Discovering Patterns in Our World: STEM Studies

Welcome to week 3 of the 2017 Virtual Curriculum Fair. The theme this week is Discovering Patterns: Mathematics, Logic, and Science—which includes anything to do with mathematics, mathematical thinking, numbers, arithmetic, symbolic logic, critical thinking, and math-y sciences (physics, chemistry, etc.). So, I am going to share how we approach STEM studies this homeschool year for my boys.

Spotlight On Discovering Patterns in our World STEM Studies.

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How We Are Discovering Patterns in Our World through STEM Studies

When you look at math and the math intense science classes, you can see an underlying connection of patterns. Because of the orderly nature of these subjects, there are clear paths for manipulation. I’m not saying there is only one way to reach a solution. But, rather, there are basic facts that govern how everything operates.

If you talk to educators, they group almost all of these studies into the overarching category of STEM subjects. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We aren’t doing engineering studies per se, but we do have science, technology, and math happening in the house.

STEM: Math Studies

When it comes to patterns, many people think about math. It is a subject that students begin as early as preschool and continue through the high school years. Occasionally, there is a child who only does 3 years of math in high school. However, I am seeing more and more get full 4 year-long classes, or more, into their plans.

Right Start Math for Younger Grades

My youngest is technically in 1st grade. For my other boys, we stuck exclusively to using Math U See. However, for this child who loves to have more interaction with his mama, we are using Right Start Math.

I am having a love-hate relationship with the program.

I can see that he loves the games and interactions. They have a master manipulative kit which we purchased. Inside are all the tools needed to engage them in learning the lessons.

RightStart Mathematics Level A and Math Set.

And, I like how well laid out the newer edition teacher guide is laid out for use. It is not a full on ‘script’ of what to say. But, it provides serious guidance to the home educator.

My ‘hate’ component isn’t super strong. It is more the realization that he needs me to be fully present for the entire lesson. While I might be able to train a brother to help out, that hasn’t happened. I’ll put this as more of a selfish desire to not have all of his work be done alongside me when there are other things vying for my attention.

The result is that we tend to do several lessons in one day. Cluster learning. And, I am realizing that it is not the best way to help them retain the knowledge gained. My solution aside from scheduling the time is to provide him with self-directed practice opportunities. But, ultimately, I am going to be forcing my free-natured self to impose a school schedule.

But, ultimately, I am going to be forcing my free-natured self to impose a school schedule. As in we are going to do schoolwork together at a set time each day. When we are done or the time is over, then he can move into independent studies. If I ever get the motivation totally there, we’ll try doing a workbox approach for his independent studies.

Algebra Studies with Math U See

My other boys are knee-deep in catching up on the Math U See programs. My 8th grader is doing Algebra I while my 11th grader is working on Algebra II.

I won’t go into all the mechanics of how it works. The essence is that this program is mastery focused. This means that they are not supposed to move to the next lesson without showing they GET the current one.

Between their desire to do minimal work and my juggling of other things, there are times when they have to cycle back to refresh their knowledge. This could be instantaneous if they miss more than a few problems on the lesson’s test. Or, it is usually because they decided to not look at their math for a few weeks and have ‘forgotten’ an earlier concept.

I’m seriously considering having a minimum of 2 times per week they need to use an online program that records their activity.  We have a subscription to CTC Math which I recall my eldest son favoring for the high school math topics.

STEM: Science Studies

For this particular week, the science topics discussed are those in the physical sciences (chemistry and physics.)

As my 1st grader is doing an overview course that covers all the sciences, I am going to share about that program next week. Both of my other boys are doing physical sciences this year, though.

I do have some hands-on kits for STEM that my youngest is enjoying from Lakeshore Learning.

Middle School Physical Sciences

My 8th grader is using Real Science 4 Kids as the base. We spent the fall working through their Focus On: Middle School Chemistry and are now doing the physics book.

If you are expecting a really thick textbook for them to read, then you may be disappointed.

Dr. Keller (who has her Ph.D. in Chemistry) wrote the program to cover the main topics in a matter-of-fact approach. The books include just enough graphics to help show the concepts to the students. And, the lab books are written with simple experiments that can easily be done at home.

