Gushing Over Science

This is big for me, you guys!  The gushing part, that is!  Especially over science.  Most of you who know me or have been around Family, Faith and Fridays for a while know I don't LOVE science.  OK, in the past I found a few programs for younger kids I admit were fairly fun to use, but as they aged into higher levels, the fun was done!

Especially when it come to Apologia.  I have "taught" it to three kiddos already.  I have liked the process less every time.  But here's the thing- I still think it is one of the best science programs out there at a solid college prep level.

 

This is the year I hit the point of no more fun, time to buckle down with Apologia.  And I almost cried.  I even had visions of my husband teaching it while teaching college classes at the same time.  Just saying- that was a nope.

And then I am pretty sure God showed great mercy on me.

A sweet friend reminded me of a program online she had used with her daughter and is now using with her son called Science on Demand.  (thanks Michelle) She promised she thought it would help me, and well, I jumped.  'cause I was desperate, ya'll.

It is a buy it and watch it kind of program.  Mrs. Frates, the teacher, taught the separate Apologia courses at a co op and recorded her sessions.  You pay for the course, and then have access to those sessions and her schedule for a year.  Totally self paced!  

And she teaches from a Creation Scientist worldview! 

So some days we watch her lectures. (most are broken down into two, 30ish minute sessions for each module).  Other days there is a list of what the assigned reading and questions are, to include lab prep. 

 

 

LABS!!  Yes, I knew you would ask. Yes, they are in there.  She does all the labs you need in class so you are able to watch along. She tells you how to write up a lab, two parts which you do before you watch, and two that you complete after the experiment.   

 

 

Why is this important to me?

Because some states, Arizona being one of them, not only want you to have three sciences WITH labs, but want you as a homeschooler to PROVE you have had such classes by way of submitting lab write ups during the admission process. (don't even get me started!)  When we first moved here this was a real issue for us with our oldest son, as we had done the classes, but had not kept tons of lab records.

Our experience-

OK, so Colby is an 8th grader, age 13, taking Physical Science.  He was to first read Module 1, take note, and prepare for the first labs and THEN watch the lectures.  He read the first chapter and was panicked!  In his defense, so was I!  Not sure if it was just the sheer volume of info Apologia gives, or the info itself and how it is presented, but already I was pretty sure we were not going to get too far in this course.  

 

And then came the video!

And we were saved!

Oh my word, I cannot say enough about Mrs. Frates.  She is clever, articulate, entertaining, smart, and connects with her students.  Even the ones who are watching a video recorded several years ago.  And we got it!  The info we read came alive and made sense. 

And still does, now 4 modules in.  Does it take thought sometimes? Yes!  But every time we watch the video following the reading I see a light bulb go off in my son's head.  He gets it!

And his three 100's and one 96 on the tests show it!   It is Colby's favorite part of the day now.

Now THAT is a product I can gush over!

Watch out next year, Biology.  I, I mean Colby, is going to master you!

Blessings,

*This is not a paid endorsement in any way!  Just one homeschooling momma sharing a success with others.

Can Biology Be Friendly?

Can you believe that I am on my fourth child in homeschooling and I am still in search of the perfect science program?  Specifically, science at the high school level.  We have used a few we have liked, but man, we have also used a few that I just cannot bring myself to teach for a fourth time!  Biology is one of those subjects.  I am just NOT a science lover, but I do have a few science loving kiddos- one of which will be ready for Biology soon.  So yes, the search is on!


Enter Friendly Biology!  I have been keeping my eye on this program authored by Joey and Lisa Hajda for a while now.  Husband and wife team, both have extensive degrees, have taught at higher levels, and have homeschooled ten children.  They have a huge fan following and reviews are pretty impressive, so when I had the opportunity to see for myself what the excitement was about, I jumped at the chance!  Reviewing for Timberdoodle Co. is always a privilege and this time was no exception. This is the science listed in Timberdoodle's  9th Grade Curriculum kit.  





