Science Shepherd Courses for Middle School through High School

Name: Science Shepherd Courses for Middle School through High School
Brand: Ohana Life Press, LLChttps://scienceshepherd.com/

by Ohana Life Press, LLChttps://scienceshepherd.com/

ScienceGrades 5–12

Science Shepherd: Christian-Worldview Independent Study Science Curriculum

Science Shepherd is a comprehensive science curriculum designed for grades 5-12 featuring video-based instruction, textbooks, workbooks, and lab manuals. Created by Dr. Scott Hardin, it emphasizes independent study while integrating a biblical worldview, particularly addressing creation vs. evolution topics.

Best for

Homeschooling families seeking challenging, independent-study science curriculum with a Christian worldview for grades 5-12, particularly those wanting comprehensive content without requiring extensive parent science knowledge

Evaluation Criteria

4 strengths · 1 concern · 2 neutral

Knowledge RichStrength

The curriculum builds substantial science content knowledge with challenging textbooks written at high grade levels and comprehensive coverage of topics.

Textbooks are described as more challenging than most homeschool curricula, with content written at 10th-11th grade level even for middle school courses, and Biology includes 40+ hours of video instruction

Teacher TrainingStrength

Comprehensive teacher support is provided through Answer Key & Parent Companion books with suggested answers and chapter summaries.

Answer Key & Parent Companion books include Topic Questions with suggested answers so parents need not read textbooks, plus all answer keys and guidance materials are provided

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum provides extensive direct instruction through video lessons that explain concepts clearly before application.

All courses feature comprehensive video instruction (7-40+ hours per course), with Dr. Hardin explaining steps slowly and clearly, supported by textbook content and guided activities

Scientific VocabularyStrength

Scientific vocabulary is explicitly taught through multiple reinforcement methods including vocabulary lists, definitions, and review activities.

Each textbook chapter concludes with vocabulary lists and definitions, workbooks include crossword and word search puzzles to reinforce terminology, and courses use various question formats

Ngss AlignmentConcern

NGSS alignment is not mentioned and the curriculum's Christian worldview approach may not fully align with secular science standards.

No reference to NGSS or state standards alignment in the review, and the curriculum explicitly presents creation vs. evolution as competing philosophies rather than teaching evolution as scientific consensus

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

Some retrieval practice is incorporated through study questions, interactive quizzes, and tests, but systematic spaced review is not emphasized.

Courses include study questions at chapter ends, interactive online quizzes, tests, and Topic Questions for review, but no mention of systematic retrieval practice or spaced review protocols

Hands On IntegrationNeutral

Lab work is well-integrated through dedicated lab manuals but remains optional, which may limit hands-on reinforcement of concepts.

Each major course has lab manuals with 18-25 activities correlated with content, Biology includes complete lab manual with dissections, but all labs are described as optional components

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com