The trained scientist in me appreciates the no-fuss approach. I also like how Dr. Keller has no preconceptions about concepts being too challenging for homeschoolers. If they want to read more on a topic, they can dig deeper through other books.

During the fall, I held a middle school science lab that used the program as a guide. We almost always used the experiment from the lab manual. But, we also used the Physical Science kit from Quality Science Labs (review coming soon!)

Marshmallow Molecules was one of the experiments from her lab book.

Science Can be Hands on with manipulatives like marshmallows to make compounds.

High School Conceptual Physics

Oh my goodness.

I’ve shared about this particular curriculum in the past. And, I shared how I wish THIS had been the book used when I took physics in high school. Not because math scared me. I was acing AP Calculus at the time and there were NO calculators allowed. Rather, I was so focused on the math that some of the concepts had a hard time taking root.

Conceptual PhysicsConceptual Physics

I am a BIG proponent of this curriculum. If anyone asks me what their high school student should do for physics, I say to start here. You can always move into a more advanced textbook later.

My eldest used it and has not had any major problems taking physics at the college level.

The beauty of this program is the focus on the concepts before layering in the math.

Many students, whether at home or in school, dread physics because of the math. Most physics curriculums contain a huge focus on math.

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This year, I am going a step further from how my eldest worked through the program. I am teaching a once-a-week physics class using this text. We cover the concepts to make sure everyone is grasping things and then we do one or more experiments that go with the topic. I’ll admit that most weeks we only have time to do data collection. The rest is finished via a Google Doc for communicating the next steps.

I am also using the Physics 101 DVD set we reviewed last year. They have a similar philosophy of presenting concepts before math. So, they work well together when there is an overlap in topics.

Experiment Sources for Conceptual Physics

As for the experiments, I have three primary sources for them.

First off is the Physics kit from Quality Science Labs. (I will be doing a full review of it soon!)

Just like the physical science kit, this one has almost everything you will need in the box along with the instruction manual and a solutions guide.

Their approach tends to incorporate math. However, working as a group including a walk through the math allows it to work.

My second source is a favorite: Supercharged Science. Aurora has most experiments set for the student to do on their own or in a small group. And, they can all be done in the home.

Finally, I own the teacher resource CD for Conceptual Physics. As I knew I would be using this with more than one child, the investment seemed worth it. It is expensive and I think the only reason I could get it was because we homeschool through a program with a school district. The lab manual for the course is included. Occasionally, if I could not find a perfect match at either of the other sources, I will use one in here.

STEM: Technology

This year, my 8th grader wanted to have technology on his learning plan (ILP.)

Sphero SPRK+ STEAM Educational RobotSphero SPRK+ STEAM Educational Robot

The primary reason was seeing some really neat robotics options at the annual curriculum fair.

The Sphero STEAM Educational Robot was capturing the interest of almost every kid who came by that booth. You can control the robot via an app. It is through the use of the app that the child learns. The Text-Based Code Viewer lets you see the code and use this as a foundation to learn more about programming.

The only way to have our school pay for something is if it fits your ILP. So, technology went onto the ILP and we are still figuring out exactly what he is doing. Below are a few books I am looking to get to help.

Sphero Robotics: Coding for STEMSphero Robotics: Coding for STEMThe Big Book of Makerspace ProjectsThe Big Book of Makerspace Projects

We did spend some time this fall using DASH which we received for review.

STEM Learning Made Fun DASH review

This colorful robot is able to accept commands via several different apps. Those get loaded onto an iPad or another compatible device. Some are more complicated than others with the age range for use being from preschool through middle school.

Some are more complicated than others with the age range for use being from preschool through middle school. And, you can get add-ons like a xylophone or launcher.

