All the experiments use equipment from around the house. However, some experiments use slightly more specialised equipment. A simple microscope (LED light pocket microscope) and two thermometers (0oC -100oC) are very useful and not easy to find. We recommend ordering them from www.banggood.com. Some other, optional equipment that you may like to order at the same time include 6 test tubes (18x150mm), test tube rack, 250 ml plastic measuring cylinder, disposable pipettes and small toy car (you need a flat surface with 4 wheels).
The details of the topics are described by the Australian Curriculum, which can be found at https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/f-10-curriculum/science/
In summary, the topics covered are:
Year 7
Year 8
We highly recommend covering the topics in the order they are presented on the website. The topics have been prepared progressively and some concepts are introduced in earlier videos and are then built upon in later ones, even though they may be in a different area of science. There is a lot of overlap between the different disciplines of science and, for example, what students learnt in chemistry may be assumed to be understood when a physics lesson is presented. It is important that the Scientific Inquiry topic be covered first, as this is built upon in all the other topics.
The videos vary in length, averaging about 25 minutes. However, we expect each lesson to take about 90 minutes because of the time the experiments take to complete.
Not necessarily, but we would always encourage capable students to read in addition to watching the videos and undertaking the activities. There are many text books written for the Australian Curriculum and these provide easy follow up reading. We recommend Pearson Science Student Book, Science Quest or Oxford Big Ideas, all of which can be ordered through Fishpond, Booktopia or other major book suppliers. Just be sure to order the text book and NOT the activity or work book.
No. We provide you with outlines for each topic with links to the Australian Curriculum and, if your child fills in the worksheets and does the activities as described, then they will have fulfilled the requirements of the Australian Curriculum.
There are 40 videos for each year allowing one a week for 4 terms of 10 weeks.
Currently year 7 & 8 are complete. We hope to add Year 9 towards the end of 2018 and Year 10 is planned for 2019.
Sue recommends a Charlotte Mason approach in the primary years. It can be tempting to undertake loads of fascinating experiments when children are young however, the children often do not understand the underlying scientific concepts and then there is no “wow” factor left for them when they get older and so secondary science becomes hum drum – “Yeah, seen that!” Read more in Sue's blog "Primary Science Ideas for Homeschoolers"
Yes. Each family can sign up and watch the video at home and then a facilitator can organize the equipment for the experiment and students can do it together at the co-op. No longer does it matter if the science teacher leaves the co-op – any parent can facilitate the experiments :-)
Whilst we are both Christian, the lessons do not emphasize that. The videos could be described as being secular.
Sue’s homeschooling approach has been inspired by Charlotte Mason and her lessons always include everyday examples of the scientific principles being covered. This makes the science relevant and meaningful for students.
These lessons are perfect for dyslexic students. There is minimal writing for most lessons – just filling in significant words, which are printed on the screen and the video can be paused for as long as a student requires in order to be able to write the words. The practical nature of the lessons suit the learning style of most dyslexic students.
That is one of the wonderful things about homeschooling! You can start at the time that is right for your child. That may be earlier than 12 years of age or later.
Yes. The 40 videos are spread across all the content that is required by the Australian Curriculum, so you can be confident that your child will cover all that is required. This can be particularly important if there is a possibility that your child will go to school in the future.
Yes, you can subscribe for as long or as short as you like.
You can either end your subscription and pick it up again when you return, or you can just watch the videos whilst you are travelling and fill in the worksheets, without actually doing the experiments. It may depend on whether you have time to catch up after you return.
Yes. The site is set up for use on phones, tablets or desk top computers.
You need to go into your PayPal account and cancel the automatic payment to Educational Trend.
Yes. The Australian Curriculum is designed to provide a broad and thorough secondary education in science and so will benefit students anywhere in the world.
