Eclectic Chemistry

It’s that time of year again.  Time to think about next year’s resources already.  Since I have never have been one to strictly follow any curriculum or homeschooling resource, I decided not to waste my husband’s hard-earned money on resources that I may not like or end up using and which I can borrow from the library for free.   Fortunately, our county library system is well stocked with books which are can be placed on hold online and then  picked up at a drive through windo which makes it extremely convenient. 

After evaluating  our earth science curriculum this year, I concluded that we truly enjoyed the overall layout, masha Allah.  The children and I especially savored the “living” science books, videos, biographies, and real life accounts of people exploring the earth.  I also really appreciated the weekly corresponding Qur’anic ayat. Unfortunately, it was a little on the weak side with actual hands-on experiments.  I take the blame for this as I was just unable to gather all the materials which were required.  So in order to adjust, this time around, I plan on purchasing the necessary chemistry kits.  This way I will have all the required materials, insha Allah.

Bottom line is that I bought the chemistry kits at Noeo Homeschool Science and I am planning on borrowing the rest of the books plus some from the library, insha Allah.  Throw in some internet links and videos plus dowload their list of subjects to be covered and science is ready to go.  We just love eclectic homeschooling.

Updated Earth Science Curriculum

In an attempt to follow our eclectic homeschooling method, I have updated the Earth Science Curriculum we are currently studying.  Videos, book suggestions, Qur’anic sources, Islamic history, and an online geology curriculum resource have been added.  Also, previously the curriculum was broken down by the week, but  we weren’t completing all the material in a week, so now it is organized by lesson.  My intention is to continue adding more resources to it, so check back often, insha Allah.  Please post any comments and/or constructive criticism, insha Allah.

Earth Science Curriculum Published

I just published our Earth Science curriculum that we will be following this year.  It is appropriate for elementary aged students.  I plan on updating it with more websites and books as we go along, but there is enough there to get you started if you are interested in following along. 

Also, I planned on studying earth science twice a week, insha Allah.  The first day doing the reading/worksheets/coloring and the second day would be for the experiments.  The experiments I chose are simple and do not require much equipment. 

If you think you might be interested in following this curriculum and aren’t able to purchase the main two books, check your local library for copies, insha Allah. 

I plan on adding a space study to the curriculum as well over the next few weeks as well, insha Allah.

Finally, please copy the link and not the whole text when sharing the curriculum.  Jazakillah khayran (May Allah reward you for the good).

Islam Guide as an Earth Science Reference

Not only is this a great resource for nonMuslims who want to understand Islam,  it is also a great source for earth science as well as other science references. 

“This Islamic guide is for non-Muslims who would like to understand Islam, Muslims (Moslems), and the Holy Quran (Koran).  It is rich in information, references, bibliography, and illustrations.  It has been reviewed and edited by many professors and well-educated people.  It is brief and simple to read, yet contains much scientific knowledge.  It contains the whole book, A Brief Illustrated Guide to Understanding Islam, and more.” Islam Guide

We are gearing up to study earth and space science this year and this online book will come in handy as an Islamic reference when we learn about the origins of the universe, the mountains, clouds, and seas and rivers. 

Our Eclectic Earth and Space Science Curriculum

 

 

 

 

Earth and Space Science curriculum

 

 

Usually, I put together our own science curriculum each year.  We don’t buy science textbooks, but use references and resources such as the DK books http://www.dk.com/, the Qur’an, other Islamic sources, tons of library books, science kits such as The Young Scientist Club  http://www.theyoungscientistclub.com/ and SciTT Science Kits  http://www.scittkits.com/ , videos, museum visits, and other field trips, insha Allah.  The study of science in the elementary and middle school years should be fun and filled with large amount of hands-on activities as well as first -hand experiences. 

There are several levels of DK science books such as the DK Eyewitness (ages 13 and up) http://us.dk.com/static/cs/us/11/features/eyewitness/, the DK Eye Wonder (ages 7- 12), Eye Know (ages 4-6)http://us.dk.com/nf/Search/QuickSearchProc/1,,Eye%20know,00.html?id=Eye%20know , DK Smithsonian(adaptable for all ages)  http://us.dk.com/nf/Search/QuickSearchProc/1,,smithsonian,00.html?id=smithsonian, and DK Eyewitness Explorers (adaptable for all ages).   The DK Smithsonian and the DK Eyewitness Explorers have suggested activities in them as well.

Janice VanCleave also writes science books with “exciting ideas, projects, and activities.” http://www.discoverthis.com/janice-vancleave.html

Also, the Magic Tree House Research Guides and nonfiction are a nice addition to any science curriculum. http://www.randomhouse.com/kids/magictreehouse/guides.html