Apologia Elementary Science courses are built upon a
Charlotte Mason–style living science approach that values narration, notebook
exercises, and an activity or project in every lesson. Each course provides
homeschool families flexibility, a dynamic creation worldview, and activities
to fully immerse learners in the science topic. Families will appreciate that
the courses are designed for elementary and middle school ages to learn
together. While the author's intent is for the parent to read these books to
elementary students, a student at a 4th-grade reading level could read these
books on their own. The books come from a strong creationist viewpoint with
Scripture and “Creation Confirmation” sections interwoven throughout each book.
Apologia recommends spending an entire year covering each book, taking about
two weeks to explore most lessons (some lessons may require more time).
Hardcover texts are vibrantly illustrated and include
engaging text, instructions for activities/projects, and narration exercises.
Purchase of the text includes a password to access the Book Extras site on Apologia’s
website. This Book Extras site contains additional links to learn more about
course topics.
This course encourages students to create a personal
notebook; there are also optional Notebooking Journals available that
provide space to complete assignments, log experiments, copy Scripture verses,
and more. Where available, Junior Notebooking Journals offer
similar activities that have more coloring pages and less handwriting. Weekly
lesson plans are included in these Journals. You will need to provide a few
household items: scissors, glue, stapler, and colored pencils or markers.
Additional helpful learning supplemental products include convenient Lab Kits
packaged by Nature’s Workshop and MP3 CDs for some courses. Most activities
require only household items. Courses are designed to be teacher-student
interactive. Newer editions of the Text and Notebook Journals are not
compatible with previous editions. For convenience, we now offer Advantage Sets.
Advantage Sets include the textbook and the corresponding Notebooking Journal.
These icons are designed to help you quickly understand and learn important information about our products.
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.
