Summer Science Fun

We have been having a sweet mix of school and summer fun here, spending a couple days a week reviewing our math facts and then swimming with friends or heading on an adventure the other few days.

As I was discussing what we would use for school next year with a good friend, she explained to me that she planned to use Tinker Crate for science with her elementary student. I got excited about the idea also, because I have felt a strong inclination to start making more of our science learning project based, in order to get my boys more engaged with the idea of science as a career. I had even ordered Snap Circuits as a coming home present for my boys, an out of character splurge for me, as I don't often buy gifts (aside from thrifted books) in between birthdays and Christmas.



The boys were thrilled with the Snap Circuits, so when I started looking into Tinker Crate, I got excited about getting a subscription, and using it for our science studies.

Our first box came midway through June, and coincidentally contained a constellation project and other projects related to astronomy. I say coincidentally, because my favorite homeschool resource is Wild and Free, and this month's bundle was all about stargazing. We were able to combine the two resources to really delve into a fascinating short study of the constellations, while also giving my children a beautiful introduction to fiber optics, and some extra skill with wiring electrical circuits.

There were several other science experiment ideas in the "Tinker Zine" that came in our crate, but by far, the fiber optic night sky that we created using the materials that were contained in the crate was our favorite.

Really, any activity that gets my sons off the computer, and into hands on learning, is a hit with me, and I loved that this engaging activity didn't require any convincing to get them excited about completing it.

You can sign up for Tinker Crate here,



They have a few great specials right now, including 25% off the first month of any subscription. 

You can sign up for Wild and Free bundles here (Wild and Free) The Stargazer bundle also has all the beautiful audio from the recent Wild and Free conference. I have listened to the talks several times, getting new ideas with each listen, and I can't even tell you how encouraging the spoken word by Danielle Bennett was. I could listen to that every day.

A few other things we are doing to stay busy this summer;
1. Swimming in a lake
2. Visiting a beach with friends
3. Making lots of jam
4. Planting an herb garden
5. Hosting a graduation party
6. Going backpacking
7. Taking a quick mission trip to Mexico
8. Reading lots of picture books
9. Eating ice cream
10. Sleeping in a tent.

What are your favorite hands on science resources? How do you keep your kiddos busy and off the computer during the lazier days of summer?

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