Let's talk about the program components!

First up- the text book. This hefty 457 page softbound book covers 28 chapters from Biology basics to Genetics and Animal Kingdoms.  Each chapter has key words and phrases in bold type and main ideas highlighted in yellow boxes throughout the text.  Full color pictures abound.  The chapters end with a quick review of the main points and then a lab activity is presented.  Sample chapters can be found here!

Labs- The labs included are simple yet well tied to the chapter lesson.  Supplies are listed at the beginning, and a complete supply list can be accessed online.  Procedures and any safety measures needed are listed clearly and there is a space to write results in the book if desired.  You can also download lab worksheets from the Friendly Biology website for your student to use. 

Student Workbook- In the consumable student workbook you will find two practice pages for each chapter.  The first is a fill in the blank- multiple choice format.  The second practice page is a word search or crossword puzzle.

  
Lessons Tests and Answer Keys- A multiple choice test is included for each lesson to give to your student.  Included are tests answer keys, as well as the practice pages answer keys.

 My thoughts- 
Though we have not started using this as a curriculum yet, I have spent a lot of time reading it on my own.  I have been in search for a Biology course that is rigorous and yet easy to use, so it is important to me to know what I am getting into before I start it.  In the past I have found science curriculum that either water things down too much or are so high and lofty that only a trained science teacher could understand it.  Yes, some of the concepts in Friendly Biology are pretty deep (enzymes and genetics, anyone?), but they are clearly explained and I believe student friendly.  While it is always my goal to work through subjects with my children, I do believe that my son could handle this course on his own with little extra help.

I love that there are experiments included for each chapter but do not require extensive and expensive lab equipment.  As Joey Hejda explains, often times to see what you really need to see via a microscope you would have to have one that costs hundreds of dollars.  Instead, they provide true life pictures that more clearly show anything you would see on your own.  One of the neat aspects of Friendly Biology is that you can purchase a video package that has live teaching for each chapter.  This is a perfect addition for those of us who have more visual or auditory learners!  A few examples are available for you to preview on the Friendly Biology website. 

I appreciate the practice pages are concise and not a bunch of busy work. The tests and answer keys are thorough and easy to use and an integral part of the program.  And one of the best parts- the customer service!  I have not used it first hand, YET, I hear over and over again what a joy the Hajda's are to work with, and they can even be reached by phone.  Fellow homeschool moms will join me in a hallelujah chorus, I am sure! Let's face it, sometimes you just need to have a student's question be answered by a professional.

Bottom line, I have found our new Biology and am eager to use it, possibly as early as next August!  After careful consideration , I am confident Friendly Biology will prepare my son for higher level sciences while allowing me to maintain my sanity!  It's a win- win for all!

The Hajdas have also authored Friendly Chemistry and Friendly Anatomy.

Blessings,

 

Let's Talk About...Science

I know for some of you the only thoughts you have on your mind right now are pools and summer camps and picnics.  It's summer, I get it!  But for homeschoolers everywhere the new year is quickly approaching, or has already started, and curriculum is consuming their brain space.  Ask me how I know this!

After 21 years of homeschooling, I can honestly say I have seen a lot of curriculum come and go through this house.  Well, multiple houses, but you get the point.  We have used A LOT of stuff.  Being a reviewer of said curriculum just about doubles that on any given day.  There have been a few that have fallen flat in our eyes, but for the most part let me just say there are a lot of good resources out there to help you educate your children.

Because I have been doing this homeschooling gig F-O-R-E-V-E-R (trust me some days it feels like that!) and because I am passionate about helping newbies to this lifestyle get started, I get a lot of emails and texts about curriculum and what we use and like.

For the next several weeks we are going to talk curriculum- one subject at a time.  

Most I have used, all I would recommend.  I am not getting paid by anyone to endorse their products, though some I have reviewed in the past and then decided to continue using.  These are just my thoughts and experiences, and I will link the individual reviews when that is applicable to give you more details if you need them.

