History Compass
History Compass is a workbook-based curriculum created by Samantha Matalone Cook to teach middle and high school students the tools of historical thinking. Originally developed as a unit within History Odyssey, it was expanded into its own standalone program to help learners build skills in research, source analysis, and historiography. Rather than focusing on rote memorization of dates and events, History Compass emphasizes how to think like a historian—asking better questions, examining multiple perspectives, and analyzing primary sources. Each module walks students through a different method or lens of inquiry, using structured activities like source comparison, map analysis, and object-based investigation. It’s especially well-suited for independent learners, classical homeschoolers, and families who want to dive deeper into critical thinking and writing about history without relying on lectures or video content.
Skills
What kids will learn
Mission
Pandia Press aims to provide rigorous, fact-based, secular curricula in science and history that integrate hands-on learning with academic depth, meeting the need for engaging yet structured homeschool materials free of religious bias. Their focus on quality content, clear lesson planning, and interdisciplinary integration sets them apart from both overly casual unit-study programs and rigid textbook-driven resources.
Story
Pandia Press was founded over 20 years ago by a team of academic historians and scientists who saw a gap in the secular homeschool curriculum market, especially for science and history. They launched their flagship lines—REAL Science Odyssey and History Odyssey—which have been praised in publications like The Well-Trained Mind and endorsed by groups like SEA Homeschoolers, with a growing K–12 audience and an “Inc 5000” inclusion for home education resources
FAQ: Additional Details about History Compass
A typical day with Pandia Press might begin with an engaging lesson from the student text, designed to be read aloud or independently, followed by a hands-on experiment, nature observation, or notebooking activity that reinforces the concept. Families often extend the learning with open-ended questions, creative journaling, or outdoor exploration, using the curriculum’s flexible structure to match their child’s interests and pace. The blend of clear instruction, discovery-based activities, and adaptable pacing helps make science a meaningful, curiosity-driven part of the homeschool day.
Pandia Press is ideal for self-motivated students in elementary through high school who thrive on combining reading, critical thinking, and hands-on experiments or projects. It works especially well for learners who appreciate academic rigor but prefer flexible, secular content and can handle independent study with some parental support.
Pandia Press may not suit families looking for fast-paced, light-touch programs or those who prefer digital-only or classical literature-heavy curricula. Students who struggle with self-directed reading, lab planning, or writing assignments might find the structured, multisource nature of the lessons overwhelming without strong parental guidance.
Families on forums mention that Pandia Press works well for self-directed learners, including twice-exceptional students and those with attention differences, because of its multi-modal, hands-on, and flexible approach—though no specific special-needs categories are formally endorsed.
Gifted learners often thrive with the rigorous, project-based nature of Pandia’s science and history programs. Families say it allows for deep engagement, especially when kids are given freedom to explore topics further.
Pandia Press offers free downloadable sample pages, and print orders can be returned or canceled through their customer service.
Meet Kate
Kate Johnson founded Pandia Press in 2001 after homeschooling her own children and recognizing a need for rigorous, secular science and history curriculum in the homeschool market. With a background in health science and education, and professional experience as a rehabilitation director, she brought both subject knowledge and organizational skill to the creation of her company. Her goal was to develop academically rich, inclusive materials that would empower families seeking fact-based education free from religious content. As Publisher and CEO, she has guided Pandia Press into becoming a trusted name among homeschoolers, particularly for its REAL Science Odyssey and History Odyssey series. The company has gained a strong reputation for offering structured, engaging, and flexible resources that support independent thinking and hands-on learning at home.
Modulo's thoughts
Our learning specialists give their honest evaluation
Pandia Press sets the gold standard for project-based learning—thoughtful, hands-on, and truly engaging. It’s the most beautifully designed, secular curriculum I’ve found for history and science, and my top recommendation for families who want kids to think deeply and create meaningful work