R.E.A.L Science Odyssey

[branbran54]

Does anyone have any experience with this program?  I am looking into it for my 2nd grader.  It is looking like we might be pulling him out of public school after Christmas.  I have almost all of the curriculum chosen, but seem to be having trouble with science.  From what I have found on it, this seems to be a pretty good program, but am not entirely sold on it and would like to hear from people who have used it.  Thanks.

[Jennifer3141]

This is one of two science programs we use. We like it. It's certainly easy to find the required books since they are all in print so far and cheap to buy if the library system doesn't have them.

[CariOfOz]

We have used RSO earth & space since June or so, and I like it a lot.  It IS hands on all the way.. lots of experiments, experience with scientific process, cool lab sheets and a good list of suggested reading to go along with the various units.  I've been using it with a 3rd and 1st grader and it's fitting both of them pretty well!

[bass chick]

I went to the website a couple months ago and downloaded the free sample lessons. I think it's something like 5 lessons with 18 labs. I haven't started it yet, but if you can download the first few lessons and give it try I'm sure that will give you a good taste of what it is like.

[CariOfOz]

Forgot about the 'try before you buy' thing!  Yes, I totally recommend downloading the tester version.. it is a considerable chunk of program for you to test out to see if you like the style :D  Glad someone was with the program today lol
 

Originally Posted by bass chick 

I went to the website a couple months ago and downloaded the free sample lessons. I think it's something like 5 lessons with 18 labs. I haven't started it yet, but if you can download the first few lessons and give it try I'm sure that will give you a good taste of what it is like.

[accidental_hs'er]

I bought all three books for my 2nd grader.  We love it.  It is very hands on and laid out like a story.  The front of the books have set out a time line (if you are so inclined, we are not - lol) and a list of materials you will need for each lesson.  I have to say having a kid extremely bent on science and a hubby who would have been a physicist had he not gone into math/comp sci., we are extremely happy with our choice.  Dh is impressed with the content and the work keeps ds invested in a subject he loves.  I like that I can understand it easily too.   

I bought this book to have more cohesion to our science lessons.  We do a lot of science but I was always worried we were missing important steps.  I like that the labs are designed to help kids think like scientists and writing is fairly minimal.  (The boy also prefers Legos to pencils.)  It is probably the best curriculum I've bought to date but that just may be the subject fit with our family.

All areas are different but the books say grades 2-5, approximately.  I can say the books are much further ahead of the curriculum in my province of Ontario. 

[Awaken]

I just bought the earth science one, although we haven't started using it yet.  I have read through the labs and it seems pretty basic.  (my son is a fairly immature 2nd grader and we do a lot of science, but in a more "unschooled" way).  it seems like it would be better for K-1st but we'll see how it goes, even if the labs are simple maybe they will be memorable for him since they are hands-on and there is a journal that they keep.  I like that the materials list and steps are so clearly written out.

[tammyw]

My husband has recently started the Chemistry one with my dd (she is almost 8). They are really enjoying it, and said it's a great fit! They do their science every weekend.

[natashaccat]

i didn't like it myself, couldn't get past the big font they used.

[mamachelle]

was it just the big font, or were there other things you didn't like as well? thanks!

[natashaccat]

I didn't feel that the "experiments" taught kids about how to use the scientific method. I can't recall which volume we used but we didn't make it past the weather chapter. I'm picky though and haven't found a science program yet that has been a good fit. I think the freebie intro lessons are worth a try...

[nov05mama]

We have Earth & Space as well as Life and I can't wait to get started on them! I held off on starting them this year, but we are hoping to start next year. It's one of the best Science curriculums I have been able to find. I love that it's SO hands on and interactive...that was the huge selling point for me. I would definitely recommend doing the 'try before you buy' and checking it out...they give you a good bit through that, so you really can get a good idea of what the program will be like!!

[accidental_hs'er]

Originally Posted by natashaccat 

I didn't feel that the "experiments" taught kids about how to use the scientific method. I can't recall which volume we used but we didn't make it past the weather chapter. I'm picky though and haven't found a science program yet that has been a good fit. I think the freebie intro lessons are worth a try...

That book is the one we find driest of the three.  Of course chemistry and biology have been much more exciting for our family.  We've been skimming a lot on Earth & Space, not because the material is bad but because it is easy to learn without doing much in the way of experiments.  Ds is a big science junkie and found that particular book too easy.  My younger dd (newly 5) is getting good things from it.