OVERVIEW

This guide lays out a plan for a year-long, lab-based Elementary School study of Physical Science.

Click to download a PDF version of this Guide →

Awesome Science Experiments for Kids by Crystal Chatterton. All recommended labs come from this book.
Materials. Many of the materials that you’ll use are common household items; see the unit-by-unit Materials Lists at the end of the document.
Optional. Picture book recommendations can be found across the linked Best Homeschool Resources (BHR) pages.

This guide is designed to be flexible:

Complete all six units in any order for one year of integrated Physical Science.
If you plan to study Chemistry and Physics over two years, focus on Units I–III for Chemistry and Units IV–VI for Physics. If you’re studying only Chemistry this year, consider supplementing with an 8-week study of Atoms & Molecules using Ellen McHenry’s Elements.
If you follow a Unit Study or Child-Led approach, choose only those units that appeal to you.

Before beginning a unit, assemble the required lab materials (see Materials Lists below), then browse the linked BHR pages to identify picture books or other materials that you plan to purchase or borrow.
Each week, complete 1–3 labs. Follow the BHR link for a collection of videos, online simulations, and picture books that provide a deeper understanding of the scientific principles exemplified in the labs.
Keeping track: Your record-keeping can be as simple as printing out the schedule and checking off content as it has been completed. You may also wish to keep a list of the BHR resources that you’ve used.
The topics of study align with a rigorous Elementary School Physical Science course. See the BHR Science Sequence for more information on the topics covered and tips for teaching the material.

unit 1 – matter

STATES OF MATTER
Weeks 1–2

BHR Link: Matter: States of Matter