Welcome to the Supercharged Science Family!
How Do I Get Started?
Step 1: Watch the video above to learn how to get around on the website.
Step 2: Pick the Unit you want to start with. You may go in any order.
Step 3: Gather your materials for your first unit by using the Shopping List.
Step 4: You can use e-Science by itself or alongside another curriculum. If you’re using another curriculum with e-Science, download the Conversion Charts to help you get the most out of the program. Find out how the e-Science exceeds state standards.
Step 5: Jump into the program with the activities under the “Getting Started” tab. These activities are samples from the program that use minimal materials and have a big ooh-ahh factor. Watch how quickly your kids get hooked on learning science!
Step 6: Get help when you need it. I really want to encourage to you be an active member of our e-Science program by posting comments and letting us know how the program is working for you. I really value your feedback – it’s really the only way I can continue to improve and get you what you need. You can enter your questions in the comment fields or send us an email.
How to Get the Most Out of This Program
Families that get the most out of our online program keep three important things in mind as they work through the program:
- Know that you don’t have to finish all the projects in order to get a top-notch science education. Focus on quality, not quantity. I pack tons of content in the program so you can pick and choose the projects you want.
- Schedule time to do the program. This isn’t something that’s going to work by osmosis. You actually have to open up the program and work through the projects. I’ve taken the headache out of knowing what to do, but when you do it is still up to you.
- Ask for help when you need it. There’s nothing more frustrating than not getting your questions answered. Boy, I really hate it when that happens, especially when I am trying to learning something new! This program includes friendly live tech support, and I’m usually right back with your answer with 24-hours.
So glad you’ve found us! The video seems to be working over here – what happens if you try a different computer?
Hi,
So happy someone told me about this site. It was a no-brainer to sign up. When I clicked on the opening video that tells how to navigate the website, I got the message “No video available or access denied.” I do have Flash installed on my computer. Any thoughts as to what the problem could be?
Thanks!
Liz
EEEEEEEEEKKKKKKKK!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE THIS WEBSITE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You’ll find a complete list of recommendations here:
http://www.sciencelearningspace.com/unit-16-life-science/microscopes/
and also here: http://www.sciencelearningspace.com/2009/08/science-equipment-how-to-avoid-being-ripped-off/
What kind of microscope do you recommend for middle school students?
You can go in any order you want, and every unit has at least one super-cool experiment that will hook your kids. For example, Unit 1 has the hovercraft experiment, Unit 8 has the Bouncy Ball experiment, Unit 4 has a catapult, etc… there’s enough content in each unit to find something they really like. You can start with e-Camp if you want to just ‘get started’ and see how your kids like the projects – the content covered in e-Camp is lighter on the academics and heavier on the experiments for this reason. Once you find an area they are really interested in and want to learn more about, you can dive in deeper with e-Science. Does that help?
(FYI: e-Camp is going to be taken offline soon, however, as we will be fixing it up for next summer soon.)
Hi Aurora, Thanks for answering my question about the Flying Contraptions video so promptly! I clicked on the link you provided and found a complete instruction/materials list. We’ll be trying it out shortly!
My question is about choosing an order to study things in (we’re new to e-science): My sons are 8 & 5 and naturally interested in things that go boom, shoot, fly, or otherwise do something dramatic (what boys aren’t?) So, the experiments about rocketry and flying machines seem like a perfect place to start… but they’re both part of the summer e-camp curriculum, not the regular units. Would we be missing out on academics, or getting in over our heads if we started here? Is it better to start with Unit 1 and work sequentially? Also, do you recommend some units over others for younger kids?
thanks!
Oh yay! Nevermind.
I knew I was a computer smartie. Figured out how to change it! Thx.
Um, my mom made my account and I need to change my username and password. Is that possible? (PS I’m very new. First try)
Yes, it works in Safari. You must be logged in in order to print or view the material.
I will take a peek into your account and send you a private email.
I’m having difficulty printing anything … and viewing anything for ‘members’ — I am a member. Does the site work in Safari? Could that be the problem?
The videos are flash, which means that they won’t show up on iPads or other devices that don’t support flash. We’re currently working to update the videos to play on all devices.
I am not able to see videos on my ipad2. what can I do about that?
