If you choose to unschool you start to get asked a lot of questions. Many people are genuinely curious as to why. (Of course there are some questions for judgemental reasons but we just let those go.) You get a lot of “how do you” questions. How do you unschool science? How do you unschool math? or How do you……..?

We don’t follow topics based on grade levels and set curriculum, and we do more thematic based learning. “Subjects” isn’t something we really don’t talk about. We follow topics, ideas, interests, thoughts, emotional outbursts.

HOW TO DO YOU UNSCHOOL SCIENCE?

First of all, let go of the preconceived notions of having to do worksheets, a set curriculum and meeting common core standards. Forget about having to memorize facts, facts, facts.

Understand that science is everywhere! It weaves through everyday life. Show your children this. 

Show how science is fun, interactive and sometimes mind-blowing.

ACTIVITIES TO UNSCHOOL SCIENCE

• Nature walks and nature journaling (You can check out my video on this)
• Animal of the Day (This is something we do with our Google Home Mini. Every day you get to learn some wonderful facts about animals.)
• Experiment with foods and baking
• Make the most of science experiment kits
• Robotics and Programming 
• Science Shows (some shows we enjoy are Emily’s WonderLab, Making Fun, Sid the Science Kid, Magic School Bus, Bill Nye the Science Guy)
• Documentaries
• Read Books
• Learn about Scientists 
• Make things (and take things apart)
• Gardening and growing plants/bushes/vegetables
• Field trips – the zoo, museums, gardens, the beach, etc
• Experiments and Hands-on Activities 

Don’t forget to follow your child’s interest in biology, chemistry, etc. Just because they are in 2nd grade, it doesn’t mean that you can’t do some chemistry.

Also offer opportunities to explore aspects of science without it being “this is science”

THE KEY

The key is that you are following interests and allowing that exploration rather than a set curriculum. It really is easy to unschool science. Remember that it is about adding variety and a richness of activities. It is not about trying to make a certain amount of science happen during the year, following what their peers would be doing in school.  Also, don’t try to hide science. Talk about it and how it is wide and varied. It’s animals, and blowing up things, and inventing, and plants, and planets, and exploration, and experimentation, etc.  

Want to know more about unschooling? Check out these posts:
A teacher unschooling? Why?
Unschool – is it cool?
How to unschool math