Homeschool science can be simple when you have the right tools in your hand. This audio boot camp helps you gather what you need before your homeschool year begins!

Several years back, we shared a homeschool science boot camp. One that would help you to get ready for a new year of science in your homeschool.  Each episode is about 5 minutes long, but every one is packed with tips and tricks to get you started on the right foot for science. 

Listen below:

Or keep reading for a brief look at what you'll need and links to dig deeper.

Let's get ready for homeschool science

NOTE - If you have purchased a science program from us, you can skip the steps marked with an *. If you have purchased a book package or an experiment kit, you can skip the steps marked with a ^ as well.

1 - Get ready for experiments.

One of the first keys to teaching science is to do some hands-on science. Here's how to get ready to do:

1. *Plan your experiments - The first step for getting ready to do experiments is to plan them out. Either read over the planned ones in the program you selected or plan your own to match the topics you will study.
2. ^Get the supplies ready - The next step is to gather the supplies you need for at least the first few weeks of experiments or if you have the time and storage space, you can get the supplies you will need for the whole year.
3. Be ready to handle a failed experiments - The final step is to mentally prepare yourself for failure. I know it sounds counter-intuitive, but there will be experiment duds and you need to be ready to turn that moment into a learning experience. 

Get more tips to help you get ready for experiments.

2 - Get ready for science reading.

The second key to teaching science in your homeschool is to read information about the subject. Here's how to get ready to read: 

1. ^Get your books - The first step for getting ready for your science reading is to plan out the books you are going to use. This may be chosen for you in your curriculum or you can choose to get children's encyclopedias (from Usborne, DK, or Kingfisher), living books (like the Sassafras Science Adventures), or textbooks (ones such as CK12 or Prentice Hall).
2. *Plan your reading selections ready - The next step is to start to figure out how many weeks you have for each book and then divide up the pages you want to cover equally between the weeks.
3. Be ready for science discussion time - The final step is to mentally prepare yourself for your discussion time. The discussion time you have afterward is the way you know your student understood and will remember the information you just read.

Get more tips to help you get ready for science reading.

3 - Get ready for writing in science.

The third and final key for teaching science in you homeschool is to write down what the students have learned. Here's how to get ready to write:

1. *Plan what you will write - The first step for getting ready for writing is to decide how you are going to keep a record. You can use things like comprehension worksheets, notebooking sheets, lapbooks, and more.
2. Get ready to be flexible - Remember that the main point of teaching science is to learn about science - writing is just a tool you are using.
3. Be ready to assess their writing - The main thing you are looking for in your child’s writing in science is consistent progress year after year.

Get more tips to help you get ready for writing in science.

Wrapping it up

The extras are just that--a little something extra that will enhance what your kids are learning. These are not necessary, but we have included tips to help you get ready for the extras.

And finally, don't leave this series without getting some encouragement for this next year of homeschool science.

With the right tools in hand, we know you'll have a fantastic year of science!