One thing I have found with homeschooling is that sticking to a strict study schedule is not the way to go. As long as the children are learning any schedule flies in our school. For instance, today the kids found a scorpion under a board and voila it's Biology time. We found a empty jar and with the help of dad the scorpion was scooped up along with some sand and small rocks for his habitat. The magnifying glass came out and observation time began. Shortly after Dad and his students went off looking for critters to feed Mr. Scorpion. A cricket and a pincher bug later it was lunch time and what a show we were given. The children squealed with delight as the scorpion first grasped the pincher bug with his claws and then proceeded to bring his stinger up and over his back violently invenomating his prey. We watched for about an hour as the scorpion sucked the pincher bugs body fluids dry. We explained to the children that this how insects obtain their moisture from the desert. Then we did some research on the Internet. How's that for Biology class!
Quick video....(click on the bottom right hand corner arrows to see video in full screen)
So what are you waiting for. Send the children into the backyard and have them start hunting for insects. Spiders, ants, sow bugs, snails, and butterflies - all insects can become a biology project. A great tip is to lay down a board and wait 24 hours. You'll be surprised what you'll find the next day. Another great tip, break out an inexpensive digital camera. Let the children document the activity (Journalism - See video above)
Backyard safari makes some excellent visual exploration and collecting tools as shown below. We have them all and they are a joy to use.
