A Stable Beginning: Science

Showing posts with label Science. Show all posts

Friday, November 11, 2022

Interactive learning with Brilliant ~ a TOS review

Disclaimer: I received a Complimentary copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Regulations.

Good morning friends! We’ve made it to the end of another week! I don’t know about you but for me the school year feels like it is flying by. As we approach the holiday season, I am looking to slow down just a little bit while still giving my kiddos an educational experience. To accomplish this we have been dabbling a little bit each morning into the world of STEM skills with our Premium Subscription from Brilliant.

The Brilliant program is just that, brilliant! We received a Premium Subscription for two students and I used it for myself and McKenzie, my 7th grader. Many people, including myself, find it hard to fit in STEM activities in the daily home educating process. However, by using Brilliant’s interactive web and mobile based program your student will learn problem solving, critical thinking, and logical reasoning skills in just 15-20 minutes a day.

Brilliant’s online learning platform helps your student, aged 10+, master concepts in science, math, engineering, and logic by simply solving challenging problems in a hands-on approach. If you have read this blog for a while or know me in real life, you know I am all for hands-on learning!

With over 70 online courses geared for everyone in 6th grade and up you can be sure to find something to study including courses on Everyday Math, Pre-Algebra, Geometry Fundamentals, Scientific Thinking. Computer Science Fundamentals, and Logic.

For this review I focused on the Pre-Algebra course with my 7th grader McKenzie. During the morning I had her use it as a brain warm-up before getting started on her math lesson for the day. Since the Brilliant is an interactive program, it adapts to the user’s knowledge level, so you get the most out of the program. In the next few weeks, I am going to add in the Scientific Thinking course for McKenzie and we will most likely sit and tackle those together with little brother looking in too.

Brilliant is one of the courses I never knew existed but has found a place in our daily homeschool adventures! I also love that the learning can be on-the-go, especially since we are about to start traveling for gymnastics season. McKenzie and I are going to Puerto Rico for a competition in a few weeks and Brilliant will be coming along so she can continue her schooling on the road. And since I have already started thinking of next year’s courses, I have moved Brilliant’s Logic course to the top of my short list of programs for McKenzie’s 8th grade year as well. I am excited about this program for when Micah is old enough to take part as well.

I wholeheartedly recommend you check out Brilliant for your family. Help spark the natural learning curiosity in the students in your life by gifting them a subscription for their birthday and Christmas. I know we will continue to use this program through the end of our subscription and beyond. Be sure to click the banner below to find out what my CrewMates thought of this program as well.

Company ~ Brilliant

Product ~ Premium Subscription

Format ~ online, interactive program

Price ~ $149.85

Ages ~ 6th grade - adult

Find Brilliant on these Social Media Links:

Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ YouTube

http://astablebeginning.com

Thursday, August 4, 2022

STEAM Projects for Kids with STEAM4KIDZ ~ a TOS review

Disclaimer: I received a Complimentary copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family and I pray you, the reader, find them helpful on your homeschooling journey. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Regulations.

Morning friends! It’s a beautiful, hot day in our part of the country. It’s actually been quite hot for the last several weeks, the perfect weather to hang out inside the house and work on indoor learning activities. We did just that by using the Galactic Adventures Kit from STEAM4KIDZ. STEAM {Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math} and STEM {same as STEAM, just without the Art component} learning is really popular in education today. My kids love STEAM/STEM educational opportunities, so I was really excited to be able to use the Galactic Adventures Kit with Micah, my 3rd grader over the summer.

STEAM4KIDZ was founded by Dr. Onolee Zwicke to provide kids high-quality STEAM educational kits for kids aged 6-12. Currently there are five kits to choose from which include: ~ Mini-Theatre Kit ~ Ocean Ventures Kit ~ Starry Night Kit ~ Galactic Adventures Kit ~ Fantasy Aliens on Planet Kepzoo Kit Each of the kits have between 5-7 different projects to engage all five aspects of STEAM education and get the kiddos learning. Prices for the kits range from $99.00 to $129.00 US Dollars. The kits can be purchased separately or through a 3- or 6-month monthly subscription.

