In this Form 2 (grade 4-6) study guide, students will learn about the power of magnets, the invisible lines of force surrounding them, why a compass always points north, the difference between permanent and temporary magnets (electromagnets), and that almost everything that is electronic and moves most likely has a magnet in it.

The study guide includes reading assignments from the spine text, narration prompts, and open discussion questions. Experiments related to the reading are also included. Optional supplemental activities, such as current events, videos, and article suggestions when there is time, are also included. Finally, you will find a link to an exam for each course in the introductory material.

Pages: 70
Prerequisites: none

Spine Text

This study guide accompanies the living book Magnets by Rocco V. Feravolo (Living Library Press, 2017, ISBN: 0692836640), which must be purchased separately.

64 pages
Reading Level: 4-7 grade
Prerequisites: none

Rocco Vincent Feravolo was born May 12,1922 in Newark, NJ. He grew up enjoying writing, painting, and swordsmanship. Rocco served in the U.S. Army during WW2, was distinguished as a student at university and won medals internationally as a fencer with sabre and foil. Science was a love for him and he went on to become a science teacher. But he wanted science to provide a true “work experience” for young people and that they would be active participants in their learning. This care for how children relate with science shows when you read his works.

Mr. Feravolo authored more than 12 science books, a science textbook, and a math book. He succeeded in doing what he set out to do: making sure that his books were practical for children. Books that would involve young people in whichever branch of science they were learning about. If he was going to write about flight then you can be sure he was getting his pilot’s license. He wrote the way he likes to live: “active in many fields”. —Michele Jahncke (source)

Other Necessary Items to Complement This Course

Review the Supply List for this course.
Handbook of Nature Study by Anna Botsford Comstock

Schedule:

This study guide includes 33 morning lessons, three per week, each requiring approximately 20-30 minutes. Each week will include the following science lessons:

Weekly Lesson 1: Nature Lore
Weekly Lesson 2: Natural History Science Reading and sometimes an activity
Weekly Lesson 3: Special Studies Reading or Natural History Activity

Other necessary science and nature study should be done during afternoons or evenings, and may include the following:

Daily work outside exploring and investigating, making notes or drawings of their observations. Due to the subject matter of this study guide, some of this daily work will need to be done after sunset.
Additional reading on this science topic and nature topics according to individual desire and interest.

I have used a “boxed curriculum” for years (I am a veteran homeschooler of 16 years), but have never liked the science portion of the curriculum I have chosen. Then someone introduced me to SMH and my kids and I LOVE it!! I love the topics, how Nicole weaves in nature study and the length of time they take (not an entire year on one topic–unless you want to). I recommend SMH to anyone who is looking for a easy to use, fun and educational science curriculum!

—Becky H.

Sample Lessons: