Do you love curriculum shopping as much as I do? It’s like a treasure hunt, for adults. Sometimes it can be frustrating, sometimes it can be exhausting but in the end, it’s worth it when you find the perfect fit for you kiddos. This year, our treasure hunt was for an engaging science curriculum.
I was looking for a few things in particular in a science curriculum:
- Engaging and fun for my kids
- Does not require a lot of prep work from me
- Had “just enough” hands-on learning, balanced with book work
- Affordable (or at least worth the money I’d be spending!)
- Easy to use, without a ton of help from me
I received this product for free and was compensated for my time. All opinions are my own.
That’s why I was stoked when Kendall Hunt RPD asked me to take a closer look at By Design, their science curriculum.
There are only a few companies I know and trust, without having to dig into the curriculum and go over every word in the books, before introducing it to my kids. I’ve learned that Kendall Hunt RPD produces some of the most high quality curriculum on the market. It’s a religious company, that offers high value and characteristics.
A few of our favorite features of By Design Science curriculum:
Bright, engaging photos:
If you have a kiddo like mine who hates reading, bright photos are just what they need to break up the text.
Textbook and work booklets:
All of my favorite curriculum use work booklets. I love that my kiddos can read their text, then grab their booklet and do their work. It’s perfect for busy days, when you need to run errands but don’t want to lug a clunky textbook around.
Chapter Review and Study Guides:
I love curriculum that offers Chapter Reviews and Study Guides. They ensure my kiddos are really retaining the information they’ve learned.
Available for Grades 1-8:
There’s nothing I hate more than finding a curriculum I love and having to start the search over again because it’s only available for a few grade levels. By Design is available for grades 1-8, covering most of our homeschool years!
Hands-On Activities:
While bookwork makes sure we are learning each topic, having a hands-on activity for each chapter makes learning fun, too! The activities don’t require a ton supplies, are laid out in easy and direct steps and are engaging for the kiddos.
Covers All Areas of Science in One Year:
Unlike other science homeschool curriculum, By Design covers 4 broad units of study in one year, instead of just focusing on one area, for an entire year.
By Design Science is divided into 4 units of study:
- Life Science
- The Human Body
- Earth & Space Science
- Physical Science
By Design Science offers a 5 Step Instruction Model:
Engage:
Spark the student’s interest with questions and statements that want them to get involved and learn even more.
Discover:
Hands-on and engaging activities help students to discover and explore the concept even more.
Explain:
Students begin to form their own ideas and will be able to explain the concepts, based on what they’re read and learned from their teachers.
Extend:
Students begin to build on their knowledge of the concept and begin applying their knowledge to other areas of their learning.
Assess/Reflect:
Students will demonstrate their understanding of the concepts to others through activities.
If you’re looking for a thorough and engaging science curriculum for your homeschool, don’t miss Kendall Hunt RPD’s By Design.
Check out more of what we had to say about Kendall Hunt RPD
