SECULAR HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE CURRICULUM REVIEW || Scientific Connections Through Inquiry Level 3

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SECULAR HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE CURRICULUM REVIEW || Scientific Connections Through Inquiry Level 3
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I am grateful to Scientific Connections through Inquiry for sending me their Level 3 curriculum in exchange for my honest flip through and review. Level 3 is a full-year secular science program that is designed for homeschoolers. As explained on their website, "Every year students will learn science from across disciplines, which have been divided into four main paths: Nature of Matter (A), Life Science (B), Physical Science (C), and Earth and Space Science (D). Each of those paths weave together and build on each other to form a full picture of the world around us."
Upon my initial review, I was very impressed with how their interdisciplinary and muti-sensory approach can be used with children of different ages, and I'm excited to use it next year with my own kids.
Find out more here:
scicurriculum.com/sci/
The author of the curriculum explained to me that "Scientific Connections through Inquiry is built off of Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding, the work of Dr. Bernard Nebel, and he reviews each level and receives a portion of the sales. SCI keeps the deep science and interdisciplinary approach of BFSU, updates it, and adds organization, a suggested schedule, photographs, a student book, and more! Each unit is broken into sessions which can be completed in about a day and include some mix of discussion, activities, videos, and student book pages. Each unit opens with a materials list and list of optional extension books and closes with a checklist of what your student has learned and optional topics for further investigation if interest has been peaked. We include plenty of hands-on exploration, but make sure every activity counts. Our goal is to help students thoroughly understand the science all around them!"
** Although this video is not sponsored and I am not an affiliate of SCI, I earn commissions for purchases made through the other affiliate links in this post at no cost to you. Regardless, my recommendations are always based on my honest opinion. Thanks for supporting my channel! **
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Пікірлер: 125

@Gojuninja 3 жыл бұрын

Wow! I didn’t know this curriculum existed, and have been searching for over a year for a high quality, secular, not overwhelming, science curriculum for our family! This one ticks all the boxes! I’ll look for more of your curriculum videos, so far they have been so helpful!! Now excuse me while I purchase these books!! lol!! Thank you again!!

@ProjectHappyHome 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@gondwanatravels8834 3 жыл бұрын

Fabulous review. Really looking forward to seeing the level 4 walk through.

@homeschoolresourceswithnad186 3 жыл бұрын

Secular homeschooler here does appreciate this video. Thank you for making it

@catherineedoria-delacruz8048 4 жыл бұрын

This is brilliant! I've been looking for a simple, straight to the point secular science curriculum and this is just perfect- I bought the curriculum half way through your video! The thing that stuck out most was the "no bologna" page.. that was the first thing I learned in science and it blew me away that it had it in this curriculum. Thank you for doing a review on this!

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

Right?!? I loved that they opened with that lesson. They do the same in Level 4!

@user-vg8ez9cu6u 3 жыл бұрын

How has this curriculum been going for you? Are the kids able to retain the information?

@orelsa82 4 жыл бұрын

I look forward to your review. It looks great! Please flip through the next level.

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

Yay! They’re going to send me the next level and I’ll review it in July. Thanks for watching!

@mariae.bachir3277 3 жыл бұрын

Love this curriculum. We are in the middle of level 3 and plan to resume after the sumner. So far is the greatest science curriculum.

@mtthomason 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this video! I started BFSU with my son when he was still in pre-school, and we loved it. (I have a BS in Biology, and he loves science as much as I do.) But the ordering of lessons and pre-lesson prep time was exhausting. My son went on to start public school (in a Spanish Immersion program). I started teaching math to middle schoolers, and my son excelled too quickly through everything his teachers threw at him. Besides Spanish vocabulary and conversation skills, he was learning very few new skills during school hours and was bored and miserable beyond words. I hated it for him. Now, he's 12, and I've taken on the challenge of homeschooling him to get him excited about learning again, but I feel like I'm failing in science, and that's hard to swallow. We love science! He devours books on quantum physics and KZfaq videos that focus on mechanics, basic chemistry, physics, engineering ... but he thinks EVERY science curriculum I've found "seems boring," so I've been hesitant to drop the money on any science program yet and am piecing things together. Do you think this could be typical, pre-teen angst? Or is there something I'm not considering here? And do you think this program will work well for gifted learners? He says he wants to DO science, not just read about it. And I get that. But how in the world are we supposed to "Do" quantum physics?! Lol. I'll take any advice you can offer, fellow homeschoolers!

