Elementary school years are often considered the “wonder years” for cognitive development. The brain is “highly plastic, during this time making elementary education important, as it shapes the brain’s architecture. This is the time when children are rapidly acquiring new knowledge and skills, and their thinking is becoming more complex. During these early years, children’s brains undergo significant growth and change, laying the foundation for their future learning abilities.

Brain science tells us that elementary students learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process. They learn by doing, by exploring, and by making mistakes. They also learn by interacting with others and by being challenged. Homeschoolers can use learning theory to create a stimulating and supportive learning environment for their children. This might involve providing opportunities for hands-on learning, using inquiry-based activities, and encouraging children to ask questions.

This PDF Note Taking document accompanies the talk Homeschooling Elementary School: The Wonder Years. It is for the convenience of those of you who like to take notes.

Case studies are powerful tools that engage learners in real-world applications of scientific concepts, critical thinking, and problem-solving. They help students connect their learning to real-world applications and practical scenarios. They bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and their relevance in actual situations, allowing students to see the value and impact of what they’re learning.  Join scientist and curriculum developer Blair Lee M.S. for the workshop focused on designing case studies you can use to weave into your science studies. It doesn’t matter what science discipline you are studying or the grade level of learners.

To get the most out of this workshop:

Bring a news story that relates to the discipline of science your student is learning.

1. Download the worksheet, using the link below, or save it on your computer and bring your laptop, so you can watch the session and work on the document.
2. If you are stumped about the topic, the worksheet includes links to news stories.
3. For the purpose of this workshop, do not make the topic too broad. For example, climate change is too broad as is the effects of climate change in California. The effect of climate change on California’s snowpack in 2022-23, how climate change is affecting California’s kelp forests, or how green roofs and white roofs help in the fight against global warming.
4. Choose a topic that has news stories or online videos.

This PDF accompanies the workshop Crafting Effective Case Studies for Science Learning.