I really like this science curriculum. I especially like that it has hands-on projects at the end of each lesson, because I love hands-on learning. It’s also very adaptable for older and younger students, and she includes a great ‘extra reading’ list. It’s a very good and complete book.
Alicia
Fantastic Science Series! We have thoroughly enjoyed learning, in depth, on the given topics. We have used the entire series and they are all equally as good. The young-Earth creation emphasis was refreshing. The projects/experiments were easily doable and fun. We are eagerly waiting for more books in the series.
Living Fossils - Evolution: the Grand Experiment, Volume 2
I am a former evolutionary geologist turned creationist homeschooling mom, and have been following the origins issue for over 30 years…this (Living Fossils) is one of the best books I have ever read, for the following reasons. First, the author’s own story. He traveled over 100,000 miles researching & taking pictures in order to figure out whether evolution was a valid theory. Second, his attitude. He does not presume the truth of any position, but presents the evidence and asks the reader to decide for themselves. Thirdly, the content, amazing photos of the similarity between supposedly ancient fossils and living organisms, which shows that fossil species names are often arbitrary and based on preconceptions, not on resemblance to living species. Fourth, readability. It’s accessible to professional & layman alike. I have not seen information like this anywhere, and I’ve done a lot of reading on the issue. Can’t wait to get the rest of the books when they come out!
Reaction Game
I used this game (Reaction Game) with a group of six middleschoolers who are quite familiar with the concept of building molecules. We’ve tried to play it on three occasions, but we’ve never managed to complete a game.
The game is very pretty, but it seems like they spent all their time on visual design, and not enough on the game mechanics. For example, in the rules, you’re told to make a discard pile, but nowhere is there any mention of _why_ you would discard any of your cards. This sort of problem – trying to figure out what the game designers _meant_ you to do – occurs frequently, and means that the game is almost impossible to play.
There aren’t enough potential molecules listed, and the ones that are listed are very heavy on the C, N, O, and H (as is the real world!) but there aren’t enough extra of those cards in the deck.
I think we’re just going to have to make up our own rules…
Electronic Snap Circuits Kit
My son is 5 and received the Snap Circuits for a gift. He independly plays with it for hours. When his younger siblings are napping he always wants to bring it out. He started out doing experiments with his grandfather following the instructions but now that he has the concept of a circuit he builds his own that play music, make a fan rotate, a light bulb turn on etc. His favorite subject is now physics (circuits) because he can tinker with the set himself and he gets results that work. I feel like it’s durable enough and safe enough for him to work alone on this set as well. We do make him wear safety glasses as there is a wheel that he made rotate and fly up like a helicoptor and it flew off and hit him in the face- we took away that part and he even feels more like a scientist wearing glasses while he works. We are looking for an additional set to add on to our set (his was the Jr box which only comes with 30 parts and you can upgrade adding more parts) for his 6th birthday.
Switched On Schoolhouse Science
Are you having science guilt?? Here is your answer!
I have two girls, ages 8 and 10, and we are into our second year of using this product. In fact, my younger daughter asked me if she could start the program.
I am not a science minded person and worried about how I was going to adequately cover our science subject. My girls will mention, Oh yah…I learned about that in my science. I also love how it seems that each year builds on the year before, expanding on and covering new information.
I also like how each lesson is graded. I can quickly ask them, “how did you do on your lesson?” and if they got a “C” or lower, I take the time to sit and redo the lesson with them. A+++
Both of my sons, age 7 and 12 love this tool. The Carson X Scope is the perfect thing for young “explorers” to take outside. Instead of packing several items -binoculars, a flashlight, a whistle, a compass, etc. they can grab the X-Scope and go. Would also be great to keep an extra one in the car for impromptu field trips.
Knex Extravaganaza
When I bought Knex Extravaganaza I was a little overwhelmed by the price but it was worth every penny! My son has Asperger’s and not only did he love the engineering and physics we learned but it was also a tremendous help in things like patience, perseverance, following directions, etc. This is a fantastic set with several different smaller sets included so that you really get lots of physics curriculum units plus, the grand reward at the end, building and analyzing the huge structure at the end. We also used this kit to discuss the cost of construction by assigning each piece a dollar value and each connection a “labor” cost. A good exercise in money and planning (could we make a better and less expensive model of the same thing). You could really almost do a whole year of homeschool based on this curriculum (math, writing, science, reading, etc). We have also found the people at Knex very helpful in terms of sending us replacement parts, extra little things we wanted, etc., often at no charge. Excellent product and worth every penny…. I think that we will save up for the big bridge set next….
Knex Intro to Bridges
The Knex Bridge curriculum is a great hands-on way to learn about bridges. My son, age 8, loves it, and my husband, age not revealed, loves teaching it to him. It is a great value for those who love hands on learning. The instructor’s guide changes it from a toy to a learning experience.
The R2 Fish School has been a fun and very successful addition to our science program this fall! Just as promised, our fish quickly learned to eat from the training wand and swim through hoops and tunnels. Because our “Little Professor” has mastered his current tricks, we are ready to move on to more difficult tasks and are certain the kit directions will enable us to teach him more.
