Go on a semester-long, story-based adventure into an area of science with the Sassafras Twins! This Charlotte Mason style, hands-on, inquiry-based science
program might be just what your children need to understand and enjoy science.
Sassafras Science follows the
Sassafras Twins as they travel the world. The underlying storyline is that the
twins felt science was boring and pointless. Despite Mom and Dad's warnings,
they continued their lackluster approach towards science and failed through
science classes. Consequently, they are not able to be with friends over their
summer break, and must spend their summer with their crazy Uncle
Cecil. Uncle Cecil and his lab assistant, a prairie dog named President Lincoln, develop a series
of invisible zip lines and special carabiners that take the twins on the adventure of a lifetime as they
learn to love science.
Each course
requires the Reader, Guide and Scidat Logbook. The story-based science
instruction is found in the Reader. The correlating Guides offer road maps for your travels. Divided into chapters, it contains summaries,
additional information and instruction for the Scidat Logbook, encyclopedia readings
and supplemental library lists, an experiment, vocabulary, copywork &
dictation, additional activities and more. An appendix includes reproducible
pages (for family use). The Scidat Logbooks become a record of your child’s journey. It includes illustrations, maps
to color or mark locations, a place to document projects, and note pages. The
Logbook is not reproducible, so you will want one for each child. A fair amount
of writing is expected, making this a slightly more intensive curriculum.
Parents with younger children may wish to assist them or “buddy” them up with
an older sibling to maintain the family learning experience.
Each Adventure
covers approximately one semester, and it is recommended (for the story
purpose) that the books be completed in order. Each volume, however, begins
with a brief overview of the previous book so it may be possible to start with
later volumes if your young scientist has previously covered the topic.
Optional
supplemental resources are mentioned, including various children’s encyclopedias
and library book lists for families wanting to study the topic more in depth. Occasionally, a scheduled title may not be
available. Families may choose a similar resource and match the topic to
enhance learning if they wish.
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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.
