Pandia Press FAQs

New Policy on the Discussion of New Releases

In the past, we’ve discussed tentative publication release dates based on the best information we have from our content authors, copy and technical editors, artists and designers, and printers. More often than not, there are unforeseen setbacks that cause a slip in the schedule, affect the whole publishing process, and move release dates further out than our earlier projections. Therefore, we have started a new policy of no longer talking about new product release dates until we are within a month of publication. 

REAL Science Odyssey

We are committed to completing the RSO series of courses. At this time, no courses are within a month of release.

History Quest

History Quest Middle Times and the companion Study Guide are coming August 24, 2020!

History Odyssey

At this time, no History Odyssey publications are within a month of release.

You may be wondering why Pandia Press is publishing another Earth science course and Astronomy course for first through fourth grade. REAL Science Odyssey Earth & Space–Level 1 was originally published in 2005. It is still being offered by Pandia Press because it is a longtime favorite with a strong following of classical homeschoolers. It may also be preferred by those wanting to teach the traditional basics of Earth science and astronomy in a single one-year course.

Many of the same labs and lessons from Earth & Space 1 are included in Earth & Environment 1 (E&E1) and in Astronomy 1. For example, students identify rocks and minerals and study moon phases the same way in the courses. But there have been huge advances in our understanding of Earth science and Astronomy since 2005. E&E1 and Astro 1 incorporate new thematic elements: scientific modeling and focused definitions of core science terms.

E&E1 adds the following topics:

• The spheres of Earth: the geosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere
• Scientific modeling
• Geologic timeline
• Plate tectonics
• Clouds
• Global warming, climate change, and what can be done to help
• Pollution of land, air, water
• Hurricanes and tornadoes

Astro 1 adds the following topics:

• Gravity
• Space exploration and travel: challenges and methods
• Rockets, space probes, and rovers
• Properties of light
• Beyond Neptune: Oort cloud and Kuiper belt
• Asteroid belt and frost line
• More detailed info about each planet in the solar system
• Heat transfer
• Unique properties of planet Earth

Also available, Earth & Environment Add-on: a supplement eBook for those using Earth & Space and who want to teach the topics added to Earth & Environment 1.

Also, there are three Facebook groups run by Pandia Press writers and customers: History Quest Teacher’s Lounge,  History Odyssey and REAL Science Odyssey

A scientist whose only agenda is to teach real science and present science facts and theories that are accepted as core by the science community writes each REAL Science Odyssey course. Therefore, RSO is not from a creationist’s viewpoint and does not politicize science issues. Scientific inquiry and theory based on empirical and measurable evidence are understood to be valid and standard science in all our courses. RSO Biology 2 has an entire unit on evolution. RSO Astronomy 1 and 2 address universe origins including big bang theory. RSO Earth & Environment courses include material that teach the science behind climate change.

History Odyssey and History Quest are secular-based. Various religions and their belief systems are discussed in detail in History Quest and in all of our History Study Guides as they had influence on the history of humankind. However, we do not assign any readings from books, such as Story of the World, that may appear to have a faith bias, or that overtly or subtly present historical events as divinely influenced.

Common Core Standards (CCS) are language arts and mathematics national standards created for public school. The “Next Generation Science Standards” are the public school standards for science. Pandia Press is independent of public education. However, REAL Science Odyssey, History Odyssey, and History Quest exceed public school standards.

The current History Odyssey Level 3 Middle Ages course is being phased out to be replaced by a new updated edition at some point in the future (see the 1st FAQ above). The print version of this course are no longer available. The eBook edition is available from Pandia Press at a much reduced price for a limited time. A new edition of the main spine for Level 3 History Odyssey was released in 2015, and it does not match the sequence of Level 3 Middle Ages. We could not in good conscience continue to offer courses that require our customers to work to match the sequence to the main spine.

Also, many high school students are using History Odyssey Level 2 courses for high school with little to no modification. The current History Odyssey Level 3 courses (Ancients and Middle Ages) should be considered advanced high school level. American History Odyssey is standard high school level.

Specifically, we recommend the following:

• Brave Writer
• Writing Strand
• Beyond the Book Report by Erin Karl and Robin Finley

Select a course from the Pandia Store to view specific supplies needed.

A Rock and Mineral made specially for RSO Earth & Space 1 can be purchased from Rainbow Resource Center. If you want to put together your own kit, you will need samples of: Talc, Magnetite, Mica, Pyrite, Feldspar, Quartz Crystal, Granite, Basalt, Snowflake Obsidian, Conglomerate, Sandstone, Shale, Marble, Slate, and Schist. Plus, you need a streak plate or unglazed kitchen tile.