Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc.
1106 Meridian Plaza Suite 220/340
Anderson, IN 46016
Phone: 765-608-3280
Fax: 765-608-3290
Website: www.apologia.com
I have searched high and low for a science curriculum that fit our family. We didn't want just any old science curriculum; we wanted a "Creation" curriculum! After all, what is science? It is the study of the masterful works of our Creator, of course!
Jeannie Fulbright along with Apologia has answered prayer with the Young Explorer Series. The volume entitled Exploring Creation with Astronomy dives deep into astronomy. It is a full-color, hardback book that has over 175 pages and includes photos, graphics, an index, and even answers in the back to the posed narrative questions in each lesson.
Exploring Creation with Astronomy starts off with an introduction that explains the book, what it's about, and the author's goals in writing the book. Jeannie has a very down-to-earth, simple approach to teaching, making it fun for the whole family. I love the easy-to-read style of her writing. I also so appreciated her explanation of how each chapter is laid out, the purpose of the notebook, explanations of the use of Latin words in creation, etc.--the complete overview was a huge help to me. There is even a website that gives additional helps and tons of extras related to the book!
There are 14 lessons in this book. To complete them you will need a notebook, blank paper, lined paper, and some colored pencils. Each lesson is broken down into smaller sections, assignments, and "Hands On" projects. The projects are really neat, and they actually use things normal folks have in their home on a regular basis. Imagine that! I've seen many a science curriculum that assumes you have all kinds of oddball things on hand. It is such a bummer when you get all geared up to do a project with the children and then you realize you don't have what it takes to actually complete it! You won't find that here. Jeannie even includes a supplies list that is broken down by lesson. I love that!
The lessons cover such things as the planets, the moon, stars and galaxies, and space travel. Each lesson dives deep--no scratching the surface here! For example, here are just a few of the sections included in Lesson 2: "The Star of Stars," "Don't Stare!" " Revolve and Rotate," "God's Love Shines Brighter," and "Solar Eclipse." The children enjoyed the assignment of writing a speech on why you should not look directly at the sun. I enjoyed the sit-down "read and discuss" aspect. There was an activity involving the use of a magnifying glass and chocolate (you know they loved that!). "Making a Solar Eclipse" and "Making a Pinhole Viewing Box" were big hits as well. This is just one of the lessons in the book, and I merely described a portion of it.
We have really enjoyed using Exploring Creation with Astronomy. As is usually the case with home educating, we've all learned a lot. If you are looking for a rigid textbook approach, this will not be for you. Exploring Creation with Astronomy is well-rounded and fun, and it involves the whole family. We love it! I absolutely recommend the Young Explorers Series from Jeannie Fulbright and Apologia. Look for more upcoming reviews on this series!
Product review by Lisa Barthuly, The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, LLC, March 2006
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