A Net in Time

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Gather Resources for High School Science

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We’ve talked Elementary School science and middle school science, how about today we tackle resources for high school science?   Might as well eh?  It only makes sense to finish the series!  Today I thought I would Gather Resources for High School Science.

Gather Resources for High School Science

What we are doing

Some of you may know that one of my jobs is marking papers for Tree of Life.  It’s a great organization to work for. Over the past couple of years I’ve grown to appreciate the Exploring Creation with Biology textbook. I picked up the student workbook for him and that’s what he is doing for Grade Nine Science this year. 

If we didn’t have this resource on hand, I would have looked more closely at some of the resources I will share with you today. 

Physical Resources

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention G.L.O.  In real life, group classes for highschool kids.  Located in the nearby big city.  I keep wanting to teach a class with them as I’ve got the know-how.  They teach a variety of classes, depending on the teachers they get in. 

Textbooks can be picked up from a variety of sources.  Locally we have The Learning House which provides textbooks for homeschoolers.  I could also order from different companies and have them shipped out.  Just a matter of doing your research and finding companies to work with. Companies such as:  Bob Jones, Apologia, Pearson, Glencoe, or Steck-Vaughn.  What others would you suggest?

Carl Sagan quote

On-Line Sources

In interactive unit studies I introduced to you Kristen Moon Science.  She makes some great science based unit studies.   You should check them out. 

Cross-wired Science (reviewed them this past year) does a good science program. Currently they have a free program called Mighty Feathers so you can get a good taste of how they do their program. If you decide you like it and want to purchase Sound & Fluid Dynamics you can use the discount code (intime29) to takes $5 off.

MIT has open courseware.  Search for the program you want, and then run through list. From what I can tell the courses are free but you may need to buy the textbook from Amazon. 

If you want to supplement what your students are learning Exploratorium has a number of videos, activities and experiments to delight the learner.

There are some interesting science lessons at Science Net Links. It would be easy to just set a student loose to learn what they’d like here. 

Learning about the weather?  Sci Jinks has you covered.  Videos and well-written essays. 

Khan Academy has science and engineering classes for highschool. 

If you are learning about the periodic table you might find this site helpful.

 ACLS has an educational page on human body systems. 

In highschool, most any course you might want to take as an adult a highschool student could potentially take as well (depending on interest and ability).  Check out this post on wanting to learn anything for some excellent on-line resources. 

What resources would you gather for high school science?

31 days of free writes

Today’s Free Write word is Gather.  See all the write 31 days posts. 

Gather

Look, Ye Saints! The Sight Is Glorious

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I will freely admit that I am not familiar with this hymn at all, but the Write 31 day challenge word for the day is Notice.  I couldn’t find a hymn with the word notice in it, but a synonym of notice is look!   Look, Ye Saints!  The Sight is Glorious points us toward the Lord, commanding us to notice him. 

Look, ye saints! the sight is glorious

Lyrics

Look, ye saints! the sight is glorious:
See the Man of Sorrows now;
From the fight returned victorious,
Every knee to Him shall bow;
Crown Him, crown Him,
Crown Him, crown Him,
Crowns become the Victor’s brow,
Crowns become the Victor’s brow.

Crown the Savior! angels, crown Him;
Rich the trophies Jesus brings;
In the seat of power enthrone Him,
While the vault of heaven rings;
Crown Him, crown Him,
Crown Him, crown Him,
Crown the Savior King of kings,
Crown the Savior King of kings.

Sinners in derision scorned Him,
Mocking thus the Savior’s claim;
Saints and angels crowd around Him,
Own His title, praise His name;
Crown Him, crown Him,
Crown Him, crown Him,
Spread abroad the Victor’s fame,
Spread abroad the Victor’s fame.

Hark, those bursts of acclamation!
Hark, those loud triumphant chords!
Jesus takes the highest station;
O what joy the sight affords!
Crown Him, crown Him,
Crown Him, crown Him,
King of kings and Lord of lords!
King of kings and Lord of lords!

History

Thomas Kelly is the author of Look, ye saints! the sight is glorious.  Kelly is an Irishman who originally planned to be a lawyer.  Then he came to know the Lord and his focus shifted to ministry. 

Originally an Anglican priest he eventually became one of the dissenters.  Over the course of his lifetime he wrote some 760 hymns.   He lived was born in 1769 and died 1855.  He was known to be a friend of good men, as a excellent biblical critic, and for his piety.  

