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REAL Science Odyssey Curriculum Review – Elementary

The REAL Science Odyssey science curriculum provides a wonderful scientific foundation for the elementary grades! Kids explore science through engaging text and activities. Each lesson is presented in a short-story format followed by multiple home-friendly labs that reinforce and expand concepts. Level 1 is designed for grades 1-6. The textbook provides everything teachers and students need to learn science using a hands-on approach while applying the scientific method. Each textbook has one qualified expert author and contains student pages, instructor sheets, and lab sheets. Student pages can also be purchased separately for multiple students or to keep the textbook intact. Begin with Life Science and Earth and Space, which we recommend for grades 1-4. Continue on with Chemistry (grades 2-5) and Physics (grades 3-6). Each textbook provides a year of study. This curriculum presents a neutral worldview.

REAL Science Odyssey Curriculum Review – Grades K-4
Curriculum Components Recommended Textbook
Curriculum Cost (per Grade) $68
Hands-on Activities Cost (per Grade) $55-90 depending on course
Strengths
  • All information for teacher and student is contained in one book
  • Each experiment is based on the scientific method
  • Experiments are fully integrated into the text of each chapter
Weaknesses
  • Most of the text needs to be explained to students, rather than having them complete experiments independently
Learning Environment
Homeschool Suitability ★★★★★
Classroom Suitability ★★★
New Science Teacher Suitability ★★★★
Learning Evaluation Tools ★★★
Includes Student Tests No
Worldview Neutral – neither creationist or evolutionist
Student Appeal
Student Readability ★★★★
Engaging Visual Content ★★
Independent Study Suitability ★★
Suitability for Students Not Interested in Science ★★★★
Reading Level 3rd Grade
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 10-20 minutes

Star Rating: 5-Very Good, 4-Good, 3-Fair, 2-Poor, 1-Very Poor

Customer Reviews

This is GREAT!
My third grader wanted to study chemistry this year and I am SO glad we found this curriculum! The text is written in a very fun, engaging manner. Fun poems and crossword puzzles are included to reinforce new words and ideas. But best of all is the fact that the learning starts right away. This book does not waste a ton of time on intros and such. .. It delves right into fun information and the labs start on the first day. And the labs are FUN! Overall, I am very very pleased with this product and am looking forward to having my son study other subjects with R.E.A.L.! (Review by Cheri)

Just What We Needed
After trying several approaches to teaching science a friend recommended REAL Science Odyssey. I have been extremely pleased with this program. We will finish the book next week. I have used it with three kids ages 9, 7, and 5. All have enjoyed the lessons and I look forward to science as well. The reading is concise and clear (not boring). The lessons progress in a logical format. The experiments are fun and do not require excessive purchases or preparation. They are just perfect for a busy homeschooling mom. We are anxious to begin Earth and Space in a few weeks! (Review by Mom of 5)

This book is so fun!
We love doing science each week. The labs are explained very well and are age appropriate for understanding. (Review by Heidi)

Easy to use
We ordered this curriculum and corresponding kit for homeschooling. The book and kit make planning easy and the sequence of concepts is logical. Love it! (Review by JDW)

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