Awesome Science DVDs

ScienceGrades 5–9

About This Curriculum

<cite index="8-1">A DVD series that takes teens and adults on a field trip around the world to explore geologic and historical evidence which supports the Biblical record.</cite>

What makes it unique: <cite index="15-1">The first DVD series for teens by teens showing how science and the Bible agree.</cite>

Awesome Science DVDs: Creation-Based Earth Science Field Trip Videos

A DVD series featuring a teenage host exploring geological sites like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone from a young-earth creationist perspective. The curriculum combines visual field trips with study guides to teach earth science concepts.

Best for

Homeschooling families seeking earth science content aligned with young-earth creationist worldview, particularly for middle school students

Evaluation Criteria

1 strength · 3 concerns · 3 neutral

Scientific VocabularyStrength

The study guides include explicit vocabulary instruction with lengthy vocabulary lists for each segment.

Study guides begin with 'lengthy vocabulary lists' and use fill-in-the-blank exercises with word lists to help students learn scientific vocabulary

Ngss AlignmentConcern

The curriculum does not align with NGSS standards due to its exclusive focus on young-earth creationism rather than mainstream scientific consensus.

Explicitly presents content 'from a young-earth creationist point of view' and aims to 'challenge evolutionary assumptions,' which conflicts with NGSS evidence-based approach

Teacher TrainingConcern

The curriculum provides minimal teacher support, requiring educators to determine answers independently.

Study guides have 'no answer keys, so parents or teachers will need to watch and figure out answers themselves'

Hands On IntegrationConcern

The curriculum lacks hands-on activities, relying primarily on video presentations of field sites.

Described as DVD-based field trips with occasional 'bonus activities' for research, but no mention of lab work or structured hands-on investigations

Knowledge RichNeutral

The curriculum provides basic earth science content but is limited by its narrow focus on geology and paleontology across only six topics.

Reviews mention students learn 'basic information about science' with focus on geological formations, but content is constrained to six specific locations and creationist interpretations

Direct InstructionNeutral

The host provides direct explanation of scientific concepts, though instruction is delivered through video rather than interactive teaching.

Young host 'enthusiastically explains the science' and 'delivers great science facts' with professional production quality

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

Study guides include some retrieval activities through comprehension questions and fill-in-the-blank exercises.

Each segment has 'fill-in-the-blank sentences,' 'true/false questions,' and 'discussion questions' that function as comprehension checks

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, thehomeschoolscientist.com