Masterbooks’ General Science 1: Survey of Earth & Sky was sent to us for our honest review.
If you are a homeschool mom committed to providing a high-quality, faith-based education, I am thrilled to discover Masterbooks’ General Science 1: Survey of Earth & Sky and review it for you. This curriculum, designed for grades 7 through 12, offers a comprehensive exploration of Earth and sky sciences through a biblical perspective. Notably, Masterbooks has split their General Science curriculum into two parts, with this review focusing on the first part. Here’s an in-depth look at the curriculum and why it stands out.
Curriculum Breakdown
Content and Structure
Masterbooks General Science 1: Survey of Earth & Sky is organized into multiple units, each dedicated to different scientific topics, ensuring a thorough understanding of each area. The units include:
- Geology: The study of Earth’s physical structure and substances.
- Meteorology: An exploration of weather patterns and atmospheric phenomena.
- Oceanography: Examination of ocean ecosystems and marine science.
- Astronomy: Insights into celestial objects and the universe.
Lesson Components
Daily Lessons: Designed to be completed in approximately 30-45 minutes, each lesson is concise yet comprehensive. This makes it manageable for daily study, ensuring students can grasp and retain the key concepts.
Bible Scriptures: A significant feature of this curriculum is the integration of Bible scriptures. Each lesson begins with a relevant scripture, and biblical principles are woven throughout the scientific content, providing a faith-based perspective.
Quizzes and Tests: Regular quizzes and tests are included to reinforce learning and assess comprehension.
Hands-On Activities: Interactive experiments and activities are included to provide practical experience and enhance understanding.
Visual Appeal
The individual books in this curriculum are beautifully laid out, featuring high-quality pictures and illustrations. These visual elements help clarify complex concepts, making them more accessible and engaging for students.
Why This Curriculum Stands Out
Why This Curriculum Stands Out
Faith-Based Integration For families seeking a faith-based science curriculum, Masterbooks General Science 1: Survey of Earth & Sky excels. The seamless integration of Bible scriptures and creationist perspectives ensures that scientific learning is aligned with Christian beliefs. This approach helps students see the harmony between science and faith, reinforcing their religious values while learning about the natural world.
Comprehensive Coverage The curriculum covers a broad range of topics within Earth and sky sciences, providing a well-rounded education. The depth and breadth of content ensure that students gain a solid foundation in various scientific fields, preparing them for further studies.
Engaging and User-Friendly The curriculum is designed to be user-friendly for both parents and students. Lessons are clearly outlined, making it easy to follow a structured learning path. The inclusion of hands-on activities and experiments makes learning interactive and enjoyable, fostering a deeper interest in science.
Areas for Improvement
Diversity
One area where the curriculum could improve is in its representation of diversity. While the scientific content is robust, incorporating more diverse perspectives and examples would enrich the learning experience and provide a more inclusive worldview.
Completing the Lessons
In your homeschool, you can typically dedicate about 30-45 minutes daily to science. Masterbooks General Science 1: Survey of Earth & Sky fits seamlessly into this routine. Each lesson starts with a scripture reading, followed by the main content and related activities. The hands-on experiments are particularly engaging and often extend beyond the allotted time due to their interactive nature. There are nine weeks of lessons for each book. Quizzes and tests are administered at the end of each unit to assess comprehension and reinforce learning.
Ideal for Faith-Based Families
This curriculum is best suited for families who desire a faith-based approach to science education. It offers a wealth of scientific knowledge while consistently integrating biblical principles. The comprehensive coverage of topics ensures that students receive a solid foundation in Earth and sky sciences, all within a context that aligns with their faith.
Masterbooks General Science 1: Survey of Earth & Sky is an excellent choice for homeschool families seeking a thorough, faith-based science curriculum. Its beautiful layout, engaging content, and integration of biblical scriptures make it a standout option. While there is room for improvement in terms of diversity, the curriculum provides an enjoyable and enriching educational experience that harmonizes science and faith.
Little Learner and Mom 