R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey Lab Fun & Early Review

This year, Celeste is following the Pandia Press R.E.A.L. Science Odyssey Biology 2 curriculum. 

After completing all the levels 1 of R.E.A.L Science Odyssey (Life, Earth & Space, Chemistry) over the last few years, it was logical to move up to level 2. 

Level 2 is geared to children from 5th to 9th grade. Celeste is 10 years old, technically 5th grade. We are just starting this curriculum, only on chapter 4, but already we can see that at times it is advanced for her. Still, we have been enjoying this course and pause whenever we need to find extra explanation. Unless it becomes increasingly frustrating and confusing for her, we will continue as I think this will end up being a great introduction to higher science. 

We follow the 5 day schedule outlined in the teacher guide (a must have in my opinion!) and so far, this routine has worked great for us. The teacher guide is very well organized and gives me a clear view of learning goals, summary of the lessons, extra information about the labs, answers to the worksheets, and extracurricular resources which I use to find library books. Links to videos are also listed which have been a great addition to our lessons. 

The main lessons are clear and the text speaks directly to the student. As I mentioned earlier, we stop whenever she doesn't understand something and look for extra explanations. Celeste loves the hands-on part of this curriculum, the two weekly labs, especially the microscope ones! 

The Famous Science Series lessons every week have also been very interesting. So far, we have learned about polio and Jonas Salk, Antony Van Leeuwenhoek with his microscopes and lenses, and sickle cell disease. 

The general labs have been great too. We have done a plot study in the backyard, looking for different living organisms. We made apple sauce and learned about safe canning procedures. Celeste can't wait to try her pink apple sauce! We used Paula Red apples. 

This past week, in the general lab, we made a 3D animal cell model out of modeling clay and plaster of Paris. The instructions in the student text were very clear and the project was so fun. Celeste loved it! It did help her visualize and remember the names of most of the organelles. 

So far, we are both enjoying this secular homeschool science curriculum very much! R.E.A.L. stands for Read Explore Absorb and Learn. It is a very fitting name for this curriculum. If you are curious about it, check out the Pandia Press website for more information and for long "try it before you buy it" samples. 

I did not receive any compensation or products to write this review. This post reflects my own opinion and desire to share information with others.