Mike:
It seems like it’s easy for a homeschooler to feel overwhelmed by all the science curriculum choices available. What are your favorite resources for teaching science, Dr. Robinson?

Dr. Robinson:
Well, the first resource is mathematics. We use Saxon math; other mathematics programs may work as well. The important thing is that the child self-learn the math—that he not be helped. Because he needs to learn in the early years of study that he can solve problems for himself. He needs to build good problem solving abilities and build self-confidence that he can solve such problems. Then, once he knows mathematics, he should go onto physics and then to chemistry. These subjects are much like mathematics, it’s just simply mathematics applied to the modern world. But my main tools, the tools I value the most, are just self-taught mathematics, and then self-taught physics and self-taught chemistry. A good physics book, a good chemistry book—it’s important that the physics book be based on calculus, not arithmetic. But these are the primary tools that a family needs.

Mike:
Thank you, Dr. Robinson. Please join us tomorrow when we’ll find out how homeschoolers can utilize a laboratory in their home.