As always, you are a wealth of information to myself, and to other homeschool parents. Please keep sharing your resources and feelings about them in the comments.
We enjoy Blossom and Root. It has an option for people that like books, another for people that like videos, and a lot of options for labs. The levels are listed under a particular grade, however, the number of options available allow you to personalize the curriculum to various ages and learning styles. I think it is so wonderful that you have found something that potentially works for your family, and I am so thankful there are many options for different teaching styles.
As a note: I alter the Blossom and Root close of the wonder/week by having my daughter pull a Build Your Library narration card from a cookie jar to summarize her learning because she likes a lot of variety and would hate to close a week the same way every time.
We're looking forward to OpenSciEd rolling out this summer for elementary students. It seems pretty solid! Just hoping that the activities scale well for homeschool. It's free, though, and it's backed by lots of research, so fingers crossed!
We started using Moving Beyond the Page this year and will definitely be continuing it. I love being able to just buy everything I need, including the science supplies kit.
The Sassafras Science Adventures I use this for both my kids 1st and 3rd grade is story base and my kids love the adventure going all over the world exploring exploring different places. We did the zoology and are doing anatomy. So far so good. I can pick and choose who does what according to the grade there in.
We’re using layers of learning for science history and geography. Probably will use the writers program and art as well in the future. It took me a little bit to figure it out but it’s wonderful! You have your spine book and they give you other book suggestions, or you use books you have at home or want to get from library. But you could just keep it simple with the spine, a video. They also have UA-cam playlists. It’s so flexible! You read about the subject however you want to, maybe watch some videos and then they give you so many options for exploring that topic hands on. Could be printables they provide, an experiment, a craft. You can spend as much time on a topic as you want if your kids really into it or just keep it short and sweet. They have an awesome podcast and fb group to help! When we start a new topic, we look through the explorations together to pick which ones we want to do, I’m amazed how well my daughter is retaining the information she is learning and it’s so easy and flexible for us.
Interestingly, the basement science one is the book used in Guest Hollow's Chemistry in the Kitchen 4 week intro course for those who have not done chemistry before high school. I know nothing about it, but just started looking into it.
Me too! Just found layers of learning and we love it! I feel like I don’t need to search for curriculums each year now. I have found what we will use for all the years of homeschooling we have ahead.
We are really enjoying the science units (I guess that's what they would be called) from Nomad press. They have series for various ages. We like to tie them in with our unit studies, but you could easily pick several to do in a school year. They're pretty engaging and have video links, but would require some planning from the parent.
I used Blossom & Root (just the science) this year with my ND first grader and it was fun, but I’m not sure if we’ll continue next year or try something else. There is def some optional book sourcing, but you can also just stick with the two spines and the videos. I try to get some of the picture books, esp because I have a 4 year old, but my kids really liked the videos and some of the labs. We did BYL for kinder and it was just ok for us. We liked some of the books and projects but only ended up getting through about half of it. There was essentially no science at that level…they just ask the kids to pick an animal from each continent and fill out a sheet about it. My son also LOVES his kiwi crate…not curriculum, but just something fun to do once a month.
Guest Hallow is what we are using for geography and cultural studies along with Build Your Library Level 3 and 10. I am using these with 2 E students a nine year old, 13, and 15 year old.
I loved Blossom and root, but wont be using it again (at least for now). It has SO many options, which makes it really adaptable for a variety of learning styles. For parents a bit more organized than I am, I think it’s great! For me, it was a little overwhelming.
This year we are part of a sort of hybrid charter school that will need to approve the curriculum I choose (but also pays for it 🙌🏼) and I’m leaning towards Elevate or Real Science Odyssey for my k and 3rd
i think bookshark was created for families who wanted to use sonlight but had a charter school and they cant use religious things in charter. im just guessing
I think the Ellen McHenry The Elements would be a great complement to the Middle School Chemistry curriculum. Both are on the short side, and cover different aspects of chemistry. The Elements has funny comics and also teaches some legit chemistry like orbitals and shells. So it’d be great for both 3rd and 7th grade. It’s definitely a “neutral” science, and it’s the only time I’ve made an exception for that. I think I’ve heard that Middle School Chemistry is about a semester of content, and The Elements is a few months or so, depending on how much time you take to play the games and such.
@@MakingEverydayMagic her unit called “The Elements” would work really well to augment the ACS Middle School Chemistry program you like because it’s not enough content for a full year of science.
