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#62: Can You Actually Teach Science with Living Books? with Nicole Williams

Season #2

In this episode of The Feast Life, host Julie Ross sits down with Nicole Williams of Sabbath Mood Homeschool to discuss the art of teaching science in a way that nurtures curiosity and fosters wonder. They delve into how a Charlotte Mason-inspired science education differs from the traditional approach, emphasizing the importance of living books, experiments, and embracing scientific thinking.

Nicole shares her journey in developing science guides inspired by Charlotte Mason, designed to make science a “living subject” that sparks children’s natural curiosity. She explains how moving away from rote memorization and textbooks toward a literature-rich, hands-on approach brings science to life. They also address common concerns from parents, such as ensuring children retain key scientific concepts and how to prepare them for future academic pursuits.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Living Books in Science: Rather than textbooks, using living books—written by authors passionate about their subjects—helps children engage deeply and retain information.
  2. Balanced Approach: Charlotte Mason’s science approach strikes a balance between factual learning and fostering a genuine interest in scientific subjects, with regular experiments and hands-on experiences tied to the readings.
  3. Developing Scientific Thinking: Instead of focusing solely on memorization, this method emphasizes critical thinking and inquiry, skills valuable for any career.
  4. Keeping Science Notebooks: These are personalized records where students capture their learning through notes, diagrams, and reflections. Each student’s notebook is unique, encouraging ownership and artistic expression.
  5. Handling Worldview Questions: Nicole explains her approach to addressing scientific perspectives (like evolution or age of the earth) with Christian worldview resources, allowing families to discuss differing views in a supportive setting.
  6. Parents as Guides: Rather than having all the answers, parents can model curiosity and wonder, making science an enjoyable exploration of God’s creation.

Links Mentioned:

Connect with Nicole Williams:

Resources Mentioned:

Visit thefeastlife.me/blog/62 for additional resources and links

 

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Enjoy this episode and discover how to make science an inspiring subject that captures the hearts and minds of children, fostering a lifelong love of learning!