Continuing ideas about science

I'm still trying to wrap my head around all my ideas and find a way to make them work for us instead of us working for them. Here's what a few lovely friends and I worked on today while visiting.

1. Use the literary science books as primary reading, with The Handbook of Nature Study and other books for more information. Provide on-level or below book basket for pleasure reading of any science topics throughout the year.

2. Admitted to myself and friend (fellow homeschooler) that I am in fact, a nature girl.

3. I was reminded very loving that if I follow my heart and trust the gifts God has provided me, I will provide an excellent education in science for my children. Thank you so much for reminding me of that Theresa!

Here's the Nature Study by Seasons outline we came up with:

Fall
Forest, Agriculture, Geology, Human Body, Camping Outdoors, Ecology

Winter
Astronomy, Chemistry*, Physical Science*, Technology*, Weather, Ecology
*Experiments can be done inside during winter or any other time during the year when we want/need to stay inside.

Spring
Botany, Ornithology (birds), Agriculture, Weather, Astronomy, Earth Science, Ecology

Summer
Weather (hurricane season), Marine Biology/Water habitats, Insects, Reptiles, Physical Science through play, Ecology


Yearly Projects:
- gardening, composting
- adopting a plant, tree, animal and observing & documenting growth/change throughout a year
- raising animals (tadpoles, worms, etc.)
- keep collections (rocks, shells, flower pressing, etc.)
- recycling
- when old enough, participate in 4-H and other programs

Scientist Biographies
- do within history timeline, with age-appropriate books
- finish each biography with an experiment if possible

(Advice to me) Remind yourself:
You are doing great, it will be fine.

I'm still in thought about this, this is really just a free-flowing write of my thoughts. I'm trying to figure out if I should structure this anymore for myself or just go from here.

Books I'm depending on to help me:

The Educated Child by William Bennett provides a timeline of studies for each grade through 8th and is supported by Core Knowledge which includes books like Books to Build On by E.D. Hirsch and What your child needs to know series. I'm not looking to duplicate the Core Knowledge approach of studies but use it as a tool to help formulate our own. Core Knowledge has free online lesson plans. The Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Comstock, All Through the Ages by Christine Miller, Home Learning Year by Year by Rebecca Rupp, The Nature Study Idea Book for All Ages by Mary Woodis. The rest is me and my crazy ideas.