For homeschool teachers, science is often a subject considered the most difficult to teach, but when using a building block learning system that is introduced to children at an early age, it becomes easier. for the teacher and the student to understand complex concepts. In general, there are two types of learning that most homeschool teachers use: linear and exponential. An exponential learning paradigm is much more efficient in terms of allowing a student to make a cognitive connection between science and other subjects. In order to learn and understand the essential concepts that form the foundation for all future learning, it is vital to first understand the differences between linear and exponential education.

The definition of linear learning

Linear learning is an extremely focused type of learning where a child is exposed to only one topic at a time. There are no references or cross references to other topics. A child is encouraged to take the facts learned about a subject and isolate that information into its own chart that may or may not be remembered for future use. Learning unconnected topics one fact at a time makes linear learning undesirable for the average child.

This example of linear learning incorporates scientific data about the atom:

• The atom is made up of protons.

• It is made up of neutrons

• It is made up of electrons

• Atoms combine to form molecules

• All molecules are made up of atoms

Now this student has six scientific facts stored in a mental junk drawer that may or may not be retrieved later. They take each set of facts learned and store them in a single mental “box.” You can’t create connections to other disciplines to help you remember or retrieve the facts you’ve learned because there’s no link between the boxes.

The definition of exponential learning

Exponential learning allows a student to take the six facts learned about the atom in the previous reference, which they may or may not remember at any given time, and associate these facts with other topics, resulting in increased retention. A homeschooled student who experiences continued progress shows more of a desire to learn, as the learning process itself becomes second nature.

By making physical, verbal, and experiential or cognitive connections with other disciplines, children gain a deeper understanding of the material they are learning. Now your homeschooled child can learn facts about multiple topics.

Consider this example using a home school chemistry course on the atom that is connected to other areas of scientific study such as biology, physics, astronomy, and geology. Let’s take a look at how a lesson on an atom can be translated into an exponential learning experience that connects cognitively with:

• Language: The student is introduced to the root of the word atom (tom) and up to five other English words that share the same root.

• History – Explore the history of the atom and the major players that developed our current understanding of matter. John Dalton revised the atomic theory.

• Philosophy: Democritus was a Greek philosopher who coined the term atom. Philosophers have struggled to define matter throughout history.

• Technology: A lesson on the scanning tunneling microscope, which is a microscope that can “see” atoms.

• Visual arts and music: teach how everything starts with a single unit, that is, the atom, a small repeating unit in molecules; while the note is a unit that is repeated in music.

• Critical Thinking: Evaluate the “fact” that the atom makes up all matter.

Rather than simply believing that atoms exist, students challenge the information they are being taught by exploring questions such as: How do we know atoms exist? What is the test? Is this a valid conclusion?

Connecting the dots exponentially

Exponential teaching goes below the surface, resulting in deeper understanding and continued proficiency in the area of ​​inquiry. With this newfound ability, the child can now begin to think “outside the box”, which really means that the six known facts about the atom are associated with other topics, creating a web of more facts with the conclusion that all matter is made up of atoms

To take this philosophy one step further, imagine that the student is now learning about molecules, a topic related to atoms. Child connects six new facts about molecules with already known facts about the atom, along with forming associations with other topics. This construction process allows the student to simplify a network of facts that support the idea that all matter is made up of atoms. This home school teaching method defines exponential thinking by allowing the student to create a path from one discipline or subject to the next. They are taught to link two science themes: atoms and molecules, and how they relate to each other.

These pathways serve as triggers to help a student easily recall other relevant facts. By remembering small pieces of information on different topics, the brain trains itself to associate this information with other disciplines and to better identify and remember what has been learned.

Research shows that our brains use exponential learning to connect different facts, creating a series of mental networks of information. New facts connect to new topics to create a neural pathway where multiple facts link to multiple topics.

This new exponential approach to education teaches your child to make connections between subjects, allowing for the reorganization and linking of information learned, while developing better problem solving skills around a wider variety of topics. It changes the structure of the brain, resulting in greater learning potential and better comprehension and retention, with practical application of learned facts.

The exponential learning curriculum not only introduces a child to science, but aids in the development of their talents, skill levels, and capacity for knowledge for continued achievement in life.