How can I recommend several products for the same age group?  Because every child is different and learns differently.  What might work well for one child might not for another- my kids are a perfect example.  Sometimes we start one thing to find it is not the best fit and we have to change things up.  Needless to say, having a closet full of curriculum has its advantages!

So first up- SCIENCE!

Let me start by saying I am not a huge science fan.  Actually, that is particularly true.  I like early-ed courses, but the high school level makes me cringe.  Labs and such overwhelm me, often seem pointless and too messy, and well, I am a boring mom.  I am also a mom who firmly believes school should be FUN not drudgery, especially in the early years.  You will see that reflected in my top choices!

Nancy Larson Science- This came to us at the perfect time!  I was worn out teaching and needed an all inclusive, easy to use curriculum.  It is pricey, but worth it!  It comes with  everything you need for labs, has booklet type reading material, and uses workbook pages.  My son adored it for several years.  It covers the basics well, but is not from a Christian specific worldview so proceed with caution.

Jeannie Fulbright's Exploring Creation series- Yes, we have used them all!  If you do not want to study one thing all year, look for something else, but otherwise these are great books and the newer notebooks you can buy to use are top notch and are available in two levels.  We have done some fun projects with these books and The Human Anatomy and The Solar System ones are our absolute favorites if I had to pick the top two.  A beautiful Christian perspective of God's Creation for elementary and middle school ages!

Abeka Online- I mention this because we used this for a year with a lot of success.  It would not be how I would normally teach a child because I am not a huge fan of online programs, but it filled a need for us and my son loved it.  It is an old classroom feel complete with memory drills and recitation and old fashioned quizzes and tests, but learning from someone else and taking you out of the teaching equation sometimes has its advantages.  If you child likes that type of thing, I think ABeka online is the best place to start and is available at all levels.

The 101 Science Series- This is another example of needing something different for a different kind of learner.  After trying multiple products for Chemistry we landed on this one with our third child and liked it.  Read here- managed to understand everything and not be at war with my child daily over science!

Geology for Kids- A Biblical Approach to Earth Science and Earth History- This is obviously Geology specific, but I can't not talk about this program.  We loved it and learned so much and it is HARD to find a Geology program with a Christian worldview.  Patrick makes learning fun and the rock kits made my son super happy.  There are several sets available and video courses as well.  A great addition to your curriculum, I promise!

Friendly Biology- OK, this is one I have not used, but it is in my que to review soon for Timberdoodle Co.  I have heard good things about it and am looking forward to checking it out.  I will let you know what we think.  Luckily we are still a few years out of our last child having to take Biology, but I know we are in need of something different so I am hopeful this will fit the bill.

*A quick word about high school level sciences- If possible, sometimes it is easiest to have your child take a college science course and dual-credit it.  Colleges are looking for science courses with labs, sometimes as many as 3, and we have had some issues with homeschool labs not fitting their parameters.  (I know, don't even get me started!)  That being said, I would just advise you to be vigilant with your record keeping and ask questions of your state's laws and college requirements.  (Especially a state you randomly move to in your child's junior year that has rules that differ from those you have operated under, just saying)

Are there other Science programs out there?  Absolutely!   And equally as good, I am sure.  This is just what we have used and been successful with.  The best advice I can give you is know your student, do your research, and don't be afraid to try multiple products if needed.  The right fit is out there just waiting to be found!

What do you use and love?  We would love to hear from you!

Blessings!

Learning About New York City

The last time I did a review for By the Way, it was for their book on Florida.  It was a perfect fit for this east coast family who lived in Florida for several years.  We are back to the By the Way Book Series and this time around we got to review New York City- By the Way.  Pretty perfect since we have a NYC loving daughter who has gone twice and will try to get anyone she knows to go with her again.

 Ironically she is at school finishing up her senior year, so her youngest brother, age 11, and I have gotten to read this cool book before her- shhhh, don't tell!

