Action Science Physical Science

Name: Action Science Physical Science
Brand: Action Sciencehttps://action-science.com/

by Action Sciencehttps://action-science.com/

ScienceGrades 6–8

Action Science Physical Science: Inquiry-Based Middle School Curriculum

Action Science Physical Science is a four-unit physical science curriculum for grades 6-8 covering scientific methods, atomic structure, energy flow, and motion. The curriculum emphasizes inquiry-based learning with hands-on experiments using simple materials, designed for homeschoolers and distance learning with secular content and NGSS alignment.

Best for

Homeschooling families and distance learning situations seeking an affordable, inquiry-based physical science curriculum for grades 6-8 with simple lab activities

Evaluation Criteria

3 strengths · 1 concern · 3 neutral

Knowledge RichStrength

The curriculum covers comprehensive physical science content including atomic structure, periodic table, energy conservation, waves, motion, and momentum across four structured units.

Units systematically cover all middle-school physical science requirements with topics like 'physical and chemical properties, mixtures, solutions, atomic structure, the periodic table' and 'motion, velocity, momentum, gravity, forms of energy'

Ngss AlignmentStrength

The curriculum explicitly aligns with NGSS and covers all required middle-school physical science standards.

Review states the units 'cover all of the middle-school physical science requirements as laid out by the National Academy of Sciences K-12 Science Framework and the Next Generation Science Standards'

Scientific VocabularyStrength

The curriculum explicitly teaches scientific vocabulary with clear formatting and accessible definitions.

Review notes that 'vocabulary words are in bold, and their definitions are in sidebars' with writing style designed to be 'easy for students working independently to understand'

Direct InstructionConcern

While lessons include text content, the curriculum appears to emphasize inquiry-based approaches over explicit instruction.

Curriculum is described as 'inquiry-based' with lessons including 'text with occasional illustrations, photos, or charts' but emphasis seems on student discovery through experiments

Teacher TrainingNeutral

Teacher guides provide basic support including answer keys and supply lists, but lack comprehensive pedagogical guidance or content background.

Teacher guides include 'brief information about the units and how to use them, a chart showing supplies needed for each lesson' and 'complete answer keys' but limited additional support described

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

The curriculum includes practice problems for reinforcement but lacks structured retrieval practice or spaced review components.

Review mentions 'practice problems might involve definitions of vocabulary words, critical thinking, applications of lesson content, or mathematical calculations' but notes 'there are no tests'

Hands On IntegrationNeutral

Experiments and activities are integrated throughout lessons with clear instructions and analysis questions, though the balance with explicit instruction is unclear.

Lessons include 'an experiment or activity' with 'instructions, record-keeping charts for students to record observations, and questions to help students analyze their results'

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com