Spring is often the season when homeschoolers begin planning for the next school year. This is certainly true for me. In fact, I’m planning a little earlier than I usually do. Next year, my oldest will begin her high school journey, which will mean a new educational adventure for all of us. Fortunately, I have a head start on my soon to be freshman’s science curriculum. We received the Physical Science Curriculum from Landmark’s Freedom Baptist Curriculum to review, and we are finding it to be a good fit.

This package includes student workbooks for both the first and second semester, a book of tests and quizzes, and answer keys. All texts are paperback, and as appearance goes, are simple in design. Don’t let that deter you from taking a look at this curriculum though, because the material is interesting and biblically solid. It differs from many science courses in that there is not a separate textbook. The student books serve as both text and workbook. I actually like that a lot, and that space saving feature makes it more convenient for my daughter to work through the lessons. It cuts out the middle man, as it were.

There couldn’t be an easier format to follow than the one provided in this course. Lessons are easy to plan and follow. Each week covers a different topic, with daily assignments divided among five days. This works beautifully if your student is an independent learner, or simply thrives on routine. Chapters begin with vocabulary words to look up in the glossary, conveniently found in the back of the workbook. The exercises for the following days will include short texts to read, fill in the blank assignments, and short essay questions. There are also simple experiments to conduct every so often. At the conclusion of the week, students will recite a Scripture verse to their parent or teacher. Quizzes are administered weekly, and a more formal test is taken after every eighth week.

By the end of the year, your student will have studied topics covering scientific method, force, laws of motion, atoms, the periodic table of elements, metals, hydraulics, light, sound, heat energy, and the list continues. Unlike many science courses, this physical science curriculum teaches with a Christian worldview, and speaking for my family, that is essential.

With the exception of zoology, science is not a favorite subject for my daughter. After perusing the material in this course however, I guessed that this would be a science program that my daughter would find not only manageable, but possibly even enjoyable. I am happy to say that I was correct in my assumption. The entire layout works beautifully with my daughter’s learning style. She is a no frills, keep it simple, and get to the bottom line type of personality. The fact that the student book is a text and journal combined was a great selling point for her. She appreciates not having to have a bulky textbook as well as a workbook. Being a stickler for routine, the clear parameters for each lesson are a perfect match. Having my girl approach this subject with a positive attitude, makes this a winner for me as well. I am sold.

The lesson plan that Landmark’s Freedom Baptist Curriculum outlines lends itself to a traditional five day a week schedule, and that has been our habit. It works well for both of us. We know, generally, what each day will bring.  Monday will involve vocabulary and definition.  Tuesdays and Wednesdays will have us reading and answering essay questions.  Thursdays and Fridays include reciting Scripture and taking a quiz.  It is a big help in planning our school week. My youngest daughter is already clamoring to begin this course, and I’m thinking that I will be ordering her a set of workbooks in the near future. Are you considering a physical science curriculum for the next school year? If so, I would encourage you to take a look at this program and see if it fits with your homeschool.

- Product review by Laurie Gauger The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, June, 2018