Comments

I read the words to hymn and I have to ask myself… do I really take the time too look and notice the Lord?  Have I really noticed what happened when he died? 

But then see it… See how Jesus wasn’t left on his own.  He was alone, but yet he wasn’t alone.  Notice how the angels were gathered round.  We know they were at the tomb.  I know, I know… it’s a bit fanciful.  We aren’t told in scripture that as the soldiers scorned and mocked that the angels were there to be mindful of the Lord Jesus. 

Do we really notice the station that Jesus holds?  His is no longer lonely human, suffering with man on earth, but instead is full of kingly, heavenly glory.  NOTICE him!  See him there.  This is the Jesus that we worship!

notice = look

The Problem with Middle School Science

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The problem with middle school science is this…. it is not elementary school science. No more short unit studies, or quick lap books.   Middle school youth have a keen interest in understanding how the world works.  Their interests in science are starting to specify with a growing love for plants or animals and maybe a keen interest in rocks or gems emerges. 

Middle school students are becoming more proficient at managing their own education, so giving them material that they gravitate toward helps them complete their need for a science component. At the same time, you want a broad based science study to help develop interests perhaps not previously considered.   

So how does one allow for a particular interest to be developed while also expanding their awareness of what science is?   

25 middle school science sites

You might want to focus on Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, or study scientists of various fields.  You could take on zoology, botany, or even forsenic science.  Use one interest to lead toward another. 

Options for Middle School Science

CK-12 Life Science for Middle School.   They also have earth science, and more.  The first two are amazon links, or you can also check out their website.   (free)

Easy Peasy science – all in one, you can specialize in biology, zoology, Earth science or Physics/Chemistry.  (free)

Fossils, Facts and Finds.  Is an earth science program where archaelogy, dinosaurs and fossils are the main focus.  (free)

Old Earth Ministries lets you study geology from a faith-based perspective.  Lessons, with research options and tests. They have earth history and a dinosaurs course as well. (free)

Jason Learning – focusing on STEM based learning.  A complete science curriculum that doesn’t use textbooks.  (paid)

 Time4Learning – an online curriculum, three primary courses: Earth/Space Science, Life Science, and Physical Science.  Interactive lessons.  (paid)

25 middle school science sites

Chemistry, Coding, Engineering and more

ACS has a middle school chemistry course that looks intriguing.  Six chapters with free lesson plans and more.  (free)

TeachEngineering is a k-12 online website.  You’ll need to sort through the lessons to find the middle school classes.  They have a handy sidebar though that helps you define your grade range though.   (free)

PhysicsQuest is put out by the American Physical Society.   This is a physical kit you can request.  Get on the wait list for next year!  🙂  (free)

If looking to purchase a science program CHER has a number of books you can order. (paid)

Edquest has a middle school science that can be viewed as HTML or PDF’s.  (free)

The Canadian Government has put together some educational resources.  I haven’t browsed them to see the age range, but it came up when I looked for middle school, so I’m making assumptions that they’ll fit. 🙂  You could even explore their full science page and learn what’s happening in Canada.  (free)

Innovators Tribe has a robotics course that my grade 8 boy really enjoyed.  (paid)

The Canadian Encyclopedia will let you look up all things Canadian.  🙂  (free)

SchoolhouseTeachers.com has a good science section.  Animal Science, Chemistry, Dinosaurs, Marine Biology, Physical science and much more.   Just so you know right now they are having a sale. 3 months for $29.95 with the code LASTCHANCE.  A full curriculum for the entire family!  (paid)

schoolhouseteachers

Some More Sites

More information here has a whole whack of science courses for your middle schooler.  Small classes, different teachers, might be a good option for you. (paid)

Free courses at CODE for learning computer science.  (free)

Google CS – a computer science course.  (Free)

You could explore the solar system with NASA. 

Cross-wired science (my review) isn’t just for middle school science, but it worked well for my lad last year. (paid) two main tracks that cover a lot of information.   More information here.

Science NetLinks has a large number of free lessons.  You can search for a particular grade easily. 

The Happy Scientist has free and paid option.  He has a number of free video lessons.  (free)

BetterLesson has a number of life science lessons.  (free)

Middle School Science Blog.   All types of science lessons.   (free)

How to Smile.  Diverse science lessons 

problem

This post is part of the write 31 days challenge. 