Yes, the e-Science program meets or exceeds all state standards for physics and chemistry… and will soon when biology and life science are online. We don’t cover earth science at the moment but may in the future. We’re still putting together our new life science, biology, advanced chemistry, electronics, and technology units in addition to pulling together an incredible line-up of activities and projects for summer in our e-Camp program. You’ll see a lot more coming soon!
I am hoping to use this program with my 5th grader and 2nd grader this fall. As far as state standards go, will this program alone cover everything they “need” to know? Or do I need to supplement with something? What about earth science? Any suggestions for taking care of that? Thanks!
Hi Monique,
So glad you found us! We typically add a new unit each month, so you can expect to grow with us for a long while. You can go further into depth with each unit as your students progress, for example you may only do a couple of experiments in astronomy now, and revisit it at a later time and finish up the rest of the activities. The e-Science program is a complete curriculum, with the exception of Earth Science, so you’ll want to source out one you really like for this. Have fun!
Aurora
I’m so happy to have found your site and know it will be a fun, and so much easier, way for my 2nd and 5th grader to do science, with me learning it right along with them. I am planning on using this program starting in the fall for the new school year. However, what are your recommendations for covering earth science and life science? I know your units on life science are up and coming. So including that, will supercharged science be all that’s needed to cover all their bases for a year? And again, should I supplement with an earth science program as well? Thanks so much! Looking forward to it!
And another question: After the end of the year, do you just keep repeating the units with the idea that they’ll understand even more of it each year?
Thank you!
Monique
Thanks for your feedback – and yes, some folks have reported having this very issue, so we’re currently int he middle of updating ALL the videos on the site to stream more quickly, but there’s a lot of them to do! Here’s the page where you can post feedback about the different video formats we’re working with: http://www.sciencelearningspace.com/2011/02/problems-viewing-videos/
Quick tip: you can bypass this problem by clicking PLAY then PAUSE and wait for it to finish downloading, then hit PLAY again.
My son is interested in transportation engineering and I think your site and teaching tools will really help him feel capable and inspired beyond my ability to do so. I joined today and I know you have a lot of new members today because of your recent tele-class; I am wondering if that is why I am experiencing so much difficulty in watching the “getting started” video tour?
I have double checked and my internet connection is not troubled yet the video is streaming two to five words at a time. VERY FRUSTRATING
… Is this a common issue with the video content? Do you have any suggestions for me to alleviate this problem?
Thanks very much in advance for your teachings and your help with this problem.
Leslie-Ann
My husband is a computer engineer working at Orbital Sciences. He is working on the COTS Cygnus spacecraft and he is very impressed with your curriculum.
Thanks for such an excellent resource!
The e-Science online learning program has two different levels: K-8 and K-12. The higher level is appropriate for advanced 5-8th graders as well, as it includes textbook downloads and more involved projects than you’ll find in the K-8 section. Any projects/activities which involve flames, power tools, chemicals, soldering, or are just harder to do skill-wise are in this section (the underwater ROV robot, BEAM robots, electronics, advanced chemistry experiments, etc.) all fall into this category. You can see the difference in the access levels when you find an experiment that says “This experiment is for grades 9-12.” as you won’t be able to access the content or watch the accompanying video with the K-8 access. You can always request an upgrade/downgrade at any time – just send us a request.
The K-8 is included as a free bonus when you sign up for 9-12. Many high school students use it extensively as a foundation. We find that learning is not segmented depending on age/grade, but rather dependent on a child’s experience and interest, as well as the parent’s goals. Thus our program supports this type of learning.
If your philosophy is based more on a segmented approach, then e-Science might not be the best choice. There are a variety of more traditional textbook-based programs that will, for example, focus just on physics, because that is what is traditionally taught in grade 11. Remember, your own goals for your child’s science learning combined with your schooling philosophy will determine what is right for you.
You can use our e-Science program as a full curriculum for your HS student, and you’ll need to document your progress as you goes along in order to get credit assigned. How you do this is going to depend on your state’s laws and requirements – some use assessment exams, others rely on documentation like a journal, and others want to see checklists filled out. We’ve compiled a ‘state standards‘ sheet for all of e-Science so you know which requirements you’ve met when working through this program.
We have tips on how to do documentation on the e-Science site here: http://www.sciencelearningspace.com/2009/09/scientific-journal/ and here: http://www.sciencelearningspace.com/2010/04/seven-essential-steps-to-a-scientific-journal/
Physics Units are 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14. Chemistry Units are 3, 8, and 15. You can find a syllabus here to help plan out what you’re going to do.
