CrossWired Science

My kids love science and learning about the world around them. They are always pleased when we receive science products to review, like this brand new website called CrossWired Science. We've been learning all about Sound, and Fluid Dynamics.

The goal of Crosswired Science is to help people "see the glory of the Lord . . . and to reach those who do not yet know Him." By combining Scripture with many different resources, reading materials, and experiences, they strive to help families learn together about God's power and intelligence in His creation and to grow in that knowledge. They are not just studying science, but true Science, "the very carefully thought-out handiwork of the Almighty God." You can read about their 17 educational goals in depth on their site. They may have recently launched this new site, but they have big plans for it.

Each course is based around a "global topic." Both Sound and Fluid Dynamics have 29 lessons that cover a month or so of science. Within each topic are many different learning options, making the material "crosswired" through many subject areas. Think of it like a unit study about various science themes. The idea is to integrate the sciences--Life, Earth, Physical--to teach a "deep science" for a strong knowledge base. 

The student first chooses either the First Timers or Second Timers option, meaning a younger student who is new to the material is going to be learning it for the first time, whereas an older student or graduate would probably benefit from the second option. The videos are the same for both, but the questions vary in difficulty. After that, the student can pick a global topic course and find the lesson page.

There are 8 core videos for each global topic which act as the main teaching materials. Mixed within those are blocks of additional activities including experiments, research topics, general links with more videos, field trip suggestions, book lists, and devotionals. There is also a section called U-Choose that offers ideas for any style of learning as a "science free-for-all." Things like coloring pages, games, projects, cooking, notebooking, speeches, webinars, and more. There are also Digging Deeper and Gold Dig sections. These portions are extensive written materials about various topics within the main course. Each link is filled with snippets of information and eye-catching pictures. In fact, there is one Digging Deeper segment about bats which includes photographs that are both fascinating and disturbing at the same time. God's creation is amazing! If a student doesn't finish the material in one sitting, he can click on a letter link and be take directly to where he left off instead of scrolling through all the material.

Fluid Dynamics covers the flow of something or "fluids in motion (aerodynamics, hydrodynamics etc). For example, how the dorsal fin helps a shark to swim, how a bird's alula feathers help it fly and land, why dogs make such a mess when they drink water, and more. Students will learn about Bernouli's Law, how carburetors work, how there are more aerodynamics in the human nose than there are in a fighter jet, and other interesting facts. There are sections on astronauts, giant slugs, how lungs work, the cause of thunder and lightning, composting, and more. There are dozens of experiments including making a multistage rocket, dissecting a fish, rubber band plans, and toilet paper blowers.

The Sound course is all about vibrations and how they move through liquids solids, and gases. Some of the things students will learn are how Leonardo da Vinci practiced sonar, how infrasound was used in WWII, how the syrinx is used in bird calls, and all about the inner workings of the ear. There is more information about how sound is created and used in people, animals, machines, and the world around us. The devotionals show what you can learn from the Bible through croaking frogs and a whale and a worm. 

The CrossWired Science curriculum is very eclectic. It uses many excellent resources that have been produced by others that can be found on the internet, printed in books, or ideas for home. It is applicable for any student K-12th grade and can be as as both a full curriculum or as a supplement (it currently contains 3 months of material, but will eventually offer 6 full years of science courses).

The videos can be from 2 minutes to 28 minutes in length and everything in between (though it does seem as though most are less than 10), so it's feasible to fit one into any schedule. There are also quizzes and worksheets for review, a place to take notes, and sections to record summaries and whatnot. The site keeps track of the progress through the course. While the videos build off of each other, the other materials could be completed in any order. The parent account has access to answer keys, grades, and the calendar with a suggested schedule.

We've taken a gentle approach with CrossWired Science. I have three kids (ages 13, 11, 9) working through the curriculum. One chose to work through Sound, one chose to learn about Fluid Dynamics, and the third has been using both courses. They use the program a few times a week and pick and choose their activities. They all enjoy the learning videos which are a combination of people teaching the material, photos, and graphics. They are whimsical and packed with information. 

The kids have completed worksheets and quizzes on the computer, colored pictures, made musical instruments, and read and watched many interesting things. The boys have plans to build  a working helicopter this weekend with their dad. 

Here's what my kids had to say about CrossWired Science:

"I like learning about Fluid Dynamics. I think it's really cool when air goes into your nose 

that it goes into three place. It's amazing. Oh, and it's so cool that the alula feathers act the second they're needed for a bird to land perfectly. The exact second! God is amazing!" 

"I like watching all the videos."

"There's not a lot of review in the lessons, so it's easy to forget things."

It's important to remember that CrossWired Science is a very new website. Things are still being tweaked and there are plans to add much more to the site. Just in the past few weeks that we have been using it, aspects have been improved, features have been added, and content has increased. It's a great site for families who appreciate the freedom to adapt their learning to their interests and needs. Many of the suggestions are vague and do not give much direction. For instance, for games in the U-Choose section, it lists purchase a game, make up your own game, see "Game Design" under Research and Review. If you're looking for a curriculum that spells out exactly what you need, this might not be the best option for you.

However, if you love flexibility in your education, CrossWired Science offers many possibilities. You can try a sample unit to get a feel for the program and even save $5 off of a subscription with code 5offCWS. I'm excited to see what they'll offer in the future.



You can read more reviews of this science program on the Homeschool Review Crew blog.