Paths of Progress
Paths of Progress is the third path in the Trail Guide to Learning series. To grow as a country, another group of leaders had to step forward during our history - scientists and inventors.
What does it take to progress as a nation?
Study those who used their talents and abilities to answer questions that provided better ways of living and working. The lives of these devoted individuals and their contributions will be examined throughout our history, into the Industrial Revolution and the beginning of the 20th century.
Primary science focus involves Physical Science (such as energy, motion, and work) and the economic impact of each development. Activities in POP include a study of the orchestra, making music, art, and learning how things work, including the systems of the body. Some key figures studied include Ben Franklin, Samuel Morse, George Washington Carver, the Wright Brothers, and Thomas Edison. While specifically designed for fifth through seventh graders, this book can easily be adapted for fourth graders as well. A Middle School Supplement is also available to include older students learning related content on a more challenging level.
Each unit in the book should take about six weeks to complete. The six units of the Paths of Progress are:
- Great Leaps
- Making Connections
- Perseverance Pays Off
- Cultivating Greatness
- Success Takes Flight
- Reach for the Stars
Click Here for the Paths of Progress Table of Contents and Introduction.
Click Here for a sample lesson from Paths of Progress.
Click Here for the Paths of Progress Skills Charts.
The necessary resources for Paths of Progress are:
Core Resources:
- Profiles from History: Volume 3
- The Story of Inventions (2nd edition)
- The Story of Inventions Answer Key
- The Story of the Orchestra with CD
- Recorder
- Basix Recorder book with CD
- Create Anything With Clay
- Classroom Atlas of US
- The New Way Things Work
- Rummy Roots
Volume 1 Resources:
- Samuel F. B. Morse
- Munford Meets Robert Fulton
- Ben and Me
- Michael Faraday
- Caddie Woodlawn
- Thomas Edison
- The World of Tools and Technology
Volume 2 Resources:
- George Washington Carver
- Strawberry Girl
- Wright Brothers
- Homer Price
- Alan Shepard
- Human Body Basics
Optional Support Materials:
Middle School Supplement
A Middle School Supplement is available to provide guidance for older students who are using the learning series. Content follows along with the sourcebook but at a higher, more challenging level. Including higher level literature books, writing assignments, activities, and thinking skill points. Connect all your students to the same time period, and type of learning with the Trail Guide to Learning series Middle School Supplement. Available in digital format.
Pre-printed Student Notebook Pages
Printing the student notebook pages from the Student Resources CD-ROM included in Paths of Settlement is easy enough, but many folks requested we have them already printed and ready-to-use. The pages are all conveniently three-hole punched for placing in a 3-ring binder and are printed on high quality 60lb paper.
Click Here for sample pages from the Paths of Progress Student Notebook Pages.
Assessment CD-ROM
Does your state require testing? Do you want to be able to assess your student's progress while teaching from the Trail Guide to Learning series? This assessment CD-ROM is just the ticket.
Coupled with the daily observations and interactive discussions and games that are a natural part of the Trail Guide to Learning series, this disk provides ample material upon which to base an accurate evaluation of student progress. Evaluations provided for each grade. Answer keys included.
"Wow, what an awesome CD; very comprehensive teacher keys and assessments in one organized file. I just wonder, can this series possibly be any more organized??? Thank you!"
– Sarah from Charlottesville, VA
Light for the Trail CD-ROM
Optional Bible study curriculum that coincides with the 6 units in Paths of Progress. Easy-to-use guide provides daily assignments and helps students make the most important connection of all, the one between their faith and their view of the world around them.
Lapbooks
Lapbooks provide interactive, hands-on connections. Their biggest benefit is that you dramatically increase your student’s ability to retain learning. Great for all ages, using the lapbooks makes it even easier to teach your younger students. Each unit has a separate lapbook with multiple activities for learning fun. These are available as digital downloads (eBook), printed and ready to use, or on CD for you to print. For your convenience, file folders are already included in the printed versions!