We have been so blessed to review the STEAM4KIDZ Galactic Adventures Kit! It arrived at the perfect time as we had just finished our Astronomy lessons on the solar system and Micah was still interested in learning more. The Kit provided much needed new learning activities that engaged Micah with video instruction and hands-on learning lessons.

The full kit came with everything needed, and I mean everything! Down to tacky glue and a cute mini stapler we had everything we needed to do each lesson in individual-colored bags that are also labeled. The Galactic Adventures Kit includes the following projects:

~ Clay model of the solar system

~ Galaxy in a Jar

~ Star Seekers

~ Geoboard Constellations

~ Solar Rover

~ Spaceship Diorama

~ Baking Galaxy Cookies

The video lessons are hosted on Vimeo and were just the right amount in length to keep Micah, who is 8, engaged and learning. Dr. Zwicke guides your child through the entire process, so I was only needed if Micah had a question. With the videos you can also rewind if you need to see a step explained in a bit more detail.

So far, Micah has completed 2 of the learning activities, the Galaxy in a Jar and putting together the Star Finder. He’s especially looking forward to completing the Solar Rover with Dad this weekend, a project that had to be put off while dad was on temporary orders out state.

We also chose to save the Clay model of the solar system project, because we had just made one in his Co-op class that ended in May. We will come back around to the clay model when we cycle back through General Science in 6th grade. His older sister, Madison who is heading into her Senior year of her Astrophysics major, is going to help him make the Galaxy Cookies before she heads back to university next week. A great bonding activity for them both since he especially misses her during the school year.

Overall, our experience with STEAM4KIDZ has been great! Micah has learned more about the Galaxy and space. We have a few more activities to complete to wrap up his learning this school year and he is looking forward to the different projects. I definitely think you should look into the STEAM4KIDZ kits if you are looking for activity based, hands-on learning for your children. Any of these kits would make a fabulous birthday or Christmas gift for your little scientist!

Be sure to click the banner below and read the thoughts of nine of my CrewMates who reviewed one of the kits as well.

Company ~ STEAM4KIDZ

Product ~ Galactic Adventures Kit

Format ~ Hands-on Activity kit with Video Streaming

Price ~$109.00

Ages ~ 6–12-year-olds, younger kids may need adult help

Find STEAMKIDZ on these Social Media sites:

Facebook~ Twitter~ Instagram ~ YouTube

https://astablebeginning.com

Wednesday, January 12, 2022

Wordless Wednesday

http://astablebeginning.com

Friday, October 29, 2021

Biochemistry/Microbiology for 7th - 12th graders with Greg Landry's Homeschool Science

Morning friends! Earlier this year I was able to share a review of the half-semester, self-paced Study Skills / Measurement / Lab Reports / Graphing, course from Greg Landry's Homeschool Science. I was so excited when Mr. Landry did another crew run since McKenzie was interested in enrolling in a science course, specifically the Biochemistry / Microbiology - Self-paced 7th-12th grade.

Mr. Greg Landry is an experienced science teacher who is also a homeschool dad. He has not only taught homeschoolers, but also university students as a former college professor. He has brought his love of teaching science to the internet through the Canvas learning platform.

~ For 3rd - 12th Grade Homeschooled Students ~

The Biochemistry / Microbiology course is a pre-recorded course. We received 12 months of access so it’s perfect for McKenzie so she can take her time learning over the course of the year, especially since this is an add-on science for her. The course comes with a PDF study guide and contains the reading and reference material that you need to complete the course. You can choose to either download and print the file or just read it from your computer/tablet. For this course I choose to just have the file stored on the computer for easy access.

~ Christ-Centered Live & Self-Paced Online Classes ~

Since Mr. Landry is a follower of Christ he begins each video lesson with prayer, which I love. Then you get into the actual lesson. The Biochemistry / Microbiology course includes 20-30 minutes worth of video instruction on a multiple of topics including:

carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, DNA, vitamins, hormones, viruses, bacteria, epidemics, antibiotics, pathogen cultures, top 10 pathogen diseases.

