Welcome to a Different Kind of Science Education
If you’ve landed here, you’re probably wondering: What does science look like in a Charlotte Mason homeschool? Maybe you’ve heard of nature study or living books but aren’t sure how it all fits together. You’re in the right place.
I’m Nicole Williams, and I’ve walked this road as both a homeschool mom and the creator of the Sabbath Mood Homeschool curriculum. My goal is to help you embrace a science education that feels peaceful, purposeful, and deeply connected to God’s creation.
What Is Charlotte Mason Science?
Charlotte Mason believed that science should awaken wonder—not just convey facts. Her method encourages students to:
- Spend time in nature, observing the world firsthand
- Read living books instead of textbooks
- Conduct simple experiments to witness principles in action
- Keep notebooks and offer narrations to deepen understanding
This is science that nourishes the whole child—mind, body, and soul.
Why Teach Science This Way?
Charlotte Mason saw science not only as a subject to be learned, but as a way to cultivate habits of attention, observation, and reverence. A living science education:
- Sparks curiosity and delight
- Builds habits of careful observation
- Connects students to God as Creator
- Prepares them for future scientific studies with a strong foundation
This isn’t a shortcut. It’s a slow and steady path that leads to lasting knowledge.
What Science Looks Like Over the Years
Here’s a simple overview of how science unfolds in a Charlotte Mason education:
Before Age 6
Form 1 (grades 1-3)
- Nature study
- Nature Lore as their first science books
Form 2 (grades 4-6)
- Formal science begins: topics include physics, chemistry, biology, and earth science
- Simple experiments, living books, and narration
Form 3–4 (grades 7-9)
- Deeper study with living books
- Keeping a science notebook, nature lists, and more regular experiments
High School
- Continued living book approach
- Full-credit (with lab) studies in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science
Core Tools of the Method
Charlotte Mason’s science approach includes a few essential elements:
Nature Study
Regular time spent outdoors, observing and exploring.
Object Lessons & Special Studies
Focused attention on seasonal topics, plants, animals, or phenomena.
Living Books
Narrative, idea-rich books that engage the mind and heart.
Science Experiments
Simple and meaningful—not busy work.
Science Notebooks and Nature Notebooks
Personal reflections, drawings, and summaries that make learning stick.
A Common Concern: Will my kids be prepared?
Absolutely. A Charlotte Mason science education provides:
- A full and rich understanding of scientific ideas
- Strong habits of attention and retention
- A love of learning that propels further study
Many students taught this way go on to thrive in STEM fields. They know how to think, observe, and wonder—skills every scientist needs. I recommend the article Will a Living Education Prepare My Child, Technically? by Don Rhymer, Mechanical Engineering professor at the Air Force Academy for 10 years, and Is Charlotte Mason Science Sufficient for a Scientific College Major?
Explore Sabbath Mood Homeschool
At Sabbath Mood Homeschool, you’ll find:
- Open-and-go science curriculum for every stage
- Nature study curriculum rooted in Charlotte Mason’s principles
- Living book recommendations by topic and age
- Jumpstart Guide to CM Science to get you started
- Free short video course Is Living Science Right For You?
Whether you’re just starting or looking to go deeper, there’s a resource for you.
Parent-Tested. Student-Approved.
“I’d like to say a big thank you for all the work on the science guides and now this wonderful addition – nature study guides. I’m so excited to use it! …your work and materials changed our homeschool, and I’m forever grateful. Science now is a valuable subject that we find delight in, where it used to be (for years!), “Do we have to do it? Can we skip it? I hate science!” Thank you from the bottom of my heart!” —Ksenia Andrew
You don’t have to be a science expert to open the door to wonder.
Let Sabbath Mood Homeschool show you the way.
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