A Year of Discovery

Name: A Year of Discovery
Brand: Science Through Naturehttps://sciencethroughnature.com/explorer/

by Science Through Naturehttps://sciencethroughnature.com/explorer/

ScienceGrades 1–4

About This Curriculum

A nature-based science curriculum featuring 12 monthly quests that connect children with the natural world through seasonal nature studies, hands-on experiments, and outdoor exploration.

What makes it unique: Interactive PDF curriculum with embedded links, minimal prep required, focuses on real-world nature experiences to build scientific understanding through seasonal changes.

A Year of Discovery: Seasonal Nature Study with Light Academic Focus

A Year of Discovery is a nature-based science curriculum featuring 12 monthly quests that connect children with the natural world through seasonal studies, hands-on experiments, and outdoor exploration. The curriculum emphasizes observation, journaling, and direct interaction with nature rather than traditional academic content.

Best for

Homeschooling families in seasonal climates who want to introduce young children (grades 1-4) to nature appreciation and basic observation skills, particularly those preferring a gentle, literature-rich approach over rigorous academic content

Evaluation Criteria

3 concerns · 2 neutral · 2 insufficient evidence

Knowledge RichConcern

The curriculum prioritizes nature observation and hands-on activities over systematic content knowledge building.

Described as 'lighter academically' with 'very little written work required' and activities focused on seasonal observations rather than comprehensive science content

Direct InstructionConcern

Minimal direct instruction; curriculum relies heavily on discovery-based nature exploration.

Parents read information about topics like grasshoppers, but the approach is primarily observational and exploratory with guided questions rather than explicit instruction

Retrieval PracticeConcern

No evidence of systematic retrieval practice or review of previously learned content.

Activities focus on seasonal observations and journaling but no mention of quizzes, review exercises, or retrieval of prior learning

Teacher TrainingNeutral

Limited teacher support with basic guidance and resource recommendations.

Includes recommended resources, children's literature lists, and references to Handbook of Nature Study, but minimal pedagogical guidance for parents

Hands On IntegrationNeutral

Strong emphasis on hands-on nature activities but limited integration with explicit instruction of scientific concepts.

Features nature walks, investigations, observations, experiments, and hands-on activities, but these appear to be primarily exploratory rather than integrated with direct instruction

Ngss AlignmentInsufficient Evidence

No evidence of alignment to NGSS or other rigorous science standards.

Curriculum focuses on nature study and seasonal activities without reference to specific science standards or three-dimensional learning

Scientific VocabularyInsufficient Evidence

Limited evidence of systematic scientific vocabulary instruction.

Activities include identifying species and making observations, but no mention of explicit vocabulary instruction or scientific terminology development

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com