Journey Homeschool Academy: Elementary Level Science Courses

Name: Journey Homeschool Academy: Elementary Level Science Courses
Brand: Journey Homeschool Academyhttps://journeyhomeschoolacademy.com/

by Journey Homeschool Academyhttps://journeyhomeschoolacademy.com/

ScienceGrades 1–4

Journey Homeschool Academy: Video-Based Christian Elementary Science

Journey Homeschool Academy offers online elementary science courses (Earth Science, Biology, and Astronomy) for grades 1-5 that combine 13-20 minute instructional videos with hands-on activities, memory work, and extensive recommended reading lists. The curriculum follows a Christian worldview and allows flexible implementation to accommodate different learning styles and family needs.

Best for

Christian homeschooling families with grades 1-5 students who want engaging video-based science instruction with flexible implementation options

Evaluation Criteria

5 strengths · 1 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Knowledge RichStrength

The curriculum builds substantial content knowledge through comprehensive videos and extensive recommended reading lists with 90+ books per course.

Videos cover significant information content, recommended reading includes scientific texts like 'The Geology Book' and 'The Bacteria Book,' and memory work reinforces key terms and definitions

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum emphasizes direct instruction through structured videos that are the key component of each lesson.

13-20 minute instructional videos are described as 'the key component' and include plenty of images, video clips, and clear explanations with end-of-video summaries

Retrieval PracticeStrength

The curriculum incorporates retrieval practice through quizzes, memory work, and vocabulary review videos.

Each lesson concludes with multiple-choice and true-false quizzes, Memory Videos review key terms, and flashcards support ongoing vocabulary practice

Hands On IntegrationStrength

Hands-on activities are well-integrated with video instruction, following each lesson's content with structured experiments and investigations.

Each lesson includes a hands-on activity that connects to the video content, with follow-up questions for discussion, and activities range from simple experiments to multi-day observations like tracking sunlight patterns

Scientific VocabularyStrength

Scientific vocabulary is taught explicitly through flashcards, memory videos, and systematic review of key terms.

Each lesson includes flashcards for key terms and definitions, plus Memory Videos where Luke Gilkerson reviews vocabulary and teaches memory techniques for retention

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum provides comprehensive teacher support through complete resource guides and answer keys.

Teachers receive complete lists of recommended reading, supply lists, answer keys, and detailed instructions for hands-on activities, though no specific pedagogical training is mentioned

Ngss AlignmentInsufficient Evidence

No information is provided about alignment to NGSS or other specific science standards.

The review does not mention standards alignment, assessment rubrics, or learning objectives tied to established science education frameworks

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com