BJU Press Science series

Name: BJU Press Science series
Brand: BJU Press

by BJU Press

ScienceGrades 1–6

About This Curriculum

<cite index="26-1,26-2,26-3">A traditional-style elementary science textbook series for grades 1-6 that covers topics from life science, earth and space science, and physical science, with heavy emphasis on scientific thinking and the scientific method introduced in first grade.</cite>

What makes it unique: <cite index="26-7,26-8,26-9">Courses help students develop a biblical worldview regarding science through introductory pages, worldview questions in lessons and activity pages, and scriptural principles incorporated within science applications.</cite>

BJU Press Science: Traditional Christian Science Textbook Series

A traditional-style elementary science textbook series for grades 1-6 that covers life science, earth and space science, and physical science with biblical worldview integration. The curriculum emphasizes structured lessons, scientific thinking from first grade, and requires active teaching rather than independent student use.

Best for

Christian homeschool families seeking a traditional, structured science curriculum with biblical integration for grades 1-6

Evaluation Criteria

5 strengths · 2 neutral

Knowledge RichStrength

The curriculum builds substantial science content systematically across all major domains with grade-appropriate depth and complexity.

Each grade covers topics from life science, earth and space science, and physical science with increasing complexity from basic plants and animals in grade 1 to genetics and body systems in grade 6

Teacher TrainingStrength

The curriculum provides substantial teacher support through comprehensive guides and additional online resources.

Teacher's editions contain detailed lesson plans, content guidance, and discussion questions; free access to planning tools through BJU Press Homeschool Hub; described as 'well-adapted for homeschool use, even for newer parent teachers'

Direct InstructionStrength

The curriculum strongly emphasizes teacher-led instruction with comprehensive teacher's editions and optional video lessons.

Teacher's editions are described as 'well-organized and easy to use' with content and guidance not in student texts; optional video lessons available; 'courses need to be taught—you cannot just hand your child the text'

Hands On IntegrationStrength

Activities are well-integrated with explicit instruction, particularly at early grade levels, using mostly household items and structured experiments.

Activities are 'at the heart of many lessons' with clear guidance in teacher's editions, data recording in activity manuals, and materials lists provided; requires teaching rather than independent discovery

Scientific VocabularyStrength

The curriculum introduces scientific thinking and methodology from first grade with structured vocabulary development.

Scientific method is introduced in first grade, activity manuals include graphic organizers and study guide exercises to review key ideas, and crossword puzzles reinforce terminology

Ngss AlignmentNeutral

While covering appropriate science domains, the curriculum's biblical worldview approach may not fully align with NGSS standards.

Covers life science, earth science, and physical science systematically but emphasizes 'biblical worldview regarding science' and includes young-earth creation content

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

The curriculum includes regular review through chapter conclusion lessons and study guide exercises but limited evidence of systematic retrieval practice.

Chapters conclude with review lessons to reinforce concepts and activity manuals include 'Study Guide' exercises to review key ideas from each chapter

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, learning-center.homesciencetools.com