Focus On Science Series

Name: Focus On Science Series
Brand: RS

by RS

ScienceGrades K–8

Focus On Science Series: Single-Discipline Science Curriculum

The Focus On Science Series is a secular science curriculum that teaches five core disciplines (chemistry, biology, geology, astronomy, physics) through separate courses at elementary and middle school levels. Created by Dr. Rebecca Keller, it emphasizes solid content knowledge with hands-on laboratory activities and follows a cyclic approach through scientific disciplines.

Best for

Homeschooling families or schools seeking rigorous, content-rich science instruction with hands-on activities, particularly those wanting a secular approach and single-discipline focus for grades K-8

Evaluation Criteria

4 strengths · 2 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Knowledge RichStrength

The curriculum builds substantial science content knowledge with challenging vocabulary and concepts even at elementary levels. Each course provides a solid introduction to its discipline with extensive material coverage.

Elementary textbooks include advanced terms like 'acid-base reaction,' 'chromatography,' 'chloroplast,' and 'paramecium.' Middle school courses 'significantly ramp up the level of difficulty' and incorporate math into science instruction.

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum supports direct instruction through structured textbooks with clear explanations and teacher's manuals that provide lesson presentations. Content is presented systematically rather than through pure discovery.

Teacher's manuals include 'lesson presentation for each activity, including the questions to discuss' and textbooks provide illustrated instructional material with clear chapter organization.

Hands On IntegrationStrength

Laboratory activities are well-integrated with textbook content, with one experiment per chapter that connects to the material being studied. Activities use mostly household items and are designed to reinforce concepts.

Each course includes a laboratory notebook with experiments for every chapter, and activities are supported by detailed teacher's manuals with lesson presentations and discussion questions.

Scientific VocabularyStrength

The curriculum explicitly teaches scientific vocabulary with challenging terminology introduced systematically across grade levels. Vocabulary instruction appears embedded within content presentation.

Elementary courses include complex scientific terms, and the curriculum builds vocabulary through the disciplinary approach where students encounter domain-specific language in context.

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum includes detailed teacher's manuals with lesson plans and should be accessible to parents without science backgrounds. However, formal professional development is not mentioned.

Review states it 'should be easy for parents without much science background to teach' and teacher's manuals provide 'lesson presentation for each activity' with materials lists and discussion questions.

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

Some retrieval practice is included through chapter-ending questions and optional test packets, but the extent of spaced review across the curriculum is unclear.

Each chapter concludes with 'Some Things to Think About' questions, and optional test packets include 'two mid-terms, a final exam, and answer keys.'

Ngss AlignmentInsufficient Evidence

The curriculum's alignment to NGSS or similar standards is not mentioned in the available information.

No information provided about standards alignment, NGSS compatibility, or three-dimensional learning integration.

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com