Volcanoes provide many science lessons. A volcano vent shows what a volcano is and how it works. This traditional science experiment shows how a chemical reaction creates an eruption, simulating how a volcano works. The experiment can be adapted to represent different types of volcanoes. When making a volcano vent using modeling clay, baking soda, dish soap and vinegar, have the students observe different variations on the experiment. For example, change the temperature of the vinegar to observe changes in the eruption.
Parents can stretch home-school astronomy lessons out to cover the entire year, according to Easy Fun School. Start with the basics of the planets, stars and moon. Learn about the moon, incorporating historic space travels. Sketch the moon, learning about the seas and craters. Observe the moon every night for a week, sketching the position each night. Talk about observed changes in position. Find out when the five visible planets will be observable in your location and chart it on a table. Observe each planet when it can be viewed in the night sky. Learn the constellations and what they mean historically. Explain the Milky Way. Learn how telescopes work. Talk about career opportunities in astronomy.
Many home-school lessons combine more than one area of science. Studying how lungs work combines anatomy, biology and life science into one lesson. Combine it with a unit study of diving, snorkeling or the ocean to fit in additional lessons. Use a clear plastic bottle and balloons to create a model of how the lungs and diaphragm work. Run or jump rope until you run out of breath, then research why this happens. Have a race to see who can blow up a balloon the fastest or hold their breath the longest.
Seeds introduce children to many aspects of biology. Plant seeds and talk about needs for plants. Discuss life cycles. Soak lima beans in warm water for a few minutes and then take them apart, discussing the parts of the seed and how they work to create a plant. Look for seeds in nature, such as dandelions and berries. Discuss pollination and how seeds are spread.