Basic Science Mysteries (Grade 7)

Description

By customer request, we have added the 7th and 8th grade science courses from Paradigm Accelerated as well. Basic Science Mysteries is made up of five chapter segments which cover a good mix of life science, earth and space science, and physical science concepts. Topics at this level include: human anatomy, health, genetics, ecosystems, food chains, conservation, astronomy, weather, geology, simple machines, electricity, gravity and forces, matter, metals, theories of origins and much more. Chapters are broken down into sections of five lessons each. Lessons contain about 2-3 pages of text, with a unique "hook" at the beginning. Each lesson begins with a brief episode from a mystery story that runs through the text. In Chapter 1, the main character and his friends witness a drive-by shooting attempt, then find up a bag of mysterious chemicals the driver tossed from his car. Because the story snippet ties in with the lesson's topic, the science concepts seem relevant and even exciting at times. After the text portion of the lesson has been read, students turn to the Activities book for 15-30 questions related to the daily lesson. Choose the printed texts below, or the complete text on CD-ROM. The Full Course Kit includes printed texts, printed activities, and the printed Teacher's Resource Kit (with digital downloads of the Teacher's Resource Kit). - 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.