History of Science {Unit Study}

If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, you will know that I primarily teach my children using history unit studies, until they are ready to steer their own learning. History allows me to cover pretty much every subject under the sun. This exposes them to many learning experiences and allows me to keep an eye out for the children’s natural strengths and interests. Including the history of science alongside specific scientist studies, adds the optimum depth and breadth of science exploration.

History of Science: General Resources

I have ~~hoarded~~ collected some general resources which are perfect to begin any study into the history of science. These are great spring boards to choose specific scientists to study in greater depth, along with their specialties.

The Story of Science

This is a set of three books. Among homeschoolers, these are generally known as ‘living books’. By this, I mean they are engaging in-depth books which communicate ideas rather than just dry facts and leave you wanting more.

The Story of Science begins with Ancient Greek, Thales, continues with Galileo, Kepler and Newton, exploring Faraday, Maxwell and the electromagnetic revolution, then Einstein, Bohr, Feynman and the moderns.

Historia Time-Line of Science

This is a huge comprehensive time-line of the history of science from the very beginning to present day. This is so helpful to visualise historically what happened, when and where in history in relation to everything else. Hang it up in a place where they are likely to look at it. Now, I’m not saying I would hang the history poster in the bathroom, but we have found this to be an excellent place to pop things we want our children to take notice of. I have had the teen ‘Be-attitudes’ (From Matthew 5) hung opposite the loo for over a decade. I figured you’re not really thinking about much when you’re on the loo, so why not…even I know these off by heart now!

Milestones in Science (Thames and Cosmos)

This is a fabulous kit for learning about the history of science. With 100 experiments based on the most significant discoveries of all time, this is an excellent active research exhibition. This is a captivating overview of the history of science and the scientists who played a role in creating it.

In fact, the strength of this activity box is its focus on well-known scientists and inventors such as Archimedes, Copernicus, Einstein, Watt, and Darwin. With the help of a comprehensive booklet, which looks just like an olde worlde scientist lab journal from the past, your young scientists get to replicate experiments carried out by these scientists. And to make it even more exciting, you could throw in a lab coat and science goggles!

The Adventure of Discoveries and Inventions

These are fabulous for dipping in and out of and cover the timeframe from pre-history to present day. All the books have the most amazing photos and I have spent many happy hours perusing them.

Eyewitness Great Scientists

This is a useful book to start off a scientist study. Eyewitness books are really accessible for all ages and I really recommend this as an inexpensive option to spring board your students study with.