I shared our four year science cycle in my last entry.  Here, I will share how we have adapted the Science suggestions in the Well Trained Mind to suit our family.  The use of research cards is a carry over from my Montessori training.  They provide a framework and structure for independent learning. 

I begin by gathering materials.  I generally like the suggestions in TWTM and often supplement with items from the Michael Olaf or Montessori Services cataolgs.  My materials always include a "spine," reference book or two, various books on the subject, and hands-on supplies.  Well before the beginning of our term, I sit down with a stack of lined index cards and give each a number from 1-36.  I put the number in a box at the top of the card.  Next to that I write, "Topic - ___________" and fill in the topic for that particular task card.  The individual tasks are listed below with check boxes for marking when complete.  The cards are color coded by year and kept in an index file box.  As they are able, the girls work through these cards at their own pace during their Science times. 

This year we are on Physics as we are working through year 4 of the WTM rotation.  Sarah, grade 4, used David MacCauley's (sp?) THE WAY THINGS WORK as her spine.  Her reference materials were an encyclopedia set and a children's science dictionary.  Other related books were placed on her science shelf.  Hands on projects were kits I purchased at Rainbow Resources.  She spends about 30 minutes of self directed time on science most days.  She marks off the tasks on the card as she completes them, keeps the cards in order, and progresses to the next card until she's done.  She may finish early, but she may not drag her work into the summer.  I do the cards with my 1st graders as I do not have them focus on reading skills during science. 

This year's tasks were similar from week to week.  These are the items that need to be checked.

-Read pgs. xxx-xxx
-Research _______ (the topic)
-Read about __________ (the topic) and list books read
-Definition and Drawing page (could be any medium - a poster, a little booklet made out of index cards, a fandex, a collage, usually a sketch).
-Project (I list this on every card, but let them pick one topic out of every 4-6 that is especially intriguing for project time.  We save our projects to include in our infrequent "Science Fairs" that I do with her younger sisters.  I have to keep things fun, you know!).

The cards can be re-used with all of my children.  The girls are assigned a color for their check marks so that I don't have to make new cards.   These cards can easily be adapted for any subject that doesn't necessarily progress easily from one thing to the next or when you are working specifically on independent research.  I have found this process helps create focused learners who are engaged in what they're doing.  It requires a bit of work to set up, but makes things much easier on me throughout the year. 

Posted by redmom

What a great idea! I'm definitely going to use this. Thanks for sharing.

Posted by Anonymous

Because you are such a "GEM" yourself, I am copying these wonderful ideas to read at a time when I am in a better frame of mind regarding our home schooling. I will resist gagging and throwing up all over my keyboard. :)

janski

Posted by fourjewels

I take notes when you're around and I don't even have to fight my stomach!
:)