized by concept.

Episode 068:

TWO WAYS TO LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE:
1. Click PLAY Button Above ^^ to listen here.
2. OR Listen on your favorite podcast platform:

Are you just starting your homeschooling journey? We’re here to help! Begin with our Get Started in Homeschooling page and Homeschooling FAQ to make the transition smoother. If you’re guiding a young child, explore our How to Homeschool Kindergarten. to make those first steps special. For middle schoolers, don’t miss our Middle School page packed with tips and advice. And if you’re heading into the high school years, our Essential Steps to Homeschool High School will guide you every step of the way!

Show Notes

Nature and math might seem like an odd pair, but we’ve got plenty of creative ideas to prove otherwise! In Episode 022, “Homeschooling in the Wild,” we explored the benefits of outdoor learning and how to incorporate more nature into your routine and in Episode 067, “Homeschool Homesteading in the Suburbs” we talked about involving your kids and teaching about things like gardening and sustainability. Today, we’re taking it a step further by turning math into an outdoor learning adventure.

Galileo said, “Nature’s great book is written in mathematics.” Galileo was way ahead of his time. His insight highlights the incredible value of using math to understand the world around us. Everywhere we look, mathematical principles follow the laws of nature, from the symmetry of a flower to the rings in a tree trunk. My kids were blown away when they learned about Galileo’s discoveries and shocked at how poorly he was treated for his radical ideas. We’re grateful that times have changed.

Every time we think about math and nature, we always think of the Fibonacci sequence and the Golden Ratio. It truly reflects nature’s elegance and efficiency. Taking math class outdoors can make learning fun and engage your child with so many multisensory experiences. You know we are all about the outdoors and being one with nature- but you don’t have to be particularly outdoorsy to do this. And if you’re not, you may want to consider stepping out of your comfort zone, because there’s so many cool things you could be exploring! 

Exploring Mathematical Concepts in Nature

Exploring math outdoors can be both simple and exciting. You don’t necessarily need complex experiments to see the benefits—just being outside and connecting math to nature can make learning more engaging and fun. For younger kids, activities like counting acorns or measuring sticks provide hands-on math that can feel real and relevant to them. At the same time, older kids can explore more advanced concepts, and we’re going to be getting into some of those. The fresh air and new surroundings, along with the practical hands-on approach can help kids see math as part of their world, not just something from a textbook..

Symmetry

Symmetrical shapes are everywhere in biology. Leaves, mammals, starfish, and more contain symmetrical properties.

Activity Ideas:

  • Have your child classify living things based on the types of symmetry they observe. For example, contrast the rotational symmetry of a starfish with the bilateral symmetry of an oak leaf. 
  • Sit down with your child in the backyard or a local park and start exploring together. Point out different leaves and ask them to identify the symmetrical patterns. You can even make it a game by seeing who can find the most symmetrical objects within a certain time.

Symmetry in Nature

Shapes

Activity Ideas:

  • Identify different shapes in nature. Armadillos make sphere shapes, turtle shells look like circles, and beehives are full of hexagons. Using your imagination, finding geometrical shapes in nature is easy and fun.
  • Scavenger Hunt: Download your Free Nature Scavenger Hunt.

Patterns

Nature is full of amazing patterns. Like I mentioned earlier, one of the most fascinating is the Fibonacci Sequence. This mathematical pattern shows up in various forms all around us, revealing the beauty and efficiency of nature. You can see this pattern in the way leaves are arranged on a stem, the spirals of a pinecone, or the curves of a seashell. It’s named after an Italian mathematician. I’ve created a free lesson pack with tons of hands-on activities to help you explore this phenomenon (Scroll down to download). Even the youngest homeschoolers will be in awe as they discover this all around them. I spent so much time creating this to make it available to really all ages. And if you don’t completely understand the sequence, my lesson pack will teach you about it! Outside of the Fibonacci sequence, there really are so many patterns that you can find in nature.

Activity Ideas

  • Fibanacci Sequence and The Golden Ratio: Explore math’s beauty with the FREE Fibonacci Sequence Unit Study. Hands-on activities that connect math to nature, art, music, and poetry!
  • Take a nature walk with your child and bring a notebook to draw or list the different shapes and patterns you find. This Nature Journal is perfect for Young Explorers.
  • Discuss how these shapes are similar to those in their geometry lessons. Count the petals on a flower or the seeds in a fruit.
  • Talk about how these patterns match the Fibonacci or don’t match the sequence. You could even take pictures and create a nature shape collage when you get home.

Patterns in Nature
Platonic Realms Math in Nature Posters, Set of 4; Fractals, Sphere, Symmetry, and Torus

Counting

Counting activities engage young learners and help them develop number sense.

Activity Ideas

  • Ask your kids to collect five pine cones, ten sticks, or any small quantity of common objects. Then, count the items together. A pine cone, for example, can be further analyzed by counting the number of scales it contains.
  • Go on nature walks and collect items and count them together. This activity can be extended by sorting and categorizing the items collected. You can even work on your multiplication tables by sorting them into number groups.
  • Go on a scavenger hunt with your child and collect different natural items. Once you’re back home, lay everything out and count the items together. You can sort them by type, size, or color, and even use them for math problems.
Tall Tall Tree is a Nature Book for Kids About Forest Habitats with STEAM Activities

    Measurement

    Measuring activities help students gain a sense of proportion about the world. Give your child tools like rulers, tape measures, and a notebook to measure and record their findings. Spend an afternoon measuring different objects in your yard or at a park. Compare the lengths of sticks, rocks, or leaves and discuss the differences. For older children, you can introduce concepts like mean, median, and mode by calculating the average lengths.

    Activity Ideas

    • Ask your kids, “How long is the average stick in your backyard?” Collect a bunch of sticks, measure their lengths, and compute the averages. Then, compare the sizes of the sticks to other items.
    • High school students can use their knowledge of statistics to determine if such measurements are normally distributed.

    Learning Resources Tape Measure is perfect for kids learning how to measure

    Estimating

    Estimating activities build on measuring activities. You can use estimation activities to teach your kids how to make educated guesses based on partial data.

    Activity Ideas

    • Ask, “How many beetles are in the garden?” or “How many pine cones are in the forest?”
    • Have students count how many of each item they find in one area and extrapolate the answers using multiplication.  
    • One Small Square is our favorite book series to engage this kind of activity. Let them know that while there isn’t a single correct answer, they can get close by applying estimation principles.Start with something simple, like estimating the number of leaves on a small tree branch. Count the leaves on one part of the branch and multiply to estimate the total. Discuss how close their estimates are to the actual numbers.

    Weather and Meteorology

    Weather is a rich source of math in nature. Show your students how to use a thermometer to measure temperature and a hygrometer to measure humidity. 

    Activity Ideas

    • Measurements: Ask them to take regular measurements over time. Teach them how to measure rainfall and use math to make weather predictions. We loved the Williamson Weather activity book for this.  And meanwhile, For high school students, introduce the formula for converting Fahrenheit to Celsius and vice versa.
    • Journal: Create a weather journal together. Each day, have your child record the temperature, humidity, and any other weather-related observations. Over time, look for patterns and make predictions about future weather based on their data. You can start this really young- there are cute check off boards or worksheets for this, or you can make your own. On our Facebook freebie group, I posted a free hurricane chart that we’ve used every hurricane season. I always like to have the kids predict the trajectory of a hurricane and then compare it to what it actually did.

    A Weather Station Kit can get your kids excited about school!

    Magnetic Calendar and Weather Chart

    Trigonometry

    Trigonometry is a branch of mathematics that studies relationships between the sides and angles of triangles. Students can use trigonometry to calculate tree heights. Measure the lengths of their shadows and the tree’s shadow. By calculating the ratio of their heights to their shadows, students can determine the tree’s height since the ratio will be the same.

