TOS Crew Review: Apologia Zoology 1, General Science, and Biology

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Apologia is a company with a great reputation in homeschool circles.  And for good reason.  Their books are great; they are written by and to homeschoolers specifically, and they're definitely Christian--and not just because there's a Scripture stuck on the pages here and there, but because every subject is presented from a God-honoring and seeking perspective. 

We first used Apologia's General Science program several years ago through Sonlight.  My kids really enjoyed it, and so did I!  Designed as a great introduction to higher science, it's probably best used sometime around 7th grade.  The first thing you'll notice is that Apologia books are written *to* the student in a conversational tone.  This book contains 16 modules, each taking about two weeks to complete.  Beginning with a brief history of science, this program continues through archaeology, geology, the fossil record, energy, and a little about human anatomy.  There are many pictures and the pages are laid out cleanly, in an easy-to-follow manner.  Each module contains experiments using household ingredients and clear instructions.  "On Your Own" questions are asked throughout each module and there is also a study guide at the end of each which is very similar to the test the student will take.  The set, including the textbook and test/solutions book, is $85.  They also have a companion CD-Rom available for $15.

The Apologia Biology program is similar to their General Science in terms of layout, having the same "On Your Own" questions, study guides, tests and solutions for everything (the solutions given are generally really good, too--often, actually explaining WHY a particular answer is correct, rather than just throwing the answer out there.)  482 pages of information fill this particular volume!  I am again really impressed by the overall look of these books; they're extremely hefty, hardbound, full of great illustrations and interesting content.  Dr. Wile is an engaging writer who really makes the subject matter interesting and as simple to understand as possible.  My own student did very well with this program and my second son is currently on his way through it himself, enjoying it along the way.  This program is also $85 for the 2-volume set, and the CD-Rom for $15 is also available.

The Zoology program is new to me!  I'd read about it but never seen a hard copy.  Gorgeous!  Written by Jeannie Fulbright, this book (and the others in the Zoology set) is written for elementary students in a Charlotte Mason, notebooking-friendly manner!  This book is written to the student also, even if you read it to them.  Narration questions have been added in so you can have your student tell you what they've learned from what you've just read--a great way for them to review and for you to check their understanding.  And the Apologia website also offers notebooking pages so they can create a hands-on permanent record of what they've learned.  Throughout are experiments and project suggestions that any child would love to do, from building a birdhouse to watching their own butterflies hatch.  This book is available for only $35.  I'm anxious to use it with my younger kids next year and will look forward to getting a look at the others too! 

You can see more Apologia curriculum at www.apologia.com .  They're definitely worth a try!

10:38 PM - Apr. 26, 2009 - post comment