Steck-Vaughn Science Workbooks

Description
Workbook based science that is fun

Since when did "workbooks" come to denote pages and pages of pencil-and-paper activities, Id like to know? To me, the word sounds more like it should be defined as a "book of work," and if this series doesnt qualify as that, then I dont know what should. This excellent and well-rounded science series contains almost everything youd need in an elementary science curriculum.

Each book covers the three main branches of science - earth/space, life, and physical

Each of the three units kicks off with several pages of text where important concepts are defined and explained, followed by a list of suggested reading on those topics. Each topic or concept within each unit is represented by several workbook pages related to that topic, in which a short piece of text is given, followed by either a hands-on experiment or a pencil-and-paper activity consisting primarily of thinking questions. Overall, the hands-on experimentation and the worksheet activities are pretty evenly matched - also impressive for a mere workbook.

Well organized science experiments

I really like the layout of the experiments as well, with a brief overview, a list of necessary materials (primarily around-the-house objects), step-by-step directions, any necessary charts to be filled in after student observations and several questions designed to get the student thinking about what he saw in the activity and why.

Im also impressed at the depth the topics are presented in here. Overall, this is a terrific science framework thats a little less than a textual-based program, but more than just a workbook. It could be easily fleshed out to a full program with the inclusion of the suggested reading within, to use as an extension with a science text for that grade level, or to supplement an elementary unit study that needs a little more "serious" science. A full answer key as well as unit and course assessments are included. These well-designed and complete workbooks definitely get my science stamp of approval! - Jess

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.