    Activity Ideas

    • Tree Height Calculation: Provide your students with a measuring tape and a calculator to practice trigonometry outdoors. Go outside on a sunny day and measure the length of your shadow and the shadow of a tree. Use a simple trigonometry formula to calculate the height of the tree. This hands-on activity makes abstract math concepts more tangible and fun. This one totally fascinated my kids! Detailed instructions on determining a tree height using trigonometry. 
    • Space: Astronomers use trigonometry to calculate how far stars and planets are from Earth. You can learn more about how NASA uses trigonometry here. The book Hidden Figures was made popular by the women mathematicians at NASA. See Katherine Johnson’s actual Trigonometry Math Calculations!
    • Kites: An excellent way for students to gain a feel for aerodynamic forces is to fly a kite. Students can also use math techniques learned in high school to determine the altitude of the kite during the flight.
    The book Hidden Figures was made popular by the women mathematicians at NASA. See Katherine Johnson’s actual Trigonometry Math Calculations

    Fractals in Nature

    Fractals are a simple pattern that repeats over and over again at smaller scales and go on infinitely. Fractals help us study and understand important scientific concepts, such as the way bacteria grow, patterns in freezing water (snowflakes) and brain waves. The Fibonacci sequence is a type of fractal and hunting for fractals in nature is fun. These fascinating shapes are found everywhere, from mountain ranges to tree branches. While fractal geometry is advanced, the idea of self-similarity is accessible even to young children. 

    Activity Ideas

    • Fractal Exploration: Use nature walks to identify fractals. Discuss the concept of self-similarity and how it applies to the natural world. Explore a local park or forest looking for fractals in leaves, tree bark, or even clouds.
    • Take photos or draw the fractals you find. Later, you can discuss how these patterns repeat at different scales and why they are important in nature.
    Finding Fractals in Nature

    Space and Astronomy

    Remind kids that outer space is part of the natural world, too. Students can track the moon’s movements and phases to understand periodic motion.

    Activity Ideas

    • Night Sky Observation: Encourage your students to keep a moon journal, recording its phases and positions over time. My favorite way to do this is with Oreos. Spend a few nights observing the moon. Have your child draw the moon’s shape and note its position in the sky. Over a month, they’ll see how the moon changes and learn about its phases and orbit.
    • Celestial Hike: Learn about distances in our solar system by taking an interplanetary hike! Get your FREE celestial printable!

    Playing Math Games in Nature

    There are so many math activities and games that can help your child associate math with fun instead of a laborious chore. Many indoor math games work just as well outside, too. There’s just something that truly brings kids alive by moving it outdoors. The Moon Book.

    Activity Ideas

    • Math Twister: Similar to regular Twister, but with numbers drawn on the ground. Give students math problems to solve and have them touch the correct number. Draw a large grid on your driveway or use chalk to create a number mat. Call out math problems and have your child place their hands and feet on the correct answers. This combines physical activity with mental math practice.
    • Navigation Games: Hide a ball and give students directions to find it. This helps them practice geometry and spatial awareness.
      Create a treasure hunt in your backyard or a local park. Write clues that require your child to use directions and distances to find the next clue. This reinforces geometry concepts while they have fun searching for the treasure. You can introduce cardinal directions and a compass rose with our Free Geography Bundle lesson pack.
    • Sports Math: It’s a Numbers Game! Soccer: The Math Behind the Perfect Goal, the Game-Winning Save, and So Much More! It’s a Numbers Game! Basketball: The math behind the perfect bounce pass, the buzzer-beating bank shot

    Safety in Nature

    Taking the math classroom outdoors can come with challenges. Depending on where you live, nature varies by location, so adapt activities to your surroundings. Be mindful of outdoor dangers like wild animals and poisonous plants. Ensure your nature math activities take place in a safe area.

    Activity Ideas

    • Safety First: Teach your kids about local wildlife and plants. Be sure to choose safe locations for your outdoor activities. The Practical Survival Guide for Kids: A Basic How to Survive and be Prepared in the Wilderness.

    Before heading out, discuss any potential hazards and how to avoid them. Teach your child to recognize plants like poison ivy and animals that could pose a threat. Stick to well-known paths and areas that you know are safe. Learn about venomous or dangerous animals in your area.  

    Conclusion

    Spending all day indoors is not ideal for our physical or mental health. Moving the classroom outdoors offers a refreshing change, especially for subjects like math. Taking math outside shows its relevance beyond textbooks, making it more engaging. Kids that engage in outdoor math activities are more likely to enjoy and understand math.

    If you’re new to homeschooling or struggling with teaching math, remember that you’re not alone. Many homeschoolers face the same challenges, but the beauty of homeschooling is the flexibility it offers. Take a deep breath, embrace the journey, and know that it’s okay to try different approaches until you find what works best for your family. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make learning fun. Math doesn’t have to be confined to textbooks and drills. By integrating math into everyday activities and taking lessons outdoors, you can help your child see the beauty and practicality of math in the world around them.

    Incorporating nature into your math curriculum can make learning more enjoyable and meaningful. From symmetry and shapes to estimation and trigonometry, nature offers endless opportunities to explore mathematical concepts.

    This Week’s Free Resource

    Free Unit Study: The Fibonacci Sequence Lesson Plan

    Free Unit Study

    The Fibonacci Sequence and the Golden Ratio

    Are you dreading when it’s math time? Teaching math can be tough, but our Free Lesson plan, “The Fibonacci Sequence: Connecting Math, Nature, Art, and Music,” is user-friendly and packed with hands-on activities.

    At BTDT Homeschool, we believe in making learning an exciting adventure. The Fibonacci sequence connects the beauty of nature, the intricacies of art, the harmony of music, and even the rhythm of poetry. Learning about Fibonacci numbers and the Golden Ratio helps children appreciate the mathematical beauty in nature, deepening their understanding of the world around them. For more ideas on exploring nature in your homeschool, check out Episode 022. Homeschooling in the Wild. Also, stay tuned for our next episode, 068: Discovering Math in Nature coming next week!

    Why Teach the Fibonacci Sequence?

    1. Nature Exploration: The Fibonacci sequence is not just a set of numbers; it’s a way to see the world differently. When children discover Fibonacci numbers in flowers, pinecones, shells, and even fruits and vegetables, math transforms from abstract concepts to tangible, real-world applications. This exploration makes learning an adventure, sparking curiosity and wonder.

    2. Hands-On Learning: Counting spirals on pinecones, examining the arrangement of sunflower seeds, drawing Fibonacci rectangles, or creating a rhythmic poem allows kids to engage with math physically. This hands-on approach helps solidify understanding and makes learning more interactive and enjoyable.

    3. Creativity: Understanding the Fibonacci sequence and the Golden Ratio can inspire children to create art, music, and poetry. By recognizing these patterns, they can design balanced creations that follow a mathematical rhythm, integrating math with creativity seamlessly.

    4. Mathematical Thinking: Learning about the Fibonacci sequence enhances problem-solving skills and mathematical thinking. Children learn to recognize patterns, understand sequences, and apply these concepts in various contexts, building a strong foundation for future mathematical learning.

    BTDT Fibonacci
    Lesson Plan Highlights

    Lesson 1: Introduction to Fibonacci Numbers

    The curriculum provides clear, step-by-step guidance, starting with the basics and building up your understanding. You’ll learn the concepts together with your children, ensuring a complete and shared understanding. Learning together is one of the best benefits of homeschooling.

    Lesson 2: Exploring Fibonacci in Nature

    The curriculum will guide you in taking learning outdoors, encouraging children to find Fibonacci patterns in flowers, seed heads, and even fruits and vegetables. This lesson emphasizes observation and exploration, making it easy to follow and engaging for both parents and children.

    BTDT Homeschool was created with a heartfelt mission: to empower and give back to the secular homeschool community.

    Through our informative podcasts, blog posts, daily inspiration, and a wide range of free printable tools, we aim to empower you on your homeschooling journey.

    New to Homeschooling>>>

    APPLESPOTIFYAMAZONYOUTUBE
    Lesson 3: Fibonacci Rectangles and The Golden Ratio

    The curriculum connects the Fibonacci sequence to art by teaching you how to draw Fibonacci rectangles and exploring the Golden Ratio. This lesson bridges math and art, showing how mathematical principles create visually pleasing patterns. The instructions are simple and clear, making it accessible for everyone.

    Lesson 4: Play with Fibonacci

    The curriculum introduces a fun math game called Fibonacci Nim. This game helps develop strategic thinking and reinforces the concept of the Fibonacci sequence in an interactive way. The game is explained in an easy-to-understand manner, ensuring that both you and your child can enjoy and learn from it.

    Lesson 5: Fibonacci Art

    The curriculum will inspire creativity by incorporating the Fibonacci sequence into art projects. It uses the Rule of Thirds and the Golden Ratio to create balanced and harmonious compositions. The instructions make it simple to follow, even if you’re new to these concepts.

