Science, science, science . . .

I am really having a difficult time incorporating science learning in a consistent way.  So far, I've just been following Z1's cues.  Over the past couple of months, we've studied seasons, what makes day and night, and bats.  I'm not using any curriculum:  we've just been borrowing books and using online resources (like Lesson Pathways).  Anyway, I'd like to become more consistent about it and I'm looking for ideas.  We don't really do experiments and I'm trying to figure out why I'm not more enthusiastic about it.  I've borrowed Mudpies to Magnets about two different times and I still can't get into it.    I discovered Supercharged Science and while I like what I see on there, the price is just completely out of the question. This book, Real Science 4 Kids might have something but I am just loathe to put out more money. 

I can't say I had a really good science education (up until I got to high school) and I'd like to offer that to Z1 but I feel kind of limited and unenthusiastic about it.  I really don't want to pass that on.  But I think that for the rest of this kindergarten year, I'll just keep doing what I've been doing (but being more consistent) and then maybe come summer, we'll become members at the Liberty Science Center and that might spark something in both Z1 and I.  I'm also trying to remember that he's in kindergarten and I'm sure that as time goes on, I'll be able to enroll him in science programs offered by the various parks, recreation departments, and nature centers.  Just recently, we participated in a program at Westmoreland Sanctuary where we learned about birds and made a bird feeder.  We're having an awesome time watching birds feed at the feeder and it's amazing how much information we picked up about birds just by participating.  

So I guess somewhere deep inside I really believe we'll learn about science in a natural and un-forced kind of way because truly, it's all around us.  We keep our eyes and ears open, take advantage of so much of the still-wild spaces we have around us by going on hikes and supporting our nature centers and we'll learn plenty.  After all, we started talking about night and day when Z1 noticed that it was pitch black by the time it was dinner time.  We got into bats because he was using the computers at the library and the program introduced him to Stellaluna (a beautiful book by the way).  

I also think I can reasonably commit to one science experiment or activity a month.  Nothing too ambitious.  Just some activity related to what we're doing or experiencing.  

By the time the boys get to high school and need to learn the more complex, knitty-gritty science, I think we'll be able to utilize our local community colleges.