The Science of Seasons

Name: The Science of Seasons
Brand: Guest Hollowhttps://guesthollow.com/

by Guest Hollowhttps://guesthollow.com/

ScienceGrades 1–6

The Science of Seasons: Beautifully Illustrated Unit Study Approach

The Science of Seasons is a 50-page, colorfully illustrated science curriculum for grades 1-6 that teaches about Earth's seasons through a unit study approach. It includes a main text, activities book, and free online curriculum with cross-curricular connections covering science, language arts, Bible, art, music, and geography.

Best for

Christian homeschooling families in grades 2-4 who prefer unit study approaches with beautiful illustrations and cross-curricular connections over systematic science instruction

Evaluation Criteria

2 concerns · 3 neutral · 2 insufficient evidence

Direct InstructionConcern

The curriculum appears to use illustrated explanations and examples, but the unit study approach may not provide systematic direct instruction.

The review notes 'illustrated explanations and examples to which children can relate' and mentions some lessons are 'presented in comic book fashion'

Retrieval PracticeConcern

No evidence of systematic retrieval practice or spaced review components in the curriculum design.

The review describes activities like mazes, puzzles, and crafts, but doesn't mention quizzes, review exercises, or retrieval practice elements

Knowledge RichNeutral

The curriculum covers foundational science concepts like Earth's elliptical orbit, rotation, hemispheres, and weather patterns, but appears to prioritize breadth over depth.

The review mentions topics like elliptical orbit, rotation of Earth on its axis, hemispheres, temperature variations, weather, animal camouflage, habitats, Earth's magnetic poles, oceans, and plants

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum provides a free online companion with structured guidance, though the depth of pedagogical support is unclear.

The review mentions a 'free online companion The Science of Seasons Curriculum' that provides structured weekly or seasonal organization with book lists and online resources

Hands On IntegrationNeutral

The curriculum includes hands-on activities but appears to emphasize crafts and cross-curricular activities over structured science experiments.

The Activities book includes some science activities like 'creating rain in a jar and recording and graphing the temperature' but focuses more on 'mazes and puzzles, paper dolls, arts and crafts, copywork, map work'

Ngss AlignmentInsufficient Evidence

The curriculum covers some earth science topics that align with standards, but the unit study approach may not systematically address NGSS three-dimensional learning.

Topics like Earth's orbit, rotation, weather patterns, animal habitats, and oceans are mentioned, which relate to NGSS earth science standards

Scientific VocabularyInsufficient Evidence

Limited evidence of explicit scientific vocabulary instruction, with content appearing to focus more on general seasonal concepts.

The review mentions scientific terms like elliptical orbit, rotation, hemispheres, and weather, but doesn't indicate systematic vocabulary development

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com