God's Design for Science is a Bible-based science curriculum from Answers in Genesis for grades 1-8, teaching life science, earth science, physical science, and chemistry through a young-earth creationist perspective.
What is God's Design for Science?
God's Design for Science is a comprehensive science curriculum published by Answers in Genesis through Master Books. Designed for grades 1-8, the series teaches science concepts through a Christian worldview that explicitly affirms young-earth creationism. Authors Richard and Debbie Lawrence—both electrical engineers who homeschooled their own children for 16 years—created the curriculum to combine solid science content with biblical foundations. Each lesson includes hands-on experiments using common household materials, making it accessible for families without specialized equipment.
Key Takeaways
- Four thematic areas: Life Science, Heaven & Earth, Physical World, Chemistry & Ecology
- Grades 1-8 with multi-grade flexibility within each book
- Young-earth creationist perspective explicitly taught throughout
- Hands-on experiments using household materials
- Student text plus teacher guide required for each subject
Curriculum Structure
Teaching Approach
God's Design requires minimal preparation—a significant advantage for busy homeschool parents. Lessons are short and manageable, following a Charlotte Mason-style approach with narrative-based learning rather than textbook density. The curriculum integrates Answers in Genesis's "Seven C's of Biblical History" framework (Creation, Corruption, Catastrophe, Confusion, Christ, Cross, Consummation) and makes explicit contrasts between evolutionary and creationist interpretations when topics arise. For families wanting science taught through a faith lens, this integration is the curriculum's primary appeal.
Fit and Limitations
This curriculum serves families who share its theological perspective and want science instruction explicitly grounded in that worldview. For those families, it delivers solid content with hands-on engagement and minimal prep. However, the young-earth framework means topics like geology, astronomy, and origins are taught differently than in secular or old-earth curricula. Families should understand this isn't a neutral science program—it's intentionally designed to equip students to interpret scientific evidence through a specific biblical lens. For high school and college preparation, many families transition to more rigorous programs while maintaining the worldview foundation God's Design established.
The Bottom Line
God's Design for Science meets a specific need: accessible, hands-on science instruction for elementary and middle school students from a young-earth creationist perspective. For families aligned with Answers in Genesis's worldview, it provides solid content, easy implementation, and clear faith integration. Those seeking secular science education or old-earth perspectives should look elsewhere. Know what you're choosing—this curriculum is explicitly designed to teach science as supporting the biblical creation account.