Wonder Workshop Dash RobotWonder Workshop Dash RobotWonder Workshop Launcher for Dash RobotWonder Workshop Launcher for Dash RobotWonder Workshop Dash & Dot Robot Wonder PackWonder Workshop Dash & Dot Robot Wonder PackWonder Workshop Xylophone for Dash RobotWonder Workshop Xylophone for Dash Robot

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Discovering Patterns: See What other Bloggers are Sharing

Finding Our Math Equilibrium: Our Plan for 11th, 7th, 5th, and 2nd Grades + Free Printables! by Susan @ Homeschooling Hearts & Minds

Math Resources and Programs for All Ages by Amanda H @ Hopkins Homeschool

Math (doesn’t) Stink! by Jennifer King @A Peace of Mind

When Math is NOT Your Thing by Michele@Family, Faith and Fridays

Math U See and All the Supplements by Laura H @ Four Little Penguins

Discovering Patterns in Our World: STEM Studies by Laura @ Day by Day in Our World

Junior High Math by Jennifer @ A Glimpse of Our Life

Science & Math for Struggling Learners by Yvie @ Gypsy Road

Maths: a subject in progress by Sarah @ Delivering Grace

Taking Mathematics out of the Textbook by Dana Hanley @ Roscommon Acre

Maths for a Very Maths-y Boy by Lizzy @ Peaches At Home

Practical Math by Annette @ A Net in Time

One of the greatest benefits of homeschooling by Kim @ Good Sweet Love

Math, How I Loathe Thee by Shecki @ Greatly Blessed

Math and Logic in Early Elementary and Preschool {virtual curriculum fair 2017} by Meghan W @ Quiet In The Chaos

Low Stress High School Science and Math by Christy @ Unexpected Homeschool

Are these toys or manipulatives? This is math? by HillaryM @ Walking Fruitfully

When You Don’t Have a Math Plan by Brittney @ Mom’s Heart

Clear Horizons by Lori H @ At Home: where life happens

A Few Thoughts on Teacher Math by Kristen @ Sunrise to Sunset

If you have a post that fits this theme, feel free to add it to the linky below.


What are some ways that you approach STEM subjects like science, math, and technology?
Is your approach more hands-on (experiments and/or manipulatives) or textbook based?

Spotlight On Patterns in our world STEM Studies PIN.

8 Comments

    1. Well, if you want them to visit me in Colorado…. I might be doing classes there.

      Seriously, the book I mention is hands down my favorite for the program. Although, I am impressed with Physics 101 as well. I think together they work well together and minimize the amount of math that is needed.

      Maybe I’ll take the time to put together my own lesson plans for homeschoolers.

  1. Thank you for sharing your math and science line up. My oldest also used Conceptual Physics along with a great physics lab book that I found (I think it’s called “Take Home Physics” or something similar). CP is a great program and the videos you can find online by the author, Paul Hewitt, are a nice extra.

    1. I like the extra videos, although they aren’t labeled by chapter. I paid $300 for the year-long subscription to Homeschool Connections thinking it would help. But, they don’t stick with just that book. So, it hasn’t been used much. But, if someone wanted their child to work on their own, it is an option.

  2. I am making a note now about Conceptual Physics. I love the idea of tackling the concept before the math of it all. I struggled with Physics in high school (I was handed the book, the Teacher Guide, and a key to the classroom and told to consult with the principal if I had any issues). I would love to be able to help my girls understand it! Thank you.

    1. It is a phenomenal program, Lori. My eldest worked through it and seriously feels fine about his current college level physics which has the heavy math in it.

      My high school physics teacher never answered my questions. So, in many ways I feel like I was learning on my own with the occasional study group.

      The only thing I wish is that there were ready-made lesson plans, etc. for a homeschool parent. Every other high school science class I’ve done with lesson plans from Kolbe Academy. Maybe that should be something I pull together after 2 years of going through it?

  3. I always take a look at Right Start, but I have that same fear–that they’ll need me for the entire lesson, and with two little ones underfoot, I’m afraid the distractions would be difficult.

    1. The directions are not difficult. But, you have to pretty much be alongside for the whole lesson.

      It is also a completely different scope and sequence as well as learning approach compared to Math U See.

      However, I have found that he LOVES when we get going on math. It’s a good thing as we do several lessons one day and nothing the next.

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