    Lesson 6: Fibonacci in Music

    The curriculum explores how the Fibonacci sequence appears in music. From the structure of scales to the design of instruments, these mathematical principles create harmonious and pleasing sounds. The lesson is will be a blast for both you and your child.

    Lesson 7: Fibonacci Poetry

    The curriculum also includes a creative exploration of Fibonacci poetry. By composing poems that follow the Fibonacci sequence in syllable count, children can see the beauty of math in language and expression. We love exploring new ways to get your kids excited about writing.

    In Summary

    Teaching the Fibonacci sequence is an excellent way to connect different subjects and make learning an exciting adventure. By exploring how this sequence appears in nature, art, music, and even poetry, your kids can see the beauty of math in the world around them.

    Note: While the Golden Ratio is a fascinating concept found in nature, not every statement about its occurrence is scientifically verified. Encourage your children to approach such claims critically and explore the evidence themselves. Happy homeschooling!

    Download your Free Unit Study

    067. Homesteading Homeschool in the Suburbs

    067. Homesteading Homeschool in the Suburbs

    Today we’re discovering how urban homesteading as a homeschool family is a lifestyle that can blend hands-on learning with sustainable living. Many homeschool families are cultivating not only gardens but also a deep connection to the land and their community. These practices can bring a simpler and more connected way of life right into suburban neighborhoods and cul-de-sacs, showing how rural traditions can thrive in more urban settings.

    Episode 067:

    TWO WAYS TO LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE:
    1. Click PLAY Button Above ^^ to listen here.
    2. OR Listen on your favorite podcast platform:

    Are you just starting your homeschooling journey? We’re here to help! Begin with our Get Started in Homeschooling page and Homeschooling FAQ to make the transition smoother. If you’re guiding a young child, explore our How to Homeschool Kindergarten. to make those first steps special. For middle schoolers, don’t miss our Middle School page packed with tips and advice. And if you’re heading into the high school years, our Essential Steps to Homeschool High School will guide you every step of the way!

    Show Notes

    Whether you grew up on a farm or rural homestead or just read about it in books about pioneers, a lot of homeschoolers yearn for a more self-sufficient lifestyle even as we find ourselves in the reality of having to live a more urban lifestyle.  But can you have a little of both?  Absolutely! Today we’re exploring how suburban homesteaders are redefining self-sufficiency and sustainability. They’re creating backyard gardens, raising chickens, and doing tons of DIY projects. These practices can bring a simpler and more connected way of life right into suburban neighborhoods and cul-de-sacs, showing how rural traditions can thrive in more urban settings.

    Urban homesteading as a homeschool family is a lifestyle that can blend hands-on learning with sustainable living. Many homeschool families are cultivating not only gardens, but also a deep connection to the land and their community. From math lessons in the kitchen to science experiments in the backyard, homeschoolers are integrating academic learning with practical skills, fostering a holistic approach to education rooted in real-world experiences. 

    Epic Homesteading: Your Guide to Self-Sufficiency on a Modern, High-Tech, Backyard Homestead is sure to inspire, motivate and educate anyone who wants to start a homestead, no matter how small or large. What sets this book apart is its step-by-step approach, making the dream of running a productive homestead achievable for anyone.

    Epic Homesteading: Your Guide to Self-Sufficiency on a Modern, High-Tech, Backyard Homestead

    One of my favorite things about homeschooling is that it allows us to break free from traditional classroom learning and explore opportunities for hands-on learning experiences. And homesteading is one of these opportunities. Creating a suburban homeschool homestead experience opens up endless opportunities for our children to learn and grow. When kids aren’t stuck in a classroom all day, they get to explore the world around them, connect with nature, and learn practical skills that really stick with them. It’s not just about gardening or raising animals—it’s a chance to teach sustainability, nurture creativity, and foster a deep love for our environment. You can also check out Master Naturalist programs by state

    Today we’re sharing five ways you can create an educational experience right in your own backyard. These 5 practices will not only boost what your kids are learning academically, but also helps your them build a strong sense of community:

    1. Start a Backyard Garden (6:17)

    Gardening With Kids

    Utilize your outdoor space to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Involve your children in every step of the gardening process, from planning and planting to watering and harvesting. This hands-on experience teaches valuable lessons about biology, ecology, and food production while fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to the natural world.

    This is such a fun thing to do with your kids – and you can start when they’re little! Even the pickiest eaters often enjoy eating veggies they grew themselves. And don’t feel like you need to have a grand space to create a garden.  You can easily do this in containers and in just whatever available space you have.  Some things that are fun and easy to grow are tomatoes and herbs. 

    Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots is the perfect resource to garden with children. It is the perfect resource to garden with children and it includes 12 easy-to-implement ideas for theme gardens that parents and kids can grow together, connecting children to nature through gardening. Each project includes a plan and the planting recipe–as well as a “Discovery Walk,” activities and crafts to make with what you grow.

    Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots
    Community Gardens

    Also, community gardens are an option. There are tons of these out there- some are run by churches, some are just part of neighborhood associations or clubs.  Look for a gardening club in your area.  You can learn a lot from other gardeners in a community garden and share resources- info, seeds, plantings, etc. I’ve also attended several gardening events at the library. Many of these programs are taught by professional horticulturalists in your area for free. Your state college extension office often has amazing resources available for free, too.  We used to totally fangirl over Dan Gill, who wrote a series of month by month gardening books that are awesome. These books tell you which plants to plant when and what to do each month of the year for your area.   

    Community gardening is a growing revolution that is taking root in towns and cities all over the world. As neighbors come together to get their hands dirty in the name of beautifying public spaces and taking steps toward more sustainable living, camaraderie is blossoming and knowledge is growing right along with the flowers, fruits, and vegetables.
    You Don’t Need a lot of Space

    If nothing else, I always have a planter with tomatoes and basil every year.  I also really love to grow potatoes with kids- they are the ultimate in easy care and treasure hunting! Kids Garden by Williamson is one of our absolute favorites for gardening inspiration. It’s packed with fun experiments, like growing new plants from existing ones—things like Romaine lettuce from the stalk, potatoes, onions, and even popcorn!

    Vertical stackable planters are ideal for limited indoor or outdoor spaces as they save space and enable more plants to be grown in a smaller area. Compared to traditional horizontal planters, they allow for more plants to be grown in the same floor space.

    Vertical stackable planters

    For years, our 2 families, along with several other families, had an adventure kids club that we created. One of the weeks, we built a garden box from scratch- teaching our kids about power tools. Then we got our hands dirty planting and caring for all these exciting plants we’d grown ourselves, along with others. It was such a rewarding experience to see everything thrive and bloom right before our eyes.

    Another great source is an oldie but goodie- Square Foot Gardening.  It teaches ways to maximize your growing space with advice on what types of plants to grow together, what things you can suspend on trellis or towers, etc.  

    Square Foot Gardening is perfect for experienced gardeners or beginners, you’ll learn the three simple steps to Square Foot Gardening: build a box; fill it with Mel’s Mix; add a grid. No digging, no tilling, no fertilizing, no guesswork—less watering, waste, and weeding! There’s so much more packed in this 272-page instructional book
    Composting

    Composting or vermiculture (worm composting) are awesome and easy ways to not only learn more about gardening but also to decrease your household waste.  This is also a super easy thing to do and does not require a ton of space. I had one of those counter composting buckets tumblers years ago and it was awesome. We tossed everything in there – eggshells, coffee grounds, vegetable peels, and scraps. We also had one of those huge compost tumblers in our yard. When I moved, I didn’t bring it with me because it was so heavy, but the new owners of the house were so excited about it and got some super rich soil!

    Worms Eat My Garbage teaches you how to Set Up and Maintain a Worm Composting System: Compost Food Waste, Produce Fertilizer for Houseplants and Garden, and Educate Your Kids and Family

    Composting harnesses the natural process of decomposition by turning organic matter (such as fruit and vegetable wastes, grass clippings, leaves, and some types of animal manure) into a useful product for your landscape or garden. Compost bins are a great way to simplify this process.

    Compost Tumbler Bin Composter with Dual Chamber
    Kitchen Compost Bin for Kitchen Countertop

    2. Raising Urban Livestock (13:52)

    You need to check on your local ordinances but more and more cities are allowing for this, making it common practice. You can raise small animals like chickens, rabbits, or bees. Caring for livestock teaches children about animal husbandry, biology, and sustainable food practices. It also provides opportunities for lessons in math (calculating feed ratios), science (studying life cycles), and responsibility (daily care and maintenance).

