Our Monthly Science Box - With a Giveaway
Sunday, November 4, 2012 at 4:00AM 
Science has been the one thing that has never quite "come together" in our homeschool.
Yes, we incorporate science experiments every now and then, read biographies of famous scientists, and have even done a few science unit studies. Still, I would say science is our weak spot.
Enter "The Why Box" from Discovery Boulevard. Now I'm guaranteed to have an engaging science unit once a month, and I don't have to do A SINGLE THING TO PREPARE.
About The Why Box
"Each month we pose a different question about the world we live in. Then the Why Box sets out answering them with simple explanations, hands on experiments and fun activities. "
~ (from the creator of The Why Box)
The box includes:
- A monthly activity book that poses a simple question, then uses very simple language and activities to teach the answer to that question
- Supplies you will need for the experiment (s)
- Supplies for a hands-on project
- A journal to record your scientific findings
A subscription is 6 months and will include the following topics:
- Why Does Soap Get You Clean?
- Why Does A Microwave Heat Your Food?
- Why Is Water So Important?
- Why Don't Clouds Float Into Space?
- Why Is Thunder So Loud?
- Why Are Rocks Different Colors?
Our Experience With The Why Box
Our question was "Why does soap get you clean?"
A simple explanation was given in our booklet. Then, we conducted an easy experiment with oil, water, and dish soap to demonstrate the principle we just learned (that the moleclues in soap both attract and repel water). The experiment made my children's understanding of the science concept CRYSTAL CLEAR! We recorded our findings in the Discovery Boulevard journal that was included in our box.
After we did the experiment, we made soap. Glycerin and a mold were included in our box, as were easy directions for making a bar of soap.
We spent an hour on science this day. It was the perfect amount of time.
What We Liked About The Why Box
- I don't have to "plan" for science. Every single thing we need is in the box and it is self explanatory. For only $15.95 per month this is a GOOD DEAL.
- It is perfect for multiple ages. My 11 and 7 year olds each learned very much from our activities, and they were also inspired to make more soap (so off to the craft store we went!). They were also able to articulate exactly what they learned when they were asked. I know they have internalized something if they can explain it effectively!
- The scienctific terminology and method were emphasized. It is a serious (yet fun) science lesson.
We're very excited because our next Why Box will arrive this week. I am guaranteed my children will get a comprehensive and fun science lesson.
To find out more about The Why Box (and other products you might like) visit Discovery Boulevard.
I'm please to be able to give away one soap box - you'll be able to learn why soap gets you clean and make your own soap, too. It's a lot of fun, I promise!
Linking with my friend, Ticia, for Science Sunday.
*I was given a subscription to the Why Box in exchange for my honest review. No compensation was received.
Reader Comments (31)
We don't do a lot of structured science in our homeschool. We do nature studies, the kids take science classes at coops, and we do Disney homeschool science classes as well.
Looking some great Science experiments to add to our CC curriculum! And this looks like fun while they learn!
We enjoy doing science, but it tends to be sporadic about it in our household. I'm always looking for fun new ways to introduce science concepts to my kiddos!
We do some science reading and writing. It's my son's favorite subject and I often wish that we did more science than we do.
Science is one of our favorite subjects around here...but to be fair I have a degree in education focusing on math and science, so it comes a little easier around here. However, I still struggle to find new, fun ways to teach our homeschool science material, and the curriculum we have been using, is almost completed in its entirety. It's time to find something else to finish out our year, and the Why Boxes are more than intriguing. Thanks for the terrific review and giveaway!
I think we do okay in incorporating the science of everyday life, but I think that having the chance to learn even more is always the way to go.
I feel like we do a good bit of science, but on a busy day if something has to fall by the wayside it is usually science...which is unfortunate because my kids enjoy it.
This looks like fun! Would love to give it a try as part of our homeschool journey!
We do science once a week with our Classical Conversations but I'd like to do more.
I know we don't do enough of some types of science. We do a lot of nature stuff and observations.
We are about where you are with science. We do experiments, and read, but I feel we are still missing a component there.
We do science at least once a week, but I'm creating my own units and always wonder if I'm doing enough at the right level. The Why Box would certainly up the "fun factor" in our house!
I was horrible at science and our homeschool reflects it! Help! :)
My daughter would really benefit from a kit like this. We love to go on line and look for simple science experiments to do in our homeschool . A kit like this would make it so much easier to put together. My daughter would learn so much more than what we are already doing.
We don"t seem to ever have enough structured science experiments happening in this house either. I would love to win this to do with my kids :)
DD loves to do science but I don't do nearly as much as we like! This kit sounds great!
Thanks!
I think that we do a lot of science incorporated into every day life. I am a former high school science teacher. I love doing experiments with my son. We would definitely love a subscription. Maybe for Christmas.
My girls would love more science and I would love the simplicity of having it all prepared for me! Thanks for the offer.
Guess I didn't read and answer the question fully. I don't think we get quite enough science in our homeschool. I try to supplement and take rabbit trails whenever we find an interesting topic, but having a monthly box would be a great help to supplement with our current curriculum.
I wish I did more with science but all to often it is pushed to the side. I loved science as a kid. Maybe this win will be the key for me to turn it around.
This year I do. We do Science with CC. My son (and soon my daughter) participate in a two hour science class once a week, and we are using Nancy Larson Science 1.
Science is one area that I am not strong in. It is usually the last to be planned and the first to go if something comes up. I wish I did more, so I will be looking into the Why Box!!! Thanks for this chance!
I think we do enough, but I also think we should do more.
I go back and forth between thinking I have too much and not enough science lesson time in our curriculum. One minute I'm overwhelmed with all there is to teach and the next I am amazed at what my children are able to recall from a simple activity. I would love to try this box! Pick me little computer, Pick Me!
Science is a huge challenge for me. This would be great