Choosing a homeschool science curriculum isn’t just about memorizing facts—it’s about igniting a sense of wonder for God’s creation. As homeschool parents and classical educators, we long to cultivate curiosity, observation, and awe in our children. The Uncle Paul series does just that through engaging stories and hands-on discovery. Join us as we explore how this classical approach to science inspires deeper learning and appreciation for the Creator’s handiwork.
“Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice.” Psalm 96:11-12
Unlocking Scientific Concepts Through Classical Learning
As a parent, have you ever found yourself stumbling for a way to explain a complicated scientific concept to that small, inquisitive person in your life? How can you explain the invisible force of electricity, or prove that the Sun is not the size of a dinner plate, or that light travels way faster than sound? These invisibilities can be difficult to understand—even for adults.
Steady. Before you type in that search for a generic homeschool science curriculum, maybe we should see these dilemmas as invitations. Instead of questions that leave us stranded, maybe these are questions that leave us reclaimed and reawakened. Proverbs 25:2 states, “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.”
In other words, science is not just about a bunch of facts; we live in a universe that is full of mysteries ready to be discovered. Many are visible, many, invisible. We are invited to “search out a matter” in order to discover and celebrate.
We are invited to see the eternal. By searching and seeing, our eyes are drawn to God, and we deepen our appreciation of God’s eternal power and divine nature.[1]
Explore Science from a Biblical Perspective.
A Universe of Science Concepts Waiting to Be Discovered
Where do we start? How do we start? It would help if we had a trusted guide. Someone who understands that this is God’s world and that He hides invisible treasures prepared for us—treasures that lead to worship and celebration.
Henri Jean Fabre is such a man. One of the 19th century’s most renowned entomologists, Fabre, described his relationship with God in this way:
“I can’t say I believe in God; I see Him. Without Him I understand nothing; without Him all is darkness.”[2]
Fabre’s devotion to God is evident in his scientific inquiries. Every discovery was a way of “seeing” God and, thereby, knowing Him. Fabre’s joyful worship permeates his writings, especially his science stories for young children.
Henri Fabre: A Classical Guide to Homeschool Science Curriculum
Because of Fabre’s love for God, the natural world, and his students, he was compelled to address the dull and lifeless way science concepts were being taught to children and young adults.
In his memoirs, he wrote: “No one thought of telling us anything about flowers and trees, which give such zest to one’s aimless rambles, nor about insects, with their curious habits, nor about stones, so instructive with their fossil records. That entrancing glance through the windows of the world was refused us.” [3]
The homeschool lifestyle allows families to delightfully explore creation and read with wonder the facts about the world around them.
Fabre’s Classical Approach to Teaching Scientific Concepts
Fabre used classical methods to teach science. He understood that children were designed by their Heavenly Father to be curious about the world. Because of this curiosity, he offered children opportunities to go outside and directly explore God’s creation—“to leave the gloomy classroom for the fields.”[4]
Because Fabre recognized that children had their own thoughts and solutions, he asked good questions that invited thought, corrected misunderstandings, and encouraged further observation. He was interested in their discoveries and listened closely as they expressed their enthusiasm and excitement.
At the right time, Fabre shared his own knowledge using words that were simple and inviting. His words reflected his own delight of the world. Along with the children, he conducted experiments, designed simple demonstrations, and shared his own personal collections. His students were engaged as explorers, not just spectators. Fabre’s lessons culminated in celebratory praise to His Creator.
God was present.
The curious was considered.
Exploring Science with Uncle Paul: A Classical Science Homeschool Curriculum
To encourage young students to explore nature’s marvels and model his classical teaching methods, Fabre wrote a beautifully descriptive book of nature study, The Storybook of Science (1882). As a wise storyteller, Fabre created characters to tell science stories: Uncle Paul, a wise godly scientist and teacher of his niece and nephews, Claire, a quiet thoughtful ten-year-old niece; Jules, a nine-year-old nephew and relentless questioner, and Emile, the youngest, who is drawn to distraction and messy adventures.
Recognizing the value of these stories, Classical Conversations republished Fabre’s work in a three-volume set—
- Exploring Insects with Uncle Paul
- Exploring the Heavens with Uncle Paul
- Exploring the Oceans with Uncle Paul
In this article, we will explore Fabre’s classical methods for teaching science using Exploring the Heavens with Uncle Paul. This volume invites readers to observe God’s visible handiwork—the sky, the sun, the atmosphere, while discovering the world’s invisible forces of electricity, air, and sound through observation and experimentation.
