Children and parents alike will appreciate this well-done secular science course that is aligned to current Next Gen Standards. Two components comprise the homeschool bundle: Softcover, consumable Worktext and the One Year Access for Parent and Student to the Savvas Realize digital platform.
The well-illustrated worktext includes student readings, short answer questions with space to record answers, and icon clues to incorporate the online content. Chapters are arranged topically and cover earth, life, and physical sciences. Each chapter begins with an essential question and "Quest Kickoff" activity. As children read the chapter, they will appreciate the colorful illustrations and graphics that accompany the readings. Following the text readings are short answer questions to assess understanding. Additionally, chapters include hands-on activities, literary connections, STEM connections and real-world problems and applications. No lab supply kits are available. Most labs use easy to find items or may be easily modified. Throughout the worktext are icons pointing the student to the digital component for videos, virtual labs, interactive activities, and other resources, designed to meet the needs of 21st century learners.
The one-year Digital component is assessed through the Savvasrealize.com platform. Parents will find it helpful to preview the Getting Started Resources that provides a program overview, training videos, and planning resources (scope and sequence and Next Generation Science Standards). Please note, there are no daily lesson plans. I would also encourage you to explore the vast array of resources that are available on the Savvas Realize platform. There is an abundance of resources for teacher and student, which provides support to homeschool families. Teacher resources include: Teacher Guide in searchable e-Book format which includes lab supply lists per chapter, teaching suggestions, and answers. If you prefer to use the digital platform format, Teacher Resources are organized by topic and include printable student worksheets, teaching information, virtual labs for grade 3 and up, and answers. The digital platform is editable, allowing you to add links, upload files, or write notes to the student. You can also remove parts of the lessons. This allows each homeschool instructor the flexibility to create a science course that fits the needs of their student! Student resources include the worktext in both an e-book and pdf format, which provides a great alternative for on the go learning. On the digital platform, the interactive student resources offer interactive vocabulary words and definitions, a digital notebook for typing responses to the questions and interactive quizzes. There is also an optional audio reading of the text. Additional resources online include the STEM engineering readers and the Phenomena Readers, which reinforce the lessons with age-appropriate explanations and vocabulary. Dual language families will also appreciate the online Spanish resources. The printed student worktext is only available in English at this time. Upon receipt of the worktext, you will receive a post card with complete instructions to activate the program. Please allow 1-3 business days to receive the digital access. Since the worktext is consumable, it is not sold separately. Additional students will need their own worktext and online digital access. Elevate Science offers homeschooling families an affordable and engaging option for meeting current science standards. ~Deanne