Common Sense Press Science Curriculum Review

This post is all about the latest homeschool science curriculum from Common Sense Press.

I was first introduced to Common Sense Press through their popular Learning Language Arts Through Literature curriculum. There are many things I love about it, and you can read about our year with the Red Book (2nd grade) in my review post.

The main reasons I love their language arts curriculum is that it is literature based, covers a lot of ground, and is simple and fun at the same time. It is not easy to have all of these qualities, but this is a curriculum both my children and I enjoy working through together. I can’t say that about every curriculum!

Common Sense Press sent me their Oceans and Human body studies to review, and also a discount code (“juicebox” for 15% off) that I can share with you towards anything on their site! In curriculum research season, I know this is so helpful to us homeschool moms.

Overview of Common Sense Science

Common Sense Press creates curricula designed for homeschoolers, traditional schools, and parents who want to enrich their children’s education. They aim for meaningful hands-on activities to replace dry textbook methods that often distance children from the learning process.

For example, their Learning Language Arts through Literature series incorporates spelling, reading, vocabulary, grammar, writing, penmanship, and phonics in the same weekly lesson. Lessons are short and sweet, keeping children actively engaged and interested.

Before publishing, all of their products must pass two tests. First, they test that each product requires minimal planning on the part of the parent. Win! Second, they aim to ensure that all of their learning materials will be meaningful, comprehensive, and stimulating to the student. 

Approach and Benefits

Common Sense Press uses a multi-level approach to learning. For example, students in 3rd through 6th grade are encouraged to use the Human Body study with different levels of mastery. The book includes different enrichment activities that are appropriate for different levels of understanding. I appreciate that because even if you are using this for one child, you can use the options to tailor to your child as well.

One study (Plants, Oceans, Human Body, etc.) is structured to last 18 weeks, with 3 days of work each week. If you decide to follow this schedule, you can fit in two studies in a school year.

The style of this book is more traditional, but does not use a bulky textbook to teach. It is more of a student workbook with many hands on activities as you move through the book. Simple household materials are used at times such as a mirror, scissors, and cardstock.

In looking closely at the science studies, here are some of the benefits I have seen that could be helpful to homeschoolers.

• Minimal parent prep work
• Designed with student’s independent learning in mind
• Created by experienced homeschool authors
• Hardly any busywork
• Affordable prices across the board
• Great customer service and support as needed

What is Included

Common Sense Science covers vocabulary terms, graphic organizers, lab experiments, and a Student Material’s Packet.

Science Titles

Here are the titles available:

• Plants
• Oceans
• Human Body

Here are the titles coming soon:

• Earth
• Vertebrates
• Insects
• Space
• Energy
• Matter
• Weather

I’m most looking forward to seeing the weather study next!

Common Sense Science: Oceans

This is not our first go around with studying the ocean and sea life, so I love the chance to dive deeper into this topic. I love that the lab assignments are completely do-able with materials you have on hand on home. My 3rd grader does not have a lot of activities in other subjects with cutting, pasting, and assembling, so this is really novel for her!

In this study, we are covering topics such as the water cycle, oceanography, saltwater, estuaries, types of fish, coral reefs, and marine animals. The entire book and student book are black and white print, so I like that it leads you to research online for some photos and videos of these ideas.

Common Sense Science: Human Body

The book (and all of the Common Sense Science books) have labeled leveled activities. One for early readers, or 1st and 2nd graders. Another for working fluent readers, or 3rd and 4th graders. Lastly, a level for completely fluent readers, or 5th and 6th graders. For this study, we would use the last level. Again, I really appreciate the simplicity of the lab experiments where you would have no excuse or need to skip them!

Topics include all of the systems and senses within the human body, which includes a final lesson on the reproductive system. This seems like a study that would work great in the summer time as it is easy to use, and non-stressful for both parent and child.

If you’re interested in Common Sense Science or Learning Language Arts Through Literature, you are welcome to use my discount code “juicebox” for 15% off. Feel free to ask any questions about this homeschool curriculum!

This post was all about Common Sense Press Science Curriculum.

Other Posts You May Like:

• Review of Learning Language Arts Through Literature
• Favorite Living Science Curriculum
• Review of Common Sense Science: Plants