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I was compensated for my time and provided with a copy of this curriculum for review purposes, but all opinions expressed are my own.
Everyone knows all kids are different right? Well I did too, but somehow still expected to use all the same curriculum with all my kids. For the most part this has actually worked fairly well. Now we have been happy with our current science curriculum the entire time we have been homeschooling, but my son, he's a science fanatic. The 2 days a week we were doing the other curriculum just wasn't as much as he wanted. We needed some science every school day (4 days a week for us).
Sure, I could just cover multiple curricula in a year, but the extra planning required wasn't something I had time for. I needed something that would be engaging for him and easy for me!
We added BookShark Science Level E, and it hasn't disappointed. It was very easy for me to get started and interested him immediately. Plus it utilizes books and hands-on activities which are important for any homeschool!
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About BookShark Science Homeschool Curriculum
When you first look at BookShark Science it can be a little confusing as to what you should choose. this is because rather than using grades, they utilize levels. Each level has an age range that it is intended for. This is great for homeschoolers who don't regularly fit into a specific grade. We selected Level E as it covers a lot of my son's current interests.
You also don't have to worry about information being missed if you start at a higher level because BookShark uses a spiral approach. So the information is covered again at a later time in a deeper way. This makes it easy to choose a level and get started whatever age your student.
BookShark is a secular curriculum. It does not teach toward any religious belief, so it is not for or against any religion. It simply presents the information. Of course you can always add your own beliefs in any discussion you have.
Also, the information provided by BookShark Science meets the NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards) rather than following common core.
Why BookShark Science is a Great Addition
These days I love curriculum that is open and go, and BookShark Science is just that. You purchase a package with all the needed books, instructors guide, and a science kit with all the weird pieces you need to perform experiments. Seriously the science kit is a life saver; I am not running to the store searching for balloons or straws all the time!
Each day is laid out for you, and it is all structured in a 4-day week! This is also a huge bonus as it fits my schedule of leaving Friday open for our co-op.
BookShark incorporates a variety of books including great reference books, engaging non-fiction books, and even biographies. My son has always loved to read non-fiction, so while I am reading with him; I have a feeling this is something he could do on his own if needed.
After each day's reading, there are a few discussion questions, and some review questions. So many times it seems like review questions can be tedious, but these are not. The discussion questions are short, but you can add to them if you choose especially if your faith disagrees with the information being presented. The writing required for the worksheet questions is minimal. This is a huge plus for us because I like to know he understands, but he hates writing. Best of both worlds here.
I love all the great books used in BookShark Science, but it is science, and I think it would be an injustice to not have great experiments as well. BookShark doesn't disappoint. Each week includes at least one "Do Together" activity that enhances learning as well as a weekly experiment that walks through the entire scientific method.
Also new this year: BookShark Virtual! It combines the BookShark print curriculum with a virtual seat that gives parents and students great online features like assessment, grading, and accountability. I will tell you more very soon, but the best way to really understand BookShark virtual is to try it yourself. The first three weeks of every virtual course are available for free.
In the end, he has been enjoying BookShark Science so much, that he is covering all the reading and worksheets for the week in one day and the experiment on another, and he is still using the curriculum we typically use on the other two days. Science every day, and he couldn't be happier!
Want to see more about BookShark Science? Or maybe the other subjects offered through BookShark?
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