@ProjectHappyHome 3 жыл бұрын

I'm sorry for the delay in replying! I agree that several science curriculums can be boring. Sometimes more so for the kids who love it! I am thinking about trying out MEL Science to spice up our experiment life. And outside science clubs/classes are always a good addition.

@mooneywifey 4 жыл бұрын

I was JUST looking for a Science curriculum! Thank you!

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

So happy it helped!

@AileenTownsend 3 жыл бұрын

This was such a helpful walkthrough! Clear, well-explained, slow and thorough flip-through. I really appreciated this as well as all your thoughts about the lessons. Thank you!

@ProjectHappyHome 3 жыл бұрын

You’re so welcome! Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave such a sweet comment. 💚

@kfranklin926 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve never heard of this. Thanks for a thorough walkthrough.

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

Glad to spread the news of a new secular science program!

@Honeybee-cy9gc 3 жыл бұрын

Looking forward to see Level 4.

@nikandmeg 4 жыл бұрын

I like it! And you answered my question about level 1 and 2. I was just looking at that textbook and ultimately decided that I wanted to pick and choose what we did For science next year, but now i’m thinking I should go back and give it another look. Level 3 looks so well done. Thanks!

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

Exactly my thoughts this year - I am so impressed by this that it changed my throw-it-together plan. Lol!

@SmithsInTheMaking 4 жыл бұрын

I have only recently looked in to BFSU and within just a few minutes of searching found feedback regarding how overwhelming it was to organize. I was disappointed since it looked great, but reality of 3 kids meant I looked no further in to it. This looks excellent! We are doing RSO Astronomy but it is a short course we may even just do over the summer so I have been on the lookout for something secular, multidiscipline and easy to implement. I am definitely going to explore SCI more. Thanks for the thorough flip through. And I would love to see more about the binding! As for the microscope, I have a degree in cell biology and worked as a forensic scientist and didn' think deciding on a microscope for home use would be so tough! Certainly don't have the same budget as a science lab;)

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

Ahhh, the budget! I taught 7th grade science for a couple years at a magnet school, and I sure do miss my budget allocation. LOL! The binder is a ProClick, and it's the best thing since sliced bread.

@mountainmamaacademy157 4 жыл бұрын

This looks so great! I've been wondering about it. We got BFSU Level 1 and it's got great content but it's seriously overwhelming to plan. This looks so much easier.

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

Exactly my thoughts! 💚

@AKiHope 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this! We've been using Evan Moor and Mystery Science (Mystery Doug). Next year, we will use Oak Meadow and then supplement with Evan Moor and Mystery Science.

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

We've been using Mystery Science as well, and it's so fun! I'd love to hear about how you like Oak Meadow for science.

@cottingtonmae 3 жыл бұрын

so! i know you did this video a couple months ago, but i have been interested in this program. i taught for 10 years, and while i taught math and NOT science, i'm excited to teach science this year because i'm using the units from TGTB. i'm secular, so, i'll be changing some things up, leaving some things out, etc. my still-a-teacher/science teacher friend is appalled that i'm going to use TGTB because of the approach to science, in that it's more of a fill-the-vessel situation and not about scientific inquiry, etc. i guess i'm excited about it because i love that it's a good outline for me to cover some fun topics and make science enjoyable for everyone involved. my daughter does already love science, and i like having a direct focus on individual topics, and since she is in 5th grade, i feel we can spend this year and next doing TGTB units and then move up from there, to get that deeper understanding and way of thinking about science. i will also be using some science materials my friend gave me that will definitely get us digging more. but i guess my question is this: do you feel the SCI connections through inquiry definitely does fill that void that TGTB probably doesn't? i'm trying to figure out where we'll move on to next, because a lot of the older kid stuff is definitely more christian-based, like TGTB, but as my daughter gets older, i want to make sure that's not what we have, and i have checked out RSO, but i don't know that i like how it's set up, etc. i'm likely not making myself clear at all, aha! but if you have any thoughts, i super appreciate it.

