Review: R.E.A.L Science Odyssey
November 3, 2009 by LisaV
Before our school year began in August, we searched for a science curriculum at our local homeschool supply store. I asked for advice from the teacher at a private school connected with the store, and she recommended R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey Life (level one), Life Science Curriculum for grades 1-4. Though the book is geared toward grades 1-4, she is using it with her grades 5-7 students. I asked if it would work with both my 4th and 7th grade boys, and she said that it would. We could supplement with Usborne/library books if we wanted.
After using it with both our boys for a couple months, I find that we really like it. Everything is contained in one book and the experiments are easy, fun, and educational, even for Mom!
In completing a circulatory system lab, we made our own blood model. We used Karo syrup for plasma, Red Hots for red blood cells, lima beans for white blood cells, and lentils for platelets. The boys and I enjoyed a few Red Hots while the kids colored in their models.
Other labs included putting together a simple skeleton model, learning the parts of a chicken egg, pairing fictitious animals together, making sea jellies from Styrofoam cups and yarn, and testing our senses by using vinegar, garlic, and paper clips. I like how the labs incorporate arts and crafts, since this had been lacking in our homeschool for some time.
If you’re looking for a fun, easy way to teach science, I highly recommend the R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey Life book!
Lisa (aka Morning Rose) has been teaching her two elementary-aged sons for four years and incorporating study, work, service, and play into their homeschooling days. She enjoys reading, writing, and photography and blogs publicly at Pockets of Time and privately at Scooter and B.
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Marsha on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 12:44 pm
I especially love edible science! I remember making an edible cell when I was in high school. I think what made it more memorable for me was that I had to come up with my own representation of the different parts, such as mitochondria. To this day, I still remember what a mitochondria (the powerhouse!) should look like. LOL
Marsha´s last blog ..In a strait between here and there
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John McGeough on Tue, 3rd Nov 2009 9:30 pm
Excellent post. As a science person I endorse this technique fully. Thanks for your excellent work.
John McGeough´s last blog ..The role of responsibility in single parent homeschools…
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Alana on Sun, 15th Nov 2009 10:09 am
Thank you, I have been looking for a science program,and this is the only one so far that I have been interested in.
Alana´s last blog ..She amuses me.
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