BFSU

Science
Written By Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

"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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Manisha Snoyer (co-founder of Modulo)

For the last 20 years, I’ve taught over 2000 children in 3 countries (of all socio-economic backgrounds). I pioneered an English language program in a conflict region in the Middle East. I’ve worked as a bilingual public school teacher at some of the highest and lowest performing public schools and in all five boroughs of NYC. I’ve tutored 18 subjects in three languages to some of the wealthiest families in NYC, San Francisco and Paris to make up for shortcomings in private schools they were paying up to $60,000 a year to attend.

Since 2015, I’ve helped hundreds of parents start microschools (way before this was a household buzzword). I founded CottageClass, the first marketplace for microschools and learning pods that was part of the Techstars 2018 class. In 2019, I created a virtual learning program to help families through the pandemic, a free online math tutoring program (masteryhour.org), and schoolclosures.org, a hotline developed in collaboration with Twilio and 80 other partners including Khan Academy, Revolution Foods and the Crisis Text Line, that served 100,000 families impacted by school closures.

I’ve climbed trees with children in forest schools in San Francisco, and tested new digital apps with kids in seven countries.

I’ve also coached dozens of families at different stages in their homeschooling journey. Most recently, I founded Modulo with homeschooling dad, best-selling author and tech entrepreneur Eric Ries, to help families curate their children’s education, social and childcare experiences drawing from a diverse array of in-person and online resources.


During the last three years, I’ve devoted much of my time to reviewing and testing secular homeschooling curriculum and other resource. I’ve spent the last three years talking to thousands of secular homeschooling families, and poring over tens of thousands of secular curriculum reviews and testing physical curriculum and digital apps for with hundreds of students to find the highest quality, most engaging, personalized learning materials for every type of learner.

I’ve spoken about homeschooling and modular learning at multiple venues including SXSW EDU, NY Tech Meetup, and on the LiberatedEd podcast.

In 2022, Modulo was one of 8 organizations who were awarded the Bridge Grant from the Vela Education Fund to expand access to homeschooling and modular learning to under-resourced communities.

My experience in education and homeschooling has led me to believe that there is no perfect education for every child, but families have an extraordinary amount of wisdom they can apply to building the perfect education for their individual child.

My goal with Modulo is to make it possible for any family to easily build a customized education that their child will love, and that will empower the whole family to thrive, taking into account, social, emotional and academic needs.

I love to answer questions from parents and receive feedback on how we can improve Modulo, so feel free to reach out anytime! I personally answer all the questions and comments readers leave on my blogs.

In my free time, I like hiking, traveling the world, tasting ceremonial grade matcha, enjoying dark chocolate.

I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Brandeis University with highest honors, with a double degree in French Literature and American Studies and minors in Environmental Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies.

And I love to learn!

https://www.linkedin.com/in/manisha-snoyer-5042298/
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