@ProjectHappyHome 3 жыл бұрын

Well, we are only just starting SCI and I have never used TGTB science, but I will say that I appreciate how SCI facilitates and encourages the scientific thought process as opposed to just scientific facts. At this early age, I want to cultivate that scientific mindset more than anything.

@stellarambikihorace7194 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your thorough review of this curriculum. I found BFSU very overwhelming as well but I like its in depth content.

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

Me, too! I kept wanting to buy it, but then I looked at my schedule and style and it didn't make sense for us. This curriculum is right up our alley.

@gabulldawgs88 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video! I would love to see a video on level 4 :)

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

Coming soon! :)

@fallofmanbrand 4 жыл бұрын

Loved It!

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

@ellenbyron252 4 жыл бұрын

Great video. Thank you

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

Glad you liked it!

@sarasveggiekitchen 2 жыл бұрын

I stumbled on this and it looks great! thanks.

@ProjectHappyHome 2 жыл бұрын

Hope you enjoy it!

@lizcalandrino3992 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for reviewing SCI, we have been using and loving it!

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

Awesome to know that you're enjoying it!

@tracydababseh 3 жыл бұрын

Can I ask which level you are using and if you would still recommend? Is it easy enough for a non-science person? 😁

@lizcalandrino3992 3 жыл бұрын

Tracy, I finished SCI level 3 and am now about halfway through level 4 with my 8 yo son. I also am about halfway through with level 0 with my 6 yo twins. I would definitely recommend it still, it’s very thorough and well designed to get kids thinking scientifically.

@tracydababseh 3 жыл бұрын

@@lizcalandrino3992 Thank you so much!!

@Arleneandcompany 4 жыл бұрын

We are loving SCI and level 4 looks great too !

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

Can't wait to see your review of Level 4 - :)

@Arleneandcompany 4 жыл бұрын

Project Happy Home yes! I’ve been digestion it all for the last week. Love seeing your review and perspective as a pathologist 💚

@sciencemama 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this! I have my PhD in Microbiology and finding an elementary homeschool science curriculum that I love is proving to be a challenge. Mostly because I’m a Christian but believe in old earth etc - so bring on the secular science curriculum! What science curriculum have you used in the past?

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

We have used Nancy Larson Science and Real Science Odyssey, both of which we enjoyed. I like using Evan Moor's Daily Science workbooks as our steady science dip, in combination with a bunch of living science books (DK makes great ones!), shows, and experiments.

@sciencemama 4 жыл бұрын

@@ProjectHappyHome Thank you - that was really helpful! I've heard of Real Science Odyssey but not Nancy Larson, so I will go look it up :)

@AshleyDawn5871 4 жыл бұрын

I have been interested in this curriculum since it came out. I finally pulled the trigger thanks to you. Please make a video on your proclick. Or at least tell me which model you use. I definitely want to start binding student workbooks myself!

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

I think mine is the P50 - when you search it on Amazon, a green one pops up. I may have it in my favorites store (linked in description box). 🙂

@michellebrowning7976 4 жыл бұрын

I would love to see Level 4 as well! My oldest son is going into 8th grade this year, but I'd like to find a curriculum I can use for doing science as a group with him and his younger siblings in grades 4 and 6.

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

Coming soon!

@pkeele 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video!

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

You’re so welcome!

@CLeigh315 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this review! I’m always checking out different science curriculum. We used and really enjoyed Elemental Science last year. I’m interested to know which planner you’re going to use for next year? I’m trying to decide and I’m unable to commit! Any planning videos in the works? 😊

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

Yes! My summer planning series with Lindsay over at MommaSchmoozeHomeschoolReviews is coming in June!

