History of the Horse: A Literature Approach for Intermediate Grades

This curriculum does not appear to align with NGSS or rigorous science standards as it primarily functions as a literature course.

Review states it 'primarily serves as a literature course, although children will be learning some history, geography, and science'

The curriculum relies heavily on literature reading and discussion rather than explicit science instruction.

Lessons focus on reading assignments, discussion questions, and narration activities rather than direct teaching of science concepts

Limited hands-on science activities are evident, with most practical work focused on drawing horses rather than scientific investigation.

Students learn to draw horses using 'Draw 50 Horses' and complete artwork for notebooks, but no laboratory or scientific investigation activities are described

The curriculum incorporates some factual content about horse breeds, physiology, and markings through supplementary texts, but the depth of science content appears limited.

Uses factual books like 'Album of Horses' and 'Smithsonian Handbooks: Horses' alongside novels, and includes learning about horse physiology and markings

The curriculum provides basic implementation guidance but lacks the science content background teachers would need.

Introduction explains how to use the course and lesson plans provide specific instructions, but no mention of science content support for teachers

Some review and reinforcement occurs through notebook activities and memory work, but systematic retrieval practice is not evident.

Students maintain notebooks with notes and complete memory verses, but no structured review or quiz activities are described

The curriculum includes vocabulary development through glossary creation, though it's unclear how much is science-specific terminology.

Students create glossaries of words learned and define terms like 'dais, galleon' as specified in lesson plans