TOS Crew Review: Science Weekly

In today's cyber world technology it is still nice to receive a fun packet in the mail (obviously not bills) and this product is no exception.  Science Weekly is a bit like those magazines we used to get as kids, but focused on all things relating to earth/life/physical science, technology or mathematical in nature.  Two issues arrive in one's post box during the school year (Sept-April), to be used to further their child(ren)'s knowledge and add some fun back into their studies.  Originally geared toward the typical classroom environment, this series is another way to add some sparkle to one's homeschool curricula as well.  

We received the Fractions issue [Vol. 27, no. 5] to explore [they included one handout per level] along with the teaching notes [with answers to student's worksheet questions and additional ideas].  Each "packet" is approximately 4 pages worth of info-which includes a description of the topic at hand, then a practical demonstration highlighting it (so for the fractions one-the level B has the student looking at an apple and grapes which have been divided into equal parts), a vocabulary section, a weekly lab (fun idea for highlighting the concept), a math section, a small writing opportunity, a challenge that asks for the child to practice what the concept they have been learning about, and finally a "Bringing it Home" section to wrap up the study. Some of the higher levels dropped a couple of the last ones, added a puzzle challenge and/or even a "Further Your Interests" and "Meet the Scientist" section; whilst the lower levels kept it more simple by not offering more than a typical child that age would want to cover. 

My son and I worked through the C-E levels and found the "Weekly Lab" to be our favorite part of the series.  Most of what they ask the student to do is easily obtainable through every day items found in your home. So it isn't difficult to carry out the experiments at all.  It is charming and a fun way to incorporate a few subjects which usually produce moans and groans from frustrated students and teachers alike.  For about $1.33 per issue/per student, it really isn't that bad of a deal actually.   What's more, they now have an interactive program online [this is a great test to see if you like the product], along with printable coloring pages to explore.

This as a supplementary item to one's regular studies, and for those with children who love to do paperwork and science experiments-then this is a wonderful way to go about reinforcing their interests.  It is definitely a traditional approach to learning. So depending on your teaching method, it may or may not be a good choice.   Oh, and for those who use the workbox method, this would be a good item to tuck into a box for an occasional "fun" activity.  As for us, it was interesting to try but not something we would normally seek to acquire for our homeschool. Now I am not implying that the Science Weekly publication is terrible or not worthy of further investigation/subscribing to.  Actually it is a nice complementary tool for some to use in their studies, and could certainly bless many homeschoolers.  For us,  it just is not our regular "cup of tea".   

the younger set will need your assistance and some experiments will also need supervision

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Science Weekly Homepage

$19.95 for 15 issues (per child) [2 issues per month September through April]

works out to about $1.33 per issue/teacher guide

ages K-5/6 grade

Classroom rate:  $4.95 per student/ 20 student min.

*Don't forget to read what my TOS mates had to say about this, and many other fine homeschooling products on our TOS Review Crew homepage.

**Science Weekly provided me with one free packet on Fractions for ages K-5/6, so that I could use it with my family and write this review.  I did not receive any financial compensation for my penning of this review, nor for my honest opinion of this product.