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Useful Source for Teaching Elementary Science

Elementary Science Curriculum Review – Master Books

To teach science it is important to understand the worldview of the curricula.

Consider some of the following issues when looking for science resources:

1) How does the curriculum handle the beginnings of the the universe?
2) How are dinosaurs and fossils handled?
3) What about carbon dating and millions of years?
4) Are the objectives solid, or are the hard science questions glossed over?

Biblical Worldview

Do you want to teach science from a biblical worldview? The foundation of science begins with the scriptures. All scientific discoveries and theories must be weighed by what is found in God’s word.

A biblical worldview is not trying to make science fit into the Bible. God created science, so what He says comes first.

Master Books

Master Books has several science related starter guides on general science and astronomy for elementary children, based on a biblical worldview.

The above example of a year-long science curriculum is written for children in grades 3-8 but can incorporate children from K-4 by doing the simple experiments. Middle school students may work on the research and more challenging activities provided in the curriculum.

Investigate the Possibilities Series

Each book set includes 20 lessons called “Investigations”, (see Investigate the Possibilities Series). The Parent Lesson Planner gives detailed instructions on how to implement the material. Using their guide, you can teach multiple ages of children with this one resource.

The Teacher Guide lays out plans for a 36-week science course, including tests and quizzes. It includes an answer guide and more resources for the harder learning objectives such as radioactive dating methods.

Each lesson begins with a “Think About This” section and an activity to get the kids thinking about the science objective.

The projects are great for all kids. The tests and quizzes, which cover multiple investigations, are appropriate for older students.

Some of the projects need supplies, but the activities can easily be tweaked, or just skip to the next activity.

In Summary

This is a great science curriculum to pull out every 3-4 years, especially if you use a cyclical system for homeschooling. It ‘grows’ with your kids as they mature. Buy the books once and reuse them as your children are ready to tackle harder science concepts.

Overall, Elementary General Science from Master Books is a solid, “hands-on” science curriculum based on a biblical worldview.

The illustrations are beautiful and relevant to the lessons. The lessons are set up so students are engaged in the learning process through questions and problem solving. It does not have a “textbook” feel and is simple to use.

However simple, this science curriculum explains the difference between uniformitarianism and catastrophism, which are concepts our kids need to know if we want them to have a biblical worldview.

In the Pause and Think section of each Investigation, students are given scripture and/or questions to ponder as they apply science principles to what scripture tells us.

 

For more from Master Books, there are science sets in the Science Starter Series which include Elementary Physical and Earth Science and Elementary Physics and Chemistry

This article was originally published on our Homeschool Launch Blog.

 

 

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