History Study Time Travelers

Social_studiesGrades 3–8

About This Curriculum

A hands-on U.S. history curriculum series featuring unit studies with extensive project-based learning, lapbooks, timelines, and activities for each historical period.

What makes it unique: Highly flexible, project-rich curriculum that allows families to choose from 35-50 activities per study, combining rigorous content with engaging hands-on learning experiences.

History Study Time Travelers: Project-Based U.S. History Unit Studies

History Study Time Travelers is a hands-on U.S. history curriculum series for grades 3-8 featuring extensive project-based learning through lapbooks, timelines, and creative activities. The seven CD-ROM/digital units cover periods from New World Explorers through World War II, with each unit containing 25 lessons that combine brief textual content with 35-50 activity options.

Best for

Families who prefer hands-on, project-based learning and have time for extensive preparation; particularly suited for visual and kinesthetic learners in grades 3-8 who enjoy creative activities and lapbooking

Evaluation Criteria

1 strength · 1 concern · 5 neutral

Chronological KnowledgeStrength

The curriculum builds chronological knowledge through its structured progression from New World Explorers through World War II and includes timeline creation activities. Each unit focuses on a specific historical period with dated mounting pages and timeline figures to help students understand sequence.

Seven sequential units covering major U.S. history periods, timeline figures from History Through the Ages, and dated mounting pages for chronological organization

Retrieval PracticeConcern

The curriculum includes some review elements through 'Factfile' cards and catch-up days, but systematic retrieval practice and spaced review are not emphasized. The focus is more on creative projects than repeated practice of key facts.

Reviews mention 'Factfile cards for studying/reviewing information' and 'catch-up-on-projects' days, but no systematic retrieval practice

Primary SourcesNeutral

The curriculum incorporates some primary source elements through historical quotations used for penmanship practice and period documents. However, the focus appears to be more on project-based activities than extensive primary source analysis.

Includes 'pertinent quotations' for penmanship practice and some historical documents, but reviews emphasize hands-on projects over document analysis

Teacher TrainingNeutral

The curriculum provides detailed lesson plans and teacher guidance for project implementation, with thorough presentation details. However, content background knowledge support for teachers appears limited.

Reviews note 'lessons are presented in thorough detail' and teacher keys for timeline mounting, but mention the need for additional resources to ensure adequate coverage

Direct InstructionNeutral

Each lesson begins with brief 2-3 pages of text that serves as source material similar to a textbook, providing some direct instructional content. However, the primary emphasis is on project-based learning rather than explicit instruction.

Four out of five lessons begin with 'brief two or three pages of text which serves as your source material as would a textbook'

Vocabulary BuildingNeutral

The curriculum includes 'Factfile' cards for studying and reviewing information, which likely supports vocabulary development. However, explicit vocabulary instruction is not prominently featured in the reviews.

Reviews mention creating 'Factfile cards for studying/reviewing information' but do not emphasize systematic vocabulary instruction

Geographic KnowledgeNeutral

The curriculum includes mapwork activities as part of its comprehensive project offerings. However, geographic content appears secondary to the primary focus on historical events and hands-on activities.

Reviews mention 'completing mapwork' as one of the activity options, but geographic knowledge is not highlighted as a major component

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, homeschoolgiveaways.com