Common Sense Science is a topical, hands-on
science program for students from grade 1 to grade 6. Project-based lessons
make it user-friendly for teaching multiage children together. It is visually
appealing, with students creating graphic organizers to simplify complex
science concepts. Flexible semester options allow you to customize to your
children’s interests. Teaching elementary science should be efficient, easy,
and enjoyable—it’s just common sense!
Components are simple, just a Student Book and a Student
Materials Packet, plus some household supplies. Both items are available in
print or digital format and you can purchase them as a set if you’d
like. The scientific method guides students through the labs, with index cards
used to record predictions, observations, experiments, and conclusions. You
will need to provide index cards, pencils, scissors, glue, colored
pencils/crayons, letter-size manila file folders or cardstock, multicolored
8.5” x 11” paper, and a large ziplock bag.
Each Student Book contains helpful information on
philosophy and how to use the book, lessons with teaching information, and
lab/activity instructions. To help the students conceptualize, analyze, review,
and apply the knowledge gleaned, lesson activities involve the construction of
3D Graphic Organizers from the Student Materials Packet. Vocabulary is
integral to all lessons. Labs rely on household items and/or the Graphic
Organizers.
For those who learn best by doing, this approach is well
worth considering. The Common Sense Science books are divided into 18
three-day weeks (one semester). Available in print or e-book editions
individually or in sets.
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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.