@JnM1206 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the review. I’ve also stayed away from BFSU as well for the heavy parent involvement. This seems to provide the benefits of BFSU but easier to implement. Is level 3 considered grade 3 level?

@ProjectHappyHome 3 жыл бұрын

Not exactly. I think if you look on their website, it aligns the levels with the separate BFSU books. So Level 3 can be used for a range of ages.

@angelacabezas4715 4 жыл бұрын

Hi Tanya, Thank you for this review! This seems like an all encompassing science curricula. Do you feel this is a superior approach to engaging in science? We have been using RSO and like it very much minus the black and white visuals however I do feel teaching one scientific topic a year/semester inhibits further study into scientific cross connections, so SCTI might be the answer to this. I have no science background so I often second guess any of my science curricula choices!

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

I do think an integrated study makes more sense - especially at this early age, where we are trying to foster critical thinking and logical analysis. 🤓

@AandWjackson 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, we are using the level three scientific connections through inquiry. I really love it. But, for the student handbook for example on page 10 identifying plant versus animal cells I cannot find answers in the book anywhere to this. I believe I know which are animal cells and which are plant cells but I’d like to double check myself to be 100% correct. Any suggestions? Did you come across this problem?

@ProjectHappyHome 2 жыл бұрын

You know, I can't recall if there are answers in the book, but one suggestion may be to supplement with the Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding book (which SCI is based on). At least for your own background knowledge before teaching/grading lessons.

@AandWjackson 2 жыл бұрын

Is there a microscope you would recommend to go with this that maybe comes with slides? I do see it gives specs in the book for what a good microscope should have, but lacking time to do the research. We did buy this curriculum and had the pages bound at Office Depot. Thank you :-)

@ProjectHappyHome 2 жыл бұрын

I have used a simple AmScope microscope for a few years now and it has been perfect for elementary. It is linked in my Amazon store under science.

@chirorina55 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for posting this! I have grade 1 and 4 to be - and feel like our school is not doing enough science. So I decided to teach kids my own... I was wondering if level 3 is good to use for both kids... would you recommend to do other materials before?

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

For my youngest, I don’t use a formal science curriculum - but she and I read through several nature books and she participates in the science experiments we do together as a family. She will be a first grader next year and I plan on including her as we work through Level 3, though I think it will be most helpful for my older kids (soon to be 8 and 11).

@chirorina55 4 жыл бұрын

Project Happy Home thank you! I will definitely check out !!

@teedy5838 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this! I'm really interested. I checked their website and it looks like I can only buy the PDF version? Would you know if there's an option to purchase the printed version?

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

They only offer PDFs at the moment. 🙂

@heidig8739 4 ай бұрын

Do you happen to have an update for how this curricula worked for you? If I missed it elsewhere on your channel, I apologize! I know you posted this a few years ago now. Thanks!

@ProjectHappyHome 3 ай бұрын

Hi! I think I’ve shared some updates in these comments about how it worked for us. I think it would work best in tandem with BFSU.

@kawaiikawaiianimegirl4144 Жыл бұрын

This looks like a really cool curriculum

@ProjectHappyHome Жыл бұрын

It really is! I find that it works even better if you incorporate BFSU.

@want2learn296 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for taking the time to share this information:) Do you know if they plan on making other levels for older grades? Does level 3 mean grade 3? Also, do they have a print version of their program or is it only a PDF download? Thank you for taking the time to respond back. I truly appreciate it:)

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

They do plan on making more levels. Level 3 doesn’t mean Grade 3, necessarily. It more corresponds to upper elementary. They only have downloads available at the moment. I hope that helped!

