Exploring... Series by John Hudson Tiner

Name: Exploring... Series by John Hudson Tiner
Brand: Master Bookshttps://www.masterbooks.com/

by Master Bookshttps://www.masterbooks.com/

ScienceGrades 6–12

About This Curriculum

Science textbook series that combines history, biography, and scientific concepts through engaging narrative storytelling from a Christian worldview. Each book explores a different scientific discipline through the lives of scientists and historical discoveries.

What makes it unique: Unique integration of science history with biographical storytelling that makes complex scientific concepts accessible through engaging narratives rather than dry textbook presentations.

Exploring... Series: Literature-Based Science Through Historical Narratives

The Exploring... Series by John Hudson Tiner is a collection of science textbooks that teach scientific concepts through engaging historical narratives and biographical stories from a Christian worldview. Each book in the science curriculum focuses on a different discipline (biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, etc.) and weaves together scientific discovery with the stories of famous scientists and historical events.

Best for

Homeschooling families seeking literature-based science supplementation for grades 6-12, particularly those who value Christian worldview integration and prefer narrative learning approaches over traditional textbook instruction

Evaluation Criteria

3 concerns · 3 neutral · 1 insufficient evidence

Teacher TrainingConcern

Limited teacher support materials, though books are designed for independent student reading.

Reviews mention 'Parent Lesson Planners' are available separately and that books lack answer keys, requiring parents to read along to assess student responses

Direct InstructionConcern

The curriculum uses narrative storytelling rather than direct instruction of scientific concepts.

Reviews emphasize the 'relaxed non-fiction story format' and how content is woven into biographical and historical narratives rather than presented through explicit instruction

Hands On IntegrationConcern

The curriculum appears to rely primarily on reading and does not emphasize hands-on activities or lab work.

Reviews focus exclusively on the narrative text format and reading experience, with no mention of lab activities, experiments, or hands-on components

Knowledge RichNeutral

The curriculum provides solid foundational science content but coverage may be less comprehensive than traditional textbooks.

Reviews note books provide 'good overview' and 'the basics are all there' but describe content as 'fairly basic' and having 'more confined scope' than some other science series

Retrieval PracticeNeutral

The curriculum includes some review questions but limited systematic retrieval practice.

Each chapter includes 'review questions' with 'true/false and multiple choice questions' and 'three problem questions' but reviews don't indicate spaced review or extensive retrieval practice

Scientific VocabularyNeutral

Scientific vocabulary is taught contextually through historical narratives rather than explicit instruction.

Books include glossaries and integrate scientific terms within engaging stories, but reviews don't indicate systematic vocabulary instruction beyond contextual exposure

Ngss AlignmentInsufficient Evidence

Insufficient evidence to determine alignment with Next Generation Science Standards.

Reviews focus on narrative approach and Christian worldview but do not mention standards alignment or three-dimensional learning components

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, jeannefaulconer.wordpress.com