Apologia Elementary Science is a Charlotte
Mason–style living science program that uses narration, notebooking, and
hands-on activities or projects in every lesson. Designed for multi-age
learning, the courses provide flexibility, a dynamic creationist worldview, and
engaging, immersive experiences that make science come alive.
The program is teacher-student interactive with the parent
reading to younger children, while students at a 4th-grade reading level can
often read independently.
Key Curriculum Features:
Charlotte
Mason-inspired approach with narration, notebook exercises, and a
project/activity per lesson
Strong
creationist worldview with Scripture and “Creation Confirmation” sections
Multi-age
friendly: elementary and middle school students can learn together
Engaging,
vibrantly illustrated texts with real-world connections
Recommended
one year per book, with most lessons taking about two weeks
Flexible
pacing and activities using mostly household items
Program Components:
Hardcover
Texts: Vibrantly illustrated books with engaging text, activity
instructions, and narration exercises. Includes password for Book Extras
site with additional resources
Notebooking
Journals: Space for assignments, experiment logs, Scripture copywork,
and more; includes weekly lesson plans. Optional but highly recommended
Junior
Notebooking Journals: Similar activities to the Notebooking Journals
but with more coloring and less handwriting
Lab
Kits: Optional but convenient kits from Nature’s Workshop with
materials for experiments
MP3
Audio CDs: Audio version of the text available for some courses
Most
activities require only household items (scissors, glue, stapler, colored
pencils/markers)
Newer
editions of the Text and Notebooking Journals are not compatible with
previous editions
Courses
are designed for teacher-student interaction
Apologia Elementary Science stands out for its
gentle, living-books approach that nurtures curiosity, critical thinking, and a
biblical worldview. It is an excellent choice for Charlotte Mason and
creationist homeschool families seeking engaging, multi-age science courses.
Browse all Apologia Elementary Science levels and
sets below!
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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.
