It has been a great opportunity for us to review Science4Us.com and the Science4Us.com Online Subscription. I had an account for both my 4 year old (almost 5) and my 7 year old. My 4 year old, was not as interested in using it, though for the most part was able to navigate the site and do the activities without a lot of assistance. It was perfect for my 7 year old, however.
We used it mostly on my iPad with the help of the Photon Browser (Flash Player). You need a device with Flash Player to use this system. I prefer to use the iPad because of the touch screen, my laptop has a temperamental touchpad that can prove difficult for the boys at times. An iPad app is advertised to be released sometime this year.
Science4Us.com has teacher controls which allow you to make assignments per student. Then each individual student can log in and complete the assignments. Worksheets, which are completely digitally, are saved in the system for the ‘teacher’ to go back and review later. Activities vary and include other subjects besides just science (but those subjects are on the same topic). For example, Language Arts, using space words or Reading a space themed digital book.
We used the Astronomy and Earth Science units. The units consisted of videos, cartoon animated, that talked about space and the earth. These videos were followed by a choice of activities to complete. My children liked the Syllables activity, because of the play on the words to ‘Silly Bulls’. This activity had them count the syllables in the various space related words.
After activities are completed they are marked with stars. The parent can log in with the teacher function to check and see all completed assignments. One worksheet had them circle the pictures of items found in space, another one had them draw a picture of a space rocket they design. There are also math activities such as patterns, as well as social studies such as ‘my place in space’.
My children enjoyed this website. Even though my 4 year old was not overly enthusiastic, he did enjoy it when he played. My 7 year old did it more often, (about 3 days a week).
I like that it’s all digital (no printing, no prep really). However, the children are free to skip around the lessons and this caused my son not to finish several activities before moving on. I would prefer a system where you have to finish A to move to B, and B to move to C, etc. Also my son went into to several of the same activities repeated times. Though I think the review can be good, having 3 worksheets where he circled the space items is not necessary. Maybe lesson access could be limited.
With a new baby and getting ready to move, our days are pretty busy. We have been guilty of putting ‘school’ on the back burner a lot lately. Science4Us.com was great for some structured learning, without needing a lot of my attention or direction. Since some other subjects are also included (sort of a unit study format) if all we did that day was Science4Us.com I could still feel like we had accomplished something.
This program can stand alone or be used as a supplementary program. It is recommended for Kindergarten through 2nd grade. You can subscribe to Science4Us.com for $7.95 a month per student.
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