If you’re looking for engaging, middle school science, I
think you will love The Mystery of Science by Bright Ideas Press! Much like The Mystery
of History, the softcover student reader includes conversational lessons
with beautiful photographs. Each lesson starts with a goal and is centered
around achieving that goal. Lessons are kept short, 4-6 pages, that include
helpful sidebars with memory verses, word origins, vocabulary words, and a
creation corner. The Student Reader includes a code to download a copy
of the lab manual, which has writing assignments, research opportunities, labs,
review, crossword puzzles, and quizzes. It also includes a suggested 4-day
schedule and lab supply list with mostly easy to find items, although a few
science-specific items are needed. A printed Lab Manual is also available
separately if you prefer not to print the pages.
Students will also need
various sketching tools for most lessons, including pencils, colored pencils, a
charcoal pencil, markers, etc. The suggested lesson schedule typically
includes two days of reading the lesson, followed by lab manual (written)
activities, a lab activity day, and concludes with a research and review day.
The Mystery of Science courses will take 2-3 hours each week to complete but
remains flexible for your needs. Biology is currently available, with
Physics expected Summer 2025.
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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.