Don’t forget – a lot of of how you’re going to assign credit is going to depend on what your long-term goals are. Are you looking to get into college? Then call up a few places and find out what they require for HS applicants and do just that. Some schools want to see a lab notebook with evidence that your student really did science, so add photos to the lab book and send it in along with your application. Other schools only want to see test scores, so you’ll want to prepare your child for taking those in advance with SAT (or similar) prep classes. If you’re only wanting your child to get excited about science and see what’s out there, then you don’t need to be quite as diligent about documentation and focus rather on having the whole science experience being fun and engaging. Does that help?
Aurora:
Your program seems fabulous at least what I have been seeing/reading in the last 3 days after subscribing. I am not clear on the grade band. You have lessons for K-8 and 9-12. How do we plan to teach K and 8 using the same lessons and same exercises. Can you throw some light?
Yes, you’re right – letting your child know the outcome is the fastest way to kill the excitement for science. Most of the videos are instructional set-up type, like how to wire up the robot or mix up the chemicals, but you are always welcome to hit the pause button at any time and resume when ready. Watch a few and you’ll see what I mean. We totally encourage the kids to make improvements on every activity they do, so there’s a lot of open-ness to each experiment. Keep in touch!
I want my child to conduct an experiment and discover the outcome. If I set her up to watch the videos and look at the experiments, will she see the experiment completed? If so, wil this then make it so that she will not make fresh discovery when she does the experiment?
Hi Laurie,
Gifted children are a diverse group of students. Depending on what your child is interested in and what level they are at, they will be able to figure out pretty quickly if this is something that is going to spark their interest and catapult them forward. Since the program goes at whatever pace you need it to, there’s no waiting for other students to catch up or endless worksheet filler material… it’s solid science content.
If you’re wondering who is using this program, we have many students using the e-Science program that are highly gifted, and we also have students without sight or hearing, ordinary students that completely lack science in schools or have a parent who loves science and wants to be sure their children get the same opportunity, scout earning science badges, students in remote areas, and everything in between.
Because this program is not divided by grade level, you are free to zip through it as quickly as your child can vacuum it all up. Or, if you’d like to go a mile deep into the topic, there’s plenty here to support that as well. The best part (I think) about this program is that you are connected to a hoard of resources not shown on the website… real college instructors, engineers, and scientists in the field! Where else can you ask as many questions as you want from real scientists? So if your kid is crazy-wild about science (or bored with it and you want help turning this around), then you are in the right place.
I totally encourage you to give it a try and see how this format works for your child – we have every medium (short of me moving in with you) available through this program, including easy and advanced reading/textbooks, live phone calls with real scientists and professors, teleclass recordings of those phone calls, video instructions of experiments so you child can learn by doing, and more. You will need to stay on top of things and get organized with what he’s interested in and what you’re going to tackle first, but after you do a few lessons, you’ll have momentum and the learning (and fun) will come easily. Let me know if you have more questions!
My son is highly gifted and is part of the Davidson’s Young Scholar’s program. Is this program appropriate for him?
Hi Aurora!
Our best science-questions? WHEN oh WHEN are you going on your European tour? My kids (9, 7 and 5) are mad about science and I do my best trying to translate your experiments and let them try it (they LOVE your videoshots, they know them all by heart). We live in Stockholm Sweden and I would give my leg and arm (kidney anyone?) for a sicencecamp like yours here. The closest thing I know around here is for 14-year olds and mine are not even close to being teens…
Jonas (9) is stuck on aerodynamics. No matter how many airplanes he build, in all different types of materials and different constructions they take off but then sadly gravity wins and they descend.
Gravity and aerodynamic hints are welcomed as well as any info you might have with your overseas colleagues who take on young assistants
Keep up the good work, we love it!
Best regards,
Ribeiro-family
Luisa 5, Simon 7, Jonas 9, Elisabet 41 & Sandoval 40
Tyresö, Stockholm, Sweden
Hi Dee,
Thanks for writing! And yes, it happens sometimes that kids just want to build, build, build… one thing you can try is ask him questions about his projects during and/or after he’s completed them to see how much he’s figured out. Some kids really don’t need a formal ‘sit down and read’ session to wrap their minds around the scientific principles. Other families have their kids put on an ‘invention show’ or similar where their kids explain everything back to them. As long as you’re having a conversation to find out what’s going on inside his mind, you should be fine – remember, nothing is more important that the quality of the relationship with your child.
