Topics volume 1 addresses include scientific method, living things, invertebrates, coldblooded vertebrates, birds, classification, algae/fungi/nonvascular plants, vascular plants, protozoa, genetics, viruses, and bacteria.

Along with each CD comes a textbook which expands upon the information summarized in the songs. The textbooks, about 100 pages each, are generously illustrated with line drawings and touches of humor. They include song lyrics and simple music. The corresponding workbook lessons offer matching, fill-in-the-blank, essay, and labeling exercises.

Answer keys are at the back. Although originally wirtten for sixth graders, the content reflects some of what we find in typical high school life science texts. Whatever level you choose to use these for, they remain supplements rather than comprehensive courses. While this approach is not for all students, it does offer a rare alternative for auditory learners.

A couple of springs ago, I purchased Lyrical Life Science, Volume 1 and kept the music cassette in our car all summer. Wherever we went, we enjoyed listening to these folk-style songs with lyrics filled to the brim with science terminology. This clever cassette of rhyme and rhythm helped familiarize my children with the functions and characteristics of bacteria to the tunes of "Oh, Susanna"; vascular plants to "Battle Hymn of the Republic"; genetics to "Shortnin' Bread"; cold-blooded vertebrates to "When Johnny Comes Marching Home"; and more. By the fall semester, my oldest two children were ready to read the 12 chapters of the accompanying 90 page book.

I like the 200 simple pen drawings and uncluttered appearance of its pages. My students completed one chapter a week, reviewing all the lyrics they had become familiar with during the summer. You'll rarely find me recommending a workbook, but for the upper grades the corresponding work pages are advantageous. Three workbook pages per chapter always begin with a lyric page. The student fills in the science terminology missing in the content-rich verses. The essay page requires narration. The student will describe complete metamorphosis in his own words, for example (answer key in appendix).

Lyrical Life Science, Volume 2: Mammals, Ecology, and Biomes helps them learn about carnivores to the tune of "She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain," rodent-like mammals to "Irish Washerwoman," hoofed mammals to "Home on the Range," manatees to "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailor," along with 12 other songs/chapters.

Lyrical Life Science, Volume 3: The Human Body looks at the 11 different systems - skeletal, muscular, nervous, digestive, circulatory, respiratory, etc. - to trace their terminology back to the lyrics of a song. It's funny how children learn about the bloodstream to the tune of "Red River Valley" and about the immune system to "La Cucaracha." The reproductive system has its terminology sung within an old Irish waltz. The waltz's original lyrics spoke of a man's love for his lady. The new chorus is thus: "For life is a mystery that we live,/And our bodies produce life to give/Our genes and our dreams to the children yet unborn/To continue life's cycle again." What a touching aspect to a science course, but I admit I am sentimental when it comes to family.

All this to say, I highly recommend these science kits for the middle school years. These courses are an appropriate step for children who have been doing nature study, and a boost for further high school investigation. Each kit includes one cassette or CD, one book, and one workbook. From Lyrical Learning.

—Karen

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