Far Afield: A Literature Approach to Natural Science for Intermediate Grades (grades four through six) uses “living books” as the impetus for the study of science that ranges from biology and earth sciences to physics and chemistry. The study is directed from a 152-page, full-color teacher guide and uses several additional books. The course primarily teaches science, but activities include reading, discussion, vocabulary words, research, writing, experiments, field trips, and watercolor painting. Most course activities take place indoors, but a few require access to natural settings or other venues. Many activities are designed to inspire both curiosity and a deeper understanding of scientific principles.
Books used throughout the course that you will probably want to own are:
- The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
- Physics for Curious Kids by Laura Baker
- Natural World by Amanda Wood and Mike Jolley
- Watercolor in Nature by Rosalie Haizlett
- Rivers by Simon Chapman
- Mammals: A Golden Guide by Hoffmeister and Zim
- Pond Life: A Golden Guide by George K. Reid
Some of these books are used selectively for reference rather than being read in their entirety. Students also need the Beautiful Feet Books set of Far Afield Watercolor Cards and the Far Afield Logbook.
Eleven other required books might be borrowed from the library since they are used for shorter periods. Some of those titles are All in a Drop: How Antony van Leeuwenhoek Discovered an Invisible World, Grow: Secrets of Our DNA, Charlotte’s Bones, All Aboard! Elijah McCoy’s Steam Engine, and The Boy Whose Head was Filled with Stars: A Life of Edwin Hubble. You can see from even these few titles how wide ranging this study is. I think it important to note that the course includes occasional mentions of ecology and the need to care for the environment.
What Far Afield Lessons Are Like
There’s no such thing as a typical lesson in Far Afield. While most lessons include reading from one or more of the source books, other activities vary from day to day. Frequently, there are discussion questions (with suggested answers in parentheses for parents), a writing or drawing assignment for the Logbook, research, one or more vocabulary words to look up and define (a glossary is at the back of the teacher guide), a craft or project, and a paragraph or more of information to read from the teacher guide.
Research assignments are not difficult. For instance, page 116 tells students to “Use a reference book or your own knowledge to draw a bird’s internal anatomy on your Bird Internal Anatomy field note [in the Logbook]. Label the following: Crop, Preen gland, Lungs and air sacs. Which organs do you think are most useful for movement and migration?”
Less frequently, there are science experiments, watercolor or art projects, recipes (e.g., avocado ice cream and homemade yogurt), or field trips. Many experiments are from Physics for Curious Kids. Directions and recipes for arts, crafts, and cooking are in the teacher guide.
The course concludes with the student planning a “colloquium” that’s actually a party at which the student will give a brief speech about a favorite topic from the course.
Logbook
The Far Afield Logbook has preprinted pages designed specifically for this course.
In it, students record their nature observations, observations from field trips, definitions for vocabulary words, diagrams, and other learning. They can also affix their watercolor cards into the notebook.
Watercolor Painting
The set of twelve 6” x 9” Far Afield Watercolor Cards have pre-drawn shapes. Instructions for the watercolor projects on the cards are in Watercolor in Nature. The Logbook also has a few pages on which students will sketch and use watercolors in addition to the Watercolor Cards.
Field Trips
The five field trips included in the study are to a river or pond, a designated area for bird counting as part of the Great Christmas Bird Count, a natural history museum, a
planetarium or observatory, and a zoo. While these are all valuable experiences, some can be skipped if they are not practical. The teacher guide adds suggestions and preparation work to make the most of each field trip.
More Features
Extra related library books are recommended for each chapter under “Library Connections.”
A QR code near the front of the book takes us to a dedicated page with links to videos, demonstrations, and other resources that enhance the lessons; a helpful chapter-by-chapter supply list; and a certificate of completion. These resources can also be accessed from the product webpage at BFBooks.com.
To differentiate learning, parents might require more research, writing, and analysis from older students than younger.
Purchase Options
All items are printed books and cards; there are no digital options. You can purchase a package from Beautiful Feet Books that has all the required books, the teacher guide, the Logbook and Watercolor Cards, or you can purchase items individually.
Summary
Far Afield: A Literature Approach to Natural Science for Intermediate Grades should be great for family-style learning, and especially for those who like to combine literature, learning, and hands-on activities.