Since McKenzie is already enrolled in an online course for science this year, we have had to take this course slow. She has been working on this course over the weekends about twice a month. The first weekend she will watch the lesson fully. The second time she will watch the video and take notes and complete any work necessary. This is probably not the best way to complete the course but it works for us and her busy training/school schedule.

- Christ-Centered Focus

- See & Hear Teacher

- "Life Prep" & "College Prep" Options

- Veteran Science Teacher

- Community with Other Students

While I am fully confident in my ability to teach upper level science as well as to complete labs at home, I am grateful for homeschool science labs online such as the Virtual, interactive homeschool laboratory courses from Greg Landry's Homeschool Science. Not only did McKenzie learn a about an interesting topic of Biochemistry, but it has also sparked her interest in the topic more and she thinks she wants to study Chemistry at University down the road.

Since it is almost time to start thinking about next year’s science course, Greg Landry’s Homeschool Science is at the top of our list! We are thinking that McKenzie will jump into his Live Pre-Anatomy & Physiology and Pre-Biology courses for her 7th grade year. Be sure to check out what my CrewMates thought of this course or the other course options that were reviewed including:

1. Virtual, interactive homeschool laboratory

self paced online - start any time:

- biology / anatomy and physiology - chemistry - physics

2. Self-paced 4th-7th grade one-semester classes

- Young Scientist Anatomy & Physiology - Young Scientist Biology - Young Scientist Chemistry - Young Scientist Physics - Young Scientist Earth & Space Science

3. Self-paced 7th-12th grade half-semester classes

- Exercise & Sports Physiology - Biochemistry / Microbiology - Embryology / Endocrinology - Earth & Space Science - Study Skills / Measurement / Lab Reports / Graphing

Click on the banner below to read their thoughts!

Self Paced Online Homeschool Science Labs

Company ~ Greg Landry's Homeschool Science

Product ~ Self-paced 7th-12th grade half-semester classes in Biochemistry / Microbiology

Format ~ online, 12 months access

Price ~ $120.00

Ages ~ 7th-12th graders

http://astablebeginning.com

Monday, February 15, 2021

Guest post~ How to Make Science Fun in Homeschool

Did you enjoy science as a kid or did you loathe it? With science, it seems like it could be a love it or loathe it subject. A lot of kids love the experiments and fascinating facts, but some would rather be on the playground. And then some kids wonder why they would need to understand science at all.

Science is a wonderful world that can teach us so many things. It teaches us about the world around us and how it works, what makes everything work in its own special way. It can also help with critical thinking skills and deeper learning.

But with all that being said, sometimes kids still need that extra boost to make science fun.

Here are some fun ways to make science awesome in homeschool

1. Interactive Activities

If you have a hands on child, experiments are the way to go. Kids that are kinesthetic learners will understand much more when they can get their hands dirty! Science experiments are also helpful for visual learners as well. Some children don't understand a concept unless they can see it themselves. So teaching these concepts firsthand is the best way for a child to understand.

2. Watching Videos

Remember when the teacher used to put on a movie in class and how happy everyone got? Watching videos and movies in homeschool is still fun and can help kids learn. There are so many educational videos out there especially on the internet to choose from! And videos can help reinforce learning.

3. Make Up Songs

Some children can remember anything if it's put to a tune. Try making up fun songs to the tunes of popular children's songs for things to remember. This is a really fun way to involve kids of all ages!

4. Coloring Pages

If you homeschool a lot of different ages at the same time, keeping the smaller ones entertained can be challenging. But with coloring pages on the same topic, they can still be involved and learning. Plus coloring helps improve concentration.

5. Field Trips

This one would be a no-brainer for any teacher! Field trips are such a fun way to teach kids and let them explore on their own pace. With science, the possibilities are endless! You can find a science museum near you, science fairs, go on a nature walk in a park, head to the zoo for biology, etc. There are a lot of out of the box places you can learn about science that you wouldn't even think of. Like your own kitchen for science experiments when cooking too!

