You will find R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey (RSO) to be unlike any other science curricula available. Most notably, it is secular. Only scientific inquiry and theory based on empirical and measurable evidence are understood to be valid and standard science in all RSO courses.
Also, RSO courses are written specifically for home and small group use. Packed full of serious science and loads of fun, RSO is an incremental program that gently builds on itself and incorporates mathematics, scientific method, and science terminology. Created with the science novice in mind, you don't need any science background to teach RSO.
In RSO Earth &Environment 1, the topics include scientific modeling, a study of three of Earth's "spheres," weather, climate, the environment, erosion, and plate tectonics. Students study the weather; climate and climate change; the age of the earth and forces that shape it; and current pollution and environmental issues that affect water, land, and air. Short lessons are followed by several hands-on labs and activities including making a Pangaea puzzle, testing various methods of cleaning an oil spill, making a geologic timeline, and water cycle in a bowl. Rocks and minerals are studied in depth with students identifying their samples through the same tests used by geologists.
The following is a list of topics your child will learn during the year while completing Earth &Environment 1. Each topic includes one to three lessons complete with lesson story, labs, reading, and other activities. Remember your child will also be having a whole lot of fun. Also included in this scope are laughing, playing, digging, exploring, reading, singing, and begging for more science!
Written as an alternative to the R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey Earth & Space Science, this is a one semester course (25 weeks) that includes some of the topics from Earth & Space along with a good variety of environmental topics (i.e. global warming and climate change) and scientific modeling. The number of lessons vary from 1 to 3 for each topic: a study of three of Earth's "spheres," weather, climate, the environment, erosion, and plate tectonics, the age of the earth and forces that shape it, current pollution and environmental issues that affect water, land, and air, and rocks and minerals. Using plenty of hands-on activities, this new addition to the series is sure to be a hit. Most supplies are household items, but you'll need a few special things – inflatable globe, science thermometer, and a rock and mineral kit. We have assembled a kit that is specific to the R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey Earth & Space and the same can be used for this course. 318 pgs, pb. ~ Donna
This looks like a great curriculum. My daughter is excited about starting it.
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positive online reviews; fit the curriculum we're hoping to implement
Because I am looking for a science curriculum that is secular and hands on . My son who this is for is really into earth science and this fits what I am wanting for teach him this year.