I’ve used Elemental Science for a few years now. Always loved it, but Chemistry for the Logic has been tough. We hate the core spine she used. It’s dry and difficult. I’m trying to figure if I should just supplement by using the other recommended books (which we always do additional reading anyway), or just jump ship. I’m just really bummed about this one. I know the author is phasing out her high school programs and so I needed to find something else anyway, but just maybe a heads up the book she uses for chemistry logic (which is a 😊supplement in Biology Logic) is like walking through mud. With boots that are constantly falling off. Lol.
Have you tried reaching out to amplify science? It is a curriculum sold to public schools. After I contacted them, I did receive pamphlets on pricing. It was not that bad buy would love to hear from someone that has used it at home. Note. I was a scientist and science teacher for 10 years.
They're not as well produced as mystery science or generation genius. I don't think they'd be enjoyed as entertainment, but I do think they are a good fit for this curriculum.
I actually came here to suggest this. I have not used but it’s on my list to try. Based on watching all your videos, and hearing what you’ve looked into…this was the only thing I could think of for you to check out! Unit based with living books. Can buy a materials kit. I know you love video/online based, but might be worth looking into (could literally buy one unit and see what you think)!
@@MakingEverydayMagic Definitely check it out if you have time. You can get all the books from them as well shipped right to you so you don’t have to buy them elsewhere.
I felt the same way about science mom. I keep looking at it but am not thrilled with all the talking and chatting. Build your library is awesome but I would say science is a weak point. It’s terrific for history and the language arts. If you’re just looking for science I would look elsewhere. FYI they use RSO biology 2 for BYL6. You don’t need to buy ByL though to use RsO and you’ve already done Biology. Blossom and root is also terrific. You can buy the science levels separately from language arts and the history (river of voices). Based on what you said you’re looking for, I don’t think it will be a good fit. You have to source all the books. There are a lot of video links and fun projects though. Thanks for the recommendation for ACS- I’d never heard of it! We will definitely look into it for next year. We were planning on doing chemistry. Not sure if it’ll be too difficult my 5th grader though.
I absolutely love Harbor and Sprout. It is listed as "neutral" as there is no mention of how the universe began in 2 of the MANY MANY unit studies (Paleontology and Astronomy) However you choose the books you are going to add to it. I added things like Born with a Bang etc. But there are so many options and there is so MUCH solid science on every single other front. It is a true shame that the secular community is overlooking this company. They have different levels for different ages in the same unit study so everyone can study the same thing at their own level. I can show you around it if youre interested to look at it.
Great videos like always! Do you have a set Art curriculum? I was considering looking into Outschool for it but I was wondering if maybe there’s something better out there! Thanks!
I did reach out to them to get some questions answered, but they never got back to me. 🤷♀️ I was hoping I could align the kit topics with the chapter topics and use them as supply kits but oh well!
@@MakingEverydayMagic my chemical engineer husband did not like the looks of the MEL chemistry kits, so we’ve never gotten those. But I did get the set of physics kits. I was disappointed that the videos/app that goes with them doesn’t actually explain any of the science, so I don’t think my kids got much out them. They are expensive, and the learning for the cost just hasn’t been enough, so I can’t recommend MEL.
Nope! Noeo science is not it. It does look great, but I can't get past their website language regarding beliefs presented. I've been burned in the past with sneaky neutrals, and I'm actively trying to avoid a repeat.
As always, you are a wealth of information to myself, and to other homeschool parents. Please keep sharing your resources and feelings about them in the comments.
We also took a flex class on Outschool by Dr. Jim Gifford which was great!! Learning science from an expert made a big difference!!!
Nice!!
We enjoy Blossom and Root. It has an option for people that like books, another for people that like videos, and a lot of options for labs. The levels are listed under a particular grade, however, the number of options available allow you to personalize the curriculum to various ages and learning styles. I think it is so wonderful that you have found something that potentially works for your family, and I am so thankful there are many options for different teaching styles.
Same! I love that there are so many resources and that everyone here is so incredibly helpful by sharing what works for them.
As a note: I alter the Blossom and Root close of the wonder/week by having my daughter pull a Build Your Library narration card from a cookie jar to summarize her learning because she likes a lot of variety and would hate to close a week the same way every time.
We're looking forward to OpenSciEd rolling out this summer for elementary students. It seems pretty solid! Just hoping that the activities scale well for homeschool. It's free, though, and it's backed by lots of research, so fingers crossed!
Free gets bonus points!
We started using Moving Beyond the Page this year and will definitely be continuing it. I love being able to just buy everything I need, including the science supplies kit.
I'm all for easily acquired!!
The Sassafras Science Adventures I use this for both my kids 1st and 3rd grade is story base and my kids love the adventure going all over the world exploring exploring different places. We did the zoology and are doing anatomy. So far so good. I can pick and choose who does what according to the grade there in.
Nice!
We’re using layers of learning for science history and geography. Probably will use the writers program and art as well in the future.
