World of Tools & Technology Secular Homeschool Science Curriculum

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I’m sure your kids are constantly asking the question, “How does that work?” My kids are always wanting to know how things are made, what makes them work, and if they can build their own. But I’ve found it can be hard to answer that questions in terms that our kids can easily understand and apply. It’s especially hard to find a secular homeschool science that’s easy to use, multi-level, and teaches the concepts behind tools.

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are ‘affiliate links’. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. This allows me to continue sharing homeschool resources and information with you!

I was given a copy of The World of Tools and Technology. I’ve been compensated for my time in writing this review. I was not required to write a positive review and only share my honest opinions and recommendations with you.

We have loved Common Sense Press for Language Arts in previous curriculum lineups, so when we were given an opportunity to get our hands on The World of Tools and Technology secular homeschool science curriculum, we were thrilled!

Secular homeschool science with hands-on activities

The World of Tools and Technology includes 24 straight-forward lessons on the scientific concepts behind the everyday tools we use and see around us. This title is just one of Common Sense Press’s Great Science Adventures series.

the world of tools and technology secular homeschool science curriculum

Great Science Adventures Secular Homeschool Science

The Great Science Adventures series is an amazing secular science curriculum that literally gives you everything in one book! The lessons are open and go with clear, concise instructions.

There are multiple titles in the series, covering all scientific areas.

Each book includes everything needed to teach the concepts and includes hands-on activities and labs to reinforce the lesson.

What’s Included in The World of Tools and Technology

This workbook includes everything you need to successfully teach your child the scientific concepts behind many familiar tools and technology. Included are:

a comprehensive section on how to use all the tools in the book
directions on creating the graphic organizers
a teacher’s section with:
- concept map
- numbered lessons
- the scientific concepts behind each lesson
- activities to reinforce the concept
- vocabulary words
- graphic organizer instructions
- investigative loop directions
- timeline book data
- additional experiments, investigations, and research
Lots of Science Library Books
graphic pages

The lesson pages break down everything into easy to understand steps. There are plenty of illustrations and diagrams to assist you in gathering the needed materials and pages from the back of the workbook.

Using Great Science Adventures Open-and-Go Curriculum

The book covers the science of work and how force and motion effect the amount of work a tool can produce. Topics in this section include friction, force, lubrication, motions and an introduction to six simple tools.

The next section covers the six simple tools in depth. These tools include:

inclined plane
lever
wheel and axle
pulley
wedge
screw

The introduction of the concept is followed by an investigative loop. This is a lab activity which gives the student practical experience in using the concept or tool.

First, the loop begins by introducing a question or concept to the student. Then, the student researches the concept and makes predictions. The lab is then completed and observations are made.

Once the data from the lab is compiled, the student will draw and communicate their conclusions about the lab. Spark questions is the next phase of the loop. This is where the student and teacher discuss the lab and questions that may have been sparked by completing the lab.

This process is designed to end in the student starting into another loop based on the results of the first loop. The option to create their own experiment is then offered to upper level students, allowing them to apply what they’ve learned and extend the learning.

Created for Busy Homeschool Moms

One thing that jumped right out to me about Common Sense Press was that they focus on publishing materials that make busy homeschool mom’s lives easier. Yes, they know how crazy busy us homeschool mom can be and they write their content to make our lives easier!

The book is divided into four sections, which include the graphic organizers, books, and charts so you can easily copy them as needed. You can also download a printable materials packet on the Common Sense Press website if you’d like to keep the book intact and print your worksheets.

Concise and Easy to Follow

I find that some curriculums either give way too much information and make everything too confusing or are so vague I’m left wondering what to do. With the Great Science Adventures series, I can move through each lesson confidently.

Multi-Level Homeschool Families

The series is set up to work with K-8th grade in multi-level homeschool families or classes. This makes it SO easy for us as we struggle to find material and activities that are relevant for both our 3rd grader and 6th grader.

Writing assignments are labeled with 1, 2, or 3 pencils. This icon indicates for which level the writing assignment is best suited.

One pencil is recommended for kindergarten and first grade students who are non or early readers. Two pencils are suggested for students who are working toward becoming fluent readers, or second and third graders. Three pencils is recommended for fluent readers or forth through eight grade students.

Common Sense Press Discount Code & Giveaway

Ready to grab one of the Great Science Adventures or Learning Through Literature titles for your homeschooling lineup? Looking for a self-paced, open-and-go homeschool curriculum? Head over to Common Sense Press and use the special discount code!

Use code Summer2021 for 15% off!

Valid until July 31, 2020

Plus, be sure to enter the giveaway!

Great Science Adventures Secular Homeschool Science

What’s Included in The World of Tools and Technology