Want to Learn Some Specifics?

We are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder

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I sang this song a lot when I was a child, never knowing that it had roots in the black culture.  We are climbing Jacob’s Ladder was just another song of worship that I learned. 

we are climbing Jacob's ladder

Lyrics

“(We Are Climbing) Jacob’s Ladder”

We are climbing Jacob’s ladder (repeat 3x’s)
Soldiers of the Cross.

Climbing up from earth to heaven (repeat 3x’s)
Soldiers of the cross.

Every rung goes higher and higher (repeat 3x’s)
Soldiers of the Cross.

Sinner, do you love my Jesus? (repeat 3x’s)
Soldiers of the cross

If you love him, why not serve him? (repeat 3x’s)
Soldiers of the cross.

Rise, shine, give God the glory (repeat 3x’s)
Soldiers of the Cross.

Keep on climbing, we will make it (repeat 3x’s)
Soldiers of the Cross.

Who wrote this song is not known now.  It came out a time when African Americans were kept as slaves.  Since it was passed down word of mouth, it isn’t surprising that there are many renditions of it.  What the original in the first place has been lost in the annuals of history.  We just know it was a folk song, passed down throughout the slaves of American history.

Scripture Lesson

In Genesis 28 we read the following:

10 Jacob left Beersheba and went toward Haran. 11 And he came to a certain place and stayed there that night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place to sleep. 12 And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it! 

13 And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, “I am the Lord, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac. The land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring. 14 Your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south, and in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 15 Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” 16 Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” 17 And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.”

Thoughts on We are Climbing Jacob’s Ladder

This song takes us through these verses, reminding us of this story.  Asking us if we love the God of Jacob, and through him his son Jesus.  

It further challenges us to make something of our love for Christ.  Serve him.  Be a soldier of the cross.  Don’t just sit around making noise, get up and on that ladder.  Climb it, be active in your faith. 

Edmund Burke, philosopher

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Edmund Burke is a politically based philosopher with a conservative bent.   He studied society and it’s affect on people.  In the 1700’s people tend think of society and the material ways it benefits (or doesn’t benefit) people involved in it.

Burke thought it was really important to also consider the human element of society and how we personally benefit each other through music, science, art and emotions such as virtue.

Edmund Burke

Basics of Burke’s Philosophy

Consider that people across the world have a need for creative and emotional expression.  We have moral, material, scientific and artistic needs that we simply can’t meet all on our own.   Therefore we need others to help meet those needs.

“How do we meet those needs?” asks Burke.  We meet them by referring to the customs and traditions of the past whenever we can.   When the past is not enough we, as a society, agree to help each other.   This way all of us can benefit from the efforts we all put in.   This is an agreement we all come to, ergo society is a contract between the world’s peoples.  

Divergent Opinions

Some individuals dispute the claim the Burke was a philosopher.  They consider him for a political theorist rather than a philosopher.  He spent more of his working career in politics so tends to talk via political overtones.  He digs deeper and thinks more broadly so generally is considered a philosopher and not just a political theorist.

Edmund Burke quote

Overview of the life of Edmund Burke

An Irishman born in 1729 Edmund Burke grew up concerned about relations between the Irish and the English.  He helped improve British administration in India and opposed the French Revolution. He actively sought to limit the power of British royalty.   His ideas formed the basis for the Conservative Party.  He died in 1797.

edmund Burke

Fleshing out His Ideas

Since we are more than animals, society is more than just economic or material advantages.   Society seeks after the common good (our agreements on customs, norms, and values).  As such, society changes over time to reflect not only the past but current thought processes.  Change needs to occur slowly as that’s the natural progression. Fast-moving changes do not benefit society (ergo his opposition to the French revolution).

On the other hand, he was a supporter of the American Revolution as it was a slow change, predicated by the needs of that society.  He urged the British government to strive to understand the colonists and work with them while maintaining their right to receive taxes.

edmund burke quote

Nuggets of Truth

I have to admit, I struggle with this one a bit.  I see what he is saying (for the most part) and agree that society is more than economic or material gain.  Each philosophy, if not fully founded on the truths of scripture will be at fault. 