Science can be a fun subject for a lot of students but sometimes they still might need a little help. If you find you have a struggling student, then perhaps looking up science tuition in your area would be a help. Finding a good tutor is beneficial to children and can help them understand science topics better if they are needing extra help.

Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Wordless Wednesday

http://astablebeginning.com

Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Wordless Wednesday ~ Coop Physical Science

http://astablebeginning.com

Thursday, December 10, 2020

Complete homeschool curriculum from SchoolhouseTeachers.com

***Disclosure: I received this product free through the Homeschool Review Crew***

Are you looking for something new when you start back up to school in January? If so, do be sure to check out the #homeschoolcurriculum from SchoolhouseTeachers.com.

There are literally hundreds of courses and resources available on the site so you’ll be sure to find one that fits the bill for you. In our homeschool we have been taking advantage of the top notch science curriculums for my 12^th, 8^th, 5^th, and 1^st graders. Not only does SchoolhouseTeacher.com offer great science classes you also get access to:

~ Curriculum written from a Christian Worldview

~ Complete Scope & Sequences for PreK-12th grade

~ Customer schedule builder

~ A fully customizable yearly planner

~ Videos, eBooks, and printables plus a special parent eBook library

~ Literacy center

~ Printable certificates for your records

~ Grade reports, report cards, portfolios, transcripts and more!

Stay tuned for January when I tell you how we have been utilizing the courses in our homeschool.

http://astablebeginning.com

Thursday, October 8, 2020

Relaxed Homeschool Science from NatureGlo's eScience ~ a TOS review

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions I have expressed are my own or those of my family. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC Regulations.

Hey there! I’m excited to tell you about a Homeschool MathArt program that Montana, my science-loving, artistic daughter has been using. She has loved the idea of reviewing NatureGlo's eScience MathArt & Science Course Bundle from NatureGlo's eScience! Let me tell you a little more about it!

NatureGlo’s eScience was created by Gloria Brooks, an eclectic homeschooler who also is an Unschool Coach and teacher for others wanting to follow that path. Her main goal in her program is to bring to life everyday subject and to give children a love of learning through nature. The courses don’t point to a specific worldview and are very neutral. Through her program children aged 12 and up can learn about a variety of topics through unit studies, electives, or supplemental subjects.

Once logged into the website you will have access to all the courses available. NatureGlo’s eScience is an online subscription that includes access to 31 courses. Each of the courses offers downloadable materials as will as PowerPoint slide shows, engaging videos, and PDF files. With unlimited access your student gets to explore:

~ Exploring The Giant Redwood Trees

~ Bubbleology

~ Geology

~ Herps Explorers

~ Herps Zoology

~ Introduction to MathArt

~ Invertebrates

~ Marine Biology

~ Mammals

~ MathArt

~ Marine Reptiles

~ Marine Zoology

~ Math Connections with the Real World

~ Life and Mathematical Art

I will say that I had a bit of difficulty navigating the website at first. I found it hard to find exactly where I was supposed to log in to get started, but once we figured it out navigation through the program has been easy. Montana, who just turned 14 years old, is the lover of all things big cats so I was especially excited to see that they had a course specifically on Mammals. Of course Montana had no issue logging into her course and getting started. She was eager to learn new facts about the wildcat and the gray wolf.

The courses are video heavy but Montana liked this format. After watching the video for the day typically there were questions that were asked to check comprehension or to give the student a chance to show what they know about the topic. Montana usually watched several videos in one learning sitting, but that is because she was so interesting in the topic. This was an interesting and exciting course to add to Montana’s curriculum studies. She has always loved cats and now has one because her oldest sister who is allergic has moved out. She has a heart for all animals really, and this course has helped her realized that she does want to focus the rest of her science studies on becoming a zoologist. The next course she plans on completing is the unit study on Komodo Dragons and then dabble into the world of insects.

Overall, this is a gentle approach to science. If you favor a relaxed homeschool science approach, you'll want to check out NaturGlo's eScience MathArt & Science Course Bundle from NatureGlo's eScience. Also be sure to check out what 49 of my CrewMates thought of this program by clicking on the banner below to read their thoughts too!