Purposeful Design Science Elementary 2nd Ed.

Description

The title of this series comes from the idea that God's design of creation was on purpose; that theme is reflected throughout the lessons as each chapter brings together the wonders of God's world and a Biblical worldview. This series was developed to guide students through investigating, observing and thinking about the world around them. Children are naturally curious, and this course uses activities that will capitalize on that curiosity to help them learn.

Every level provides an overview of life science, physical science, earth and space, and the human body. The Teacher Edition for each level includes an overview of the curriculum, standards and content that are met by the curriculum, a worldview statement, a suggested teaching schedule, components of the course with explanation, suggested instructional approach, suggestions for teaching each chapter, and suggested use of assessments. Step-by-step explanation for lesson preparation is a helpful tool, along with an illustrated example of scientific inquiry.

The course is divided into four units (life, physical, earth/space, human body); then subdivided into chapters and lessons. In the Teacher Edition each chapter begins with key ideas, a list of major ideas for that chapter, and a section on chapter preparation that includes vocabulary, an introduction to the topic, and a summation for each lesson in that chapter. A list of supplemental materials is also included in this section and shows what should be printed from the Teacher Resources such as blackline masters, transparency masters, and computer presentations. There are also chapter tests, reviews, informational reproducibles and much more. [These resources downloaded through an included url link.] Each lesson then includes the objective, materials specific to that lesson, any necessary preparation, introductory materials, and directed instruction. Small format pictures of the corresponding student pages are shown at the end of each 2-page lesson. An extension activity is included in each lesson to further reinforce learning. Answers for the science notebook pages for grades 4-6 are at the end of each chapter. The last lesson of each chapter is review. A glossary lists the highlighted vocabulary words from each chapter, and they are cross-referenced with the lesson and page number where they are found.

The Teacher Edition E-Book is a one year subscription to all the online Teacher Resources plus an E-Book version of the TE available through the Vital Source e-book application, Bookshelf.

Student Texts are in two different forms. For Grades 1-3, they are softcover, full-color, and consumable (not reproducible) and each chapter is a tear-out (perforated pages) booklet. Information on each topic is presented with new words highlighted and illustrations and pictures to appeal to the visual learner. Print is larger and easier to read for young eyes. Activities are scattered throughout the chapters. Chapter and vocabulary reviews finish out the chapter.

Student texts for Grades 4-6 are bright, colorful, hardcover books that present the information; a separate softcover, consumable Science Notebook is used for written activities. In the Field, Quick Fact, Outlook, and Links are found throughout the chapters in the student text and provide the student with opportunities for expansion on the topic. The science notebook provides hands-on activities with application of the concepts being learned. Sometimes the blacklines and transparencies (found on the resource cd) are used with the science notebook pages.

I really like this science program. The information is thorough and presented in an age appropriate manner. The color pictures and illustrations really capture the reader's attention. The booklets in levels 1-3 aren't overwhelming to a child. With the revisions that have been made in this 2nd edition, the course seems more manageable for homeschool use. ~ Donna

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.