REAL Science Odyssey

REAL Science Odyssey (RSO) is a standout among science curricula, developed by the remarkable Blair Lee, M.S. Blair is not only a prolific science author with Pandia Press but also the founder of Secular Eclectic Academic (SEA) Homeschoolers, a supportive community with nearly 100k members dedicated to secular academic materials. Blair's journey into science began in college when a microscopic rotifer in pond water ignited her passion. This fascination with the natural and physical world led her to teach chemistry and human heredity at local community colleges, where she observed a significant gap in students' preparedness for college-level science​ (Give Mom a Minute)​​ (The Homeschool Resource Room)​.

Motivated by these observations and her insights into how people learn best, Blair started developing her own curriculum. She aimed to improve science education before college, creating REAL Science Odyssey to offer an in-depth, hands-on, and engaging science curriculum. Her dedication to quality is evident in every aspect of RSO, from the detailed editing to the comprehensive, secular content. Blair’s work with Pandia Press and her advocacy through SEA Homeschoolers have empowered countless homeschool families to embrace innovative and academically rich education​ (Give Mom a Minute)​​ (Cathy Duffy Reviews)​.

Differentiation: What Makes REAL Science Odyssey Special

REAL Science Odyssey is distinguished by its secular, science-backed approach, and its engaging presentation of scientific concepts. Blair Lee’s emphasis on hands-on learning ensures that students not only learn scientific theories but also apply them through practical, fun experiments. This curriculum is designed to foster scientific inquiry and critical thinking, making it a unique and valuable resource for homeschoolers. The incorporation of comprehensive, story-like lessons alongside hands-on activities makes complex science accessible and enjoyable for young learners​ (Homeschool Curriculum Reviews -)​​ (The Homeschool Resource Room)​.

How to Get Started

To begin with REAL Science Odyssey, select the appropriate level and subject based on your child’s grade and interests. The curriculum spans various scientific disciplines, ensuring age-appropriate and engaging content. Materials required for experiments are typically common household items, though specialized science kits are available for purchase, simplifying the preparation process. Blair’s thoughtful design allows parents to easily integrate RSO into their homeschooling routine, fostering a seamless and effective learning experience​ (Home Science Tools)​​ (Give Mom a Minute)​.

How It Works: Utilizing the Curriculum

REAL Science Odyssey courses are structured to be completed over a school year, with each subject deeply exploring specific scientific fields like biology, chemistry, and physics. Lessons consist of reading assignments, lab activities, discussions, and assessments, designed to solidify understanding and application of scientific concepts. Depending on the level, students may spend about 3-5 hours per week on these lessons. The curriculum supports both independent and parent-led instruction, offering flexibility to suit different teaching styles​ (Pandia Press)​​ (Homeschool Curriculum Reviews -)​.

What Educational Concepts It Teaches

  • Life Sciences: Body systems, plant and animal kingdoms, ecological relationships

  • Earth Science: Weather, geology, environmental science

  • Chemistry: Atoms, molecules, chemical reactions, acids and bases

  • Physics: Motion, energy, electricity, magnetism

  • Astronomy: Solar system, space exploration​ (Pandia Press)​​ (Cathy Duffy Reviews)​

What’s Good About It

Users love REAL Science Odyssey for its thorough, engaging content and the seamless integration of hands-on experiments with theoretical learning. Blair Lee’s curriculum fosters a deep understanding and appreciation of science, encouraging critical thinking and scientific inquiry. Parents appreciate the secular nature of the material and the flexibility it offers, making it an adaptable and robust choice for homeschooling families​ (Homeschool Curriculum Reviews -)​​ (Give Mom a Minute)​.

What Could Be Improved

While highly acclaimed, some parents note that the curriculum requires significant parental involvement, especially in setting up and supervising experiments. Additionally, the cost of materials and science kits can add up, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious families. However, these aspects do not diminish the overall value and effectiveness of the curriculum​ (Homeschool Curriculum Reviews -)​​ (Give Mom a Minute)​.

Advice from Parents

Parents recommend planning ahead to ensure all materials are on hand for experiments, avoiding last-minute disruptions. They also suggest leveraging the curriculum’s flexibility to adjust the pace and depth of topics based on the child’s interests and comprehension levels. This approach maximizes engagement and enhances the learning experience, making science both enjoyable and educational​ (Give Mom a Minute)​​ (The Homeschool Resource Room)​.

Ideal Fit

REAL Science Odyssey is ideal for families seeking a comprehensive, secular science education that emphasizes hands-on learning and critical thinking. It is well-suited for students who thrive on engaging, practical experiences that connect scientific theories to real-world applications. The curriculum’s flexibility allows it to cater to diverse learning needs and styles​ (The Homeschool Resource Room)​.

Not a Fit For

It may not be the best fit for families looking for a low-prep or low-cost option, due to the need for various materials and significant parental involvement in experiments. Families preferring a less intensive curriculum might find RSO demanding in terms of preparation and engagement​ (Give Mom a Minute)​.

Grades

K-12th

Cost

$40 - $100​

Ways to Get It

REAL Science Odyssey can be purchased directly from Pandia Press’s website, through homeschooling supply retailers, and on platforms like Amazon. Both print and digital formats are available, catering to different preferences and needs​

Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links on our site are affiliate links, which means Modulo may earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no cost to you). Rest assured, we only recommend resources we’ve rigorously vetted and truly love—affiliate link or not. Thank you so much for supporting our work!

Explore More Science Programs and Curriculum We Recommend

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/
Previous
Previous

Spangler Club

Next
Next

Mystery Science