Homeschooling and science--are you mad?

February 22, 3:01 PMDC Homeschooling ExaminerFaye Kepner

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the DC Homeschooling Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Hands-on learning, excited homeschoolers, and no clean-up for parents.  Sound impossible?  Allow me to introduce you to Mad Science.  This awesome group provides exciting programs that will have your kids eager for science class!

Mad Science is a national organization; their goal is to make science come alive for kids and the wonderful programs they offer do just that. Each class lasts about an hour, and the "Mad Scientist" will provide all materials for hands-on learning, do set-up and clean-up, as well as teach the class.  Not only will the kids do engaging projects during the class, but also they will receive a take-home activity.  My daughter's favorite experiment was making (and using) an electromagnet.  The class will include lots of questions that lead to discussions and maybe even debates!  The kids will have the chance to try out what they learn, to see what works and what does not.

Depending on age, interest, and ability of your group, there are many programs from which to choose.  "NASA Space Explorers" was filled with exciting topics such as space travel, atmosphere, and the galaxy.  The highlight of this program was definitely the outdoor rocket launch!  The kids especially enjoyed chasing the rocket after it landed.  Other programs explored topics such as magnets, polymers, and optical illusions.  Currently, my daughter is anxiously awaiting the "science of toys" and "movie effects" programs.

We hold our Mad Science program at the local library, where several rooms are available for free. We have one room for science and another for moms and little ones.  While the older kids (grades 3-7), explore life under a microscope, moms have the chance to visit and share ideas.  If you don't have a "homeschool group", this is the perfect opportunity to start one! Contact your local Mad Science program to see what they can offer.  Then, share that information with other homeschoolers.  Post fliers at the library, churches, the post office, grocery stories, etc.  Look for an on-line group where you can share the information, as well.  With a few interested homeschoolers, you will be well on your way to enjoying all that Mad Science has to offer!

For more information:

Mad Science of Central Maryland:  www.madscience.org/cmd

Mad Science of Washington (Montgomery, Prince Georges, Falls Church, Alexandria, Arlington, Prince William, Louden, Washington DC): www.madscience.org/dc

Mad Science of Southern Maryland: www.madscience.org/southernmd