3 Ways for Homeschoolers to Learn from Science

Recently, I sat down with Karri Iverson, who is the author and creator of the Mystery of Science curriculum. She is also a former homeschool mom. She and her husband homeschooled all five of their children. During her homeschool years, Ms. Iverson often taught science at the kitchen table. Eventually, she ended up teaching co-op classes with large numbers of students. This eventually led to the creation of her curriculum. 

To provide some background on the curriculum itself, the curriculum serves students in 4th-8th grade. Ms. Iverson has covered the following subjects in the curriculum: Biology, Physics, and Chemistry. She hopes to focus on the following subjects in upcoming curriculum releases: Earth Science, Astronomy, Forensic Science, Nutrition, Anatomy, Marine Biology, and Botany. 

Throughout the curriculum, Ms. Iverson focused on a Christian worldview. This worldview shows how science and faith overlap and emphasize a true creator. 

During our lovely conversation, Ms. Iverson suggested several ways parents can combine science into lifelong lessons and help their children pursue lives of learning. 

• Focus on curiosity.
• Focus on the “meat”, not the “fluff.”
• Teach the value of failure. 

Failed Experiments and Experiences

Focus on curiosity. Use the Mystery of Science curriculum to support your children. Inspire them to study their interests, especially in science. Building this curiosity and love of learning will prevent academic burnout and frustration. Instead of focusing on dense math or fluffy terminology, hone in on your child’s passions through unit studies and independent deep dives. 

Ms. Iverson suggested avoiding fluffy terminology or fluffy materials. Center on the important topics or subjects. In her curriculum, Ms. Iverson avoids the “fluff” and highlights the “meat” or important terms/knowledge of science. Using a curriculum like hers can help inspire young learners and stimulate their growing minds. 

Next, teach the value of failure. As the parent, use verbiage to show your child that failure isn’t something to fear. Tell them of your life experiences when failure taught you something. You can set the example. 

Ms. Iverson explained that in science, failure is a major part of the process. As young homeschool scientists, we need to learn to accept failure. Failure can shape us, albeit it is hard and can cause inner turmoil. Offer yourself and your child grace as they experience “science” failure or “life” failure. Then inspire your child to keep going and try again!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ms. Iverson provided supportive insights for homeschooling parents. As she showed, science can impact all areas of our lives and help us learn throughout life. It can also teach us about failure and how to learn from failure. At Nxt Era, we believe every failure is a lesson, so let these words encourage you and your children. Keep going and see every failure as a learning opportunity (even though it is hard). Homeschooling builds character even through a science lesson. 

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This information came from a resource in the interview with Karri Iverson.

- NxtEra

Written by Bethany (@thebookwormgirl_bethany)

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