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.
