Science simplified and fun

We are studying the life sciences this year. January through May is dedicated to the study of the human body and animal life. We have just finished the body. I enjoyed this unit so much! We followed this book,

which gave a short lesson on each body organ and a coloring project to create this paper model.

We checked out books and did a few extra projects for interest and enrichment, but that was not necessary. The book covered plenty of information.

Here's my SIMPLE plan for our animal unit. The first week (last week) we had a general overview of animals- vertebrates vs. invertebrates, animal habitats, and the five types of vertebrates. On the last day, we chose an animal from each of the five groups of vertebrates to study. This is where it gets really easy.I found 3 or 4 books at the library on each animal. We will study one animal a week, reviewing what makes it a mammal, bird, amphibian, etc.

Day 1- Read a book. Do a picture study (draw the animal and paint with watercolor or color with colored pencils on nice, thick art paper). This activity gave us an opportunity to look at the detail of the animal and talk about our Creator God- the magnificent artist! Zebra was the mammal of choice for this week.Day 2- Read another book. Develop 15 facts we want to know about the animal. (Example: What does the animal eat? Where does it live? etc.)

Day 3- Read another book. Answer the questions.

Day 4- Do an art project or if the animal is in our area, go and see it!

Later, we will study invertebrates- mostly ocean animals and insects- with the same format, I think.

For me, simple is the way to go! Now we can all enjoy science!