Body by Design

Name: Body by Design
Brand: Master Bookshttps://www.masterbooks.com/

by Master Bookshttps://www.masterbooks.com/

ScienceGrades 8–12

Body by Design: Creationist Anatomy with Liberal Arts Approach

Body by Design is a high school anatomy and physiology curriculum that teaches human body systems from a creationist perspective, emphasizing intelligent design and incorporating historical development of scientific understanding. The 170-page text combines biological content with liberal arts elements and addresses creation/evolution questions throughout.

Best for

Homeschool families seeking a creationist approach to anatomy education, particularly those with liberal arts or classical education philosophies who want to supplement standard science curricula

Evaluation Criteria

1 strength · 2 concerns · 3 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Scientific VocabularyStrength

The curriculum includes scientific vocabulary typical of biology texts with supporting glossary materials.

Review states the book 'includes illustrations and vocabulary typical of biology texts' and 'features both a glossary and an index'

Knowledge RichConcern

The curriculum provides foundational anatomy content but with less data-type information than standard texts due to diversions into history and intelligent design.

Reviewer notes it 'doesn't cover as much data-type information as a standard text might' and suggests it 'needs to either be augmented to comprise a full-year course or used as a supplement'

Ngss AlignmentConcern

The creationist perspective and intelligent design focus would conflict with NGSS standards that emphasize evidence-based scientific explanations.

Curriculum explicitly 'addresses creation/evolution questions to build evidence for the concept of intelligent design by a Creator' which contradicts NGSS emphasis on natural explanations

Teacher TrainingNeutral

A study guide and answer key are provided but no comprehensive teacher training materials are mentioned.

Review mentions 'A free downloadable Study Guide is available online' that 'also serves as an answer key' but no additional professional development resources

Direct InstructionNeutral

The curriculum appears to use a traditional textbook approach with explicit content presentation and comprehension questions.

'Check your understanding' questions at the end of each chapter challenge students' understanding of biological systems and functions'

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

Limited evidence of systematic retrieval practice, though end-of-chapter questions provide some review opportunity.

Mentions 'Check your understanding' questions at chapter ends and availability of a study guide/answer key, but no indication of spaced review or systematic retrieval practice

Hands On IntegrationInsufficient Evidence

No evidence of lab work or hands-on activities is provided in the review.

Review focuses on the textbook content and approach but does not mention any laboratory components or practical activities

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com