Science is always one of the fun subjects. However it can be confusing knowing what you need to be able to do all those experiments and investigations. This post will hopefully make it a bit easier to know where to start where you buy what you need and not a bunch of junk you use once then put on the shelf to collect dust for the next 20 years!
Microscope
When you think of science a microscope almost always comes to mind at some point. I loved using the microscopes at school as a child and would have had the time of my life if I had one of my own sitting in my bedroom.
When purchasing a microscope to use in your homeschool you need to think about quality. There are plenty of children’s microscopes out there that are cheap but they really aren’t going to get the job done. They are more for fun and a bit gimmicky in my opinion.
There are also microscopes that are priced on the opposite end of the spectrum at hundreds of dollars. The best homeschool microscope falls somewhere in the middle.
My first choice for a homeschool microscope would be this Amscope cordless (Yay no cords for the baby to pull on under the table!) microscope. It is well priced where you won’t cry too hard if it breaks but it is a sound investment for many years and children. The latest prices can be found here on Amazon.
If you have a true science geek in your midst like I was you may want to move up a level towards the Amscope digital image microscope. This microscope offers a lot more features than it’s lower priced counterpart. The best feature being that you can connect it via usb to a laptop and view your specimen on a larger scale, and save images. This would be a great investment if you were doing experiments with many children as they would all easily be able to see the screen at the same time. The price for this one is a little higher but the features are incredible. If you have a science minded child or family you would greatly benefit from outlaying the extra money for this top of the line homeschool microscope. You can view its full list of features here
Glass Test Tubes and Flasks
Many science experiments call for test tubes or glass flasks. A lot of the time I have just used glass jars that I have laying around the house….dug out of the recycling bin. However there is definitely something to be said for actually having a set at home ready to use. It saves your sanity for one thing when you don’t have to spend the morning tearing the house a part for something to conduct your experiment in!
They are surprisingly cheap to purchase and really do make science experiments at home a lot easier, cleaning and more “official”.
I found this great set of test tubes here
You can also purchase a test tube holder if you wanted or just stab a hole in a cardboard box (although that makes it way less officially if you ask my kids haha!)
As for the flasks you can get them here. You don’t need a lot. While you are at it is also a good idea to throw in a few beakers too. They will come in handy many times through out the homeschool years.
Binoculars
There are so many uses for binoculars in a homeschool science curriculum. Field trips out into nature are only enhanced by having binoculuars to spy those sneaky wild animals and birds high in the trees.
If you have younger children, it is a good idea to purchase some kid specific binoculars. This is mainly because they fit their eyes easier and reduced that double vision effect that can happen when the lenses don’t line us appropitately with the child’s eyes. These ones here are perfect for little explorers. I love that they come with a neck strap and carry case too.
If you have older children you can probably invest in some adult binoculars. Older children and teenagers will likely find many uses for their binoculars outside of science. For example, camping, fishing, concerts. I really liked these ones here. They are nice and compact, so easy to quickly grab and throw in your backpack for trip out as well as being very durable.
Science Experiment Books
There are so many science experiment books out that it can totally be overwhelming. I have so many on my book shelf. I may be quite possibly addicted. My mother purchased an old book of experiments from the second hand store that was from 1930! It is super cool.
I just wanted to share with you one of my favourite books for science and kids. Particularly the younger crowd. Most science curriculums will include many experiments, especially the older grade levels. This books are more for fun and extras.
Kitchen Science Lab for Kids
This book is amazing. The best part of these experiments is that you get to eat the end result! There are couple of books in the series so you won’t be short of delicious experiments.
Baking and cooking is all about science. This book includes so many fun recipes that combine two things children love. Science and food. The kids will truly be so excited to get busy experiementing. I really love how Liz explains they “why” and “how” behind each recipe.
One of the best parts about this book is that you usually have all that you need in the pantry already!
You can pick the book up here on Amazon
Clip Board
Surprisingly when I went to look for the million clipboards I once had I couldn’t find a single one!
Clipboards are great for science work. There are lots of times you need only a few sheets of paper to take notes or record results. Science can also get messy and it is some times best not to have your whole workbook or text book sitting in the middle of and exploding experiment.
My kids also love clipboards for the “official” scientist look too.
Clipboards work well on outdoor trips where it can be difficult to find something hard to lean against to write or draw. Like I said before it is often easier to take a pen and paper rather than all the work books etc.
You can pick up a pack of six here. Hopefully when it comes time to use them you can at least find one of them. Maybe hide them in different places to increase your chances of finding them??
Large Plastic Trays
Contain the mess! I found these awesome cafetaria trays that are perfect for homeschool science. I had always thought that they would be a good idea for more than just fast food, I just didn’t realise regular everyday people could buy them too.
They are the perfect size for each child to have one tray each and keep all their equipment contained and organised. The raised edge on the tray keeps spills and mess at bay. They are easy to clean up, just rinse and dry or if you are particularly lazy put them in the dishwasher. Oh and easy stacking and storage. I am pretty sure they will come in handy for plenty of other things around the home too.
You buy them at Amazon right here
Magnifying Glass
Magnifying glasses are super fun. My brothers used them to kill and torture insects. I am hoping my kids never learn that that is one of their uses…
You can use them to study little creatures up close without having to actually get too close of even touch the animal. Perfect for those little ones (and not so little ones) who are a bit terrified of the creepy crawlies.
Magnifying glasses are like little handheld microscopes. They help kids to be able to see all the little parts of plants, bugs, and other specimens that can’t be seen with the naked eye.
They also help to demonstrate many physic principles.
I love this one. It is cheap, durable, and pretty much kid proof.
Notebook
Any notebook is going to be fine. Notebooks are great to take a long on field trips to jot down notes and make quick sketches. The books don’t need to be neat and tidy as they are just for “getting the information down”.
If you can find a notebook that can be easily clipped onto your clipboard even better!
Posters
Posters a perfect for offering a reference point for kids to look to during their science lesson or whenever they are avoiding doing their work. I mean if they are going to gaze blankly around the room they might as well have something educational to look at right?
I am not saying you need to redecorate your living room or dining area with posters of the skeletal system or a periodic table. Instead maybe try buying a set of posters like these ones. Then when you are working on a particular topic, put up the corresponding poster. A good rotation is good for every one.
Subscription Kit
If you just can not deal with being super organised when it comes to science or if you are just having a hard time trying to fit everything in, perhaps consider getting a science subscription kit.
These kits are fantastic. They have ALL the materials and equipment needed. If by any chance you do need something, it will likely be in the cupboard…like a spoon for example.
There are a couple that I would recommend.
The first is Kiwi Crate. This company has they best reputation and so they should. They offer high quality, highly educational and age appropriate science kits for children. There are multiple age categories that you can select from. Even the littlest scientists (from age zero!) can get in on the fun. The subscription becomes cheaper the longer you subscribe but you can just start off with a one month box to see how you like it.
The next kit is from Mel Science. This one is known for having amazing experiments for children using materials that more difficult to get hold of, especially in small quantities. These kits are incredibly cost effective if you consider how much you would spend to purchase all the materials yourself. Not to mention the hassle of doing so. This subscription has a specific homeschool area with virtual lessons as well as having a relationship with many umbrella schools.
This kit is aimed more towards the older age group and teenagers.
