{totally wonderful} elemental science review – intro to science

I am so excited to share with you about this wonderful science program that my family has been blessed to review the last couple weeks. It’s from the company Elemental Science – a curriculum provider that embraces the classical model of education. Our family reviewed Intro to Science part of the Early Year Program. I specifically asked for a program to do with my younger kids – those busy boys of mine – because they absolutely love science and I, the busy mom, have been sorely negligent in intentionally setting aside time to work through science with them. But, look below, look at the delight when we worked together. That face? Makes these moments priceless and so worth it.

Why I love Intro to Science

The Intro to Science program is designed to use with Kindergarten to First Grade. My Caleb fits right in this category. However, I involved all of my boys in this science adventure. Even sweet two year old Samuel. His favorite experiment? It was when we mixed colored water {yellow + blue = green} which is from Unit 5 on Color. The look of delight on his face was priceless! Now, know that I could tell my kids that yellow and blue makes green, but seeing it? That’s real learning. In fact, Samuel still wanders around talking about the green water.

What I appreciate about the Intro to Science Early Year program is the intentional, easy to follow, and focused approach to introducing science to those younger ones. They are eager to learn, really, but often we just need a system, a routine, a guide to help us make use of those learning moments that are all around us. This is a huge benefit to me, that busy busy mom, as everything I need to do, read, and buy is clearly defined. Plus, it is so much fun! Now, I will warn you – don’t leave the food coloring out for that very curious two year old to grab. Otherwise you’ll end up with this:

Quick overview of Intro to Science

The program is divided into 36 weeks {we’re going to be using it all summer long — it’s absolutely perfect for this} with six units – Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Meteorology, Botany, and Zoology.  These are topical studies {the author Paige Hudson designed it this way} and each unit can be used on it’s own. This summer, after we finish the Chemistry section, we’ll work through Botany and Meteorology {we’ve had enough wild weather here to make that truly applicable}. I’ve often found that our family works better when things are in bite size chunks – the six week unit approach works extremely well. It takes the pressure off and makes the unit manageable. Below is a slideshow of us working through an experiment with chalk and color – you’ll see how easy it is – and how engaged my Elijah was!

Besides the teacher’s manual {which is easy to use and thorough} you’ll need the Student Sheets {which are included in the bundle online } and two other books – More Mudpies to Magnets {a staple in our home as well as Mudpies to Magnets} and The Handbook of Nature Study {which I highly recommend having in your home – another staple you’ll see a picture towards the bottom of the post}. She also recommends the Usborne First Science Encyclopedia.

A week with Intro to Science

Now remember – Intro to Science – is an overview meant to spark interest in science.  I can tell you, that is exactly what happened in my home. Science time became a most looked forward time of the day. The program is gentle and yet thorough at the same time. It’s scheduled so that you choose between a 5 days a week for 10 minutes or 2 days a week for 20-25 minutes plan. Honestly, we were somewhere inbetween this on our days – I tend to let them run with whatever they’re learning in the moment. That’s what I love – the flexibility to make this excellent program work for you. Isn’t that what we all need? Freedom and options at the same time?

Below you’ll see some more of our experiments – we were discussing solids and liquids. The best part? It was when we got to melt crayons and make liquid crayons which hardened back into solids crayon cookies that were beautiful and bold colors.

Just so you know, the teacher’s manual is easy to use as it clearly states the topic and main idea for the week. Then, you as the parent, introduce the topic {I’ve shown you some on color and solids and liquids}, then there are experiments and nature study, then there are recommendations for additional books {which can easily be found in the library}, and finally some additional {and optional} activities to do with your littles.  As a nature study example for the lesson on solid and liquids we went outside to explore and examine our pine trees to look for the natural wax found in the tree. After we walked around I read some facts from the Handbook of Nature Study to further the curious interest.

Finally, for those of who you enjoy planning ahead there are schedule sheets that you can fill out with supplies that you need and how you need to prepare. I love those planning sheets – they make me feel so organized – so I’m so grateful for Paige for the extra time putting them together.  And the supplies? They’re easy to find {although she does offer the complete supply kit which I’ve done before with other science programs because then I’m not wandering around trying to find a feather and one styrofoam cup} and not expensive.

Bottom line? This science program is perfect right now for our family and my curious little ones. I’m excited to continue working through it this summer and into the early fall. And, I know the boys are as well – Elijah wakes up and asks me which experiment we’re going to do today.

Win Intro to Science – giveaway! 

Elemental Science is giving away one copy of the Early Years Intro to Science to one of you. I’m grateful for their generosity and know that one of you will be blessed with this wonderful curriculum. Simply enter below using rafflecopter!

Tomorrow, stop by Aadel’s blog at The Temporary Tents to read about her experience with Lapbooking through the Human Body. She’ll be having a giveaway as well. Be sure to visit Tabitha’s blog review from yesterday to learn more about Earth Science Grammar Stage

disclosure: I received the Intro to Science ebooks for free, but was compensated for the time invested to do the review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to do a positive review {although, I must tell you I really do love this product}. This review was coordinated via the ihomeschoolnetwork which I am a part of. Affiliate links are used within the review. Please read my disclosure tab on the top for more information. Thank you.