Home School Science
2008-2009 Topic Descriptions

August 13: Jelly Bean Science The first topic of the month will introduce the scientific method and show how scientists use their senses to discover things by studying jelly beans. Students will also design their own jelly beans.

September 10: Bridges Students will learn about the major forces that affect bridges, various types of bridges and they'll even erect a model bridge.

October 8: Spiders Students will observe spiders, learn the major characteristics of spiders and make a spider themed Halloween craft.

November 12: States of Matter & Molecules This month's topic will coincide with the Strange Matter traveling exhibit. Students will learn about the different states of matter and perform many different chemistry experiments.

December 10: Seasonal This is a holiday themed program that changes every year. Students will create science themed presents for their friends and family.

January 14: Birds of Prey Students will learn about owls, hawks and other birds of prey as a member of the 4H environmental center will be visiting the center to show real birds to the children.

February 11: DNA DNA is an important part of everyone's life. This month, the students will learn about the structure of DNA. They'll also be extracting DNA from various materials.

March 11: Tornadoes Students will learn about different types of clouds. We'll also study thunderstorm and tornado formation. Each student will get a tornado tube to take home.

April 8: Density Students will learn about the property of density by doing experiments including making a density column to determine which materials will float or sink in water.

May 13: Optical Illusions Students will learn the structure of the eye and we'll also create different types of optical illusions.