It took me a little bit to figure it out but it’s wonderful! You have your spine book and they give you other book suggestions, or you use books you have at home or want to get from library. But you could just keep it simple with the spine, a video. They also have UA-cam playlists. It’s so flexible! You read about the subject however you want to, maybe watch some videos and then they give you so many options for exploring that topic hands on. Could be printables they provide, an experiment, a craft. You can spend as much time on a topic as you want if your kids really into it or just keep it short and sweet. They have an awesome podcast and fb group to help! When we start a new topic, we look through the explorations together to pick which ones we want to do, I’m amazed how well my daughter is retaining the information she is learning and it’s so easy and flexible for us.
Sounds like you've found an amazing fit!🥳🥳🥳
Interestingly, the basement science one is the book used in Guest Hollow's Chemistry in the Kitchen 4 week intro course for those who have not done chemistry before high school. I know nothing about it, but just started looking into it.
That is interesting!
We are using layers of learning and love the flexibility.
I don't think I'm familiar with this piece.
Me too! Just found layers of learning and we love it! I feel like I don’t need to search for curriculums each year now. I have found what we will use for all the years of homeschooling we have ahead.
Love this!!
We are really enjoying the science units (I guess that's what they would be called) from Nomad press. They have series for various ages. We like to tie them in with our unit studies, but you could easily pick several to do in a school year. They're pretty engaging and have video links, but would require some planning from the parent.
Ooh, I don't think I've heard of them.
Very nice information shared! It really warms my heart to see our community support each other so well. Blessings to you!
❤️
Great curriculum you shared, love these types of videos!
😁
I used Blossom & Root (just the science) this year with my ND first grader and it was fun, but I’m not sure if we’ll continue next year or try something else. There is def some optional book sourcing, but you can also just stick with the two spines and the videos. I try to get some of the picture books, esp because I have a 4 year old, but my kids really liked the videos and some of the labs.
We did BYL for kinder and it was just ok for us. We liked some of the books and projects but only ended up getting through about half of it. There was essentially no science at that level…they just ask the kids to pick an animal from each continent and fill out a sheet about it.
My son also LOVES his kiwi crate…not curriculum, but just something fun to do once a month.
Thanks for sharing!! It's helpful to hear first-hand accounts of things I haven't used. This is how we help the community grow. ❤️
Guest Hallow is what we are using for geography and cultural studies along with Build Your Library Level 3 and 10. I am using these with 2 E students a nine year old, 13, and 15 year old.
I've never looked much into Guest Hollow.
It is probably more Charlotte Mason than you would care for. We are secular, but I think it is a neutral company.
I loved Blossom and root, but wont be using it again (at least for now). It has SO many options, which makes it really adaptable for a variety of learning styles.
For parents a bit more organized than I am, I think it’s great! For me, it was a little overwhelming.
This year we are part of a sort of hybrid charter school that will need to approve the curriculum I choose (but also pays for it 🙌🏼) and I’m leaning towards Elevate or Real Science Odyssey for my k and 3rd
Great options!
i think bookshark was created for families who wanted to use sonlight but had a charter school and they cant use religious things in charter. im just guessing
I think that's a fair observation!
This style video was super helpful, thank you!
Happy to share! Basically, I'm just taking you all along on my search.
That looks amazing. I will be watching to see how it goes for you and may do it the following year.
I'll be sharing!
I think the Ellen McHenry The Elements would be a great complement to the Middle School Chemistry curriculum. Both are on the short side, and cover different aspects of chemistry. The Elements has funny comics and also teaches some legit chemistry like orbitals and shells. So it’d be great for both 3rd and 7th grade. It’s definitely a “neutral” science, and it’s the only time I’ve made an exception for that. I think I’ve heard that Middle School Chemistry is about a semester of content, and The Elements is a few months or so, depending on how much time you take to play the games and such.
The middle school chemistry from Ellen McHenry? Thanks for sharing!
@@MakingEverydayMagic her unit called “The Elements” would work really well to augment the ACS Middle School Chemistry program you like because it’s not enough content for a full year of science.
After months of uncertainty, I think we decided on Biology for the Grammar Stage from Elemental Science. They also offer chemistry, physics, and more
Nice!
We also have decided on this! Laid out nicely and I like using good quality books with great visual aids!
I’ve used Elemental Science for a few years now. Always loved it, but Chemistry for the Logic has been tough. We hate the core spine she used. It’s dry and difficult. I’m trying to figure if I should just supplement by using the other recommended books (which we always do additional reading anyway), or just jump ship. I’m just really bummed about this one. I know the author is phasing out her high school programs and so I needed to find something else anyway, but just maybe a heads up the book she uses for chemistry logic (which is a 😊supplement in Biology Logic) is like walking through mud. With boots that are constantly falling off. Lol.
