The elementary curriculum published by BJU Press is well-adapted for homeschool use, even for newer parent teachers. Because it is written for a Christian private school classroom, it must be taught, and the teacher’s manual is the core of the curriculum. It contains content, instructions, guidance, and discussion questions not included in the student text. The teacher’s manual is required for grades 4-6 and highly recommended for grades 1-3. Each course includes a variety of hands-on, science-skill-building activities or labs. Beautiful photos and illustrations engage students and help them grasp the information. Students who are good readers or have a strong science interest will enjoy and do well with this curriculum. This curriculum presents a Christian creationist worldview.
| BJU Press Science Curriculum Review – Grades 1-6 | |
| Curriculum Components Recommended | Student Text, Student Activity Manual, Teacher’s Edition with CD (grades 4-6), Tests, Key |
| Curriculum Cost (per Grade) | $85 (grades 1-3)
$145 (grades 4-6) |
| Hands-on Activities Cost (per Grade) | $30-70 depending on course |
| Strengths |
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| Weaknesses |
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| Learning Environment | |
| Homeschool Suitability | ★★★★ |
| Classroom Suitability | ★★★★★ |
| New Science Teacher Suitability | ★★★★ |
| Learning Evaluation Tools | ★★★★ |
| Includes Student Tests | Yes |
| Worldview | Creationist |
| Student Appeal | |
| Student Readability | ★★★★★ |
| Engaging Visual Content | ★★★★★ |
| Independent Study Suitability | ★★ |
| Suitability for Students Not Interested in Science | ★★★★ |
| Reading Level | Grade Appropriate |
| Science Content Quality | |
| Scope and Sequence | ★★★★★ |
| Depth of Science Content | ★★★★★ |
| Age-appropriate Science Content | ★★★★★ |
| Hands-on Science Learning | |
| Comprehensive Hands-on Learning | ★★★★★ |
| Activities Develop Science Skills | ★★★★ |
| Activities Develop Critical Thinking | ★★★★ |
| Ease of Completing Experiments | ★★★★ |
| Activity/Lab Prep Time | 20-30 minutes |
Star Rating: 5-Very Good, 4-Good, 3-Fair, 2-Poor, 1-Very Poor
Much Improved
This Science 2 revised edition is a big improvement from the previous editions. The activity manual is brightly colored and includes study guide pages to better prepare students for what will be on the tests. (Review by Leslie)
This is a great book
This Science 6 is a great book to use before starting Apologia science in grade 7. It covers many of the topics that will be seen again in Apologia’s General science and physical science. Be aware that it covers a huge amount of material though. I used it with my advanced 6th grader last year. This year I will begin using it with my 5th grader, but at a much slower pace. If you like the Charlotte Mason method, take plenty of time using the book, adding other books from the library. Be sure to purchase the science kit, it is a lot of help, but you should not need the teacher’s manual, just the teacher’s answer key for the workbook. (Review by Anonymous)
I love BJU!!
This is a great curriculum. BJU has struck a great balance between content, hands on activities and discussion time. (Review by Shannon C.)