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Far Afield Natural Science (4-6)
Far Afield Natural Science (4-6)
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What's Included
Description
Learning Outcomes
By the end of Far Afield, students in grades 4-6 will have established foundational understanding of multiple scientific disciplines. Through fieldwork, citizen science, and hands-on experiments spanning homeschool physics, chemistry, botany, ecology, zoology, and more, students will build both scientific knowledge and nurture the habits of wonder and delight. Grounded in the Schullandheim tradition, an approach rooted in outdoor exploration, observation and living books, this literature-based science curriculum teaches students to observe closely, ask thoughtful questions, discuss scientific concepts, and document findings the way real scientists do.
Skills Developed
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Scientific observation and documentation through nature journaling and logbook field notes
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Watercolor illustration and botanical drawing as tools of scientific inquiry and observation
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Hands-on experimentation across physics, chemistry, ecology, and engineering
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Taxonomy and classification using dichotomous keys and field guides
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Research and scientific writing through open-ended inquiry prompts
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Citizen science participation, ecological surveying, and real-world fieldwork
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Critical thinking across life science, earth science, physical science, and engineering design
Topics Covered
Far Afield spans Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth Science in alignment with NGSS standards for grades 4–6.
Life Science: Anatomy & Physiology · Botany · Classification & Taxonomy · Ecology · Environmental History · Genetics · Microbiology · Zoology
Physical Science: Chemistry · Engineering · Mechanics · Physics
Earth Science: Meteorology · Soil Science · Paleontology · Earth Systems & Water Cycles
Lessons follow the the narrative arc of one of the greatest works of children’s literature, The Wind in the Willows, shaping a distinctive, wonder-based science curriculum for middle grade homeschool students.
Curriculum Overview
A Teacher Guide with 104 lessons of approximately 30-60 minutes each, designed to be completed in one year at 3 lessons per week, or stretched over two years. Lessons are anchored in a curated selection of living books, field guides, and illustrated compendium. A consumable logbook and watercolor card set are included to facilitate a record of your child's scientific discoveries.
Hands-on activities include making a walnut sailboat, building a lemon battery, assembling a succession jar, conducting an ecological survey, making homemade litmus paper, and guided watercolor lessons throughout. Guided field trip days to a natural history museum, Christmas bird count, observatory or planetarium, and zoo extend learning into the real world.
Who It's For
Far Afield is designed for homeschool students in grades 4th-6th and is an ideal fit for families seeking a literature-based homeschool science curriculum. A natural choice for Charlotte Mason homeschoolers and those who value living books, nature study, hands-on science, and homeschool curriculum that meets rigorous NGSS standards. It's well-suited for any family looking for a comprehensive homeschool science curriculum for middle grades. No prior science curriculum required.
*We highly recommend each student has their own notebook, fieldnote & watercolor cards.
SKU:
1
Grades
4th, 5th, 6th
Pace
3 lessons/week for 1 year study
Time Per Lesson
30–60 minutes
Number of Lessons
104 lessons
Subjects Covered
Nature Study, Biology, Earth Science
Cultivate Character
The right books paired with the right questions build empathy. Our studies include impactful stories and questions that develop moral reasoning.
Learning, Everywhere
Our studies include ideas for taking your homeschool out of the home, because learning happens everywhere.
Critical Thinking
Our Socratic-style questions encourage students to explore perspectives and build critical thinking skills.
T
I’m in awe at how beautiful science is taught thru this curriculum. I’m obsessed and so is my 10 year old!
A
This is a beautiful and fun course, we have enjoyed the lessons we have done so far. However, it needs to be noted; this course includes books that present evolution as absolute.
Personally, I decided to keep this course. My girls are gleaning much from it and the method style. This is also an enrichment study for us. We use Science Shepherd as our main source of learning. Our homeschool is not shy to present Evolution Theory as most of world history has believed some form or other of evolution and I want my daughters to be aware of how it is presented in the greater world and how it evolves and changes. However, since Beautiful Feet is a Christian company I wish they would be upfront that they include evolution in their courses. While more Christians have learned to embrace evolution, a literal interpretation of Genesis is still an important deciding factor for many Christians. On that head I would not be able to recommend this course as a single or main source for science education.
We understand that some families may feel concerned when they encounter references to “millions of years” or an old earth (deep time) concept, as well as the concept of adaptation in children's science books.
The books were carefully chosen for their rich science, beautiful illustrations, and emphasis on cultivating careful observation, curiosity, and wonder, definitely not to promote an evolutionary worldview. The assignments we have written reflect our worldview, but some of the authors do not share that perspective. The following are the most blatant:
Natural World– Occasional references to adaptation, deep time 'millions of years,' 'animals have evolved survival strategies.'
Grow– Human genetic code is most similar to the chimpanzee and it is our closest animal relative.
Rivers– Reference to landscapes forming over millions of years.
Mammals Golden Guide– Includes a phylogeny (evolutionary classification) chart.
Charlotte's Bones– Presents the conventional millions-of-years explanation for the beluga fossil without discussing alternative biblical interpretations such as the Great Flood, however, we address that in the lesson.
The Boy Whose Head Was Filled With Stars– Includes a timeline from the Big Bang to a 13.8-billion-year-old universe.
Our desire in this curriculum is to inspire a love of God's creation through meaningful scientific discovery. As Christians, we believe there is value in helping children understand the ideas they will encounter in the broader scientific community while also equipping our young scientists to think about those ideas through the lens of Scripture. For instance, in lesson 38, we meet Charlotte, the famous beluga whale fossil found in Vermont. Here, as the authors, we interpreted this as evidence of the Great Flood mentioned in Genesis. We bring this to light in the discussion portion of the lesson.
Appreciating the beauty and complexity of the natural world does not require accepting every interpretation presented alongside it. Rather, we hope the books and associated lessons encourage thoughtful conversations within families, deepen a sense of wonder, and strengthen the confidence that all nature ultimately points back to God and His sovereignty.
S
This might be my favorite BF study to date - and we use BF for all our electives (music, art, nature, character, & culture). The Wind in the Willows was my childhood favorite movie I had in VHS (yes!) so when I saw that BF was making an entire course with that book as its spine - I simply HAD to try it. And let me tell you - it has not disappointed me once. It is not only beautifully designed but so thoughtfully crafted - all my children do our BF studies as a family, doing a different lesson from a different elective subject every day of the week on a loop schedule. My personal favorites are the nature studies - Seasons Afield & Far Afield. Both are appropriately balanced & carry some of my most cherished memories with my kids. I’m honestly so impressed with BF electives that I will do them all over again when we finally finish them. Also have used their history literature as read alouds & they are perfect selections that captivate all my kids. Cannot go wrong with BF no matter what you choose to utilize from their courses. There is something for everyone!
What People Are Saying
Books Curated For Impact
We handpick timeless, award-winning literature to nurture learning and character development.
Experts Behind Every Lesson
Crafted by educators with expertise in history, children’s literature, English, science and education.
Created By Homeschoolers
We’ve been there. Our curriculum is tailored to meet the real-life challenges and joys of homeschooling.
40 Years of Curriculum
Decades of experience supporting homeschool families with beloved and time-tested curriculum.