Be Naturally Curious Science Mini-Courses

ScienceGrades K–5

About This Curriculum

Science mini-courses designed to teach complex scientific concepts to elementary students (K-5) through beautifully illustrated stories, hands-on activities, games, and experiments.

What makes it unique: Developed by scientists who believe children's natural creativity and curiosity enable them to grasp advanced topics (molecules, DNA, Fibonacci numbers, aerodynamics) typically considered too complicated for young learners; uses concept-based learning aligned with Next Generation Science Standards.

Be Naturally Curious Science Mini-Courses: Story-Based Inquiry Units

Be Naturally Curious Science Mini-Courses are short-duration science units (5-10 hours each) that teach advanced scientific concepts to K-5 students through illustrated stories, hands-on activities, and games. Each mini-course targets a specific topic like molecular bonds, DNA, or ecosystems using narrative-driven instruction combined with experiments and activities.

Best for

Elementary teachers seeking engaging, short science units to supplement their science curriculum, particularly for advanced or twice-exceptional students who benefit from story-based learning

Evaluation Criteria

2 strengths · 3 concerns · 2 neutral

Ngss AlignmentStrength

The curriculum is explicitly aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. This alignment ensures appropriate scope and rigor for the grade levels served.

Cathy Duffy states 'Courses are all aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards'

Hands On IntegrationStrength

The curriculum effectively integrates hands-on activities with content instruction through a structured approach. Each course combines theoretical explanations with multiple coordinated activities that reinforce the concepts.

SEA Homeschoolers review praises 'the pairing of theory with hands-on activities' and notes each course 'begins with theory explanations, includes varied activities with data sheets and labs'

Teacher TrainingConcern

The curriculum provides supplemental resources and activity guidance, but lacks comprehensive teacher training materials. Support appears limited to activity instructions and resource links.

Courses include 'Curiosity Connector' pages with 'lists and links to recommended books and websites for additional, related learning' but no mention of teacher background or pedagogical guidance

Direct InstructionConcern

The curriculum relies heavily on story-based and inquiry approaches rather than direct instruction. Concepts are presented through narratives and discovery activities rather than explicit teaching.

Cathy Duffy notes 'Information is presented within the dialogue of a story' and courses use 'relatable stories, creative images, and hands-on activities' rather than explicit instruction methods

Retrieval PracticeConcern

The curriculum includes some review through games like bingo and matching activities, but lacks systematic retrieval practice across courses. Review appears limited to individual course activities.

Cathy Duffy mentions games like 'Bones Bingo to test students' knowledge' and 'Electron Match Card Game' but no evidence of systematic review across multiple courses

Knowledge RichNeutral

The curriculum tackles genuinely advanced scientific concepts like molecular bonds, DNA, and Fibonacci sequences for elementary students. However, the story-based approach may prioritize engagement over systematic knowledge building.

Reviewer notes courses teach 'molecular bonds to first and second graders' and 'tackle other topics we usually consider advanced such as Fibonacci numbers, aerodynamics, ecosystems, phases of the moon, sound waves, and DNA'

Scientific VocabularyNeutral

The curriculum includes vocabulary tools and appears to introduce scientific terminology within story contexts. Each course concludes with vocabulary support materials.

SEA Homeschoolers review mentions courses conclude with 'vocabulary tools and concept badges students can collect for their Science Tool Kits'

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, seahomeschoolers.com