Struggling with Math, Loving Science

The theme for this weeks Virtual Curriculum Fair is: Discovering Patterns: Mathematics, Logic, and Science---includes anything to do with mathematics, mathematical thinking, numbers, arithmetic, symbolic logic, critical thinking, and math-y sciences (physics, chemistry, etc.).

I find math easy to do as an adult, loved it in school, but teaching it to my lad is not what I would call easy.  

It's either too easy, or too hard, or they explain it wrong, or they.. whatever... Its just been a touch of a battle for far too long.   I've bought curriculum, reviewed curriculum pieced things together.. Done the gambit.  He's learned a few things along the way, but it's a battle I don't wish to fight any longer.

About a month ago I won a curriculum fromEducents called Matholia.   Now the battle is gone.   See those yellow stars?   My requirement is that you simply get yellow stars on everything.  Doesn't have to be perfect (three stars) but you need to at least attempt the material.   NOW sometimes they don't explain the math concept well so we then turn to Khan academy, but all the basics for grade five math are here.

The advantage of doing it this way is that he can choose to easier or harder topics.  He can jump around if he wants, it does not matter to me.  I am still there as a support system and to offer advice but that's all I am.  He can argue with the computer all he wants but it's a computer.. it doesn't answer back or get frustrated.  :)  It's taken the pressure off both of us. 

For practicing his different math operations we have these neat pages of minecraft characters that he colours in.  He has the fun of making minecraft pictures while practicing his math...though apparently we MUST FIND a dark grey pencil crayon.

To make math different on Fridays we do one of two things.. work on his interactive math journal or play math games.    Click images below to learn more.

Science on the other hand is a win-win in this household.  Exploring, trying new things, playing with life and watching what happens.

From a lad learning about wind currents using a fan, string, paper and popsicle sticks to a more formal program of learning about machines in motion with God's Design curriculum.  It all works here.   It's fun, it's hands on and is just a great subject and SO easy to incorporate throughout our day.

So that's some of how we do math and science in our classroom, How do you do it in  yours?

Read what others have to say as well.  :)

Chareen @ Every Bed of Roses - Thoughts on Math and Science
Kristen @ Sunrise to Sunset  - From Counting to Calculus
Laura @ Day by Day in Our World  - How We Approach Math in This Homeschool Year
Annette @ A Net In Time - Struggling with Math, Loving Science
Annette @ A Net In Time  - Lego Pulleys and Levers
Yvie @ Gypsy Road Hands - On Math with Special Needs Learners
Chelli @ The Planted Trees  - Chemistry Using Living Books
Lisa @ GoldenGrasses  - An Appalling Lack of Curiosity
Edie @ Carter Chaos  - Our Favorite Ways to Study Numbers
Tracey @ A Learning Journey  - Robot Area and Perimeter Art Project
Jennifer @ A Glimpse of Our Life  - Math and Standardized Tests
Jen @ Chestnut Grove Academy  - Discovering Patterns: Mathematics, Logic, and Science
Sarah @ DeliveringGrace  - Learning Multiplication Tables
Kylie @ Our Worldwide Classroom  - Multisensory Multiplication
Kym @ Homeschool Coffee Break  - Science and Stuff
Kemi Quinn @ Homemaking Organized  - Math in Our Homeschool for a Later Elementary Organized Reader
Joelle @ Homeschooling for His Glory  - Math and Logic - Our Steady Path
Laura @ Four Little Penguins  - Math and Science Love