@Mrstriplejranch that analogy!🤣
Have you tried reaching out to amplify science? It is a curriculum sold to public schools. After I contacted them, I did receive pamphlets on pricing. It was not that bad buy would love to hear from someone that has used it at home. Note. I was a scientist and science teacher for 10 years.
No I have not.
American Chemistry Society sounds amazing! Have you found anything similar for Biology? What about Earth & Space?
We used Khan Academy Biology for middle school. It was ok.
Haven't found any others yet.
I was thinking about using Khan or CK12. My child wants as much detail as possible.
Did you watch the videos for the ACS? Are they engaging? Thanks!
They're not as well produced as mystery science or generation genius. I don't think they'd be enjoyed as entertainment, but I do think they are a good fit for this curriculum.
They also have an interactive periodic table, which is so cool!
I think we decided to go with moving beyond the page for 3rd grade
I did not look into them.
I actually came here to suggest this. I have not used but it’s on my list to try. Based on watching all your videos, and hearing what you’ve looked into…this was the only thing I could think of for you to check out! Unit based with living books. Can buy a materials kit. I know you love video/online based, but might be worth looking into (could literally buy one unit and see what you think)!
@@MakingEverydayMagic Definitely check it out if you have time. You can get all the books from them as well shipped right to you so you don’t have to buy them elsewhere.
We used MBTP for my oldest for elementary and science was always his favorite.
I felt the same way about science mom. I keep looking at it but am not thrilled with all the talking and chatting. Build your library is awesome but I would say science is a weak point. It’s terrific for history and the language arts. If you’re just looking for science I would look elsewhere. FYI they use RSO biology 2 for BYL6. You don’t need to buy ByL though to use RsO and you’ve already done Biology. Blossom and root is also terrific. You can buy the science levels separately from language arts and the history (river of voices). Based on what you said you’re looking for, I don’t think it will be a good fit. You have to source all the books. There are a lot of video links and fun projects though.
Thanks for the recommendation for ACS- I’d never heard of it! We will definitely look into it for next year. We were planning on doing chemistry. Not sure if it’ll be too difficult my 5th grader though.
I'll be using it with both girls, so 7th & 3rd. I just try to adjust my expectations for the younger one.
I absolutely love Harbor and Sprout. It is listed as "neutral" as there is no mention of how the universe began in 2 of the MANY MANY unit studies (Paleontology and Astronomy) However you choose the books you are going to add to it. I added things like Born with a Bang etc. But there are so many options and there is so MUCH solid science on every single other front. It is a true shame that the secular community is overlooking this company. They have different levels for different ages in the same unit study so everyone can study the same thing at their own level. I can show you around it if youre interested to look at it.
Also, the chemistry unit?? OMG!! IT IS SO MUCH FUN! There is a whole Dragons blood experiment thing for Ph levels, acids, and bases... SO FUN!!!!!
I have never hears of it.
Thanks for sharing!
Great videos like always! Do you have a set Art curriculum? I was considering looking into Outschool for it but I was wondering if maybe there’s something better out there! Thanks!
We have used HiGasfy for art history, and my girls are currently working through Painting to Gogh.
Have you looked into Khan Academy's middle school science?
Yes, using biology this year.
How about Elemental Science?
I am thinking about doing the Sassafras Chemistry over summer to jump start our year. I've heard great things. Never used personally.
@@MakingEverydayMagic I was looking at the science chunks too.. bc you can use them together w multi ages...
Just a heads up, Elemental Science is neutral as well. We use it as a secular family, but just so you are aware.
We're using it for my 1st grader next year but it is neutral not secular
It’s not a full curriculum and it’s pretty expensive but I love Mel Science!!!
I did reach out to them to get some questions answered, but they never got back to me. 🤷♀️ I was hoping I could align the kit topics with the chapter topics and use them as supply kits but oh well!
@@MakingEverydayMagic my chemical engineer husband did not like the looks of the MEL chemistry kits, so we’ve never gotten those. But I did get the set of physics kits. I was disappointed that the videos/app that goes with them doesn’t actually explain any of the science, so I don’t think my kids got much out them. They are expensive, and the learning for the cost just hasn’t been enough, so I can’t recommend MEL.
The best I can come up with is that Nero science. I hear is created by a religious company for secular parents.
Noeo?
Nope! Noeo science is not it. It does look great, but I can't get past their website language regarding beliefs presented. I've been burned in the past with sneaky neutrals, and I'm actively trying to avoid a repeat.
Kit based, def not secular