Elemental Science's Classical Science curriculum follows the classical trivium model through three developmental stages—grammar (grades 1-4), logic (grades 5-8), and rhetoric (high school)—where students dive deep into one science discipline per year rotating through biology, earth science and astronomy, chemistry, or physics. Rather than traditional textbooks, the program uses visually appealing encyclopedias from publishers like DK, Usborne, and Kingfisher as spine books, combining weekly hands-on experiments with notebooking assignments that make science engaging for students who thrive on picture-rich resources and concrete demonstrations.
The teacher guides provide flexible scheduling options for either two or five days per week, complete lesson plans with scripted demonstrations, and customized student workbooks for recording observations through writing, sketching, and narration. Parents need to purchase spine books separately (typically 1-3 encyclopedias per course), though the guides offer alternatives for different reading levels, making it adaptable for teaching multiple children across a two-grade span. The secular presentation avoids in-depth discussion of origins while some spine books may reference evolutionary concepts.
Families appreciate the well-organized teacher guides, flexibility in scheduling, and Charlotte Mason elements like narration that appeal to various learning styles, though some find DK encyclopedias occasionally lack focused cohesion compared to traditional textbooks. The four-year cycle repeats through grammar and logic stages, allowing families to loop topics with increasing depth. Consider viewing sample weeks and checking your library for the required spine books before purchasing to ensure the encyclopedia-based approach suits your student's learning preferences and your teaching style.