    A Kid’s Guide to Keeping Chickens covers everything from feeding, housing, and collecting eggs to quirky behaviors and humane treatment:

    A Kid’s Guide to Keeping Chickens

    We have a lot of friends who raise chickens.  Not only is it great animal husbandry training but if you are producing eggs- there are tons of lessons to be learned in preparing eggs for selling, if you have an overstock and are going that route. I love doing business with little homeschool back alley egg sellers!

    Some of our favorite field trips have been to beekeepers.  If I had the space, I would raise bees in a heartbeat.  I know a lot of people get nervous about bees and if that is you, I highly recommend you make a trip to learn about beekeeping. I did a field trip for our Girl Scout troop last year and told them that- I don’t know that anyone came away from that still afraid of bees.

    The Bee: A Kid’s Guide to Getting Started in Beekeeping is a beginner’s guide to beekeeping for younger children. Written by an 8 year old beekeeper; this book gives some basics to beekeeping in easy to understand terms.

    The Bee: A Kid’s Guide to Getting Started in Beekeeping

    The Bartlett Bee Whisperer is a Facebook page dedicated to one guy’s extreme love for Bees. We have enjoyed the Texas Beekeepers Association – they love to educate homeschoolers and have a community education  convention every year. 

    We have another homeschool friend who enjoyed learning about horses so much that they ended up building their own ranch and offering animal science courses to the community. It’s called Tangled Tails Ranch– They’re all about teaching positive animal reinforcement and equine training. If you homeschool in the North Texas area, you should totally check them out- you can find them on Facebook and Instagram. Learning from people who are passionate about the subject they are teaching is always the best way to learn.

    Tangled Tails Ranch
    FACEBOOKINSTAGRAM

    3. Embrace DIY Projects (17:55)

    Engage in DIY projects that promote self-sufficiency and resourcefulness. Build a compost bin, construct raised garden beds, or create a rainwater harvesting system. Download FREE pdf instructions building your own. These projects not only enhance your homesteading efforts but also offer valuable lessons in practical skills, problem-solving, and creativity.

    40 Projects for Building Your Backyard Homestead is an excellent resource for homeschool families, offering a hands-on way to teach valuable skills. This guide covers building sheds, feeders, fences, and other backyard structures, with detailed instructions on garden structures, chicken housing, shed construction, solar and wind power, aquaponics, hydroponics, beehives, and basic plumbing and wiring. Designed with simplicity, convenience, and budget in mind, the book provides step-by-step instructions, tools and materials lists, and exploded views, making it accessible even for those with moderate handyman skills. Enhance your sustainable living while teaching your children practical skills and the joy of DIY projects!

    40 Projects for Building Your Backyard Homestead

    I do love my DIY projects! Often, I do them out of necessity because, as a single homeschool mom, there’s not a lot of extra cash for projects, so you learn to figure things out. We do tons of projects and also a lot of home improvements, like the time my awesome dad and brothers helped build my 30-foot deck. My kids and I have done so many projects over the years, it’s hard to even list them all here. Just last year, I did a bunch of upgrades on our home, including siding repair. Of course, I didn’t call a specialist—we bought some cedar and replaced the old rotting boards ourselves. During that minor renovation, we also did a bunch of electrical work. We made a 6-foot tall trebuchet, my son made a guitar, my daughter built a desk, and we rebuilt a ton of cars. And then, if anything breaks, we figure it out and fix it.

    We also recommend learning about our environment. Climate change is real and there are so many things we can learn about and do to reduce our carbon footprint.  Learning about things like conservation and reduce/reuse/recycling are great lessons that can become great life long habits.

    I Can Save The Earth is a fantastic resource for your youngest learners, perfect for ages 2-6. Part of the Little Green Books series, it teaches children on eco-friendly practices through engaging storylines about improving the environment, learning about endangered animals, recycling, and more. It features Max the Little Monster, an initially wasteful and excessive character who learns to appreciate and care for the environment after a power outage forces him to explore the world outside. Your child will follow Max’s journey to environmental awareness and discover practical tips on becoming little green monsters themselves, fostering a love for the planet from an early age.

    I Can Save The Earth

    We got really into recycling and composting when my kids were young and now they are the biggest recycling pros out there.  Composting is awesome, too- you can really reduce your household waste and you don’t need a huge amount of space or a fancy container for this.

    Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth is a wonderful and easy-to-understand guide for teaching kids how to compost and protect the planet. Perfect for Earth Day or any day, this fun picture book takes readers through the best ingredients for a compost pile, from apple cores to zinnia heads. With composting becoming more common at home and in school gardens, kids will learn how to start a compost pile and what’s safe to include. This book offers simple, child-friendly tips, making it a great way for families to get involved in helping the environment and developing eco-friendly habits together.

    Compost Stew: An A to Z Recipe for the Earth

    Visiting a recycling center or garbage dump is a great field trip. We learned so much at one we visited just north of Dallas. You can also visit places like wastewater treatment facilities or wetlands– we did a field trip and workshop at a wetland area and learned so much about pond/march filtration systems that we worked it into every Future City project after that!

    Looking for more conservation field trip ideas for your homeschool? Download our free field trip guide and packet! Packed with tons of fantastic field trip ideas, this resource is available in the show notes. Don’t miss out on enriching your homeschooling experience with these great opportunities.

    100 Awesome Homeschool Field Trip Ideas
    Download our free field trip guide and packet!

    4. Explore Nature (20:44)

    Take advantage of nearby parks, nature reserves, and hiking trails to explore the natural world. Go on nature walks, identify local flora and fauna, and observe seasonal changes.  I’ve long had a nature and hiking group and it’s really easy to pull together if you don’t want to go at it alone.

    We also suggest incorporating nature-based activities into your homeschool curriculum. You can engage in activities like journaling, sketching, or conducting science experiments outdoors. On this podcast, we always talk about fostering a lifelong love of learning, and doing activities like these helps connect your kids with nature. This connection can ignite their sense of wonder and curiosity while also teaching them about environmental stewardship. To learn more about the benefits of outdoor nature time and getting your family outdoors, check out Episode 022. Homeschooling In The Wild

    Help your kids discover the wonders of nature with Peterson First Guides! These beginner-friendly books focus on animals, plants, and other natural wonders. With colorful illustrations and simple descriptions, your kids will have fun identifying birds, animals, trees, and more. The ‘Peterson Identification System’ uses arrows and italics to show exactly what to look for, making it easy and enjoyable to explore the great outdoors together. Spark their curiosity and love for nature with these engaging guides:

    Peterson First Guides

    Get a bird feeder and keep bird journals about who is visiting your feeder.  Visit a store like Wild Birds Unlimited and ask about how to attract different birds to your yard with different foods and seeds. My brother and sister-in law got my mom the Smart Bird Feeder Camera with AI Identify! It is so cool. It can identify over 11,000 bird species, and you can learn all about each one through an app. It’s a fun and exciting way to educate yourself and the kids about wildlife. You also get instant notifications and a live view of the birds visiting your feeder. And the best part? It’s solar-powered so no wiring required.

    Smart Bird Feeder Camera with AI Identify

    Visit pick your own farms for berries, or apples/peaches, a dairy farm.  Buy your milk or meat from a local purveyor.  Visit your local farmers market weekly. We used to have a “honey man” and the kids loved to go talk to their favorite vendors.  We got tons of information about planting, harvesting, recipes, etc.  

    Plant a Butterfly Garden. Learn about the different kinds of host plants that different butterflies require.  We also raised butterflies. Years ago, my kids and I were lucky enough to capture this amazing moment of a butterfly chrysalis bouncing and jumping as it undergoes metamorphosis. It’s learning moments like these that make homeschooling so special! Take a Look Below:

    We also loved raising fish, frogs from tadpoles and ladybugs, and having an ant farm.  One of our friends raised some kinds of fish that they then sold to area people.  Some people who have lizards or other reptiles often end up raising the mealworms or crickets that these kinds of pets consume.  That can not only be a learning experience but a time and money saver, too.

    5. Integrate Homesteading into Curriculum (32:30)

    Seamlessly integrate homesteading activities into your homeschool curriculum across various subjects. For example, use gardening to teach math concepts like measurement and geometry, or incorporate cooking lessons using homegrown produce to explore chemistry and nutrition.       

