Spectrum Science 2015

Description

The newest edition (2015 copyright) of this series is essentially the same as the previous edition (2008 copyright). The books provide lessons (seven is grades 3-5 and nine in grades 6-8) in each of seven areas (chapters): science as inquiry, physical science, life science, earth and space science, science and technology, science in personal and social perspectives, and the history and nature of science. There are chapter reviews for each chapter and cumulative tests over chapters 1-3 and chapters 1-7. A complete answer key is provided in the back. Lessons provide a one-page essay/article with a second page of exercise questions that include vocabulary, comprehension, and recall. An article sidebar lists vocabulary words, provides related quotes, and supplies short autobiographical information on people mentioned in the articles. 176 pgs, pb

The text reads like short articles on science, and because a wide range of topics are covered, there's something here for everyone - not just students who already love science. Questions are usually a mix of multiple-choice, short-answer, matching, true/false or long answer. Occasionally, an extension activity is also provided, such as researching the topic further, or doing an activity like trying to locate a planet in the night sky. For review and assessment, there are end-of chapter reviews, the multi-chapter tests, and a final test. Answer keys are provided in each one, and because the pages are perforated, you can remove it if you wish. With the mix of scientific information, real-life science applications, stories of scientific discovery, and lots of questions for each, these would be a nice supplement to a more informal science course at the earlier grades, or a very hands-on science course at any grade.

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.