My biggest struggle I have with Burke’s idea that society is a contract, is that he doesn’t see society as what it truly should be.  He sees it only as a way for us to get what we want and need.  Yes, he sees it as more than just economic gain but includes the harder to quantify things as well, but his focus is on individual need and how society helps us gain that.

Society is not just a means to gain advances in science or education. It is more than just seeking the common good or a way to express our moral outlook. Being part of society goes beyond our own individual needs. It is a way for people to showcase the glory of God through helping of each other, showing grace to each other, and exemplifying the attributes of who God is, to a struggling world around us.

Society helps us to see our faults, offers correction and encouragement, helps to sharpen our wits and minds, and gives us something to stand for or against. A faith-based society doesn’t help each other only to meet our own individual needs, but to help because it’s what we aught to do. What God calls us to do. We need to remember that.

Now the lad and I were talking about all this at supper and he mentioned this.  I will try to write most of what his thoughts were.  Sorry if I miss anything.  🙂  Society is good and it’s what we need. God has put it in place for us and part of meeting our needs as a society means, as a contract between us, is that as society meets our needs we meet the needs of others.   It might be a forced meeting of needs, but it is still a shared action.  As Christians, we’re more inclined to meet the needs of others because God calls us to do so.  AND we find contentment in doing so because we know we are living as we should. 

So what are your thoughts in this?

My Sources

I mostly used The Philosophy Book to help me understand the theories presented.  I also looked at the following sources:

SchoolhouseTeachers

ABC Blogging Series

alphabet

Mighty To Save

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Our church is currently celebrating it’s 40th anniversary.  As part of that celebration they are bringing in people who are part of their past.  This morning they brought in a young man Tyson and the band he plays with.  One of the songs they played is Mighty to Save.  It was a joy to sing this song with our congregation.

Mighty To Save

Lyrics for Mighty to Save

Everyone needs compassion
A love that’s never failing
Let mercy fall on me

Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Saviour
The hope of nations

[Chorus:]
Saviour, he can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever Author of Salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as you find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again

I give my life to follow
Everything that I believe in
Now I surrender

[Chorus]

Shine your light and let the whole world see
We’re singing for the glory of the risen king Jesus [2x]

[Chorus x2]

Shine your light and let the whole world see
We’re singing for the glory of the risen king Jesus [6x]

Authors

Benjamin David Fielding and Reuben Timothy Morgan are the authors of this song. This song comes out of Hillsong music. Reuben Morgan being an Australian, a pastor with Hillsong.  He has written several songs.  Ben Fielding is a worship leader, a pastor within Hillsong.  He has written more than 200 songs.

Thoughts on Mighty to Save

I know there is scuttlebutt about not using Hillsong music as it supports an organization that is shown to be struggling with being true to God.  At the same time I read the words to this song and I have to wonder… is this song untrue to who God is?  Does it call us to worship anyone other than God?  

This song is clear. 

Saviour, he can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever Author of Salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

So we beseech Jesus to take us as we are, and then to fill our lives.  Our lives given in surrender to him and to his ways.  A good thing that eh?  

How to Teach Elementary Science

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Wanting to do science with your students?  I love science, I find it very easy to teach, particularly in the younger years, but not everyone has a natural love of science.  The question arises: How to teach elementary science.  Let’s walk through some of the options you have for teaching science to elementary aged students.

how to teach elementary science

Nature Study

Honestly, I find nature study to be easiest way of teaching science to elementary students.   There is so much to explore and learn just be observing the world around you. 

Observe Animals

Observed the animals around you.  These can be the squirrels in your local park or the spiders and bugs inside your house.  You can visit the animals at the local zoo or at a wildlife rescue centre.   You might want to visit a friend with a rabbit/guinea pig/dog or maybe go to a dog/cat/rabbit show.

Perhaps your co-op will offer an animal class or your local library offer a photo series of animals around the world.

You might want to sit down in your own backyard, block off a section of 1 or two feet and have your children count all the animals they find.  Then you could walk down to the local stream or park and look for ducks, water striders, bugs, spiders etc.

You could easily do a  bird study by setting up a bird feeder in your backyard.  Find animals and take time to watch them, you’ll be amazed at what you learn.  

If you can, bring along your phone, or a nature study guide, or a note pad (to write down questions for later) so you can answer questions that your children have.  