     We have some great episodes about cooking in the kitchen and budgeting and home care.  The great thing about homeschooling is that you really can find lessons in everything!  Take advantage of everyday tasks, such as meal planning, budgeting, and household chores, as opportunities for practical learning experiences.

    Encouraging kids to learn how to cook is an invaluable life skill that extends far beyond the kitchen. Tune in to learn more and
    Get your FREE Recipe Templates

    By exploring some of these ideas we talked about today, you can turn your suburban home into a homeschool homestead that not only sparks a love of learning but also teaches self-reliance and a deep appreciation for the natural world. Urban homesteading can be such a fun and rewarding way to blend education with sustainable living, right in your own backyard. Whether it’s planting a garden, raising a few chickens, or just spending more time outdoors, there are so many ways to make learning come alive.

    This Week’s Free Resource

    Outschool: What is it and should I use it in my homeschool?

    What is Outschool?

    Outschool is an education platform that connects teachers of any subject with students around the world for a variety of engaging small-group classes online.  It gives kids the opportunity to explore their interests via interactive, live video by experienced, independent educators.

    How Many Courses Does Outschool Offers?

    Outschool offers variety of classes and over 100,000 Interactive Online Classes for every age group from 3 to 18 years. You can use it as full academic classes or supplements. You can also have your kids choose their favorites and dive into their interests. Below is the vast list of subjects your kids might be show interest in. The content appeals to all different types of learners and there are countless subjects.  To name a few: life skills (like Future Chef’s Baking Club), social studies (like indigenous studies taught by members of First Nations), organization (like Conquering the Clutter), the arts (like Dance with Me and crochet), Study Skills to get ready for high school and college, and a First Grade Sight Word Bootcamp taught with fun and games.

    What Type of Courses Does Outschool Offers?

    • Arts – Drawing, photography, dance, Theatre, Film, Sewing
    • Coding & Tech – Coding, Video Game Design, Robotics, Engineering, Internet Safety, Animation
    • English – Creative Writing, Grammar, Spelling, Book Club, Essay Writing, Poetry, Literature
    • Health & Wellness – Hygiene, Emotions, Exercise, Mindfulness, Nutrition
    • Life Skills – Cooking, Financial Skills, Study Skills, Social Skills, Critical Thinking
    • Math – Elementary math, Algebra, Numbers, Geometry, Fractions, Calculus, Statistics, Probability
    • Music – Guitar, Piano, Singing, Composers, Music Theory, Composing, Recording
    • Science & Nature – Chemistry, Biology, Zoology, Physics, Astronomy, Anatomy, Marine Biology, Psychology
    • Social Studies – Geography, World History, American History, Anthropology, Economics, Politics
    • World Languages – Spanish, American Sign Language, French, Japanese, Latin, German, Chinese, Greek, Italian, Mandarin
    • Leaner Favorites – Dungeons And Dragons, Fortnite, Lego, Pokemon, Minecraft, Cats, Dogs, Unicorn, Adventure

    How Are Teachers at Outschool?

    I personally know several friends that teach classes on Outschool. Many are homeschoolers, and many are classes that my own children have taken and loved. In general, you can find varied teachers with different personalities and backgrounds. You can choose a teacher that fits best with your teaching preference and style. Some of the teachers are retired teachers and others are passionate parents who are passionate about a subject and are really good at teaching. 

    I’ve been really happy with every teacher we have used. They have kept my kids engaged and wanting to learn more about what is being taught. Most teachers offer a demo class for $20 or even less ranging between $10-15. You can use multiple trial and error demo classes to choose the best teacher that suits your requirements. When looking for a class, I would really recommend reading all the reviews about the teacher. Parents are pretty honest, and kids are pretty vocal when they’re not happy with a class. 

    Most of the teachers love teaching and are exceptionally good with kids. 

    Outschool offers small size classes and recommended class size to teachers as below:

    • For kids ages 6 and below – class size should be up to six learners in one class.
    • And for kids ages between 6-12 – maximum of 9 kids at a time is a pretty good class size.
    • Finally, Kids ages 12 and above – up to 12 learners are recommended.
    • The flexible schedule classes are capable of teaching 18 students at a time.

    How Much is Outschool Classes?

    Students can sign up for classes at a variety of costs.  Most one-time courses go for around $10.00 to $15.00 per student, depending on the length and content. Students can also sign up for ongoing and semester courses, which are priced comparably to one-time courses.  One-on-one classes and tutoring go for between $15.00 and $130.00 per session. Teachers’ charges vary as per subject, age range, content, and time.

    What are the potential drawbacks of Outschool?

    Here are some reasons that Outschool might not be a good fit for your family:

    1. Teachers: Some of the teachers are individual contractors which can make the classes hit or miss. There’s no guarantee that the teacher is going to be a good fit for your child.
    2. Special Needs: If your child has special needs, it is up to the teacher to decide if they will accommodate your child in their class. This is very inconvenient since some kids have different learning abilities at different levels. However, you can always reach out to the teacher before registering to address this issue to see if it’s a good fit.
    3. Payment: Payment is required upfront. If you encounter a problem and want a refund, you need to make a strong case to get one approved.
    4. Technical Problems: Technology isn’t perfect and if you I have tech issues, you may miss a live class. Fortunately, many live classes are available after, so your child can catch up if they miss. The best way to avoid this is to test out your equipment before class begins to make sure everything is working properly. They’ve made this system pretty streamlined. 

    Is Outschool Right For You?

    Outschool is a good resource and opportunity for learning something you may not want to teach and outsource or learn more about a special interest topic. It’s also a great way to learn something new from somebody other than mom. 

    Personally, we have had a great experience and loved all the classes at Outschool. My kids have enjoyed both the group classes as well as one-on-one classes. They both prefer live classes but have also enjoyed pre-recorded classes because they can do them at their own pace. 

    Outschool has been a great time-saver tool and has allowed me time to work one on one with my children while my other child is in a class. There are also several classes my kids have done together. 

    I recommend that you try a class before you choose an 8-week program. Read all the reviews and sign up for a one-time class and see if the teacher seems engaging and is a fit for your family.

    Making a Jell-O Cell

    jello ce;;

    Making a Jello Cell

    Scroll down for your FREE Science Bundle to learn all about Cells

    Years ago, kicked off our “Not Back to School” week with a fun and memorable project: the Jello Cell Activity! My kids are teenagers now, but they still remember how much they enjoyed it.

    Cells are the building blocks of life. Every living organism, from plants to animals, is made up of trillions of cells, each containing organelles that perform essential functions, enabling the organism to thrive. With this activity, you and your children can create an edible cell model to explore the structure of cells in a fun, hands-on way! For more creative ideas and to download free first day questionnaires and photo signs, be sure to visit our First Day of School page!

    For a wealth of tips, creative activities, and hands-on experiments that bring science to life, explore our Hands-onScience Page. Discover how to make learning science an engaging and enjoyable experience for your children!

    Materials Needed*

    • Small strips of paper
    • Tape
    • Toothpicks
    • Jell-O mix
    • Water
    • Glass square container
    • Pineapple Ring
    • Maraschino Cherry
    • Fruit roll-ups
    • Sugar-coated gummy worms
    • Smooth gummy worms
    • Gumdrops
    • Sixlets
    • Raisins
    • Gobstoppers
    • Sprinkles

    *Use any variation of candy to represent if you can’t locate an ingredient. Get creative!

    BTDT Homeschool was created with a heartfelt mission: to empower and give back to the secular homeschool community.

    Are you just starting your homeschooling journey?
    We’re here to help! Through our informative podcasts, blog posts, daily inspiration, and a wide range of free printable tools, we aim to empower you. Begin with our 10 Steps to Getting Started in Homeschooling page and Homeschooling FAQ to make the transition smoother. If you’re guiding a young child, explore our How to Homeschool Kindergarten page to make those first steps special. For middle schoolers, don’t miss our Middle School page packed with tips and advice. And if you’re heading into the high school years, our Essential Steps to Homeschoo High School will guide you every step of the way!

    Instructions:

    Enjoy your delicious and educational Jell-O cell model!

