Summer Science Projects

In our house, Paul, who is six, is reading everyday and logging his time online for the summer reading program through the library.  Today, he went outside to explore around the lake out back.  My husband, Rob, and Paul selected plants for our garden.  We play board games, like Monopoly or Trouble, too.  We have Paul do at least 30 minutes a day of school work (reading, writing, counting change, painting, etc.) to stay sharp.  There are other project ideas to try.  If you have a stream nearby, all you need are ice cube trays to assess the water quality with benthic macroinvertebrates.  Cacapon Institute has instructions and a virtual stream assessment.  Cornell University has loads of ideas for young ornithologists or birders.  Start with a bird life list.  Home Science Tools has summer project ideas to last all year!  Steve Spangler's site has cool science gear.  Last up is PBS with ideas like silly putty and lava lamps.  As home-schoolers know, education comes in many forms.  Let's have fun this summer with some projects!