Susan Kilbride is a homeschooling mother with a degree in biology. A few years ago she noticed that many homeschooling parents are either uncomfortable teaching their children science, or just don't have the time to do the necessary research to teach their children science. Susan wrote her first book, Science Unit Studies for Homeschoolers and Teachers, with these parents in mind, using the same methods that she used when teaching her own son.
Since then, Susan has started the Our America history series--chapter books designed to teach American history by telling the stories of the people who lived it. She has also written a Kindle eBook titled How to Teach About Electricity for Ages 8-13. Free lessons and activities from her books are available at http://funtasticunitstudies.com/lessons-and-activities/
Website: Susan Kilbride Social Studies and Science
(3 Reviews)
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Contributor Reviews
Reviews are solely the opinions of the contributor.
Cons: I didn't really find any disadvantages to the book.
Grades Used: 4th
We are using Susan's book, "How to teach about electricity". My 9 year old was born a scientist; however, I wasn't. Trying to find a way to teach her without boring her has proven difficult in the past. Thankfully, we found Susan's book. It is very easy to use and the experiments actually work. We've had problems with that with other books. This book makes life easy for me and fun for both of us!
Cons: none
Grades Used: 2nd through 7th
This is an awesome book! It has what no other science experiment book I've seen has: a clear, easy-to-understand overview of the key ideas a child should know about each subject, along with experiments and activities to reinforce that knowledge. Also, the experiments actually work!
My 9-year-old son announced that he wanted to "do science," so we started with Atoms and Molecules. We went through the unit together, and he and my 6-yr-old were equally engaged and interested, and we all learned the basic concepts of chemistry which we can now apply to other experiments and daily life activities.
I really like that the materials are mostly on hand in your home, and that there is a variety of activities to suit different children's interests and learning styles. The units are short enough to keep a child's attention, but cover the important concepts thoroughly.
In short, this is a great book for busy homeschooling families who have an interest in science, but not much prior knowledge. This book saved me hours of internet and research time!! Highly recommended.
Cons: Hope to see a book that covers more middle to high school, more to look forward to as my daughter grows!
Grades Used: Ages 8-13
I love how the 'Science Unit Studies' lesson plans are written step-by-step. My daughter and I are right brain learners and the way the activities, are illustrated and taught, for visual and hands on learners is wonderful. When doing the experiments I can sense what an excellent Homeschool Teacher, Susan is. Each experiment is well thought out and makes for easy comprehension. The experiments are lots of fun to do and the lessons are remembered. My daughter is 12 and her favorite activity, is Chapter 13: Atoms and Molecules. Definitely,a Homeschoolers and Teachers, Unit Study Book that will not sit on your shelf, it will be enthusiastically used.