    1. Labeling the Organelles
      • Write the name of each organelle on a small strip of paper.
      • Tape each strip to a toothpick.
      • Insert the toothpick into the gelatin next to the corresponding organelle to label the components of your cell model.
    2. Preparing the Jell-O
      • Make the Jell-O according to package instructions, but use about ¾ of the recommended water.
      • This ensures your “cytoplasm” will be sturdy enough to hold all of the “organelles” without shifting or sinking to the bottom of the cell.
    3. Creating the Cell Model
      • Pour the Jell-O into a container (a glass square container works well).
      • The container will act as the cell wall or membrane.
      • For a plant cell, you may want to use lime Jell-O.
    4. Setting the Jell-O
      • Place the Jell-O in the refrigerator for about 45 minutes, until it is almost set but not quite.
      • While waiting, prepare the other supplies.
      • Cut the nectarine in half, ensuring the pit stays in one half.
      • Cut the fruit roll-ups into ¼ inch strips.
    5. Adding the Organelles
      • Nucleus: Slip the pineapple ring with cherry into the center of the Jell-O representing the nucleus
      • Rough and Smooth ER (endoplasmic reticulum): Place some sugar-coated and smooth gummy worms around one side of the nucleus to represent rough and smooth ER.
      • Centrosomes: Push a few gumdrops around the nucleus
      • Lysosomes: Scatter sixlets through the Jell-O for lysosomes.
      • Mitochondria: Use raisins to represent the mitochondria.
      • Vacuoles: Use Gobstoppers to symbolize vacuoles.
      • Ribosomes: Sprinkle the Jell-O with sprinkles to represent ribosomes.
      • Golgi bodies: Fold your fruit roll-ups into accordions and insert them as Golgi bodies.
    6. Finalizing the Cell Model
      • Allow the Jell-O to set for about 20 more minutes, or until fully set.

    This hands-on project will not only provide a fun and engaging activity in your homeschool, but it also teaches your children to visualize and understand the structure of cells in a creative way.

    Years later, when my son was in Homeschool High School Biology, he created a “Cell Cake” without my help. He had a lot of fun with this one too!

    Years later, when my son did Homeschool High School Biology, he created a “Cell Cake” without my help. He had a lot of fun with this one too!
    Learn more about cells >>

    030. Early Elementary Hands-On Science

    Science

    Episode 030:

    Are you just starting your homeschooling journey? We’re here to help! Begin with our Get Started in Homeschooling page and Homeschooling FAQ to make the transition smoother. If you’re guiding a young child, explore our How to Homeschool Kindergarten. to make those first steps special. For middle schoolers, don’t miss our Middle School page packed with tips and advice. And if you’re heading into the high school years, our Essential Steps to Homeschool High School will guide you every step of the way!

    Show Notes

    Spark your children’s curiosity and imagination by creating an environment with hands-on exploration in your homeschool. 

    When you begin formal education in your homeschool, you may approach each of these subjects individually-we often did math daily at a certain time, science, a couple days a week, etc. With STEM you have an opportunity to combine these subjects and integrate them in a way that makes these skills more useful in everyday life. This integration of STEM subjects can result in kids that are able to think differently by harnessing a powerful combination of knowledge, critical thinking skills, and drive to improve and excel.

    By incorporating STEM into our homeschool, we teach our kids to approach problems using scientific methods and we help them to learn analytical and information gathering skills. These valuable skills can be applied to all kinds of subjects and life situations.

    Celestial Hike
    Teach your child to gain an appreciation of the vastness of our solar system and the distances between the planets. We walk you through the entire Celestial Hike HERE

    NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Earth Science Kit – Over 15 Science Experiments & STEM Activities for Kids, Crystal Growing, Erupting Volcanos, 2 Dig Kits & 10 Genuine Specimens, a Great STEM Science Kit:

    STEM is hands-on which makes it interesting and fun and it can inspire students to be more innovative and creative and to want to invent or build things.  STEM helps students develop critical thinking skills to solve real world problems, and inspires them to become lifelong learners, which we talk about being our ultimate homeschooling goal here all the time. 

    Cornstarch Speaker Experiment
    It’s Alive! This Non-Newtonian Experiment is fun for all ages. Watch how oobleck behaves on top of a speaker. So creepy and fun!

    Incorporating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) skills in your homeschool can also help kids become more competent, innovative, and independent. It also makes them more adaptable to technology as it improves and changes. This is especially vital when it comes to future employment opportunities in a world that is constantly evolving. It also makes them perfectly capable when it’s time to make a repair on a household appliance. 

    LEGO Education WeDo 2.0 was a favorite with my kids. It really helped them learn how to program and ignited a love for STEM.

    It comes with a Smarthub, motors, sensors, software. Everything you need to program the Legos you build!

    STEM Labs for Middle Grades – (5th – 8th) 

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics:

    • Between 2017 and 2027, the number of STEM jobs will grow 13 percent, compared to 9 percent for non-STEM jobs.
    • The average median hourly wage for STEM jobs is $38.85, compared to the median earnings for all other types of jobs in the US, which is $19.30.
    • Out of 100 STEM occupations, 93% of them had wages above the national average.
    • Millions of STEM jobs go unfilled due to lack of qualified candidates.

    As homeschoolers, we have this unique opportunity where we can choose to focus our energies on building critical thinkers and preparing our kids for amazing opportunities and fulfilling careers down the line, as well as creating creative and innovative global citizens.  Our children really are the future.

    How do I ignite a love and wonder for STEM in our homeschool? (6:02)

    Like with many things homeschool- you don’t have to be an expert in these subjects in order to teach them. I encourage you to learn right alongside your children. It’s important to remember that your kids are watching you all the time. You are modeling behavior for them. Do you show a curiosity to try to find the answer and problem solve? What do you do when you notice something like a door handle in your house loose? Are you proactive and go get a screwdriver and try to figure out what is wrong and fix it? This is the kind of skill that you want your children to possess. Teach them to work through things and work with them Problem-solving. This kind of education goes well beyond a worksheet. 

    Extreme Geyser Tube – Science Kit for Kids – Mentos & Soda Lab Experiment: You can get a geyser over 20 FEET TALL:

    You can find all kinds of opportunities for outsourced classes, science museum workshops, scripted curriculum, extracurricular clubs like scouts, engineering and robotics groups, and other activities. Also, consider other things you are already doing every day that build STEM skills, such as building and creating things with Legos or blocks, utilizing a budget, using iPads/phones/computers and other technology, playing video games and virtual programming, visiting local science museums, fairs, and shows, participating on a robotics team, competing in a Future City competition, etc.

    Here some ways to incorporate STEM into your homeschool:

    • Reading– Read aloud to your children and teach them to appreciate good literature. I know we talk about this in every episode, but this is just too important not to mention. Model a love of learning by reading yourself.  We should always be willing to expand our horizons and keep learning- this is a great and important way to be constantly learning and illustrate to your children this importance. 
    • Explore in nature– have a pet or ecosystem- we love things like ant farms, butterfly habitats, reptiles and fish are great ways to learn.
    • Grow Things– have a garden or small plants, grow insects to feed those reptiles.
    • Experiment- get a generic experiment book, keep science kit supplies on hand- things like magnifying glasses and guidebooks are handy (we will get into specific experiments a little later in this episode)
    • Collect things- keep a collection of things that interest you- nature items like rocks, bones, teeth or maybe toys like Legos or Transformers.
    • Visit Places- explore museums and nature centers (our kids enjoyed homeschool classes at the Heard nature museum) and historical sites.  We had our adventure kids club, magic school bus science club and did group trips to places. Do field trips to warehouses, labs, and factories. Learn how things are made (How It’s Made was one of our favorite shows when my kids were little!). Check out 100 Field Trip Ideas
    • Building, construction, and engineering. Have building toys available for free play- a great set of blocks (we loved Kapla planks), Legos, some tool, magnets, trains are wonderful inspiration. We loved Lego Wedo (combined programming with physics) and also recommend real tools and woodworking or other building methods. When my kids were a little older, they learned to solder, but when they were a little too young for that and after snap circuits, they loved breadboards, which is kind of a step before soldering. 
    • Reference materials and resources– keep a shelf of books that kids can page through or look things up in.
    How It’s Made Videos

    What are our favorite experiments for early elementary age students? (11:10)

    Hands-on experiments are one of the greatest ways for kids to learn in a fun and exciting manner.  And let’s face it, the best experiments are the ones that are going to be big, loud, and messy! There’s also a lot of great experiments you can do in your kitchen. If you don’t want to destroy your house, you can do this in your driveway or park. Rest assured that if you don’t want to undertake this yourself, there are always cool opportunities out there in your community. Maybe you have a science, friend or you could find a science camp. There’s also a lot of great videos you can find free on YouTube or TikTok. We will link some of our favorites. 

