narnia
- Reviewed on Wednesday, February 16, 2011
- Grades Used: 3rd
- Dates used: 2010 -2011
This is great overview of most science topics and the vocab is wonderful. The lessons are short but very informative and fun. We usually do the questions at the end of each lesson orally and then move on without tests. My high-schoolers have used Apologia science and this Rod and Staff is a great way to have the base knowledge ready for such upper level science curriculums.
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heavenlyhoney
- Reviewed on Friday, April 9, 2010
- Grades Used: 2nd
- Dates used: 2009
I really liked Patterns of Nature for all of the reasons that have already been mentioned by previous reviewers. However, my 7yo son who loves science did not think it was enough for him. He told me that he "knew all of that already". He needed more of a challenge so we moved on to something else. But I am hanging onto my copy of Patterns of Nature because it really is a very sweet, simple R&S book, very Biblical and has cute activities. I may use it in the future for some of my younger guys. For a very science-y child, it just might not be enough.
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stack2025
- Reviewed on Wednesday, January 6, 2010
- Grades Used: 4
- Dates used: 2007-08
This was a very thorough science curriculum, easy to teach, keeps student attention, little prep. Just as good as, actually maybe better than, ABeka with a much lower price! Can't wait to return from ABeka science to this one. Love R&S. Totally Christ centered.
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l8-start
- Reviewed on Thursday, October 29, 2009
- Grades Used: 2nd
- Dates used: Aug-Oct 2009
After reading the reviews for this curriculum I was really expecting great things. It was not TOTALLY awful but it was far from my expectations. I have found from reading tons of online reviews that a pros and cons list has been the best indicator for me so I will review Patterns of Nature that way.
Pros:
1. Inexpensive - I got my student workbook and teachers guide for $8.60 new direct from Rod and Staff.
2. Easy to follow- The lesson is in story form that is rather long so I ended up reading that to my beginning reader but no big deal. The story is well written and on grade level.
3. Accurate information
4. Christian world view
Cons:
1. Black and white pictures- for the price not that big of a deal
2. The lesson is long and my DD thought it was too boring. I think because it talks about things she knows nothing about, like living and working on a farm and getting maple syrup from trees. Not that it is not interesting but it seemed to distract her from the actual science.
3. The questions are really plain and do not require much critical thinking.
4. The activities were not spectacular enough for my little adrenaline junkie.
We ended up dumping this curriculum and have started R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey Life Level one and so far that has been what we were looking for...even though it is secular I make sure to tell my DD how God did all of this.
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