Homeschoolers love science museums, don’t we? There’s something about having an organized field trip, a day out, or family day during a vacation that helps bring subjects like science full circle. But what’s the difference between a good science museum and a great science museum?
When it comes to what a homeschooling family needs and wants in a science museum, it looks very different than what might be provided for public schools. Here’s a quick list of what to look for when using a science museum to supplement your homeschool science curriculum.
Don’t miss the FREE Issac Newton printable found at the end of the post.
Does the science museum have hands-on activities for all ages?
Great science museums will have a variety of age-appropriate exhibits on the same topic. If you can’t find this type of information easily on a website, try looking for the museums’ online education or teacher resources that provide lesson ideas for specific age groups that correspond with popular exhibits.
How much does the science museum cost?
Of course, we like free, don’t we? Science museums can be expensive, so check event sections of websites for free admission days or special events. And don’t forget to ask what type of discounts they offer. The Association of Science-Technology Centers passport program allows free entry into many Science Museums around the US. Check out their membership requirements and admissions rules for all the details.
Does the science museum offer supplemental resources to use in my homeschool?
The best science museums are ones that allow anyone to access their educational resources for free. Look on the various science museum websites for teacher resources, curriculum supplements, and lesson plans that can be downloaded and easily implemented in your homeschool.
Does the science museum offer virtual learning resources my kids can access on their own?
Virtual learning resources are a big plus for most homeschooling families. Engaging videos, interactive websites, and games that challenge and test our children’s knowledge are great resources to help homeschooling families make science come alive.
Find Your Favorite Science Museum.
Here’s a short list of our current favorite science museums. They meet the criteria mentioned above and look super fun!
- Smithsonian Air & Flight Museum in Washington, DC
- American Museum of Natural History in New York, NY
- Exploratorium in San Francisco, CA
- Houston Children’s Museum in Texas.
- Royal Museums in Greenwich (London), England
- Woolsthorpe Manor – Woolsthorpe England
- Science Museum – London, England
Even More Science Museum Resources
I’ve pulled together a few of my favorite science museum resources we’ve used recently for studying science (Isaac Newton, specifically). You will quickly find that the museums mentioned will have excellent resources for your current science subject as well.
There are so many inspiring places to find quality resources for studying science. Science museums are pretty fun places to help make the concepts stick. These are just a few that stand above the rest because of what is available for homeschoolers and those outside a traditional school model.
I can’t think of a better way to combine textbook lessons with virtual learning and hands-on learning than to plan a family field trip to a top Science Museum. Can you?
Study Isaac Newton at a Science Museum Near You.
We’ve been studying Isaac Newton, so I thought I’d share with you a few of the resources I found. There are some really exciting exhibits and some great virtual learning resources right at your fingertips.
Here’s everything you need to find the best science museum for your family to learn more about Isaac Newton!
- This post, “Finding Isaac Newton’s Discoveries” offers information on the best U.S. Museums and awesome digital resources about Isaac Newton from around the world. It includes downloads, online interactives, and even games.
- This post, “Where To Find Issac Newton In England, has everything you need if you fancy a trip across the pond.
- Sign up for your FREE “Where to find Isaac Newton In England” companion printable. It contains excellent virtual resources about Isaac Newton from science museums in England as well as more in-depth British resources.
So no matter where you live, plan a family field trip and get out and explore a science museum.
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Shannan is a wife, mum, and saved by grace child of The King. Her home base is in Scotland, where she homeschools her two kids (ages 12 & 15) and learns on location throughout Europe as much as possible. She is a classical/Charlotte Mason style home educator living out her God-breathed dream of raising her family in Europe. She’s passionate about many things, especially helping others learn on location using the world as their classroom. She encourages you to pursue your God-breathed dream, no matter what it is! You can join her at Captivating Compass for homeschool and family travel inspiration.
