Focus on Science is a unique series where students study one topic per semester. Complex, advanced scientific concepts are explained in a way that students understand with more depth than typical grade level sciences. Offering thought-provoking discussion questions and home-friendly labs, students are taught scientific facts and philosophy, without referencing evolution or creationism. Unlike other programs, the author takes a Chemistry first approach, followed by Biology. Leveled Courses are K-4; 5-8 and High School Chemistry (see website). Each course requires: Student Text, Lab Notebook, and Teacher Guide.
Softcover Student Texts offer larger font and engaging, colorful illustrations and diagrams. Each student text is formatted similarly to a high-school text, with each chapter broken down into smaller segments on more specific topics. Although the text introduces concepts many children won’t encounter in their elementary science curriculum, the explanations are thorough. Consumable Lab Notebooks complement the student text with two labs per chapter.
The Teacher’s Manual helps guide teacher and student through the experiments, and includes materials lists, more detailed procedure notes, and answers to the experiment questions. No schedule is included, allowing flexibility to follow each student’s pace. If your students are possibly looking down the road at a career in science, or if other courses are boring your students, these are an excellent alternative. Lab Kits are available that include items that are more difficult to source locally.