@want2learn296 4 жыл бұрын

@@ProjectHappyHome Thanks for the response:) I like that many scientific concepts are incorporated in one year. I was always drawn to Elemental science but didn't like that there was only one science topic of focus for the year. Are you familiar with that program? Well, once again, thank you:)

@Curioushomeschooler 3 ай бұрын

You have mentioned that you do include Harcourt science textbooks plus Evan moor daily science.. I do love both and include EM daily science as a daily morning science , as the lessons are short and sweet and swift.. I do want to to continue with that as I saw this method of bite-sized to the point introduction to scientific concepts do help my student retain the concept longer... plus I like how nice, conprehensive, and straight forward the Harcourt textbooks are for science in each grade level... My question is, if I am doing Science from both these sources, should I also include science from some other area like you do for science, where you pull from SCI or RSO.. unfortunately, both of these doesnot seem to fit my style of implimentation.. I get lost and my child feels lost too if I am at loss... she like science to the point... My question is:1) Do you think science with only Evan moor and Harcourt will suffice for any grade level or should I supplement it? 2) Have you looked into Core knowledge science units for the grade levels, how do you feel their approach is or why have you not used them as a source for secular science resource? 3) Have you ever looked into Elemental science or their Science Chunks units approach, Do you think they are worth to buy and do along with the other 2 I am doing? 4) Have you tried Oak meadow science units and how do you think it compares to Evan Moor and Harcourt.. can it fill gaps where the other 2 lack ...? Any advice or thoughts from you would be a lot helpful.. trying to find a secular science curriculum which is not experiment heavy is a struggle...

@ProjectHappyHome 2 ай бұрын

Hello! I have noticed your thoughtful and detailed questions on this and other videos. I’d love to answer in a meaningful way, but would you mind asking them via direct message on Instagram? That way I can leave you a verbal response and properly answer your great Qs. Thanks!

@michelleohara9981 2 жыл бұрын

Great video, Tanya! I think this is the curriculum I want. I'm persuaded by the method of BSFU but know I will probably end up just not getting around to it most weeks b/c of the planning, so SCI looks like a better option. Do you know if there's anywhere to access BSFU flowchart just for reference without the book? Do you have a video reviewing SCI after using it? I see in the comments you mention that you used it along with REAL Science Odyssey and Evan Moor. What was your reason for the combination of curriculum? I've been agonizing over choosing Science curriculum. My third and fifth graders (and upcoming kindergartener) have had a smattering of random STEM projects and experiment videos, so I need something that reassures me they can build sequentially on their knowledge. I've considered Elemental Science, Supercharged e-science, Ellen McHenry units, and BFSU. We live overseas and it's not easy for me to have kits shipped to us, so I'm looking for digitally available options that will keep my kids engaged and hands-on activities that will not be too difficult for me (a non-sciency person) to implement. I want to encourage my kids to go into the sciences.

@ProjectHappyHome 2 жыл бұрын

I think science is a multi-faceted study - so it feels natural for me to combine curricula. But there is no need to do so. We use RSO for the experiments and sensible sequence. I’ve been happy with RSO Bio 2, but I’m not as impressed with RSO Life. It seems too complicated and too simple by turns. I also have my kids read and discuss regular public school science textbooks - just to keep the science mindset going while we practice reading comprehension. Evan Moor Daily Science provides excellent conceptual review on a daily basis. SCI 3 provided fun experiments that we could do together as a family. I think there are many good (not great) options for science. As long as you’re actually DOING science on a regular basis, I think you’ll be fine. 🤓

@amierichardson1767 4 жыл бұрын

This looks really good, I would be really interested to see what your curriculum choices are for this year, so you think you might make a video on that?

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

Yes! Waiting on a few more resources to come in, and then I’ll post grade level plans in July.

@amierichardson1767 4 жыл бұрын

Project Happy Home wonderful!! I can not wait this is my first year I will be officially homeschooling and I’m researching and trying to start off on a good foot.