Your daughter is in for a lot of fun! And yes, it’s totally fine to just roll around and have fun with the experiments – it really depends on what your goals are your child’s interest. It sounds like you just want her to get some science exposure and learn how to ask questions, which is the fundamental of any science field.. so that fits perfectly with what your family needs right now. You can step it up in a few years if she’s really into it and on her way to MIT. Just keep in the mind the big picture of where you’re headed and you’ll be able to make adjustments along the way. Just as a jet needs a destination to get where it’s going, it also needs a map and a compass. Your destination may be to love learning, and your compass would be how you gauge your progress toward this goal (does she jump up with excitement or drag her feet?) and your map is your plan of how to get there, like using e-Science. Does that help?
Hi! We are currently using the program with my 5th grader who really enjoys the experiments. He isn’t interested in reading about the how or why, just enjoys the experiments. I do read to him the basics and we quiz about it so he can gain some knowledge. However, my questions is about my daughter who is in second grade. Would it be ok to just have her do the experiments, just have fun with it? I guess I already know the answer, need confirmation. I have also read that you are beginning the life sciences next year which is great, she needs some more knowledge with it. We did the program last year but my son (5th grader) wanted to do it again, he likes the experiments and watching the videos online.
Thanks!
I thought long and hard about purchasing this program for my son. But after looking and remembering how hard science was to do from a text book, I took the plunge. He will be trying it out for the first time with my husband tomorrow. I think they will both get hooked! I’m hoping! Our homeschool situation is unique. My husband is home full time, I work full time, and my younger son goes to public school. My sister assists with homeschooling and so do my parents who are both retired teachers and on top of that he receives tutoring in math, language arts as well. It really does take a village. so I can now just add Supercharged Science as another helper in teaching my son all he needs to know. And I think this, he will at least have fun with!
We have so very much enjoyed your summer ecamp. It has opened the doors to understanding with all your hands on experiments. 2 of my younger children are special learners and visual and hands on is right up their alley!! It seems like an incredible program like this would open so many doors for (my 14yo).
We’re tickled to be in the supercharged science family and tickled to dive into the topics you’ve arranged. Thanks again for designing a product that so aptly meets the needs of a homeschool environment.
You have a wonderful program and I really love the way you have laid it out.
Thanks again for giving us the opportunity to join e-Science. We had lots of fun with the hovercraft experiment earlier this week. The children decorated the CD’s with markers before constructing their hovercrafts, and our youngest had a blast with hers bubbling away in a bowl of water. (Kept the 3 year old amused for a good hour or so!)
My 11 year old son & I perused your site and watched a few videos. You’re so inspiring! We’re all ready to go! I’ve downloaded the “Mechanics” Unit pdf’s, put them in a ring binder, and browsed the local shops for supplies…Tomorrow we officially begin Supercharged Science! It’s getting late here, and I’d best get to bed so that I don’t miss out on any of the fun tomorrow!
First let me just say thanks for the fun week of science we had. We just wrapped up “force”. My boys 6 and 9 LOVED it. I did too. It was fun and engaging. They did amazing on their assessment and retained so much, but more than that they were excited to share what they learned! Awesome.
Yes, you can! Here’s the deal: if you cover the postage to your country ($15), then I will ship you out our special International Parts Packet which includes quite a few more items that I know you’re going to have a hard time finding being outside the US. This is just my way of saying “Welcome to our science family!” Simply click here to send postage payment and be sure to include your complete address so the USPS Priority courier can find you.
I live outside the USA. Can I still get a parts packet sent to me as talked about in the video?
Great question! And actually, those are the only two that require a microwave out of over 600 experiments. I included them in the getting started section as they had very minimal materials and a big “Wow!” factor for families wanting to see what the experiments were really like. There’s a free experiment here in the samples: Disappearing Beaker, which is much more typical of the experiments included in the eScience and Science Mastery programs. Does that help?
I just learned about Supercharged Science. I think it looks great! I clicked to view the free experiments, viewed the introductory video (which was great) and then looked at the necessary materials for the three experiments (Plasma, Grape, Microwaving Soap, and another). Two of the three used microwaves. We don’t have a microwave, and I don’t expect we ever will. What percentage of your experiments–particularly those having to do with chemistry–require use of a microwave?
