LauraW
10-04-2007, 12:30 PM
Name of curriculum: Apologia Exploring Creation with Astronomy
Common abbreviation: Astronomy
Optimal age of students: 3rd-6th grade (K-2nd students can get something out of it, though
Branch of science: astronomy
Educational Philosophy: Charlotte Mason, living books
Worldview: Christian – young earth
Website: http://www.highschoolscience.com/
Review: This is a hardbound text with gorgeous photos. It is clear the author is interested in astronomy, and she writes in a personable, interesting manner. There are activities in each chapter which help reinforce what the student has learned. Some of the activities are more active or hands-on, while others are pencil-and-paper assignments. There are at least a couple of places that sell a supply kit to go along with this course, making it much easier to plan and do the hands-on activities.
The bulk of the course focuses on the solar system, and it is covered very thoroughly for an elementary course. Usually one planet is covered per chapter. Only the first chapter and then the last 2 or 3 chapters touch on other aspects of astronomy, and because of this, these things are not covered quite as thoroughly. The depth of these chapters is sufficient for an elementary student, though.
Apologia elementary courses are often promoted as being good for K-6th grade, but an older elementary student (3rd-6th grade) will get the most from them. Some K-2nd students will not be ready to handle the amount of detail in them. However, even a younger student can get some benefit from this course. I would not recommend using this until the oldest student is at least in 3rd or even 4th grade, and then allow any younger students to tag along.
The worldview and educational philosophy behind this course are the things that will most influence whether a family can successfully and happily use it. Because the Christian viewpoint is integrated throughout, those wishing to have a secular science course will be happier with something else. Those who do not hold a young-earth belief will find the “Creation Confirmation” sections in the text to have serious scientific flaws, and may find the overall “tone” of the book irritating. In terms of educational philosophy, those who will most enjoy the course are those who follow Charlotte Mason’s methods, or those who prefer living books. However, those who want a textbook with a different twist, or even those who use classical education or unit studies may find this to be a very nice course.
A quote from the website:
This book begins with a lesson on the nature of astronomy, and then it covers the major structures of our solar system. Starting with the sun and working towards Pluto, the student will learn details about all nine planets (or is it eight? - your student will have to decide) in the solar system. Along the way, the student will also learn about earth’s moon, the asteroid belt, and the Kuiper belt. After that, the student will move outside our solar system and learn about the stars and galaxies that make up God’s incredible universe. Finally, the student will learn about space travel and what it takes to be an astronaut!
FTC Disclosure: PLEASE NOTE: This is a “For Profit” site. The Library makes commissions on products sold through affiliate and advertiser links. The products reviewed here may or may not have an affiliate link (most don’t), but we want you to be aware that it is a possibility. Whether this affiliation affects the objectivity of the reviews here is debatable. We don’t think it does, but that’s up to you to decide. If you want to know about a specific product, please feel free to ask. For a full list of current affiliates, check out the Affiliate Forum.
Common abbreviation: Astronomy
Optimal age of students: 3rd-6th grade (K-2nd students can get something out of it, though
Branch of science: astronomy
Educational Philosophy: Charlotte Mason, living books
Worldview: Christian – young earth
Website: http://www.highschoolscience.com/
Review: This is a hardbound text with gorgeous photos. It is clear the author is interested in astronomy, and she writes in a personable, interesting manner. There are activities in each chapter which help reinforce what the student has learned. Some of the activities are more active or hands-on, while others are pencil-and-paper assignments. There are at least a couple of places that sell a supply kit to go along with this course, making it much easier to plan and do the hands-on activities.
The bulk of the course focuses on the solar system, and it is covered very thoroughly for an elementary course. Usually one planet is covered per chapter. Only the first chapter and then the last 2 or 3 chapters touch on other aspects of astronomy, and because of this, these things are not covered quite as thoroughly. The depth of these chapters is sufficient for an elementary student, though.
Apologia elementary courses are often promoted as being good for K-6th grade, but an older elementary student (3rd-6th grade) will get the most from them. Some K-2nd students will not be ready to handle the amount of detail in them. However, even a younger student can get some benefit from this course. I would not recommend using this until the oldest student is at least in 3rd or even 4th grade, and then allow any younger students to tag along.
The worldview and educational philosophy behind this course are the things that will most influence whether a family can successfully and happily use it. Because the Christian viewpoint is integrated throughout, those wishing to have a secular science course will be happier with something else. Those who do not hold a young-earth belief will find the “Creation Confirmation” sections in the text to have serious scientific flaws, and may find the overall “tone” of the book irritating. In terms of educational philosophy, those who will most enjoy the course are those who follow Charlotte Mason’s methods, or those who prefer living books. However, those who want a textbook with a different twist, or even those who use classical education or unit studies may find this to be a very nice course.
A quote from the website:
This book begins with a lesson on the nature of astronomy, and then it covers the major structures of our solar system. Starting with the sun and working towards Pluto, the student will learn details about all nine planets (or is it eight? - your student will have to decide) in the solar system. Along the way, the student will also learn about earth’s moon, the asteroid belt, and the Kuiper belt. After that, the student will move outside our solar system and learn about the stars and galaxies that make up God’s incredible universe. Finally, the student will learn about space travel and what it takes to be an astronaut!
FTC Disclosure: PLEASE NOTE: This is a “For Profit” site. The Library makes commissions on products sold through affiliate and advertiser links. The products reviewed here may or may not have an affiliate link (most don’t), but we want you to be aware that it is a possibility. Whether this affiliation affects the objectivity of the reviews here is debatable. We don’t think it does, but that’s up to you to decide. If you want to know about a specific product, please feel free to ask. For a full list of current affiliates, check out the Affiliate Forum.