5 of the Best Science Resources

I’ve got 5 of the best science resources–that you probably never heard of before. I found out about several of these resources since I became a member of the Environmental Educators Association in SC (EEASC). (If you live in another state, check out the North American Environmental Educators Association or the one in your state.)

Disclaimer Note: I have not been compensated to recommend any of these resources. I just really like them!

If you’re looking for hands on, real-life learning, projects and field trips ideas…you should consider joining EEASC or trying out one of these curriculum resources. An individual membership for EEASC is only $20 OR an affiliate membership for your support group or co-op is $50. You’ll get information about training workshops, volunteer opportunities and programs/places to go explore.

Note: The lessons may include references to the SC state standards, which they know doesn’t really matter to homeschoolers. But, it demonstrates how you can integrate it into any other curriculum, if you wish to use it as a supplement. What might matter is that they are locally relevant, up-to-date, non-religious science resources. You might even use these as your primary curriculum guide.

5 of the BEST Science Resources

# 1 Project WET

Project WET is Water Education for Teachers (what a clever acryonym!) It’s a national program with lots of teacher guides, activity booklets, and printable maps, posters and storybooks. Some free, some for a fee. There are additional free resources of online games, interactive lessons, printables, and lesson plans at Discover Water.

The best kept secret is there are state coordinator programs that offer training for formal and informal educators. I don’t think they want it to be a secret…they really want more homeschoolers to get involved too. We have SC Project Wet facilitators who offer water workshops around the state. It’s a nominal fee (like $10), usually includes lunch/refreshments and the teacher’s guide. Contact: Lynn Pilewski — [email protected]

Sample Guide: Healthy Water, Healthy Habits, Healthy People Educator’s Guide

# 2 Project Learning Tree

Project Learning Tree (PLT) is an environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators working with students from pre-k thru high school. It uses the forest as a “window” into the natural world, helping young people gain an awareness and knowledge of the environment and their place within it.

The SC program is sponsored by the South Carolina Forestry Foundation, forest industry, SC Dept. of Education, and SC Forestry Commission. Workshops cost a nominal fee (like $20), including the curriculum/teacher’s guide. Contact: Matt Schnabel — [email protected]

Sample Resources: Family Activities ideas and printables

# 3 Project WILD

Project Wild is all about wildlife and habitats. There is also an aquatic WILD and a flying WILD program. These curriculum resources are not for sale. They are only available with the training workshops. You’ll have to contact the state coordinator to find out the workshop schedule.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has more printables, activities, and videos too. Contact: Nancy Thompson — [email protected]
Note: There is an upcoming training workshop for all 3 “Project” curriculum: August 1-2 at Roper Mountain

Sample lesson: No Water Off a Duck’s Back
Sample Guide: Trout in the Classroom from SC DNR

# 4 Take Action SC

Take Action SC Environmental Education Partnership is to provide a program that informs, inspires and empowers students and teachers to protect and preserve the environment. The program offers lessons, support material, teacher workshops and classroom presentations to promote composting, recycling, waste reduction, litter prevention and sustainability.

The centerpiece of the program is DHEC’s “Action for a Cleaner Tomorrow: A South Carolina Environmental Curriculum Supplement”. “Action” is a national award-winning kindergarten through 12th grade, activity-based, interdisciplinary curriculum. You can only get this curriculum by attending a training workshop. It’s 18-lessons. plus extention activities–adaptable to any age level or group setting. The training and guide are provided by DHEC for free (but there is a $10 fee to prevent no-shows–and you’ll get additional materials valued over $10).

These supplemental resources pair with the lesson guide. But, even if you don’t have the “Action” guide, you may find many useful videos, printables and activities.

Extra Freebies: Supplemental Teacher Resources

#5 Aerospace/STEM: Civil Air Patrol

Join as an Aerospace Education Member (AEM) of the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) and enjoy many free aerospace educational opportunities free lesson plans and teacher orientation flight aboard a Cessna aircraft. This unique membership category is designed for educators or others involved in promoting aerospace education in classrooms, museums, or other youth organizations.

Educators in Civil Air Patrol may order these STEM kits (one kit at a time). Photo Credit: CAP

There is a one-time membership fee of $35 (annual renewal is free). No squadron meetings or marches to attend. Just a commitment to teach in the community. Materials available include over 40 guides and manuals, something for every age Pre-K to High school. 10 varieties of STEM kits (limited to one kit at a time)–just evaluate it and keep it! Contact:[email protected] or complete: Educator Application

Sample Lesson: Geobat

I think these are some of the BEST science resources–and some of the best kept secrets around. Help spread the word that these resources are available for home educators and other informal educators, too! And also consider joining your states Environmental Educator’s Association for even more information and opportunities.

Have you tried any of these resources?
Let me know what you think in the comments.