Parents and home educators who are familiar with the Family Math Equals series will immediately notice the connection and theory behind Family Science by Portland State University (1999; ISBN 9780876781142). Although not written specifically for home educators the book is written to encourage and foster learning experiences between parent and child in the study and exploration of science. Research has clearly shown over the years that children who do activities with their parents, build close relationships, and learn together will be happier, more self-confident in their own learning, and demonstrate a high level of emotional well-being.

Family Science is full of inexpensive, hands-on activities that encourage cooperative problem-solving, highlight multicultural contributions and career opportunities for all learners, and help reinforce a child’s science experiences. Anyone can be a scientist, and Family Science activities illustrate that much needed fact to our youth. By participating in simple scientific investigations with their child, parents can have a positive influence on children who may think that science is too hard, too abstract, boring or beyond their capabilities.

Family Science makes science more accessible by offering:

-Hands-on approach to learning scientific processes, concepts and themes.
- Cooperative learning activities that develop problem-solving, questioning, and communication skills.
-Strategies for encouraging students to pursue scientific study
- Opportunities to participate in group science activities.

The activities contained in the book are suitable for families with children ages 5-13 and are created to not only illustrate a specific scientific concept but to promote problem solving and independent thinking. There may also be more than one solution to the proposed problem.

Within this book your family can explore: how to cut an opening in an index card large enough to fit over a a family member head to toe (Great Openings, page 44), create experiments to illustrate explanations of common findings such as “light travels in a straight line” or “friction produces heat” ( evidence please, page 89), explore looking through a water drop (page 116), and many others. There are over 50 Family Science Activities to choose from divided by section including: Science Openers, Science at work, Using the Language of Science, Observing your world, The Physical world, and Design and Technology. A separate chapter is devoted to assisting you in starting your own Family Science co-op or event.

While this is not a science curriculum package, it is a wonderful way to bring science to life and engage your child. Homeschool co-op or support group leaders should consider using the book to create a Family Science mini co-op midway through the school year.

For more information and product availability please visit the Family Science website or download the brochure.

Karin Katherine is a proud stay-at-home mother of four who feels blessed to be the mother of 5 year old fraternal twin boys and two daughters, ages three and 10 months. You are invited to follow her homeschooling adventures at www.PassportAcademy.com and her adventures as a mother, wife, homemaker, decorator and organizer at www.MommyMattersBlog.com