Purposeful Design Science

Description

Purposeful Design Science is an inquiry-based, hands-on science curriculum from a biblical worldview that guides students to explore and appreciate God’s design in creation. It integrates faith and science while meeting high academic standards through investigation, observation, and critical thinking.

The program offers strong flexibility for multi-age or classroom use and is available in both 2nd and 3rd editions (not compatible with each other).

Key Curriculum Features:

  • Inquiry-based approach emphasizing hands-on investigation and the scientific method
  • Biblical worldview woven throughout with focus on the design of creation
  • Elementary levels (Grades 1–5/6) cover Life Science, Physical Science, Earth & Space, and Human Body each year
  • Middle School levels (Grades 6–9) provide in-depth, one-year courses in Life Science, Earth & Space Science, and Physical Science
  • Performance-based and traditional assessments
  • Real-world applications and critical thinking exercises

Program Components:

  • Teacher Editions: Detailed teaching notes, materials lists, discussion questions, activities, answers, and access to online supplemental resources (PDFs, blackline masters, tests)
  • Student Textbooks: Consumable activities, study guides, and practice
  • Science Workbooks (Grades 4-6): Activities and study guides for each chapter
  • Lab Manuals (Grades 6-9): Consumable with perforated lab pages following the scientific method

Important Notes:

  • In grades 1-3, components include a Teacher Edition and consumable Student Workbook. In grades 4-6, components include a Teacher Edition, Student Edition, and a consumable Science Workbook
  • Labs are central. Many use common household items, but some specific materials are needed.

Purposeful Design Science stands out for its strong biblical integration, inquiry-based learning, and balanced coverage of science topics. It is an excellent choice for Christian homeschool families seeking a rigorous, hands-on science curriculum that nurtures both faith and scientific thinking.

Shop all Purposeful Design Science levels and books below!

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.