One of the best elements of homeschooling is the freedom to lean into curiosity—to ask questions, explore possibilities, and embrace hands-on learning in a way that sparks genuine wonder. Science isn’t just a subject; it’s all around us, woven into every season, every question, and every moment of exploration.
As we move closer to spring, nature becomes one of our greatest classrooms. The changes unfolding all around us—buds forming on trees, birds building nests, insects reappearing—offer endless opportunities for observation and discovery. This is the perfect time to take learning outside, start a nature journal, or experiment with plant growth by sprouting seeds indoors. Simple activities like tracking the phases of the moon, measuring rainfall, or watching tadpoles transform can lead to rich scientific discussions and deeper connections with the world.
If you’re looking for ways to bring more experiential science into your homeschool, here are a few great places to start:
🔬 Generation Genius – Engaging, hands-on science lessons. (Available through Clever for free!)
📖 Nature Study Journals – A classic resource for sparking outdoor learning and scientific observation.
💡 Kitchen Science Experiments – Turn cooking into chemistry by exploring states of matter, reactions, and energy transfer.
Of course, science is about more than just observing—it’s about doing. That’s why we’re so excited for our upcoming Cottonwood Science Fair!
Why Participate in the Science Fair?
A science fair isn’t about competition or pressure—it’s about discovery. It’s about allowing our students to become scientists, to take ownership of a project, and to share their findings with a supportive community. Whether your child is mixing baking soda and vinegar for the first time or diving deep into research on environmental sustainability, every project is an opportunity to practice critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills.
If you’ve ever had a child go down a rabbit hole of fascination—whether it’s dinosaurs, the solar system, how plants grow, or the physics of a soccer kick—you know the power of student-driven learning. The Science Fair is a space to take those passions and transform them into something tangible. And the best part? It’s open to all ages and ability levels!
What to Expect
📅 Date: Friday, March 14, 2025, 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
📍 Location: The Cottonwood School’s Community Connect Center
Students bring a presentation about an experiment or research project to share with peers and Cottonwood teachers. This is not a contest, but a celebration of curiosity! Every participant will receive feedback and a participation award.
Plus, there will be a Science Curriculum Showcase featuring fantastic resources from our Lending Library, as well as a hands-on science experiment station with take-home ideas for continued exploration.
How to Join
🔬 Family/Younger Student Experiment (TK-3rd or family project)
🔬 Individual Student (Grades 4-6, 7-8, or 9-12)
🔬 Chaperones (All students must have a registered chaperone present!)
📢 Register by March 6th!
Whether your child loves messy experiments, data analysis, or simply sharing what they’ve learned, we hope you’ll join us for this incredible event. Who knows? A spark from this Science Fair might just ignite a lifelong passion for discovery.
Curiosity is the engine of learning—let’s fuel it together.
Kindly, Kara
Kara Parkins, Parent Support Supervisor