Science Periodic table

Posted by Christine Alcott Jul 14, 2006

A couple of weeks ago, I let you know about a great site for science, Teresa Bondora's How to Teach Science. I have been taking the emailed workshop, and it is wonderful. I can't wait to put it into practice.

If you have not been to her site, GO! Her ideas are wonderful and practical. For a quick summary, Ms. Bondora advocates for exposing children to science from birth on. Her idea and experience is that we oursleves are scared of science, and pass that on to our children. But if we teach science from an early age, not holding back on what we perceive to be "scary" subjects, then our children will learn without science prejudice!

Ms. Bondora suggests that the Periodic Table of Elements be hung in our classrooms and homes even from preschool on. So, I purchased her Periodic Table of Elements. The Table came in one evening last week. As soon as I opened it, my 8 and 6 year olds pounced on it. They poured over the Table, exploring what the numbers and letters meant, and asking questions that I couldn't answer, but my husband could! (The Table comes with a guide on how to use it and what it means. It is very helpful) Then, within the first 10 minutes of being exposed to the Table, they made up two games to play. Our 4 year old came over, and then he, too , made up a game.

My husband and I were very impressed. You see, I am scared of science. I barely passed Chemistry, and did not understand any of it. I tolerated what sciences I had to take in school. It is a weak area in our homeschooling.

I just wanted to let you know about this site again. I am very excited about how it will help us this year. I am no longer feeling scared of doing science with my kids. I am actually looking forward to it.

Let me know what has helped you teach science!

In the meantime, have fun!