Originally created as stand-alone units, this new series from Elemental Science provides 36 lessons (one per week) for a survey of science using quality, visually appealing science encyclopedias, hands-on activities and notebooking. Designed to be interactive and multilevel, this is a wonderful introduction to the sciences for families wanting to learn together. Best of all, it is flexible enough to fit almost any homeschool schedule! If you are familiar with other Elemental Science programs, you will notice teaching philosophy similarities between Science Chunks and the Classical curriculum. With its multilevel approach and coverage of numerous topics in one year, Science Chunks, may be a better fit for your family. Currently, there are two years available. Year 3 will be available soon.
Each Teacher Guide provides the tools that parents need to successfully teach children from first through sixth grade. The material includes a philosophy statement and overview, required and suggested book lists, schedule options, hands-on materials supply list, activity templates, review pages and answers, plus all your teaching information. This is a neutral approach to science (no discussion of origins), however, many of the recommended or optional books may include evolutionary content. Parents may wish to preview the lessons ahead of time. While the author provides scheduling options for the lessons (once a week for 1.5 hours or divided into two-three- or four days), it is flexible enough to work with your busy schedule!
Lessons follow a similar format: read from a quality book, review vocabulary words, make a vocabulary flashcard, record learning through copy work or narration/dictation in the Student Notebook, and complete at least one hands-on activity. Required components include the Teacher Guide, Student Notebook, and the assigned resource books to read. The Teacher Guide includes the overview, required and suggested book lists, scheduling options, materials list, reproducible templates and review pages, answers, and the teaching information. Hands-on activities use common household items. Some of the fun things you will do include ice painting, explore phases of the moon using cookies, make a solar system model, create a rainstorm and fog, make a solar oven and more! The Student Notebook includes blackline student pages for copywork or narration/dictation, and the glossary. Personally, I would add a good set of colored pencils to encourage children to personalize the blackline graphics in their notebooks. Required reference books are scheduled within the lessons that are produced by well-known publishers like Usborne, DK, and Basher. Optional library books are mentioned and vary by lessons. Already have a well-stocked home library? You could easily add your favorite resources to expand on the lessons!
Children and parents alike will appreciate this flexible, hands-on survey of science. Create memories, explore scientific principles through quality visually appealing resources, and have fun! This is the way science should be taught!