Thank you so much for the intro to e-Science. Our navigation through the website is going to be so much fun. It’s so simple and it has everything we need to get started. I am so excited about your program. Your intro was so helpful and thorough, it’s going to make our daily schedules much easier. I am not much of a physical science person, but your web site really has me excited to learn with my kids. I am excited for my kids as well, they love life science and have never been able to do the physical science, and we have looked into other programs. However, e-science has got us really excited about physical science!!!Can’t wait to get started soon.
Hi Kathy,
Thanks for writing! I am glad your son is enjoying the presentations. We actually get this type of question a lot from families that have parents who need the to-down approach and kids that just want to dive in. There’s a definite balance you can reach to keep both of you sane and happily learning.
The quick answer is to teach from the “inside-out” (which is not how you or I were taught in school!) , but it’s basically this: you must first make your child hungry for the information you want him to absorb before delivering it. Here’s how you do it: select a unit (you can go in any order) and flip through the experiments. (You can use this page to get you started: http://www.sciencelearningspace.com/getting-started/syllabus-schedule/) Select an experiment or two that really makes your son saw WOW! and actually do those experiment(s). When he comes back to you asking “That was cool! But…how/why does that work?”then he’s signaled you that he’s ready (and open) for the academic content. When you do it this way, he’s ready and able to learn much faster and efficiently than any other. The video on this page details why this is works: http://www.sciencelearningspace.com/getting-started/whats-so-great-about-this-program/
Something to keep in mind – academic content doesn’t mean reading an armload of textbooks. Your child can learn by listening, watching, building, or reading. Here’s what I mean:
Built into the e-Science program, there’s a lot of overlap to accommodate all four learning styles: kinesthetic kids that need hands-on activates to get their a-ha! moment, audio kids make extensive use of the teleclass recordings and videos to get their understanding, visual kids use the experiment and content videos more than actually doing the activities to wrap their heads around the concepts, and digital learners that actually must see words on a page in order for stuff to make sense use the textbook downloads and lesson plans. Depending on the type of l earner your child is, he’s going to gravitate toward one of these four (we do have all four embedded in us, but usually a stronger preference for one). Adjust the e-Science program to best fit his needs, and you’ll find he’s not only not bored, but will still be able to turn around and teach YOU science without covering ALL the lessons, experiments, and content on the site. Does that make sense?
Happy Experimenting,
Aurora
P.S. the TP wasn’t soaked in lighter fluid – it was a special combo of ingredients that we use here at the chem. lab – very similar to what magicians use for flash paper.
I’m putting some lesson plans together for the fall for my 10 year old son who LOVES science experiments and your classroom presentations, particularly the one where you are blowing up cotton balls & t.p. saturated in lighter fluid. That sold him on the program!
Dilemma – I’m getting bogged down in the Units and Lesson Plans following the syllabus on line. I’m afraid I’ll lose him. Any rercommendations or suggested syllabus for a boy who just wants to blow things up. I need some sort of lesson plan to work with (my personality type) and like I said I’m just getting overwhelmed with overchoice from your wonderful website. How do I tailor this to a 10 year old boy who hates textbooks?
Signed,
“Love the spirit of the program but Getting Overwhelmed & Bogged Down with Overchoice – Need some advice from the pro’s”
a.k.a. Kathy (Home schooling mom)
Just wanted to let you know that my boys are so busy, so busy doing all the cool experiments you sent on the DVD. They think this is the best, and have already done the Ivory Soap, the grape, rockets and the house is exploding in stuff they are experimenting with to see what happens. I cannot tell you how happy they are and we will almost certainly want to continue our subscription for fall. We are doing a one week serious all day fun camp of science, complete with t-shirts and science snacks. That is the reason I purchased the summer program, but the boys are truly enjoying all of this we are going to need to continue. Just thought you would wanted to know how much joy you brought to two little boys in Monterey, California.
