Online Unit Studies

by Techie Homeschool Momhttps://techiehomeschoolmom.com/

Multi_subjectGrades 3–7

Online Unit Studies: Internet-Based Topical Studies with Digital Tools

Online Unit Studies offers internet-based topical studies for grades 3-7, covering subjects like ancient civilizations, holidays, and famous people. The curriculum integrates multiple subjects through themed units that rely heavily on external websites, online tools, and digital projects.

Best for

Homeschool families seeking engaging, technology-rich unit studies to supplement their core curriculum, particularly those comfortable with internet-based learning

Evaluation Criteria

1 strength · 3 concerns · 1 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Cross Curricular IntegrationStrength

The curriculum integrates subjects naturally through thematic units, combining history, geography, reading, writing, and hands-on projects around coherent topics.

The Ancient Greece unit combines historical study, geography with Google Maps, book reading, writing through travel journals, and hands-on projects like creating Greek costumes and vases

Teacher TrainingConcern

The curriculum provides some guidance for using digital tools but limited pedagogical support for parents teaching multiple subjects.

Includes tutorials for online tools like Canva and Emaze, and lists needed resources upfront, but review doesn't mention comprehensive teaching guides or background knowledge support

Direct InstructionConcern

The curriculum provides structured lesson sequences but relies heavily on external websites and videos rather than direct instructional content.

Lessons are presented in order with clear activities, but 'most of the course content links within lessons take you to other websites for resources, activities, videos, information, and tools'

Individual Subject RigorConcern

The curriculum incorporates reading, writing, and research skills but may lack systematic development of core academic skills in each subject area.

Students read books, write travel journals, and answer comprehension questions, but the review notes these are 'not complete, year-long courses' and suggests pairing with other curricula

Knowledge CoherenceNeutral

Units build coherent knowledge within each topic but lack systematic progression across the broader curriculum.

Individual studies like Ancient Greece cover comprehensive content from Minoan civilization through Greek gods, but the collection consists of standalone units without clear knowledge-building sequence

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

Limited evidence of systematic retrieval practice or cumulative review across units.

Students answer questions and post responses online during units, but no mention of spaced review or retrieval practice to reinforce learning from completed units

Review Sources

cathyduffy

Cathy Duffy

Key Facts
GradesGrades 3–7
SubjectMulti_subject
PedagogyUnit Study
Faith-BasedNo

Looking for something different?

If none of these options feel right, explore a non-traditional approach. Pallas Center offers a unique curriculum, or design your own with Palladay.

Data sources: cathyduffy