We were kind of stalled with our science curriculum, so I decided to set it aside and try something fun.  And we are having so much fun I just had to share it with all of you!  I bought the following book:

Tops Learning Systems GREEN THUMBS: RADISHES #38

Not a very exciting name, I know.  But what is inside is what counts.  There are 20 days of activities involving radish sprouts.  I had no idea that radishes will sprout in 12 to 24 hours.  So, each day we have a neat surprise when we take a look at our experiments.  My 8-year-old son loves this science project.  And I love it, too, because it only takes 10 to 15 minutes a day and uses common household items.  The only things I had to buy were a few baby food jars, radish seeds, and a light bulb made for plants.  If the temperature was a little warmer and if we had a better window in which to grow the plants, I wouldn't have needed the bulb.

I bought the book through Sonlight ( http://www.sonlight.com/3S15.html ), but it looks like you can also get it from the author here: http://www.topscience.org/Book_samples/radishes.html.

You need to start the book on a Monday, and you need to be able to check in with the project every day  (taking a break on Saturday and Sunday) because these little sprouts grow so fast.  So far we've graphed the sprouts' growth patterns, set up several different growing environments, and even built a little greenhouse (out of a milk carton and a jar)...and we're only on the second week!   I really haven't seen my son so excited about anything school related in a long time.  So, after radishes, we might just move on to another TOPS book on corn and beans!

You should try it!  It is so much fun!

My oldest son takes a fun science class once a month.  The students have learned about many different science concepts in really fun, hands-on ways.  Since we moms with younger kids always take the little ones to a local McDonald’s during the class time, I’ve never been able to stick around and observe a class.  But the kids all seem to love it, and my son always brings home something fun from the class.  Today they were talking about gravity.  This little wire and bead contraption apparently demonstrates “center of gravity.”  My budding scientist has enjoyed balancing it on fingers and noses…and even ears!  Nothing is safe from science!

I think children learn so much more when fun is involved.  Don’t you?  Now if I could just figure out how to make spelling that much fun.  I don’t think it is possible!