The hurdle of equipment - I want to teach science session, part 3 {Episode 43}

Do you feel like you don't have access to the right stuff to teach science? My friends, it should not be so - your kitchen can be your science lab! In today's episode, we are going to chat about the third hurdle that can stand in the way of you wanting to teach science - equipment. 

Hi, I’m Paige Hudson and you are listening to the Tips for Homeschool Science Show where we are breaking down the lofty concepts of science into building blocks you can use in your homeschool!

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Highlights

The number three struggle I hear when it comes to teaching science at home is equipment.

#1 - The high cost of equipment, i.e., the microscopes.

• When purchasing a microscope for homeschool use, look a compound monocular microscope with 4x, 10x, and 40x objective lenses, separate coarse and fine adjustment knobs, and a good light source.
• If you can’t afford a microscope, you can Google it or use a palm-sized substitute (currency or jeweler’s scope).

#2 - The use of dangerous chemicals.

• You already have chemicals sitting on your pantry shelf and many of these are weaker, and a bit safer, than their lab counterparts.

#3 - Having to do a dissection at home.

• Dissections offer an up-close look at anatomy.
• The best way to succeed with a dissection at home is to get a quality kit. 

Don't let equipment get in the way of you teaching science as you have access to good substitutes in your home.

Takeaway Tidbits

Your kitchen can also serve as your science lab! (Pin this Tidbit)

If you don't own a microscope and can't afford one, 

Google “(subject name) microscope image.” (Pin this Tidbit)

Don't let equipment get in the way of you teaching science as you have access to good substitutes in your home. (Pin this Tidbit)

Additional Resources 

See the full conference session - I want to teach science, but these three hurdles stand in my way.

Check out the following articles for more tips to leap over the hurdle of equipment:

• Which type of microscope should you purchase?
• 100 Useful items for your science supply cabinet
• The fully-stocked home science laboratory