An example of Nature Study

 We have three squirrels in our back yard… grey (new youngster) white and black.  Just by watching them we know that grey is a bold as brass and will probably cause trouble in the rabbitry this winter.   White is easy going and knows to stay out of our way.  She’s been around for the past two years and doesn’t cause any fuss for us.  Black will get into mischief in the summer and if I leave a bowl of grain out for him in the winter he’ll get into that but won’t bother with anything else.   Bold as brass grey is starting to chase black around but so far hasn’t ousted him from the backyard maple tree. Grey is still confined to the front yard… he is pushing hard though.   By watching them we are able to learn so much about them, what they eat (did you know they will eat green tomatoes?), how they defend their territory (or to challenge for more), and all the sounds they make.   

observing nature

Unit Studies/LapBooks

Other than getting out in nature, or alongside of getting out in nature are unit studies and lapbooks. 

You take your child to the zoo and they get fascinated by tigers, or chimpanzees, or maybe the dwarf goats.   You can find a unit study or lapbook on them. My son has long been fascinated by ants and spiders and his youth I commissioned an amazing ant unit study for him.  He LOVED it.  Learned so much.  Now he raises ants and gains additional learning. 

Some places you can go for materials.

  • Amanda Bennett Unit Studies. Horses, tigers, dolphins, geckos, insects, oceans, volcanoes, seashells, caves and so much more.  Go explore, and then come home and learn some more!  (pay)
  • Homeschool Share has all sorts of unit studies and lapbooks.  (free)
  • Lapbook Lessons – Animals and science to learn and do. (free)
  • SchoolhouseTeachers.com – a variety of lessons, so many options, bug science, world of animals, curious science, disgusting creatures etc.  with over 400 lessons there’s sure to be nature studies for you! (paid)
Schoolhouse teachers

Pay Attention to Landforms, Soils and Plants

When you are out and about pay attention to landforms.  Notice the pond, the creek, the hill, the way stones stick out of the ground.  As you travel around pay attention to different trees and terrain.

When you are working out in your garden show your children what good soil looks and feels like.  Have them experiments with sandy soil, clay and good loam.   Does it make a difference if you add fertilizer?  

Help them grow a row, or start a bean plant in a container, or maybe grow some cat grass for a loved family pet.  Have your children test out if a plant will grow in the dark or what happens if light is far away from it.  Learn about phototropism and more.

When you walk through a forest pay attention to the mosses, fungi, ferns and trees.   Help your students see the different levels of a forest and then take an excursion on line and learn about the rainforest and its different levels. Expand their learning naturally. 

Additional Online Sites

There are numerous places on-line if you need more of a curriculum, or places to learn or see experiments done.  

  • Mystery Science – has open and go science lessons. Sign up for a free year of science lessons.  They have a limited number of spaces open. 
  • cK-12 – has an elementary division that you might find useful.  These are flexbooks that you can use online or download as a PDF. 
  • In the Lab of Mr. Q you will find downloadable classic science texts.  Provide a well-rounded science education. 
  •  The Canadian Wildlife Federation has put together education units to help teachers. 
  •  Nature Canada doesn’t have lessons but they are a wealth of information. 
  •  PBS learning has a number of experiments to watch and maybe do. 
  •  Canadian Geographic has a great kids area, and as an educator you can sign up for the cangeo education newsletter.  They put together some great resources!
  •  Project Gutenberg has put together an elementary geography program.
  •  Easy Peasy has an all in one science curriculum. An excellent resource for your science needs.  
  •  Guesthollow has a science and literature course. 
Online sources for teaching elementary science

Don’t forget other sources

Don’t forget to 

  • go to the library and raid their shelves for all things nature study-ish
  • Watch youtube videos
  • search websites with good information on whatever your children are interested in.
  • Easy science experiment books…. there are lots on the market.  

There is so much information available, make use of it. 

For instance, I am hopeful to get my lad into a Biodiversity weekend.   That might not work for your younger children, but I know in London we have groups that do forest school, another that takes regular walks in the local swamp, my son spent time with friends and family looking for minnows, crayfish and clams in our local streams, and of another group that does scavenger hunts in various local playgrounds.  Make use of the world around us, and do science the easy way!    Enjoy your explorations.

A book that might help you is the family adventure journal, or these nature cards.   You might want to make some crafts from the things you discover making the crafty nature journal just what you need.  I’ve pinned loads of ideas over on my nature study pinterest board.  Give it a boo, you might be delighted by what you find.