We had the opportunity to review Introductory Science Level B by Science Shepherd.
As much as I have science loving children, it always seems to get overlooked during our school year. It is definitely not by them, but by me. I offer no apologies and instead promise each year to include it in our school. Well, it happened again and my youngest son called me on it. Fortunately, this time, I had a good response: Science Shepherd.
Science Shepherd Science Curriculum was written by homeschool father Scott Hardin, MD. I have found in the past that homeschoolers develop the best curriculum, because of their experience as a homeschooler, which helps them understand the needs of one. Hardin has developed the Biology, Life Science and Introductory Science courses as well as has lectures on Creation Science. With a Bachelor of Science degree and a Medical Doctor degree, Hardin has merged his Christianity and scientific knowledge to create another science study option for homeschoolers.
The Introductory Science curriculum is a 35-week program that is written with daily lessons to be completed over a five-day period. The program comes with a student workbook and one year access to the videos that accompany the program. The student watches a video and then completes the companion written lesson in the student workbook. We usually started a new chapter on Monday and finished by Friday. Sometimes, due to our schedule, we finished the chapter on Saturday. The video lessons are short and concise, which is perfect for a younger child, who is ready to get their hands going. Although not necessary, I sat with Canyon while he watched the lessons. They were short enough for my attention and made it easier for me to work with him while he completed the workbook.
If you have a son like mine, all he wants to do is “blow up stuff”. Although, we have not covered any lessons that have the student blowing up anything, there are hands-on experiments your child will enjoy. There are also a variety of activities (ex: crossword puzzles, word searches and drawing) that make the student workbook more than just a fill in the blank experience {see sample of workbook Level B}.
Another thing I like is that the experiments that we have covered so far are not complicated and do not require the purchase of a lot of items to complete. They include most things you already have on hand. One day while on a walk, I grabbed a pine cone that I knew we would need for an experiment. A supply list is also provided, so you may collect items ahead of time and be ready when it is time to complete an experiment.
The Introductory course is just that, but it is a good introduction for an elementary school age child ( ages six to 11) and prepares them for what science is all about. Some of the topics that are covered include meteorology, geology, oceanography, plants and others. You may see the full scope and sequence.
I really like Hardin’s attention (rather than ignoring it) to evolution in this introductory class. He addresses it explains it so even a third grader can understand and that is good. Hardin is a Christian and provides several examples as to the validity of creation for the basis of all. It is good for students to understand the argument of creation vs. evolution as they begin their science education rather than later. The balance and proof will give them a better perspective as they continue to study in the area.
We are really enjoying Introductory Science so much that I have added its Life Science program to my oldest child’s schedule for the new school year. My understanding is that it is a challenging course that well prepares a student for high school science.
The Introductory Science course videos are $35 and the Level B student workbook is $15.
You can read more reviews of this item by fellow crew members.
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