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Description
Hands-on and self-pacing, this new science series meets the learning needs of diverse learners. Courses are well-written, engaging, and focus on mastery of information. With the flexible, independent pacing, students should expect to complete each course in 10-17 hours, with an end of unit exam to ensure mastery. Home Study Kits include several components: the softcover Student Text, the Student Learning Guide, and Teacher Resource Packet. Written from a religiously neutral perspective, so no evolution or intelligent design is discussed.
Abundantly illustrated, the textbook is written to the student and provides many hands-on activities. Students will appreciate the well placed spacing of text and graphics. The layout is truly inviting and not visually overwhelming. The Student Learning Guide supports independent learning by giving students the course purpose and basic instructions to follow. Following this brief introduction, the guide provides steps to complete in order. Steps cover chapter readings and activities. After completing each step, lines are provided for students to initial, and on occasion, the teacher/parent also verifies the step is completed, and initials. Activities vary and include drawing and labeling in a science journal, finding related items, discussing with the teacher, and related hands-on activities or experiments. See individual courses for more detail. The Teacher Resource Packet includes the overall publisher philosophy called Swimming Upstream, background information with materials list, the end of unit exam, exam answers, and a Certificate of Achievement. Components are sold in sets called Home Study Kits and are not available individually. Topical Home Study Kits are available individually or in grade level packages that align with the publisher's recommended sequence:
- Take a Closer Look - An Introduction to Microscopes for Young Scientists
- World of Plants - How Plants Live & Grow for Young Scientists
- Let's Find it! - All About Maps and Globes for Young Scientists
- Light Bulbs, Switches and Batteries - Hands-on Electricity for Young Scientists
- Our Amazing Planet - Introduction to Geography for Young Scientists
- The Young Scientist - An Introduction to Observation and Discovery
- The Fabulous Human Body - Anatomy for Young Scientists
- Let's Make Things Go! - All About Engines for Young Scientists
- World of Electricity - Everyday Electricity for Young Scientists
- Circulation of the Blood - The Circulatory System for Young Scientists
- World of Machines - An Introduction to Simple Machines for Young Scientists
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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.