Posted in Reviews

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About the products:  As part of the TOS Homeschool Crew, I received three books from Apologia Educational Ministries.

For my younger kids I received Exploring Creation with Zoology 1: Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day.  This book is all about winged creatures such as birds, bats and insects. Students reading Flying Creature of the Fifth Day will learn about flight, find out how to attract various birds to their own backyard, study the science of animal classification, and more.

For my middle schoolers I got Exploring Creation with General Science (2nd Edition.) This book was produced for seventh graders, although it can be used for eighth graders if they don't have a  solid science background.  Many families I know use it in high school as a base course and then supplement it as they feel necessary.  This book gives students a good foundation in general science.  He or she will learn the scientific method, designing experiments, simple machines, archaeology, geology, paleontology, biology, and human anatomy and physiology.  Your student will also learn how to perform lots of fun experiments using household items to help aid them in their learning.

My high school students got Exploring Creation with Biology (2nd Edition) This is a very complete high school biology course.  There are 16 modules which introduce your student to animals, plants, fungi, bacteria, organic chemistry, cells, ecology, and much, much, more.  Lots of lab activities are included.  You can also purchase microscopes, slides and even specimens for dissection right from the Apologia website.  You will not have to feel like your student is "missing out" by studying biology at home. 

What are the pros of these products?  All of the science texts are great.  They are written in conversational tone, yet are jam-packed with tons of scientific information.  There are also lots of experiments, as well as question and answer sections.  Colorful photos and illustrations throughout make the layout pleasing to the eye.

What makes Apologia science texts especially attractive for the Christian family, is that they are written from a Christian point of view.  They teach creation science, as opposed to evolution.  However, creation is not simply ignored.  The flaws in the theory are explained so that your child will see that evolution is not only wrong from a theological point of view, but from a scientific one as well.

If your the kind of mom who likes to test, there are tests available along with the solutions.  Also, you can get the product in an MP3 audio CD format for your audio learner.

Check the Apologia website for lots of products and supplements.

What's not to like?  Apologia takes a creationist approach so if you are not a creationist, these are not for you.

Also, these books are are not fluff.  I would say that just about any student could handle the books for younger and middle school aged kids.  However, if your high schooler isn't really science-minded, or tends to get bogged down with details, these may not work for you.  In other words, using these books takes a serious student and a lot of work!  Any student who conquers these book should be able to breeze through any basic science course!  (OK, disclaimer time.  I'm making no guarantees here! Just my humble opinion!) 

 

 The Crazy Mom take:  Well, I've been an Apologia fan for years.  Now, if you know me from reading my blog, you know I am a bit of a scatter-brained mom.  I don't do tons of testing and follow ups with my kids as they get older.  I give them the books, have them read it, say my prayers, and hope for the best! 

We have had an older version of General Science for years.  My three oldest have all read it.  I normally have them read it when they get to be about 12 or 13.  Well, after reading General Science, my second and third sons easily passed the science section of our state's standardized test.  (Only the two have taken them so far.)  Now, to be honest, we keep tons of science books around here, they've seen lots of science shows, and have read and watched the Magic School Bus.  However, General Science has been our base text.  I suppose I can't give Apologia all the credit for their science knowledge, but they can take a fair share of it!  :)

We have also been using an older version of Exploring Creation Through Biology in our homeschool for years.  Again, I mostly have them simply read through the books on their own, although with the high school books I also have them do the questions at the end of the chapter.  My oldest will be taking his first college biology class next year, so I will have to reserve judgement on how well-prepared he is until then!  LOL He do well on the science portions of the ACT and also on our state's high school standardized tests, so that does mean something.

Flying Creatures of the Fifth Day was totally new to me.  This is a great book for my younger kids.  I was totally excited to get it!  I plan to add it to my curriculum for next year.  Right now I am just having my 4th, 5th, and 6th graders read it as time allows.  So far they seem to enjoy it.  When we start up school again next year we will go through it and do all the activities and experiments.  I'm looking forward to it!  Suddenly all the other texts for younger kids are looking rather tempting!  :)

What's the bottom line?  Flying Creatures of the 5th Day $35/Exploring Creation with General Science and Exploring Creation with Biology 2-book set $85, text only $65, solutions and test manual only $20/MP3 audio CDs $15

I am going to give out of 4 out 5 smileys!!! *

Check it out!  http://www.apologia.com/

See what my fellow TOS Crew members have to say @

http://www. .com/HomeschoolCrew/658929/

*The Smiley System: 

I can't really recommend these products.

 I doubt these products would be helpful to many people.

 These are good products, but aren't right for everyone.

 Most homeschool moms will find these useful.

 These are great, and I would recommend them to anyone!!!