Science in the
Multigrade Classroom

The ByDesign program provides resources that align the topics across grades 1–4 and grades 5–8, allowing a teacher with multigrade combinations to teach the same topic across grade levels.

ByDesign: A Journey to Excellence through Science (2014) program for grades 1–8 is the creation-based program published by Kendall Hunt under the direction of the North American Division. The program is based on a 5-step instructional model: Engage, Discover, Explain, Extend, and Assess/Reflect. This teaching model is used to promote inquiry-based learning and to stimulate a natural desire for knowledge and better understanding of God’s creation. Each grade level is organized by four units:

  1. Life Science,
  2. Human Body,
  3. Earth and Space Science, and
  4. Physical Science.

Lessons provide many hands-on opportunities to explore and experiment with science. Faith connections that reflect the Adventist worldview are developed throughout the lessons.

The following materials are available:

Teacher Materials

Teacher Edition

Assessment Test Generator

Multigrade Teacher Guide
(Grades 1-4, 5-8)

Science Materials Kits

Online Teacher Resources

Student Materials

Student Editions

eTextbooks

Multigrade Student Science Journal
(Grades 1-4, 5-8)

Student Science Journal (Consumable)

1-4 Grade Titles

2019-2020

Multigrade Cycle 2

2020-2021

Multigrade Cycle 3

2021-2022

Multigrade Cycle 4

2022-2023

Multigrade Cycle 1

5-8 Grade Titles

2019-2020

Multigrade Cycle 2

2020-2021

Multigrade Cycle 3

2021-2022

Multigrade Cycle 4

2022-2023

Multigrade Cycle 1

K-2 BRIDGE (2017) is an integrated curriculum currently in development for K-1 or K-2 multigrade classrooms.

Standards in education are a statement of what students should know (content knowledge) and be able to do (applicable skills) upon completing a course of study. Standards state in clear, concise terms what students are expected to learn. Standards identify the students’ learning destination, but much more is required to complete the educational journey. As goals for student learning, standards inform the development of curriculum, the implementation of instruction, and assessment for learning.

Just as standards for student learning do not describe in full the students’ learning journey, they also do not alone give meaning to student learning. The big ideas and essential questions of life are developed from many sources. Beyond the classroom, family and significant others in a young person’s life influence the student’s personal beliefs and values. A personal worldview is formed by students when they integrate the knowledge learned at school and from other sources into a coherent understanding of the learner’s world. A worldview also gives the learner a vision for how to use the skills acquired to participate in their community and improve themselves. Ultimately, a meaningful, productive life depends on a student’s core beliefs and values from an emerging worldview equipping them to assess the authenticity and relevance of their learning, and to intelligently utilize the knowledge and skills learned.

NAD Adopted Textbooks and Multigrade Organizational Resources

By Design (2014) | Grades 1-8

The textbook list for By Design, a creation-based science program for grades 1–8, published by Kendall Hunt.

Ordering Information

ByDesign website

ByDesign Multigrade Resources

By Design (2014) | Grades 1-8

The Multigrade curriculum alternation plan for combination grades.

Ordering Information

Kindergarten Stepping Stones: A Journey to Excellence through Discovery | K

Stepping Stones is an integrated curriculum has been developed to assist teachers in creating daily lesson plans for kindergarten, first and second grades in a multigrade setting.

This is being replaced by BRIDGE.

BRIDGE (2018) | Grades K-2

BRIDGE is an integrated curriculum currently in development for K-1 or K-2 multigrade classrooms. This curriculum uses Stepping Stones and Pathways , and embeds all other subjects. Units 1-10 are now available. As other units are completed, they will also be available online.

Union Created Resources

Atlantic Union Conference

Teacher Bulletin (2000–2015)

Other Recommended Resources

North Pacific Union

Science Zone | Grades 1-8

Ben Roy Science activities, videos for creation based lessons.

Science Friday | Grades 5-8

Science activities and videos.

PBS Science | Grades 1-8

Science activities and videos.

National Science Teacher | Grades 1-8

Lesson plans, resources, and activities.

Pacific Union

ByDesign Virtual Labs | Grades 1-8

Tutorials for ByDesign labs can be found here.

Dusty Shelf

This curriculum is outdated and/or no longer in print. It is not on the approved NAD Textbook list and should not be used.

Scott Foresman Science (2003) | Grades 1–4

Scott Foresman

Rockets and Raisins
Habits and Habitats
Discover God's World
Discover God's Creation
Explore God's Creation
Explore God's Creation

Professional Development

Find subject-specific information and resources on the NAD Science Microsite.

Teaching Science

Teaching Science

Teaching Tip: Help students to understand,

apply science to their everyday world.

make personal connections, and

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The Multigrade Classroom

Join the Adventist Multigrade Facebook group.