Feb. 6, 2008 - Signs & Seasons from Classical Astronomy
Do you know what classical astronomy is? Ok, I have to admit, I didn't. But, our family is thrilled to have been introduced to it by the book Signs & Seasons by Jay Ryan of www.ClassicalAstronomy.com We are in our 5th week of reading and I have to tell you, it's great!
First of all, classical astronomy is studying the sky with the naked eye. It teaches you how to read the sky without a telescope. We are learning about constellations, the true meaning behind the zodiacs, phases of the moon, etc. Jay has included lots of quotes from famous folks whom we have met in our ancient world history readings. There are other quotes from some we have not met, but will when we get to our America studies. So, basically, you could use this book when you study any time period. You could also do it as a stand alone science study. It is also chock-full of Scripture references, so it keeps the kiddos right in line with knowing the Lord is the creator of all. Jay helps to dispell myths of the stars/celstial bodies having power as he keeps pointing to the heavenlies as an awesome proof that there is a Creator.
There are several field activities for each chapter in the back of the book. One includes making a life-sized compass, another to make a volvelle, others include globes, constellations, and on and on.
This book has a beautiful hardback cover and contains wonderful glossy pages with fantastic pictures and graphics. It was written for a self-directed course for high schoolers, but we are thoroughly enjoying it, my kiddos being in 6th and 4th grade. The age recommendation is 13 and up, but with an adult's help, the reading can be understood by younger ones. (My 4th grader is 9, and he is excited about everything he has learned thus far.)
This one is a keeper. Not only will we go through it again when the kiddos get older, but, in the meantime, it will be a fantastic reference book to have on the science bookshelf.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to be able to look up at the sky and understand what you see! We finally have a clue! :O)
Comments
Mar. 5, 2008 - Love Astronomy...
Posted by gidget
Thanks for posting this. I'll have to check out that book. We are all sky-gazers in our house. I'd love to be able to tell the kids more than just how to figure out where Orion is and if "it" is a planet or star, and waiting for the next lunar eclipse. :-)
