We’ve used A LOT of curriculum over the years. Really good curriculum, mind you. But, when it comes to history and science in the elementary and middle school years, nothing has quite matched the success of unit studies in our homeschool.
The reasons? SO much learning can take place in a reasonable amount of time. We can read wonderful living literature, take amazing field trips, and include as many (or as few) hands-on projects as we like. We can include whatever lessons from other subjects that we like – research, writing, experiments, cooking, art, poetry – the possibilities are endless.
Unit studies can be fully planned from the beginning or flow based on students’ interests. They are wonderful to use with project-based learning. And, best of all, they can easily be used with multiple ages. In the articles that follow, you’ll find several unit study plans, how-to’s for creating your own unit studies, tutorials for project-based learning, and tips for successful interest-based studies. Have fun!
Eeeewww! A cemetery scavenger hunt? Are you serious? Yes! Believe it or not, this is a REALLY cool activity because cemeteries are chock-full of history! We’ve visited several cemeteries over the years as we’ve studied our state’s history. And, you might remember the times we’ve utilized our beautiful cemeteries for science purposes like winter nature walks, conifer studies,…
Once upon a time, there was a homeschooling mom who didn’t have a lot of money. She heard about homeschooling cheaply – or even for free – and decided this had to be the way to go… I like homeschooling on the cheap just like everyone else. In fact, I’ve been able to homeschool very frugally…
Please welcome Jen Vail, a regular feature writer here at Our Journey Westward! She’s here to encourage you that the homeschool extras matter – for your children AND YOU. If you enjoy the blog post, let her know in the comments! I have a confession to make: I do not homeschool all of my children….
After our early autumn trip to the beach, Eli was immensely interested in beach life. When I found him pouring over one of our souvenir attraction maps, I knew it was wise to capitalize on his enthusiasm. =So…a quick, delight-directed ocean study started immediately. This post contains affiliate links. Interest-Based Ocean Study Rabbit Trails Sometimes interest-based…
When my youngest was in second grade, we did a Creation-based dinosaur unit study that led to some amazing rabbit trail learning! What started out as a great “boy topic” to end the year with a bang, turned into so much more. Without my pre-planning, it even gave him a great foundational understanding of events leading up…
When I used to teach elementary school, every teacher used a portion of the fourth-grade year to teach a rich Kentucky unit study. It was always full of learning about historical events and people, as well as important state symbols, culture, and things that make KY a special place to live. As a proud Kentucky…
This chemistry project for kids was one of the highlights of the school year for my children! It also happened to be our last project of the school year, which means we just wrapped up a long and fruitful homeschool year. In our homeschool, we follow a four-year cycle for science. Besides the weekly (or…
Eli and I have just begun our history studies for the year and I’m very glad to report that I might have another history lover on my hands! This ancient history art project is a motivating one for sure. This post contains affiliate links. Oh, how I have missed Story of the World. It’s just such…
Do you remember when Eli and I took a short detour from our regular Story of the World studies to learn more about Vikings? Well, we detoured again – this time with a mini pirate unit study. Should I have been shocked? I mean, what boy (and even lots of girls) wouldn’t love some extra time…
Using movies in your homeschool might seem like a cop-out, but it’s not at all when you use them for some fun learning. Project-based learning is the best. My kids have not only been more excited and engaged during a project vs. plain old textbook learning, but they have also absorbed SO much more information….
Enjoy the magic of Christmas with this precious literature-based lesson that includes a special service project for your family to do together. I think you’re going to love the Silver Packages activity so much that it might even become a Christmas tradition. Traditions help families build relationships and give a sense of peace and security…
The main topic of this year’s science rotation in our homeschool is physics, so I’m preparing a few unit studies that lend themselves well to experimentation and exploration. This light and sound unit study will be first in the lineup and is just perfect for 3rd-7th grade students. It’s packed full of meaningful, practical activities…
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