Practicing the Classical Skills with Fabre
Fabre modeled the classical skills by first enticing his readers with a good story. For instance, in his story “The Storm,[5]” Uncle Paul’s niece and nephews (along with his readers) begin investigating the invisible force of electricity.
Experience nature—go outside and directly explore God’s creation
Fabre opens the story with Uncle Paul and Jules going outside to collect caterpillars. He builds the tension of the story by providing hints of the impending storm—the crickets chirp louder, the frogs croak, and a “breath of air all at once blew along the road.” Fabre’s vivid descriptions of what is seen, heard, and felt allows his readers to intensely imagine the experience.
Encourage questions—ask good questions that invite, correct, and encourage
Arriving back home, Jules retells the story of the storm. Claire, trembling with fright, asks the question, “What is thunder?” Before Uncle Paul responds with an explanation, he wisely asks the children about what they knew about thunder.
Explore ideas— listen closely for excitement
Uncle Paul listens closely as each child volunteers their own understanding of thunder. Emile, the youngest, thought it was a large rolling ball of iron but replied, “But I don’t believe that now.” Claire and Jules agree. Unsatisfied with their explanations, the children’s curiosity is piqued. They are excited to learn more.
Express delight—share what you know
Uncle Paul obliges with expressed delight and is eager to share his knowledge. However, he warns the children that they are embarking on a lifelong journey of understanding “something that is still more hidden than air, more invisible, even more difficult to detect.” Wonder captivated the children.
Engage in exploration—experiment, demonstrate, collect, get messy
Gathering a few simple instruments and a cat (!), Uncle Paul and the children experiment with static electricity. Uncle Paul first demonstrates the idea of imbalanced electrons by using a wax rod and wool cloth. The children are given a chance to test this transfer of charges and are surprised when they move tiny bits of paper without touching them.
Later that evening, the children cause the cat’s fur to spark with bright beads of light as they rub him with cloth. These experiments continue until the children are sent reluctantly to bed much to the relief of the cat!
Echo Celebration—rejoice in the eternal unseen
As the lessons of thunder and electricity come to a close, Uncle Paul reminds the children that lightning holds within it “the hidden purposes of an all-seeing Providence.” He reminds the children that instead of fear, they are to rejoice with gratitude that they have witnessed the “great providential act” of God’s power and majesty.[6]
Our trusted guide, Fabre, has imparted his wisdom, stirred our imaginations, and equipped us with classical skills. Now, we are prepared to practice turning dilemmas into invitations with those small, inquisitive people God has put in our lives. It’s our turn to see the unseen.
Inspiring Wonder Through a Classical Science Education
The Uncle Paul series exemplifies the beauty of a classical education by transforming science into an adventure of discovery. Through vivid storytelling, thought-provoking questions, hands-on exploration, and a deep reverence for God’s creation, these books guide young learners beyond memorization and into true understanding.
If you’re seeking a homeschool science curriculum that nurtures both scientific inquiry and a sense of wonder, the Exploring with Uncle Paul series is an invaluable resource. Use these books to inspire your young learners to observe, question, and delight in the unseen wonders of God’s world.
Dive into more details about the Uncle Paul series here:
- Discover Uncle Paul: Amazing Science Stories by Henri Fabre
- Exploring Insects with Uncle Paul: A Homeschool Science Guide
[1] Romans 1:20
[2] “IX The Professor: Ajacco.” The Life of Jean Henri Faber, Dodd, Mead, and Company, New York, NY, 1921, 124, https://www.gutenberg.org/files/72936/72936-h/72936-h.htm#ch6. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.
[3] “VI The Pupil Teacher: Avignon.” The Life of Jean Henri Faber, Dodd, Mead, and Company, New York, NY, 1921, 79.
[4] “VI The School Master: Carpentras.” The Life of Jean Henri Faber, Dodd, Mead, and Company, New York, NY, 1921, 95.
[5] Meter, Stephanie B. “The Storm.” Exploring the Heavens with Uncle Paul, 1st ed., Classical Conversations MultiMedia, Southern Pines, NC, 2022, 33.
[6] Meter, Stephanie B. “The Thunder and Lightning.” Exploring the Heavens with Uncle Paul, 1st ed., Classical Conversations MultiMedia, Southern Pines, NC, 2022, 56-57.
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