I wanted to let you know what a strong impact you had on my son Zane. You instilled such a love of science in him, just in the one camp he took from you last year and from your online (information). Just the other day I found him in the kitchen with wires hanging out of a cup of orange juice measuring the voltage and energy levels and comparing it to milk, water and potatoes. Wacky fun science! Thank you for all you’ve done for the children…
We’re so excited to be finally starting E-science camp tomorrow! Thanks for all your encouraging e-mails. I haven’t had time to breathe in the past month it seems and the kids just finished school last week, so I’m off to do the lab shopping tonight and tomorrow morning…… WE’RE OFF!!! Woo hooo! I will take pics and let you know how it goes. Thanks for this great resource. From the Armerding clan: Mum, Malcolm, Dana, Kenzie, Hannah Joy and Tobias.
The videos of you teaching at the beginning of the different sections in the Summer ECamp are really terrific! We have been learning so much. I really like your style and your methods. They’re working…we are having a blast (worked on the Rocketry section today)! (From Tara, the Mom)
Thanks for writing! Whether you use a textbook or not really depends on two things: first, the type of learner your child is, and second what your ultimate goals for doing science are.
Some kids really do need to see the words on a page before they get their ‘a-ha!’ moment, while others need to see or do an experiment (visual and kinesthetic learners). Audio learners can be doing something totally different with their hands while they listen to some talk about the subject and it clicks for them. In reality, we all have all four of these learning modes, but have a preference for one (It’s kind of like being right-handed, but that doesn’t keep you from using both your hands for some things!) The e-Science program integrates all four learning modes, so you can pick and choose which kind of content delivery works best for your child (audio teleclasses, live videos, step-by-step hands-on experiments, textbook downloads, etc…)
If your goal is just to get their feet wet and have fun getting exposed to the subject, then doing just the experiments is a great way to start. If you’re wanting them to have a solid science foundation they can draw on later in life, then you’ll want to dovetail the experiments with academic content when they’re ready for it (they signal you that they’re ready when they ask you questions about how and why their experiments work).
The academic stuff can be delivered in any number of ways, one of which is a textbook – but don’t feel limited to this traditional approach (which doesn’t fit a lot of kids). Having a library book or two as a resource, watching science videos, exploring in the real world… all are a part of an outstanding science education.
For kids with learning disabilities, you can tailor the pace and content to fit their needs. You’ll find that they also have a preferred learning style, however it may be more difficult to uncover if their disability is more severe. Keep working at it and eventually you’ll find something that works. I’ve had all kinds of kids with learning disabilities use the content in the e-Science program, including autism, down syndrome, dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, Asperger’s, etc. and each one has their own recipe for success. We even had a kid with one arm learn how to solder circuit boards (a task which normally requires three hands). So just take your time and get a feel for what they need, and let us know how we can help you deliver that to them.
Does that help?
Happy experimenting!
Aurora
I have a few questions:
1. For elementary kids, what home school science curriculum would you recommend. I had another science teacher tell me not to use a textbook-just show videos, ie Bill Nye, Magic Tree house, Popular Mechanics for Kids, etc.. They also said to just do experiments. Do you agree with these recommendations. On the curriculum, as a Christian I’m fine if you recommend Christian based ones like the Apologia series.
2. There’s so much terminology in science. How do you recommend teaching a child with Dyslexia and other disabilities (ie low working memory, auditory processing deficits.) so that concepts stick.
I think yours hands on approach is great.
Thanks, L
Well, when I teach science camp, we do about 50 projects in one week… but that’s science at warp speed!
Most families have a schedule they like to follow, whether it’s Science Saturdays where they do science all day long, or Science Hour where they do an hour each day, or anything in-between.
Remember, it’s not a race, and you don’t have to do ALL of it to get a great science education. Just pick a few experiments to start with that really makes your kids say: “Wow – that’s COOL!” and go from there. Your job is to get them to their “A-HA!” moment where they understand something new.
Does that help?
So How often should we do the summer e-science per week?? I know it should be what works for us…but what is your recommendation??
Thanks for writing! The main differences are that the K-12 program includes textbook downloads and advanced experiments. If you browse through the website, you’ll notice some experiments are labeled like this” This experiment is for grades 9-12″, and you won’t have access to these with a K-8 enrollment. You can always upgrade/downgrade by just dropping us an email to let us know what’s working best for your family, and we can adjust your subscription accordingly. The K-12 is appropriate for advanced 5-8th graders as well, as kids have a wide range of abilities and it’s often hard to classify students into a precise grade level.