    We just got out a couple old experiment books that I bought and never used with my older kids that I agonized over having skipped only to find out she’d done most of these through years of elementary science classes at Dr. Reids!

    Thinking Reeds provides a comprehensive math and science program for homeschoolers in Dallas, TX
    Kristin Moon Science – Helping you understand, teach, and love science
    Science Mom

    18 ideas for activities or experiments

    Disassembling toys. We also took apart electronics and more. We picked up old items at garage sales or off the side of the road drain vault, trash, day. It is really a great way to let kids take things apart. We learned so much and we didn’t even have to buy a curriculum!

    Dry ice– There are so many things you can do with dry ice and you can often buy this at the grocery store.  Of course, you will want to take precautions and wear gloves. You can blow up a balloon, make a bubbly volcano, magically put out a candle, or even set a piece on a metal spoon, and it magically makes a musical instrument. So many more!

    Rockets– we were part of Dallas Area Rocket Society for years, even when the kids were very young. But you can build or buy stomp air rockets or build your own kits of rockets with electric motors or chemical launching technology and launch them. Some cities have restrictions on where you can watch these rockets so you may want to check to see if your city has any restrictions. One of our favorite books that is out of PRINT inspired our love for rockets – The Magic Rocket that magically grows and saves a boy’s dog who is abducted by aliens. 

    Volcanos – we talked about volcano birthday parties.  Who doesn’t love simple baking soda, vinegar, and food coloring explosions? We would do this in a cup, but also we had a really cool volcano kit – we even made a papier-mâché volcano once.

    4M Kidzlabs Pocket Volcano, DIY STEM Chemistry Geology Lab Experiment:

    Mentos and Diet Coke– this is an oldie but goodie!  Definitely do this one outside. We did this in a really cool Geiser tube we picked up for a couple dollars that went SO HIGH!

    Coloring changing experiments– skittles and coffee filters, putting celery or carnations in colored water, layering oils and waters with food coloring

    Elephant Toothpaste– this is a fun experiment that comes from mixing hydrogen peroxide, dish soap and yeast to get a big reaction

    Rube Goldberg type machines– these are chain reaction type experiments that may combine pullies, cranks, setting up household items to create a chute movement.  Remember the guy who made an obstacle course for squirrels. See his Squirrel Obstacle Course in action

    Along with that is actually Dominos or craft stick explosion type things.  You can also make an obstacle course or teach your dog to run an agility course.

    Build Your Own Chain Reaction Machine:

    Cornstarch and water – this is one of my kids favorite things to do- You can also teach them how to thicken gravy while you are at it. non-Newtonian fluids! This was absolutely one of our favorites. I need to post the video of when we took it one step beyond. I went to the thrift store and bought a cheap stereo speaker. I hooked it up to our stereo and put the cornstarch mixture on top of the speaker and turned up the bass. You won’t believe it, but the sonic waves actually picked up the cornstarch and danced. It was incredible. My kids say this is one of their favorite things that we did and Homeschool when they were younger.

    https://btdthomeschool.com/cornstarch-speaker-experiment

    Tons of things you can do with Sugar cubes, from building structures like pyramids, to wetting them to melt into solid forms.

    Eggs-there are so many experiments to do with eggs from soaking in vinegar and corn syrup to learn about meiosis to creating safe egg drop baskets and enclosures. Hatching baby chicks, too.

    Toothpick bridges are a fun physics project to test the strength or various structure. You can also build other structures and test strength of different triangular formations. This is when the kids were a little older, but it was a really cool experiment where they created a cage of toothpicks that surrounded an egg and then they did an egg drop to see if it broke or not. This is more for older students, but it was still a fun project.

    Solar System Model Kit:

    Make your own Lava lamp with food coloring, and Alka-Seltzer 

    Slime was all the rage in my house for many years and my daughter was the fore most expert on what kind of chemicals needed to create different kinds of slimes

    Growing your own mold– we’ve done this on bread or also testing bacteria levels of everyday object in a Petri dish. we also grew crystals from this really cool crystal kit:

    Sprouting beans or growing plants from other things.  There are so many fruits and vegetables that you can grow from parts- celery, lettuce, onions, pineapple, avocado, anything with seeds, potatoes

    Balloons are so much fun for all kinds of experiments from blowing them up with chemical reactions, to shaping them, and more. 

    Steve Spangler books:

    Fire Bubbles and Exploding Toothpaste: More Unforgettable Experiments that Make Science Fun

    Naked Eggs and Flying Potatoes: Unforgettable Experiments That Make Science Fun

    Janice VanCleave’s 201 Awesome, Magical, Bizarre, & Incredible Experiments

    Janice VanCleave’s A+ Science Fair Projects

    Magic School Bus

    How do you create young critical thinkers? (25:19)

    First let’s talk a little about logical and critical thinking. Logical thinking and critical thinking are very similar. Logical thinking can be defined as the act of analyzing a situation and then forming a reasonable or sensible solution or conclusion. Critical thinking tends to be a little more subjective. Critical thinking is the ability to evaluate information while also being aware of biases and assumptions. Critical thinkers should be more open-minded, be able to consider different perspectives and point to view.  They should be skeptical.  

    Probably all of us have similar goals in that our children should be able to think and act independently and reasoning skills are a big part of that.  We want our kids to make good decisions, pick great friends, do their schoolwork, and make good decisions as a whole.  All of these require great logic and critical thinking skills. The more we practice the skills the more they become natural. 

    Including thinking skills in everyday homeschooling is great to do. These specific tasks can elevate kids from just memorizing or remembering something to working with information by applying, analyzing, and coming up with creative solutions. Some people think that critical thinking skills are only applicable to subjects like science and math, but really these skills are vital for success in all subject areas, and also everyday life as well.

    Raising Critical Thinkers: A Parent’s Guide to Growing Wise Kids in the Digital Age

    I can’t stress enough how essential it is that children have hands-on opportunities for this to happen. So many times, I’ve had people ask me why my daughter likes to take apart the engine of her car and put it back together or how my 10-year-old 3-D printed a chassis, built and programmed a combat robot to battle with grown men. I can assure you, the idea of creating and building something started when they were toddlers. 

    Children are going to remember and apply what they learn when their natural curiosity is ignited. I urge you to get up and share these moments and learning opportunities with your children. They are not always convenient. We are often busy with cooking dinner, having a conversation with our partner, or just plain tired. Learning does not stop when we close the schoolbooks. Young elementary age is the perfect time to run with these moments. Kids are not always going to be so forthcoming with their curiosity when they are older so foster it and cherish it because they do grow up and these moments and how you respond to their curious questions will stay with them.

    Don’t just tell them to go do a project. Be there with them, hands on working through problems with them. They have to see you in this mindset. And honestly, as a single mom, some of this was financial restriction. For example, when my son was nine years old, he asked for a ramp for his skateboard. I couldn’t afford a ramp at the store. So, I got up, we went into the garage and found some scrap wood and we started to design one together. And it was messy, and we made some mistakes but every time that happened, my son learned how to do it better. When you show an interest in something like this, your children will, too, even at a young age.

    Critical thinking encourages students to connect the dots between concepts, solve problems, think creatively, and apply knowledge in new ways.

    Critical Thinking Detective

    Here’s some Critical thinking exercises:

    • Brainstorm
      Brainstorming is a great critical-thinking exercise, especially when paired with visual elements.  Get a big board and ask kids to help you make a list or ideas for a topic.
    • Search out or host some group activities
      Group projects and discussions are a great way to encourage critical thinking.  Cooperative learning not only exposes students to the thought processes of others, but it exposes other viewpoints and expands their thinking and worldview by demonstrating that there may be multiple ways to approach a problem.  You can do this through things like book clubs, engineering groups, board game days, video gaming, etc.
    • Incorporating different points of view
      Some critical thinking exercises involve exploring a concept from multiple perspectives. This tactic establishes that an idea should be assessed from different points of view before an opinion is formed and it also gives students a chance to share their own viewpoints while acknowledging others.
    • Ask questions and encourage question asking
      Asking questions, especially open-ended/non yes no questions, gives kids a chance to learn and apply what they’ve previously learned. It also gives them an opportunity to problem-solve.
    • Encourage decision-making
      Allowing your kids to make their own decisions enables students to apply what they’ve learned to different situations, weigh the pros and cons of a variety of solutions, then decide which ideas work best before deciding which way to go with an idea or solution.
    • Encourage Connecting different ideas
      Connecting different ideas is key to teaching critical thinking. Asking questions that help children consider different situations and potential solutions can help them apply prior knowledge to new contexts.
    • Inspire creativity
      Imagination is key to so much. We should encourage our kids to seek out new ways for them to use information to create new ideas. They can also invent things, do art projects, build, write a story or poem, create a game, etc.  there are so many ways to do this.

