Science Reviews

This unique middle school course intermingles science information with a continuing mystery story that weaves throughout the five student texts. The concept leads students to use scientific knowledge and life principles taught in the lesson to solve the mysteries. An accompanying activity book for each student text includes activity pages, quizzes, and tests. We loved the continuing stories and couldn’t wait till the next lesson to learn more clues! Softcovers, from Paradigm Accelerated Curriculum.

-Cindy

Biology is usually a high school student’s first major science course with lab work. The curriculum my family selected was Exploring Creation with Biology. I chose Apologia because of the creation-based perspective and stayed with Apologia all through my children’s middle school and high school years. Just before my oldest child was beginning high school, I attended a conference that featured Dr. Jay Wile as a speaker. He was so encouraging about taking on high school-level classes that may not be in our area of expertise. He said parents become fellow learners alongside their children. He really helped take the pressure off! We’re there to help our children find their way. A child who learns how to dig in until they arrive at a place of understanding will be equipped for a future as a lifelong learner.

The 594-page hardcover Student Textbook is broken into 16 modules. Each day your student will read a few sections and answer questions. The labs are spread throughout the textbook. Each chapter has a study guide and a summary that will help the student prepare for the module exams. All the answers are included in the 200-page Solutions & Test Book.

The labs will require extra equipment and specimens. Check out the convenient lab kits CBD carries; there are several sets available to make gathering necessary supplies and equipment easy. You’ll need a microscope and prepared slides, as well as dissecting equipment and specimens.

—Lynette, Winter 2014

Every Friday night my family would have Movie Night. We’d pick a couple of movies to watch together, and we almost always picked one of the Moody science videos. Although they’re a bit dated in regard to the clothing and quality of video (they were originally filmed in the ‘50s and early ‘60s), the science in them is most definitely not. Using fascinating experiments, Dr. Irwin Moon covers every aspect of science. From the human brain to bees to carnivorous plants, you’ll learn more from just one of these DVDs than from any other science movies out there.

The two that have really stuck in my memory are Windows of the Soul and Facts of Faith. Windows is about the human brain and sight. Dr. Moon wears a device that changes his eyesight view to how it’s originally received by the brain, upside down. We follow him through his everyday life while he walks to work and performs experiments, all while seeing everything completely upside down. However, within a week, his brain has recognized the problem and corrected it so that, even with the device on, he can see perfectly normally!

Facts of Faith deals with the harmony between faith and science. The most memorable experiment Dr. Moon uses is when he sends one million volts of electricity through his body and it shoots out his fingertips. How awesome is that?!

These DVDs discuss how faith is a huge part of science. Every DVD is filled with relevant Bible verses and incorporates biblical teaching with each concept. Dr. Moon concludes each DVD with the gospel message.

Educational, entertaining, and enlightening, these supplements are a wonderful addition to your regular science curriculum. 28 minutes each.

—Rebekah, Winter 2014

From the first time I saw Wes Olson teaching, I was impressed with his ability to present complex science concepts in simple terms. Although these are high school courses, Wes uses analogies and simple, everyday examples that make it easy for even younger children to understand. The video presentations are interesting enough to draw in young students, but still intelligent so older students won't feel they are being talked down to. My three boys, all with very different learning styles, love Wes's teaching and the easy-to-follow printable course book, which is provided to guide students through the required coursework needed to earn high school credit.

The 9-lesson survey for biology covers life classification, plants, aquatic creatures, birds, land animals, mankind, and a brief history of genetics. Four DVDs, approx. 4.5 hours total.

The 19-segment curriculum on chemistry includes the periodic table of elements. Four DVDs, approx.11 hours total.

-Cherrie, Summer 2013

I've always been fascinated with the universe. So, when I was given the opportunity to write reviews for CBD, I chose this astronomy book without hesitation. With an easy-to-understand text, colorful illustrations, and actual photos of cosmic bodies, this curriculum is tons of fun for the whole family!

The elementary level is designed for kindergarten through grade 6, and some of the activities also offer different versions for younger or older students so you can customize it for your child. There are notebooking journals available that include all the questions from the textbook and additional exercises, such as crossword puzzles, to reinforce the lessons. We used the notebooking journal, as well as a junior notebooking journal for younger students not as proficient in reading and writing.

My favorite part of this book is the experiments and hands-on activities. Who wouldn't love to build a rocket or create a cloud? (And we're talking a real cloud, not a cotton ball cloud!) It even includes the classic "burn a leaf with a magnifying glass" activity. All three of my younger brothers used this book, and when I asked them about it, they responded, "It was awesome!" All in all, a wonderful and informative textbook! 176 pages, hardcover from Apologia.

-Rebekah, Summer 2013