Homeschool Science Boot Camp Day 4: Get Ready for the Extras

Welcome to day 4 of Homeschool Science Boot Camp! Today we are going to get ready for the extras. So grab your pencils, paper, books, and a cup of coffee – let’s get started!

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Highlights

At this point, we have tackled the three keys we need to teach science, so we already have everything we must have as part of our plans for science for next year. But although the extras are not absolutely necessary they do add a bit more fun to our science plans. So today we are going to chat about how to get ready for the extras.

#1 – Plan out the extras.

The first step for getting ready for the extras is to plan out what you will do. 

These extras can be:

• Memory work,
• Unit projects,
• Related crafts,
• Field trips,
• And so much more.

All these extra activities should add value and interest to the core of your science plans.

#2 – Get your extras ready.

Once you have a plan in place, you need to do a bit of legwork to get ready for the extras. Here are a few ways you can get ready for the extras.

1. Have your memory work selections printed out so you can reference them throughout the year. 
2. Have an art and crafts box with the supplies you will need for arts and crafts projects. 
3. Have a field trip folder with ideas in it. 

Doing a bit of legwork to get ready for the extras at the beginning of the year will make it easier to incorporate them throughout the year.

#3 – Be ready to set aside the extras on the crazy weeks.

A caveat: Be ready to set aside those planned extras on the crazy weeks when life gets in the way.

Do your best to add in those things that enhance your core science plans, but give yourself grace for the moments when that is not possible!

Once you plan out your extras, get ready with a bit of legwork, and mentally prepare yourself for those crazy weeks, you are ready to dig into the science extras with your kids this next year.

Additional Resources

If you still feel uncertain, here are a few more tips: 

• Science Extras: Crafts, Activities, and More
• Our Science Activities Blog
• Our Memory Work Guides (Elementary and Middle School)
• Morning Time (a.k.a. Morning Basket) and How it Can Change Your Homeschool
• Friday Fun Day
• Science Field Trip Ideas