Reason For Science

Description

Written for the Christian classroom, this inquiry-based science program is easily modified for homeschools or science co-ops. Believing that learning is an active process, this program engages children in hands-on learning, while supporting the parent/teacher in teaching scientific concepts in a mind-engaging way. Using a multi-sensory approach, each lesson has a visual, auditory, and kinesthetic component. Lessons are meant to be interactive with visual demonstrations and diagrams, worksheets and journaling exercises, oral stories and discussions, and "research teams" in the classroom. Homeschool families may choose to create group learning through parent-child interaction or with siblings. Topically, each level teaches Life, Earth and Physical Science. Each lesson includes Scripture object lessons. While including teaching flexibility, the weekly lessons in levels A and B are presented in a specific, daily format: Engage. Inform, Explore, Expand and Assess. In levels C-H, weekly lessons begin with an experiment or activity, followed by worksheets. These levels don't provide a schedule; parent/teachers should plan 1-2 hours per lesson.

Vital for the program, the Teacher Guidebook provides an overview of teaching science through hands on activities and meaningful, directed instruction. Families (and teachers) will appreciate the author's efforts to provide easy to understand language, concrete hands-on activities, teacher-to-teacher expanded explanations and other helps to give you confidence to teach science. Beginning with a brief introduction and list of national science education standards, then you'll find teaching information, extension activities, supply lists, safety considerations, reduced student pages, workbook answers and assessments with answers. Includes blackline masters are reproducible for classroom use.

Consumable, student workbooks are colorful with the fun illustrations one has come to expect from the other "Reason for..." books. Worksheets have ample writing space and the levels A and B offer lines with a center dotted line to help young writers.

The Materials Kit (available in the Pack only) is a sturdy plastic case that includes the essential supplies for the 36 weekly experiments. You'll also need to provide common household items. See list in each grade level description. The kit contains enough supplies for a team of up to 5 students to work together.

Refill kits are also available and include the consumable components of the material kits for additional students.

The Homeschool Set includes the Teacher Manual and the Student Workbook. Packs include the Homeschool Set and the Materials Kit. ~ Deanne

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.
Religious Content
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
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.