    Mind Benders Level 1 Workbook – Deductive Thinking Skills Puzzles (Grades PreK-K)

    Hopefully we’ve given you some great tips and ideas to ignite a love and wonder for STEM and spark your children’s curiosity and creativity by creating an environment with hands-on exploration in your homeschool. 

    Freebies

    Cornstarch Speaker Experiment

    Non-Newtonian Fluid Experiment

    It’s Alive!

    Cornstarch and Water on a Speaker

    This is a fun experiment for all ages. We first did it when my kids were 3 & 6 years old! We love science and STEM activities and this was one of our favorite science experiments. We loved how the cornstarch mixture became a solid and a liquid at the same time. This classic oobleck science experiment is always a hit for kids, and makes the perfect quick science experiment!

    What does non-Newtonian mean?

    All fluids have a property known as viscosity that describes how the fluid flows – commonly thought of as how thick or thin a fluid is. For instance, honey is much more viscous than water. When a fluid’s viscosity is constant, it is referred to as a Newtonian fluid. Oobleck is an example of a fluid whose viscosity is not constant; it’s viscosity changes depending on the stress or forces applied to it. If you poke it with your finger and apply a large force, it becomes very viscous and stays in place. If you gently pour it, applying little force, it will flow like water. This kind of fluid is called a dilatant material or a shear thickening fluid. It becomes more viscous when agitated or compressed.

    Another non-Newtonian liquid is ketchup. Ketchup behaves in the opposite way from Oobleck. You could even call it the “anti-Oobleck.” It becomes less viscous when agitated. Liquids like this are called shear thinning liquids. If you leave a bottle of Ketchup on a shelf, it becomes thicker or more viscous.

    You’ll love how much fun it is to do with kids, and kids will love how messy it is. Since the experiment is messy, it’s best to do it outside, or use a drop cloth like we did.

    You can transform your kitchen into an exciting laboratory and spend quality time with your kids while they explore science concepts through simple, hands-on activities. “Oobleck, Slime & Dancing Spaghetti: Twenty Terrific at Home Science Experiments Inspired by Favorite Children’s Books” combines beloved children’s stories with easy kitchen science experiments, making learning fun even if you aren’t a ‘science-y mom’:

    Oobleck, Slime & Dancing Spaghetti: Twenty terrific at-home science experiments inspired by favorite children’s books by Jennifer Williams

    The Scientific Method for Kids

    Science is a logical system for exploring our world. Each science experiment should include:

    • Question: Kids should start every science experiment with a question, even if that question is just “what will happen?”
    • Experiment: This is where the fun part comes into play. Test the hypothesis to determine if it answers the question fully.
    • Recording and Analysis: As the test is completed, record what happened. Why did that happen?
    • Retest: Try different variables and try a new test to see if the original answer is confirmed or disproved. Every variable should be tested more than once.

    Cornstarch Experiment Explanation

    Cornstarch and water mixed acts both like a solid and a liquid. Cornstarch and water is a suspension mixture with a solid dispersed into a liquid. When you press the mixture quickly, the starch molecules close together.

    This causes the water to get trapped between the starch chains and create a semi-rigid structure. When you press slowly, this starch chain “block” doesn’t happen and the mixture flows like a liquid.

    Because the viscosity of the mixture changes with force rather than heat, the cornstarch mixture is known as a non-Newtonian fluid. Slime is another fun non-Newtonian fluid. Another favorite!

    Science
    Be sure to check out other STEM tips and fun. Episode 030. Hands-on Science is sure to inspire you and your kids!

    BTDT Homeschool was created with a heartfelt mission: to empower and give back to the secular homeschool community.

    Through our informative podcasts, blog posts, daily inspiration, and a wide range of free printable tools, we aim to empower you on your homeschooling journey.

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    How to Make Your Non-Newtonian Fluid with Cornstarch

    1. Mix the corn starch and the water together at a ratio of about 10 parts starch to 1 part water.
    2. Start the mixture by adding about ½ of a cup of cornstarch to about 1 cup of water.
    3. Play with the mixture until it reaches the consistency that you want. You’re aiming for a texture that is runny when relaxed, but still firm enough to seize up when they hit the mixture.

    Watch Our Video Experiment

    What’s Happening

    The corn starch mixture (oobleck) will be moved about as the speaker vibrates. Some parts of the speaker will vibrate much less than others (may even be stationary) and the particles which land there will stay there, once they have landed. So you get a build up of particles in the so-called nodes (where there is node displacement) and very few particles in the antinodes because they are constantly being kicked into motion. So, you can see the pattern of the standing waves on the speaker.
    It’s a bit like the effect on a windy day, when leaves and rubbish find themselves in sheltered spots and are constantly being removed from the middle of the road, where the wind is strongest.
    A ‘good’ loudspeaker unit should not have resonances and should, ideally, move backwards and forwards like an ideal piston – that’s why they are made with a conical shape which gives them strength even though they are very light.

    More to explore

    What is Jell-O?” from Scientific American
    Ask the Experts: What Is Quicksand?” from Scientific American
    States of Matter” overview from Idaho Public Television’s Dialogue for Kids
    Slime and Goo activities from the American Chemical Society’s Science for Kids
    Oobleck, Slime & Dancing Spaghetti: Twenty terrific at-home science experiments inspired by favorite children’s books by Jennifer Williams, ages 4–8
    The Everything Kids’ Easy Science Experiments Book: Explore the world of science through quick and easy experiments! By J. Elizabeth Mills, ages 9–12

    Digging Deeper

    In addition to being a non-Newtonian fluid, Oobleck can be called a heterogeneous mixture. Usually one of two things happen when you mix a solid and a liquid: the solid either dissolves or it separates from the liquid. You have seen this before. For example, if you mix salt with water the salt disappears—it completely dissolves such that the water and salt can no longer be separated. Such a mixture is called a homogeneous mixture, or solution. In contrast, heterogeneous mixtures are not uniform in composition. If you mix particles larger than 1μm, such as sand with water the sand does not dissolve. After you stop mixing the sand eventually settles to the bottom of the container—it separates from the liquid. A heterogeneous mixture with suspended particles large enough to settle down to the bottom of the container upon standing (usually >1μm) is called a suspension. In the cornstarch-water mixture individual tiny particles of cornstarch are suspended throughout the water. The cornstarch pieces are very tiny, with an average size of 1500 nanometers in diameter. (A nanometer is very small — a human hair is about 100,000 nanometers wide!) In Oobleck, the cornstarch pieces are evenly spread throughout the water. These particles are so small that you cannot see them with the naked eye. Suspensions with dispersed particles smaller than 1μm are called a colloid, which means that the particles are so small that they cannot be separated from the mixture anymore. They won’t settle upon standing and can’t be filtered out. Although a colloid looks like the liquid is all one thing, you can see under a microscope that it is actually a mixture of particles suspended in a liquid.

    Having the right particle size is important for making a colloid. If smaller particles are used, they will dissolve in the water and not be visible, even with a microscope. For example, think of how sugar dissolves in water, making a homogenous solution. On the other hand, if larger particles are used, such as grains of sand, they will not dissolve in the water. Instead, they separate from the water, and are so large that they form a heterogeneous mixture of particles that can be seen with the naked eye. Some particles are just the right size to make a colloid with water. Depending on the particle size of the cornstarch you used in your experiment, you either made a colloid or a suspension. You can easily find out by letting your cornstarch-water mixture sit for some time. If the cornstarch separates from the water, the cornstarch particles are large enough to settle down, which means you made a cornstarch-water suspension. If you do not see any separation at all, you have made yourself a colloid!

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