@mariae.bachir3277 Жыл бұрын

Starting Level 4 this year 👍❤️

@zuzanaihnatova7532 3 жыл бұрын

Hello Tanya. Just watched this video and wonder if you've got any further experience with this curriculum - did you end up using it in your homeschool? I'd love to know how it turns out in practical settings. I am looking for something for my kindergartener and have difficulties to choose between Real Science Oddysey, Early Elementary Science Education (BF of Scientific Understanging) or whether to use some simple workbooks (eg Evan Moore) and supplement with living books (kind of a unit study on some topics). Also, you mentioned in one of your comments below living science books by DK - could you recommend what line of books by DK that is please? many thanks

@ProjectHappyHome 3 жыл бұрын

I believe that I was referring to the encyclopedias by DK. We did use this curriculum in conjunction with Real Science Odyssey (Life 1 and Bio 2). This provided a nice middle ground for together studies with the 6, 8, and 11 year olds. I am a big fan of keeping science a little loose and free in the earliest grades - teaching the scientific method and basic foundations of life and earth science. The Evan-Moor books are great for introducing age-appropriate scientific concepts that you can supplement and expand into bigger lessons. Blossom and Root also offers some great starts to gentle science. BFSU is great, but it's very parent intensive and not the easiest to implement.

@zuzanaihnatova7532 3 жыл бұрын

@@ProjectHappyHome thank you, this is very helpful!

@mariae.bachir3277 3 жыл бұрын

Hello Tanya, For this curriculum, can you recommend a microscope for our 2nd and 3rd graders? Thank you

@ProjectHappyHome 3 жыл бұрын

Honestly, I’d look at Amazon and go by the reviews. My experience is with much more sophisticated microscopes, and I can’t really judge the weaker ones by reading the specs. I will be trying out two student ones this year and I’ll film reviews later on.

@bethdavis-pratt7122 3 жыл бұрын

Do you think this level would be appropriate for a science minded 5th grader? This has been our first year at home and I have not done enough science. I need something that will engage my 2e kiddo - GT and ADHD - but that this not very science-inclined mama can do. 😊

@ProjectHappyHome 3 жыл бұрын

Yes, but after using it, I think it is better as a supplement for a science-minded kiddo.

@leatheamazing 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this information! Quick question: How important is it to have a microscope for this curriculum? Do you have any suggestions on microscopes? I'm trying to do this without breaking the bank, but I want to make sure I have whatever is necessary. Thanks again!

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

I think a microscope is important for this curriculum for all the cell study - and I just ordered a student microscope from Amazon based on the recommendation of the Mary Wilson blog - preciously Notbefore7. It was a highly ranked student microscope on Amazon and it cost about $130. I’ll update you on how it goes!

@ratkerson6787 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Lea...I bought a microscope last year on Mercari for $25 that works great. You can also check out eBay. Lots of used microscopes for around $30 there however I would caution you to research exactly what type you need because there are alot of cheap microscopes that really aren't worth the money and won't give you the magnification you need.

@juanitamayes6329 4 жыл бұрын

What type of printer are you using to print those ? Thank you !

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

I have an HP color laser printer, and I love it. It ran perfectly for 3 years, but ran into a weird blue-ink-snafu for a few months. It fixed itself, so I can't complain. LOL

@ErstwhileEducation 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this. I’m curious if you are still using this curriculum or what your review was on this? How many days a week did you use this curriculum? ✨

@ProjectHappyHome 2 жыл бұрын

We used it as a family supplement because all our kids had their independent science this year. We used it about once a week.

@FilbertEnterprises 4 жыл бұрын

Can you compare/contrast with RSO? I have also shied away from BFSU due to implementation concerns (baby/toddler in the house 😂). We have been using RSO, but have been finding that it doesn't stand on its own particularly well. Life level 1 is a great survey of life, but if we are doing biology, where are (just for example) the lessons on habitats, ecosystems, etc? Why the focus on classification, but no serious exploration of evolution and clades? My meteorologist friend is finding similar gaps in the earth science units.

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

Honestly, we haven't used any RSO except for Chemistry, and we didn't get very far last year before the moving chaos set in. But I plan on using the Chemistry with my eldest next year, and I'll have more insight after that. I like the built-in chemistry experiments and step-wise progression, but I agree that the textual information could be beefier. The reason I like this SCI curriculum so much is that it appears to give a good, not-dumbed-down foundation in the main concepts within each unit. I think factual gaps are inevitable at the elementary level - but the essential mindset of scientific thinking is emphasized in this curriculum. :)

@FilbertEnterprises 4 жыл бұрын

@@ProjectHappyHome thanks. The not dumbed down is huge for me. Kids are perfectly capable of saying ectothermic, thank you very much. There is no need to teach them to say, "cold blooded," just so they can turn around and unlearn it later.

