Fascinating Education

ScienceGrade 6

About This Curriculum

Dr. Margulies flips the teaching process in Fascinating Education courses by approaching science through the “right hemisphere” of the brain. He uses simple, colorful illustrations, supplemented with attached audio files to explain the illustrations. The result is an easy way to learn science. Please enter at least 2 characters for name. Please enter at least 10 characters for details. Please enter a valid phone number. Please enter a valid email address.

What makes it unique: Right-hemispheric learning approach utilizing visual illustrations and audio explanations to teach complex science concepts in plain English, designed by a neurologist who understands how the brain learns

Fascinating Education: Visual-Based Online Science Curriculum

Fascinating Education is an online science curriculum created by Dr. Sheldon Margulies that uses colorful illustrations and audio narration to teach through visual learning. The program offers courses in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Anatomy with a focus on making science accessible through right-brain processing and simplified presentation.

Best for

Visual learners in grades 6-12 seeking independent online science study, particularly homeschooling families wanting minimal teacher involvement

Evaluation Criteria

1 strength · 1 concern · 4 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum provides clear direct instruction through video lessons with expert narration.

Reviews consistently praise 'Dr. Margulies' expert narration' and note that 'lessons explain complex topics accessibly' with 'clear illustrations'

Teacher TrainingConcern

The curriculum is designed for independent student use with minimal teacher support materials.

Multiple reviews praise 'minimal teacher involvement' and ability for 'independent student work,' with one noting 'an online tutorial on how to use the Fascinating Education website'

Knowledge RichNeutral

The curriculum covers standard science topics but may lack depth for comprehensive content mastery.

Reviews mention the course covers 'all main topics in school-based curricula' but multiple reviewers suggest supplementing with additional projects and experiments to create a full year of content

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

The curriculum includes review sections and testing but lacks systematic spaced review.

Reviews mention 'review sections include full-image answers' and 'tests are used as teaching tools rather than mere assessment,' but no evidence of spaced retrieval practice across units

Hands On IntegrationNeutral

The curriculum includes some lab components but relies primarily on visual instruction rather than hands-on activities.

Reviews mention 'suggested labs using readily available materials' and 'well-structured labs with safety notes,' but multiple reviewers recommend supplementing with hands-on experiments and projects

Scientific VocabularyNeutral

The curriculum provides vocabulary support through accessible glossary features.

One reviewer noted 'the easily-accessible glossary within the video interface, allowing students to pause and check definitions'

Ngss AlignmentInsufficient Evidence

Insufficient evidence to determine alignment with rigorous science standards.

Reviews focus on delivery method and user experience but do not discuss standards alignment or three-dimensional learning components

Sources: homeschool.com, daybydayinourworld.com