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Supercharged Science

Publisher: Supercharged Science
Author: Aurora Lipper
Review last updated: February 2012
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NASA Rocket scientist, university professor, pilot and mom Aurora Lipper is dedicated to making science intriguing and fun for children. To that end she has created both online science curriculum and packaged science programs (which include materials and equipment) for grades K through 12. In both the "e-Science" Online Science Learning Program and the Science Mastery Program, the emphasis is on learning by doing. Hundreds of experiments are available to students in both programs. Even better, videos of Lipper demonstrating how to do each experiment allow all but the youngest students to work independently most of the time. However, parents with young children will need to pay attention to safety issues and oversee most experiments to ensure students are using proper procedures and reasonable caution. For parents who might not have a science background themselves, or perhaps don't have the time to teach it, these programs are a welcome solution.

Lipper’s specialty is in physics and engineering — not surprising given her background. So there are lots of experiments with electricity, magnetism, mechanics, matter, energy, light, sound, thermodynamics and much more. Chemistry gets some attention, and biology topics are slated for future development. While hands-on experiments are the mainstay of both programs, there’s much more to Supercharged Science.

Online Science Curriculum and Learning Program

Supercharged Science offers the Online e-Science Curriculum and Learning Program with options to suit students in grades K through 12 plus optional “packages” that include all materials for those who would rather not search out all the resources themselves.

One thing that is unique about e-Science is that it uses hands-on activities to connect scientific concepts with practical applications in the real world. Once kids are excited by what they've built or experimented with, it then introduces the academics. In this way, students have a deeper understanding of the material while enjoying it more than with traditional academic-focused approaches. Lipper explains that she has based this approach on how real scientists work in the real world.

For starters, a monthly subscription fee of $37/month for students in grades K through 8, or $57/month for high school students or advanced younger students (at least fifth grade), your family has access to an amazing number of resources. For grades K through 8, you might need nothing more than what is on the website. Sign in on the website, select which lesson you wish to use and let your kids go with it. Science experiments are buttressed with easily-digestible information to convey the key points students should be learning. Quizzes will help you check whether or not that’s happening. For high school (or junior high students needing more challenging material), you can access textbook readings, exercises, and quizzes for a complete academic lab course. Even with all this, the video presentations and experiments provide an indispensable core. Beginning with a video presentation, then completing the experiment is likely to create an excitement and curiosity about science that is difficult to achieve starting with textbook material.

In addition to this, author Aurora Lipper teaches a live tele-class on the computer every few weeks where students can connect with her personally. While this component is offered live at a particular time, it is recorded. Aside from this, everything else can be accessed whenever it’s convenient for you.

Unlimited technical support is provided for all students and parents. Whatever part of the course you’re using, parents and students can get feedback or advice from Lipper by email. There's also a place to share ideas and comments with other parents and students.

A 30-day trial period will allow you to sample the program with no obligation, and costs just one dollar. Even if you decide to enroll, you can still cancel at any time without any obligation. Also, there's no need to enroll for a full year at a time either–you just pay month-by-month. So there’s no risk here.

Science Mastery Programs (includes materials and equipment)

Science Mastery Programs are offered at Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Diamond levels. Silver, Gold, and Diamond levels include access to all the online resources for one, two, and five years, respectively. Each level includes parts and materials for 65 to 600 projects plus an experiment manual. Extra kits for more specialized projects (e.g., robotics) are also included, with more such kits added as you move up to the Diamond level. All the video and audio material is provided on DVD’s and CD’s so you need not be reliant on an internet connection, but you’ll have both options with the Silver, Gold, and Diamond levels. The larger Gold and Diamond programs are serious science programs including everything you need for 2 to 3 years of science education.

Overall, Supercharged Science has put together some very comprehensive science education programs. Their online e-Science program gives students access to a very high-quality curriculum that makes extensive use of hands-on activities and experiments to excite and motivate kids. And, the price is very reasonable for all you get. If you want all the parts and pieces too, you may want to consider their Science Mastery programs. Everything they sell comes with a full money-back guarantee and comprehensive technical support.

If you want to try out a free sample of the type of activities contained in these programs, you may download the "Science Activity Manual & Video Series" for free by clicking on this link: Science Activity Manual and Video Guide.

Instant Key

  • Suitable for: one-on-one, family or class, or independent learning (older students)
    Audience: Grades K-12
    Need for parent/teacher instruction: varies by age
    Prep time needed: depends upon whether you find your own experiment equipment & materials or order Mastery Programs
    Educational philosophy: hands-on/experiential
    Religious perspective: neutral

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