Let me introduce you to Sound, and Fluid Dynamics from CrossWired Science. My fifth grader was able to try out this new science resource and we think it has great potential.
What is CrossWired Science?
CrossWired Science is an online science curriculum that can be used as a stand-alone program or as a supplement to another science curricula. They recommend it for ages 4-18. It is a flexible program designed around delight-based learning.
They are currently expanding their program, but right now you could use the resources on the site for 3 months of science instruction. With several additions coming soon, the site will be ready for a full year of science instruction. Eventually, CrossWired Science will expand to offer 6 years of science instruction.
This resource is also useable by multiple students in your homeschool. Since it’s not a specific grade level of science instruction, your whole family can learn together, with the older kids expected to work at a higher level and include projects, experiments, reading, and writing at their level.
I know in the past when my kids have worked on a subject altogether, it greatly lessens the chaos level that comes with keeping track of four or five different sciences. This kind of program is what enables you to homeschool multiple ages without losing your mind!
Finally, CrossWired Science’s unique approach to science education is to engage your student’s curiosity as they are exposed to new concepts and ideas in bite sized pieces. Each lesson aspect could take just a few minutes.
But the curriculum encourages engagement with multiple learning modalities and hands-on experiences, making this curriculum approachable for kids of any age and even struggling learners.
How We Used It
Topics
When we started reviewing CrossWired Science, there were two programs available for us: Sound or Fluid Dynamics.
My fifth grader started with the Sound program.
Once you click into the “Global topic,” you will find a flexible array of science instruction. As your child works and completes each task, their progress is recorded in the sidebar.
Each Global Topic includes 29 lessons which could last for one month or more of science instruction.
They could choose from these formats:
- video
- experiments
- research
- reading
- unit links
- reinforcement activity suggestions
- teen devotional
- digging deeper
The CWS curriculum is intentionally “cross-wired” across the content areas, so in the Sound lessons, my son learned these unique, but connected, topics:
- infrasound
- vocal cords
- larynx
- dolphin sonar
- alligator sonar
- history of sonar
- musical instruments
- bird songs and calls
- how ears work
- cochleas
The “first timers” and “second timers” feature allows your student to go through the same topics, but at a deeper level. Assignments reflect differing expectations. This repetition over the years will help your kids go deeper.
Resources for Learning
CWS does suggest doing each of the core videos twice, with a different emphasis or assignment each time.
This curriculum includes a “back end” of the site where you can see your student’s progress, manage your student data, and also access answers to worksheets and experiments.
Embedded video links are also housed in the teacher section so that you can control which videos students access.
My son watched videos and completed some worksheets connected with those videos.
He conducted some experiments with vibrations.
He also read about musical instruments and learned how the vibrations of cellos and violins are similar to other vibrations in nature.
Our school year is winding down, but we will be including CrossWired Science on our curriculum list for 1st and 6th grade next year. The program takes a bit to get used to how to navigate and use it, so we’ll feel more confident next year when we start fresh with one of the Global Topics.
If you choose to purchase this program, you will have a much easier time getting started with the program if you also check out the other Homeschool Review Crew posts.
Recommendations
This is not a science curriculum for moms or kids who want textbook learning. CrossWired Science implements video instruction, projects, in-depth reading, projects, experiments, and cross-curricular exploration of topics.
This curriculum wouldn’t be a good fit for you if you want to see a daily plan with topics, page numbers, and the whole school year mapped out, although they do have a good suggested approach in the teacher resources.
This curriculum is much more flexible than that, allowing your kids to get lost in a topic and spend several days to several weeks exploring it.
If you have multiple ages in your homeschool, CrossWired Science is a great option for you! Kids can go deeper in as they’re able, yet even your youngest kids can be learning the same topics with older siblings.
This science program is definitely eclectic, as it pulls videos and resources from multiple sources to give your kids a great grasp on the material.
It’s also easy to customize to your particular homeschool style. Do you want your kids to have a rigorous science education? Then there’s enough material here to dig deep.
Do you want a more relaxed and enjoyable journey through the program? You can do that too! Nothing says you have to require your kids to complete each assignment, task, or quiz. You’re the homeschool mom – you can customize how you use this program.
Additional Questions About CrossWired Science
How much does CrossWired Science cost?
Subscriptions to CWS last for one year and gives you access to the two different levels of the program: first timers and second timers.
At the time of this review, a subscription for your first child is $27.95 and you can purchase access for additional children in your home for just $10.
Does CrossWired Science require additional materials?
You do not have to purchase additional materials, although you could opt to buy equipment or supplies for experiments or you might want to expand your science book library. But extra purchases are completely optional. Everything you need is on the site.
Can I see a sample of Crosswired?
You can even check out sample videos and a sample unit.
For further perspectives on this curriculum, check out other reviews from the Homeschool Review Crew.
