BFSU
"Building Foundations of Scientific Understanding" (BFSU) is a comprehensive science curriculum created by Dr. Bernard J. Nebel, who possesses an extensive background in the field of science with an A.B from Earlham College and a Ph.D. from Duke University. The curriculum was developed out of Dr. Nebel’s recognition of the need for substantial foundational science education at the elementary level. His previous work includes writing one of the early and successful Environmental Science texts, demonstrating his longstanding commitment to education. This curriculum aims to fill a significant gap in elementary science education, providing structured, progressive learning in science for grades K-8 (Outskirts Press).
Differentiation: What makes it special
BFSU stands out for its systematic approach to science education, where concepts are built upon each other in a logical sequence. It emphasizes "discovery learning" where students engage in hands-on activities that promote observation and reasoning. This curriculum is not only beneficial for K-8 students but also serves older beginners in science, helping them prepare for standards like the Next Generation Science Standards. This unique structure of integrating practical activities with theory makes BFSU distinct in the realm of science curricula for young learners (Outskirts Press).
How to Get Started
To begin using BFSU, it is recommended that educators familiarize themselves with the materials and the structure of the curriculum. The curriculum is detailed in three volumes, each spanning three years of educational content. Starting points vary depending on the student’s grade but it’s suggested that even those beginning in higher grades like third should review earlier lessons to build a strong foundational understanding (Cathy Duffy Reviews).
How it works
BFSU is designed for active participation and guided learning, making it ideal for a homeschooling setting where a parent or educator can engage directly with the student’s learning process. The curriculum suggests using real-life connections and applications to teach lessons, which can be adapted to fit into daily learning schedules. Lessons are rich in discussion and encourage critical thinking. Although BFSU requires more preparation from the educator, it rewards with a robust educational experience that goes beyond rote learning (Cathy Duffy Reviews).
What educational concepts it teaches
Nature of Matter
Life Science
Physical Science
Earth and Space
Inquiry and data analysis
Integration with other subjects like reading and geography
What’s good about it
Users often praise BFSU for its depth and the engaging way it teaches science. The curriculum’s emphasis on connecting scientific concepts with the real world makes learning more relatable and effective. The structured progression ensures that students build on what they learn, enhancing their overall understanding and retention of scientific principles (Cathy Duffy Reviews).
What could be improved
While the curriculum is comprehensive, its requirement for significant preparation time from educators could be daunting for some, especially those new to homeschooling. The lack of ready-made materials and reliance on external sources for some experiments or illustrations might also pose a challenge for some users (Cathy Duffy Reviews).
Advice from parents
Parents recommend taking full advantage of the curriculum's flexibility to adapt lessons to current seasons or available field trips. Engaging children in discussions and hands-on activities as suggested helps solidify their understanding and keeps them interested. Parents also suggest supplementing the curriculum with additional books and resources to enhance learning (Cathy Duffy Reviews).
Who it’s an ideal fit for
BFSU is perfect for educators and parents who want a thorough, interactive science education for their children that emphasizes critical thinking and hands-on learning. It is ideal for those willing to invest time in preparing and personalizing education to fit their child's learning pace and interests (Cathy Duffy Reviews).
Who it’s probably not a fit for
This curriculum may not be suitable for parents looking for a low-prep, quick-start program or for those who prefer a textbook-based, self-guided learning approach for their children. It may also be challenging for larger groups or classroom settings without sufficient resources to engage every student in hands-on activities (Cathy Duffy Reviews).
Grades
Designed for kindergarten through eighth grade.
Cost
The curriculum is priced at around $26.96 per volume for paperback editions, with PDF versions available for $10 (Outskirts Press).
Ways to get it
BFSU can be purchased directly from Outskirts Press, or through various online platforms such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, in both paperback and digital formats (Outskirts Press).
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