Paradigm Accelerated Science Programs

Description

Designed specifically for self-study (although they can also be used in a classroom situation), these courses have a few things in common with Alpha Omega LIFEPACs. First of all, the course is broken down into booklet-sized increments. Secondly, the work is primarily reading and workbook activities. Hands-on "lab" activities are not incorporated into the courses, although you could add them on fairly easily. One major difference, however, is that Paradigm Accelerated courses are not written from a religious standpoint, although they promote good values and are more conservative than most other secular curriculums. One final general note: Paradigm's courses are designed to appeal to all students, even those who may not be interested in science. If your student already loves science and is looking towards a science-related major in college, they may need a more rigorous program.

The courses are made up of text booklets, activity booklets, and a teacher's resource kit. (For some courses, the text portion is available on CD-ROM in .pdf format.) All of the instruction to the student is found in the text. Text booklets each represent a chapter of the course and typically contain three sections, each of which is split into five lessons, or 15 lessons per chapter. Each lesson is between three and four pages in length, and they are usually focused on a specific topic. Definitions of introduced vocabulary used in the lesson and black-and-white illustrations and diagrams further augment each lesson. Lessons always end with a Life Principle, which is usually a thought-provoking quote from a notable individual that relates in some way to the lesson. After the lesson has been read, the student can complete the corresponding activity pages which are typically made up of short-answer, multiple-choice, true/false, and "list" questions that reinforce the lesson. Students are also asked to write the Life Principle for the lesson. There are about 15-25 questions for each lesson which is a fair amount, considering the length of the lesson itself. After five lessons and lesson activities have been completed, there is a review quiz. Quizzes include approximately 50 questions, mostly short answer and multiple-choice. Chapter tests are taken after a whole chapter has been studied and are about 50 questions in length. Quizzes and chapter tests are found in the Teacher's Resource Packet, which also includes complete answer keys and forms for teacher use. Please note that no answers are found in the student materials. Teacher's Resource Kits are available as a CD-ROM with .pdf files or as a loose-leaf paper copy with the CD-ROM. The content is identical between the CD and the paper copy but there may be times when one form or the other is more convenient. (Please note the publisher is transitioning from CD-ROMS to digital downloads.) - 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.