Young Scientists Club Kits

Description

In a market saturated with both cheesy science kits containing cheap parts and science activity books with endless lists of supplies needed, it was refreshing to stumble upon this series of kits, which go way beyond the "standard science kit" in quality and usability! With over 20 years of STEM education, the Young Scientists Club is reimagining discovery to meet the needs of next generation scientists with exciting new topics and content, while maintaining the quality we have come to know and love.

Each topical kit includes a corresponding experiment guide and many of the supplies needed. Within the pages of the well-illustrated guide are parent tips and notes, component lists (included and household), and numerous activities and experiments. In my sample, Exploring Earth, there are 7 activities and 10 experiments. Wondering about the difference? Activities reinforce what is learned in the readings and hands-on experimentations. Experiments on the other hand, pose a question and ask the child to make a hypothesis. Step-by-step instructions (called methods) are included with a brief hint. Children are encouraged to document results and write a conclusion. Instructions are brief, but cover all the bases and are easy to skim through prior to an activity. The Parent Guide (in back) provides tips, a hypothesis, expected results and conclusions.

As far as supplies go, it appears that many of the more specific or small materials needed are included, and only the very common around-the-house items are left for users to gather. In Exploring Earth, the only extra materials needed are a soft-boiled egg, spoon, pot, bowl, water, marker, baking soda, vinegar, cup, glass, empty box or baking tray, red food coloring, oven mitts, scissors and a pen or pencil. All in all, these kits are very useable and would be easy to work in alongside whatever topic you may be covering in a science text, unit study, activity-based science unit, or just for a family fun night! Jess/Deanne

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Religious Content
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.