TOPS Learning Systems

Name: TOPS Learning Systems
Brand: TOPS Learning Systems, Inc.http://www.topscience.org

by TOPS Learning Systems, Inc.http://www.topscience.org

ScienceGrades 3–12

About This Curriculum

TOPS Learning Systems provides hands-on science and math curricula using simple, everyday materials for experiments and activities. The nonprofit organization creates topic-focused books that emphasize practical learning through affordable, accessible resources.

What makes it unique: Science with simple things - hands-on learning using common household items and inexpensive materials

TOPS Learning Systems: Hands-On Science Through Everyday Materials

TOPS Learning Systems offers topic-focused science modules for grades 3-12 that emphasize hands-on experimentation using common household materials. This nonprofit curriculum provides affordable, accessible science learning through practical activities with minimal equipment requirements.

Best for

Homeschooling families or classrooms seeking engaging, budget-friendly science activities using everyday materials, particularly those wanting to supplement other curricula or focus on specific scientific topics

Evaluation Criteria

1 strength · 3 neutral · 3 insufficient evidence

Hands On IntegrationStrength

TOPS excels at integrating hands-on activities with learning objectives, using simple materials to make science concepts accessible.

Multiple reviewers emphasize the highly interactive, tactile approach with experiments that consistently work using everyday materials, noting children become highly engaged once started

Knowledge RichNeutral

The curriculum provides some depth within specific topics but lacks systematic knowledge building across scientific domains.

Each book addresses a single focused topic like electricity, magnetism, or plant biology, with reviewers noting it prepares students for challenging science courses but isn't a comprehensive systematic curriculum

Teacher TrainingNeutral

Provides helpful teacher notes and guidance but lacks comprehensive professional development materials.

Each activity includes teacher information with objectives, implementation details, answers, and extension activities, described as user-friendly for teachers

Direct InstructionNeutral

The curriculum provides teacher guidance but emphasizes discovery learning more than explicit instruction.

Teacher notes include objectives, answers, and extension activities, but the approach is described as getting kids interested through tactile experiences rather than direct instruction

Ngss AlignmentInsufficient Evidence

No evidence provided regarding alignment to NGSS or other science standards.

Reviews focus on practical implementation and hands-on activities but do not mention standards alignment

Retrieval PracticeInsufficient Evidence

Limited evidence of systematic retrieval practice or spaced review across topics.

Reviews mention review questions that can be used for writing assignments, but no systematic approach to retrieval practice or spaced review is described

Scientific VocabularyInsufficient Evidence

Scientific vocabulary instruction appears embedded within activities but lacks explicit systematic development.

Reviews mention that activities teach scientific concepts naturally and include discussion questions, but no specific evidence of systematic vocabulary instruction is provided

Sources: cathyduffyreviews.com, exodusbooks.com