@kendraparks3271 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this review! Are you doing this with all 3 of your children?

@ProjectHappyHome 3 жыл бұрын

We’re layering it in for all three on top of RSO levels Life 1 and bio 2.

@juliehelgeson7015 3 жыл бұрын

@@ProjectHappyHome What ages are your children? How would you say this curriculum compares to RSO in terms of open and go, prep, science-based, and interest from kids? Really loving the looks of this!

@lemontreeacademy2777 4 жыл бұрын

Eeek! I've been waiting for this curriculum to come out. So we have Building Foundations vol 1 and I personally love it. I think Nebel does an amazing job. I actually think he lays out very concise doable plans for completing each lesson. I think the problem arises though in A) the order...it's a "choose your own adventure" kind of approach to the order of lessons and I think that's my biggest anxiety. B) It's not something you can just give your student to read. There are no pictures, no diagrams, no figures, no worksheets, no printables. You really do need to pull outside sources, though he provides lists and lists of great sources. C) as a results of problem B, it means that you the parent will really have to be present and teach science. It's 100% on you to make it happen. D) there's no "kit" meaning you have to be on top of your supplies. So if you could give me a curriculum prepackaged and ready to go based on BFSU, I'm totally on board! I'd be really curious to see this for the younger grades, which I'm gathering is SCI levels 0-2 (which corresponds to BFSU v 1...the source we've been using)

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

As a former science teacher, you’d think I wouldn’t be so intimidated. But alas! Lol. This is perfect for people like me who loved the motivation and content of BFSU but were too scared/lazy/realistic to attempt it. I love how you broke it down. If I had asked you last year, you would have sold me. 💚

@AH-ru8ei Жыл бұрын

Did you end up using this for your kiddos? How did you like it?

@ProjectHappyHome Жыл бұрын

Yes, it was our group science on fun days so that the big kids could get in on the fun. It works best in conjunction with BFSU.

@bobbyboo1478 4 жыл бұрын

Hi. I am not from the US. Love the channel. I have a question. I am not familiar with the phrase secular science... As a religious person I believe science is just science. Why is it important to state that? Do religious people in the US study a different type of science?

@ProjectHappyHome 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, the homeschool community in the US has a large percentage of Christian homeschoolers, and some of those homeschoolers do not want to teach evolution and/or the age of the Earth to their children. So the distinction of "secular" is an alert to homeschoolers that the science is based on the consensus of the scientific community as opposed to science presented through the lens of any particular religious dogma. #thestruggleisreal

@bobbyboo1478 4 жыл бұрын

@@ProjectHappyHome It is pretty much the same here in Israel only we in Judaism have our answers to the mismatch of dates and dating. Thanks for elaborating.

@tracydababseh 2 жыл бұрын

Hi! Will you be reviewing level 4?

@ProjectHappyHome 2 жыл бұрын

Yes!

@tracydababseh 2 жыл бұрын

Yay! Thank you!

@letitiam7985 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing this! Are you still using it? How’s it going?

@ProjectHappyHome 3 жыл бұрын

Yes! It’s our “together science.” We combine it with Real Science Odyssey (life 1 for the littles and Bio 2 for my eldest).

@mae2129 3 жыл бұрын

I would love to hear how you go about combining those curricula as they are my top choices for this 2021-2022 school year.

@annebaiel 3 жыл бұрын

I'd love to hear why/how you're using the other science curricula, too. SCI seems like an all-inclusive curriculum. This was a great walk-through, thank you!

@juliehelgeson7015 3 жыл бұрын

@@mae2129 I second this! These are my top 2 picks - have you made a decision yourself?

@ssese805 2 жыл бұрын

I would also like an update on how you have combined this curriculum. I’m a new homeschooler to a TK but looking ahead for next year :)