Science, Arithmetic and Mathematics

Science is a subject that my husband has a passion for teaching correctly. When it comes to homeschooling, there is more freedom for parents to teach science truthfully.  In the following post I share my thoughts on science and the differences between arithmetic and mathematics. 

Science.  The manner in which I will present the sciences will be faithful to the centuries of discovery and research within the scientific disciplines; however I will explore and acknowledge the biases and presuppositions that underline the variety of perspectives which affect the approach to scientific inquiry.  An important factor in presenting science is being aware of its limitations of what it can appropriately explain.  The method for which science will be presented to my children will be restricted to that which is observable and repeatable.  I will discuss scientific philosophies and theories as separate from the hard sciences.  I will avoid making the mistake of attempting to explain origins by misusing scientific reason.  In regards to applied sciences I will utilize hands on experiments in order to solidify the philosophical laws of science in a way that is practical (Wayne, 2000).  Utilizing the creation museums that are being developed throughout the states will greatly benefit the curriculum I intend to use when teaching science.  The basis of the curriculum is one from a creationist’s point of view and therefore more in harmony with a Biblical worldview.

Arithmetic and Mathematics.  Thomas Aquinas, known for influencing Neo-Thomism, once said that we could “think God’s thoughts after Him, for all mathematical laws are God’s laws” (Wayne, 2000).  Mathematics can be taught in several ways through the use of workbooks, textbooks, computers, flash cards, and hands on methods or a combination of these.  I believe the manner in which math is taught will be based on the child’s maturity and willingness to learn the subject.  Within the homeschool community math manipulatives are becoming a more popular and effective way of teaching children the concepts of math (Wayne, 2000).  From my own experience with teaching my four year old basic concepts of addition and subtraction, the hands on approach works best when used in activities she is interested in, such as cooking, baking and playing with blocks.  The purpose of math from a Biblical worldview “serves at least two purposes; it gives us a logical basis for all other areas of study and it helps us to calculate and measure the effects of our decisions before we reach the point of no return” (Wayne, 2000, p.66).

The difference between mathematics and arithmetic is also of importance when teaching children.  The word arithmetic is scarcely found in textbooks today, as it has been incorporated into the term mathematics or “problem solving”.  Arithmetic is simply defined as a “counting system” and is used in everyday life (Blumenfeld, 1997).  Teaching children the proper understanding of arithmetic is the most basic skill in counting and is necessary for moving on to mathematics.  Addition is counting forward, subtraction is counting backwards, multiplication is counting forward in multiples while division is counting backwards in multiples; understanding this first is essential for any further learning in basic life skills such as balancing a check book, purchasing groceries, calculating income tax, etc. (Blumenfeld, 1997).  Mathematics is higher learning dealing with relationships and uses arithmetic calculations and symbols to carrying out various functions; however before any person can understand this they must first master arithmetic (Blumenfeld, 1997). 

Blumenfeld, S. (1997). Homeschooling: a parents guide to teaching children. Replica Books, NJ:

 Bridgewater.

Wayne, I. (2000). Homeschooling from a biblical worldview. Wisdom’s Gate, MI: Covert.