Discoveries in Science
by Calvert School
Reviewed by Martha Robinson
Purchase details: Discoveries in Science by Calvert School. $85 for Core Kit and $97 for Intermediate Kit. Available from Calvert School.
Discoveries in Science, by the staff at Calvert School, offers a plethora of materials and a manual of easily implemented science experiments that may be used as a supplement to any science curriculum or with "living" science books. It is available in two levels: the Core Kit for grades kindergarten to eight and the Intermediate Kit for grades four to eight. Each of the kits is housed in an attractive, compact carrying case. This is strictly a directed science experiment program. Controversial topics such as evolution and young/old earth are not addressed.
Core Kit
- Plastic safety goggles 1/2 meter stick (does not fit in carrying case)
- Hand lens (2 inch diameter) Spring scale (10 N and 1000 g scales)
- Graduated cylinder (100 ml) Funnel (2 1/2 inch diameter)
- Dropper Magnets (2 round, 2 rectangular with N/S poles)
- Modeling clay (1 pound) Two thermometers with F. and C. scales
- Streak plate (about 1"x2") Rock/Mineral collection (15 rocks, approx. 1" each)
The Core Discovery Manual begins with a very brief overview of the scientific method and encouragement for the child to write down a hypothesis before beginning an experiment. The book is divided into sections for activities in chemistry, earth, physical, and life sciences. A "results" section, that specifies how the experiments should turn out, and a one page glossary appear at the end. Many of the items used for the activities will already be in the house, but some advanced planning will be required to make sure that all the materials are available.
The earth science section has thirteen activities that include geology, ecology (landfill, erosion), the water cycle, and meteorites. The thirteen physical science activities focus primarily on magnets, but also include weight/mass experiments. Making glue, crystals, "plastic" from milk, and rock candy are some of the fourteen activities in the chemistry section. The final section, life science, has four activities, two of which are on the human body and the other two of which involve studying yeast and observing "decomposers" in the backyard.
Intermediate Kit
- Microscope (100x, 200x, "My Scope") Double concave lens (1.5" diameter)
- Ph 1-14 test paper Double convex lens (1.5" diameter)
- Blank slides (6) and cover slips in a box Prepared slides (2 with 4 items each)
- Prism (1.75" long) Single pulley with hooks (plastic/metal)
- Cord for the pulleys Double pulley with hooks (plastic/metal)
- Color paddles (plastic-red, yellow, blue) Tuning fork (5.5" long)
- Compass with degrees (1.5", plastic) Slinky (metal)
- Battery holder Lamp holder and lamp (flashlight bulb)
- Electrical switch (simple, plastic) Electrical wire (small roll)
The Intermediate Discovery Manual has basically the same introduction as the Core Discovery Manual; however, since this level is written directly to the student, the wording is slightly different. The program is broken into seven chapters with expected results and a glossary at the end of the manual. The chapters have the topics of the microscope, acids and bases, simple machines, the compass, sound, waves, light, and electricity.
The microscope section has ten activities that include learning microscope basics and looking at various types of cells (cheek cells, hair, onion). One lesson allows the student to explore acids and bases with household materials. The pulleys are used in three basic experiments, and the student is directed to map his room and neighborhood with the compass. Four activities with the tuning fork make up the sound section. Next, the slinky is used to illustrate principles of waves. The color paddles, lenses, and prism are the components for five experiments on light. The final section, generating electricity, is the longest. Fifteen activities guide the student in building various simple electrical devices (light switch, electromagnet, buzzer, battery, etc.).
Recommendation: At $85 and $97 per kit, the Discoveries in Science program offers great value to homeschooling families. With the addition of an inexpensive science text, on-line resources, or "living" books, Discoveries in Science will provide a complete science curriculum. The experiments are simple -- not extremely time consuming and with only a few materials. They will not frustrate children with short attention spans nor confuse the non-science oriented parent. Yet, the activities provide appropriate reinforcement of the concepts. Discoveries in Science will be truly helpful to the science-impaired or busy parent.
HomeschoolChristian.com resources related to this review:
HomeschoolChristian.com's Science section
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Review of Come Learn With Me series
Review of Lyrical Learning Audio Science Programs
Review of My Name is Gene and Fun With Gene
Review of Signs and Seasons, Understanding the Elements of Classical Astronomy
Review of Sing Along With the Weather Dude
Review of Wild Days, Creating Discovery Journals
Review of Under the Waves
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