Science

The four years of science are divided into subjects that roughly correspond to the history periods. First graders, who are studying the ancients, learn about those things that the ancients could see- animal life, the human body, and plants. They make collections, take nature walks, and sprout beans in jars. Second graders collect facts about the earth and sky, a division designed to go along with the medieval-early Renaissance period, when Copernicus and Tycho Brahe observed the heavens. Third graders work on basic chemistry- atoms and molecules, what elements are and how they interact. They're also reading history from the period spanning 1600-1850, the years when the first great chemists lived- Robert Boyle, Georg Ernst Stahl, Antoine Lavoisier, John Dalton. Fourth graders, studying modern times, learn basic physics and are introduced to the elements of computer science.
 
Grade 1 (and 5, 9): Life Science/Biology (Animals, Human Beings, Plants)
Grade 2 (and 6, 10): Earth Science and Astronomy
Grade 3 (and 7, 11): Chemistry
Grade 4 (and 8, 12): Physics

These are the years to explore. The foundation laid now has to do with basic facts, but also involves enthusiasm!

To organize your study, you'll need four science notebooks (one for each year), notebook paper, and art supplies.  You'll be making notebook pages on the information you read and the observations you make.

Instead of using a single text for science, it is suggested that we use encyclopedia-type works or "spines" as guides, and supplement them with a number of different science books designed to make science clear and interesting for children. However, I'm looking into other curricula options and am reading various reviews. We want our children to have a strong foundation in science. I never liked science growing up, so I want to make it enjoyable and fun for our kids!

I'm interested in learning more about R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey and Nancy Larson Science. I want especially want our kids to be familiar with all the theories surrounding young earth, intelligent design, and evolution and be able to intelligently discuss them all. But it's extremely difficult to find a curriculum that teaches these things, and doesn't subscribe to one method! There are very few non-secular programs to choose from.