Lots of families try out the K-12 program first and watch which experiments their kids are performing and the reading level they are at… if the bigger stuff over their head or they aren’t doing the advanced stuff, just let us know and we’ll downgrade your membership. Since there are lots of experiments online (there will be over 600 when we’re done uploading them all – we add about one unit each month), your kids stand a good chance of not repeating too many of them. Does this help?
Happy experimenting,
Aurora
I am wondering what the difference is between these 2 levels. I have fraternal twin boys finishing up 6th grade at the moment. If I just got the Standard K-8 membership, what exactly will we be missing from the Advanced 5th-8th that might be worth the extra money? I don’t think they are ready for the high school level yet.
Also, if we go through all of the units in middle school skipping the high school extras, would it make sense to go through the program again in high school doing all of the high school labs/readings? Or would this be too repetitive?
Great question! The shopping lists for eCamp will be available June 1st, as there are hundreds of projects in eCamp, and we didn’t want to just give you a 20-page shopping list without letting you first select the projects you wanted to do! When eCamp opens, all you have to do is find the lab you want, select the experiment, and download the shopping list. Most items are found at the grocery store or hardware store, just like in eScience. And eCamp is included in your eScience , so you’re all set.
Hi Aurora
I was wondering, is there a shopping list for the summer e-camp? If so were can I find it. And also how much does it cost to sign up? Thanks
Xavier Villa
We are loving SLS so much; this is our 3rd month as members and the excitement has not waned at all. I have shared your site with many friends who have all ready signed up or considering it!!! Biology and Life Science courses would be another great addition to what you already offer!! I will confess, as a mom who was not interested in science personally before, I am enjoying the lessons right along with my son!! We have shared a lot of oohs and ahhhs together!! …and loads of laughter…Aurora, your approach to stimulating these young minds is very refreshing!!
Like Micki, not exactly sure where this comment should go(I don’t have a Twitter account), so I’ll put it here. I would LOVE a Biology and Life Science course! Those are my favorite areas of science. That would be GREAT!
-Steph
Aurora,
I wasn’t sure where to put this comment. YES, YES, YES, YES I will sign up for a Biology and Life Science course from you! In fact, I was just searching through options on what I was going to do once we were through your course, and it wasn’t looking very exciting.
And, while I have your ear, the changes you have made to your website are wonderful! It takes so little prep time to get ready for your classes. Being able to print the lesson plans with the push of one button makes your class so much easier to put together. A big thank you for all of your work!
Micki
You’re not alone – I get this question a LOT. Some families that are pressed for time simply do ‘Science Saturdays’ and use the eScience program that way as a fun enrichment program in addition to their child’s regular schooling. Other families use it on and off during the week when they have time. Either way, recognize that it’s not going to work by osmosis, so you need to take a step and just start doing something, even if it’s just blowing up the soap in the microwave. The trick is to capture their attention and get them to start asking their own questions. Teaching science doesn’t need to be set to a rigorous schedule you know you’ll have a hard time sticking to – just roll around with the kids and have fun… you’ll be surprised how easy it is to learn (you, too!)
Feel free to poke around the website and when you find something that makes you say, “WOWOWOW!!” that’s where you should start.
Happy experimenting,
Aurora
You’re site looks great, but…AARRGG!!! I don’t know where or how to start! You have so much information that I’m already lost, and I haven’t yet begun. Besides teaching science, we’ve got soccer, piano, math tutoring, and I am also teaching my kids how to cook. HELP!!
Hi Aurora: We love your site. Your site is awesome, I am telling my homeschooling friends about it! You have put in an amazing amount of work on it. I love the lesson plans and extra reading aspects of it, it takes all of the work out of it for me!
Lesson Plans?? I LOVE THEM!! My computer can’t go everywhere we do experiments so I’ve always had to take the time to print your experiments and the readings, and pretty much everything else in a unit. I would copy and paste the experiments pages into a word document so that I could remove the black video box to save ink and it took time. Science has always been squeezed out of the schedule (this year not as much because of you) because it takes prep work, and reading time, and just time to do the experiements. Not printing everything out to be ready a head of time put us further behind and caused science to be pushed back even more. You save a HUGE chunk of time by allowing me to hit one print button and we have everything we need to be off and running! It is exactly what I needed to get things moving. I print and your packet goes to the store for shopping, the sofa for reading, and the garage and backyard for experiments. THANK YOU!
Micki Carr