Classic Science Curriculum

The curriculum builds substantial science content knowledge, with Advanced Chemistry covering complex topics like stoichiometry and thermodynamics, and Elementary courses teaching serious science concepts despite their engaging presentation.

Advanced Chemistry includes challenging topics like scientific notation, atomic orbitals, gas laws, and chemical equations requiring pre-algebra. Elementary Chemistry covers atoms, molecules, Periodic Table, and chemical bonds rather than just fun experiments.

The curriculum provides strong teacher support through comprehensive parent guides that include science background, detailed instructions, and answer keys without assuming prior subject knowledge.

Parent copies run about 500 pages each with extensive lab activities, lesson plans, vocabulary charts, and explanations that 'do not assume that the parent knows the subject in advance.'

The curriculum provides clear direct instruction through structured lesson plans and detailed teacher guidance, with explicit teaching of scientific concepts before application.

Parent copies include detailed lesson plans explaining what to do each day, sample questions with answers for parents to ask, and clear instructions for all activities without assuming prior subject knowledge.

The curriculum effectively integrates hands-on activities with explicit instruction through a structured three-day lesson format that pairs reading and worksheets with guided lab work.

Lessons begin with text reading and worksheets on day one, followed by two days of activity-based learning. ESP activities teach scientific method through structured investigations with data tables and graphing.

The curriculum emphasizes vocabulary instruction with dedicated charts, glossaries, and systematic study requirements, though vocabulary load may be intensive for some students.

Parent copies include vocabulary charts with definitions, all courses have glossaries, and Advanced students create note cards for extensive vocabulary study. The reviewer notes courses are 'vocabulary intensive.'

The curriculum includes some retrieval practice through unit tests and worksheet activities, but lacks systematic spaced review across units.

Elementary courses have tests after each unit, Advanced courses have 4-6 tests plus a final exam in Biology. Worksheets include crossword puzzles and matching activities for review.

Insufficient evidence provided to assess NGSS alignment, though ESP activities align with science practices by teaching hypothesis building, data collection, and graphing.

ESP activities teach scientific method including independent/dependent variables, data tables, and graphing. However, no explicit mention of NGSS standards or three-dimensional learning framework.