REAL Science Odyssey- Chemistry 1

REAL Science Odyssey – Chemistry 1

Pages: 432

Grade Level: 2nd–5th

Course Type: Textbook

Author: Blair H. Lee, M.S.

What Is Chemistry Level 1?

REAL Science Odyssey – Chemistry Level 1 is a year-long, secular homeschool science curriculum that introduces elementary students to the foundational principles of chemistry through an incremental, engaging approach.

Students begin by exploring atoms and molecules, then progress to topics such as states of matter and chemical reactions. Age-appropriate math and hands-on labs are woven throughout the course, giving students multiple opportunities to apply the scientific method and reinforce key concepts through experimentation and discovery.

The course guides students to Read, Explore, Absorb, and Learn chemistry:

• Read – Fun, engaging readings introduce big ideas and details for each chapter. The text is designed to be read aloud, prompting questions and discussion.
• Explore – Carefully designed, hands-on experiments bring chemistry to life and give students practice using the scientific method.
• Absorb – Lessons engage visual, auditory, and tactile/kinesthetic learners to ensure comprehension and retention.
• Learn – With Chemistry Level 1, students don’t just learn about atoms, molecules, and reactions—they learn how science is done.
  

What REAL Science Odyssey Is Not

• A random collection of experiments. It’s a comprehensive, incremental curriculum.
• Too difficult for young learners. The material is presented in an accessible and exciting way.
• Lightweight. Students learn real chemistry, from atomic structure to reactions.
• Dry or dull. Rhymes, poems, and puzzles make learning fun and memorable.
• Influenced by religion. RSO courses are completely secular, based solely on valid, empirical science.

Who Can Use Chemistry Level 1

This course is designed for ages 7–10, or roughly grades 2–5. Lessons and labs can be easily adapted for different ages—read aloud and transcribe written responses for younger students, or give older students greater independence.

While many adults first encounter chemistry in high school, children are fully capable of grasping the fundamentals of how the chemical world works when it’s presented in a fun, hands-on way. Through rhymes, experiments, and puzzles, students build a strong foundation in chemistry concepts such as mass, states of matter, and chemical reactions.

No prior science background is needed to teach this course—RSO materials are written specifically for parents and teachers new to chemistry.

For families using the curriculum with multiple students, additional copies of the consumable Student Pages are available for purchase.

Science Topics Covered

Chemistry Level 1 builds progressively from basic to advanced topics, with each unit reinforcing aspects of critical thinking and the scientific method. Lessons explore major chemistry ideas in depth through reading, discussion, and hands-on labs.

Science Skills Developed

In addition to a full foundation in chemistry, students will practice essential scientific skills:

• Applying the scientific method
• Engaging in critical thinking
• Making detailed observations
• Recording and interpreting scientific data
• Reading and understanding informational texts

Lab Experiments

No science curriculum is complete without experiments! Students will get hands-on experience investigating how chemistry shapes the physical world around them.

With Chemistry Level 1, your child will:

• Investigate the physical properties of matter using their senses of sight, smell, and touch
• Explore buoyancy by floating an egg in salt and fresh water
• Create their own pH test solution using red cabbage
• See how molecules bond by making rock candy
• …and much more!

Each lab includes a supply list, step-by-step instructions, and, when necessary, safety precautions.

Students are guided through the scientific method, gaining experience in:

• Formulating hypotheses
• Recording observations and results
• Drawing conclusions
• Reinforcement learning with comprehension questions

 

Planning and Scheduling

Research shows that deep exploration of one scientific discipline leads to better long-term understanding than sampling multiple subjects superficially. RSO curricula follow this philosophy.

Chemistry Level 1 is designed as a full-year course, including:

• 36 weeks of material (based on teaching science twice per week)
• A suggested weekly schedule
• Detailed supply lists organized by week
• Instructor pages with lesson guidance and implementation tips

If you’re teaching more than one student, Student Pages are available separately.

Important Copyright Information

If you choose the eBook version of this course, you are purchasing a license to use the PDF for your own children. You may make copies for your own children, but you may not share (email, download, print and distribute, resell, etc.) this eBook or any portion of this eBook to others. Licensing is available for group, school, and co-op use. Please contact Pandia Press for details on group licensing (info@pandiapressbooks.com).