The By the Way book series has an ever growing title collection including Ireland, Alaska, Indiana, Colorado and more.  These books are indeed a story, following Alex and Lexi on an adventure to a specific location, but they are also so much more.  Each book is packed full with information; the newest ones even more so than before.  Inside each hardback book you will find geography, history, science and more.  Each page has engaging color pictures to hold the interest of younger children, but the facts you will learn are perfect for your whole family.

Within each book, written by author Joy Budensiek, is the intent to teach kids about God and His world and His truth.

"Discovering Biblical Truth in Everyday Life"

Scripture is quoted often, but in a natural, conversational way.  It is way to present a Christian worldview and open up conversations with your children about God in a relaxing, non-threatening environment. 

New York City- By the Way is a 48 page book of fun!  Alex and Lexi are joined by their classmates on a three day trip to New York City with their teachers. Each day is packed with activities where they learn that, despite being in a busy city, they can still see evidences of God in nature.  While exploring they see many animals including squirrels, ducks, and pigeons. 

They also learn about turtles, coyotes. and butterflies. When trivia is mentioned throughout the book you will often find side boxes with facts about that specific thing.  Consider it a mini encyclopedia lesson!

Also included in the New York book is a whole lot of geography and history.  As the class travels to all 5 of the city's boroughs, they learn about the 175 zip codes that are there and check off as many as they can find as they explore.  They also learn about the history of each area and other neat facts.

How we used this book and what we thought of it-
Like usual, Colby (6th grade) grabbed this book and read it before I had a chance to.  This is NOT a one sitting book!  It is more like a chapter book, but without the chapters.  I think he read it over the course of a few days and he is a pretty voracious reader.  If you are using it as a read aloud, I recommend you take it in chunks- there is so much to absorb and talk about.

I did finally manage to read it on my own and did so in one sitting.  Colby had mentioned several things he thought were interesting, but it was more fun to engage him in conversation after I had read it too!  Sometimes what I find neat is not always what interests him.  Some topics we learned about include-

• The Subway System
• The Statue of Liberty
• 9/11
• Street Vendors
• Tube Mail
• Central Park
• Chinatown and Little Italy
• Fanny Crosby
• The Empire State Building
• Geo-caching
• The Bronx Zoo

Of course, this list is just the tip of the iceberg!  I told you these books were a wealth of information!

So my favorite part- hard to choose!  I loved reading about some of the older history of the city, especially about the immigrants who came by way of Ellis Island.  Did you know that in one single day in 1907, almost 12,000 immigrants were processed.  That absolutely amazes me.  Another thing that blew my mind- there are 138 languages spoken in Queens alone!  Can you just imagine what it would be like to hear even just a fraction of them all at once?  No wonder the city is so loud!

And Colby's favorite parts?
Colby LOVED ready about Winkie! She is actually a pigeon, one of 32, that was awarded the Dickin Medal for serving in WWII.  When the ship she was on went down in the North Sea, Winkie flew 120 miles back to her owner and is credited for saving the lives of all the men on the ship.

He was also shocked to learn that there are 5.2 million trees in NYC, with 592,130 on city streets.  Like he said... "who knew?"
There is also a fun picture search where you find 10 pictures hidden throughout the book to entertain and challenge your younger kids.  It might be a way to help keep them engaged if the story gets a bit long for them.

Whether you are a unit study kind of mom, a history and geography fact kid, or just looking to add beautifully illustrated books that teach God's word, you will love this By The Way book series!  The only problem- choosing which one to start with!

Geology for Kids- Review with a lot of Gushing!

 Sometimes we get reviews that are a good fit for our family.  Other times we get one that is just good timing.  And sometimes, like this past month, we get a review that is not only a good fit for our family, but the most perfect timing too!  Bonus!  Such is the case for Geology for Kids- A Biblical Approach to Earth Science and Earth History kit, by Partick Nurre from Northwest Treasures.

 As many of you know, we are in temporary housing, 8 weeks and counting, with a lot of time on our hands.  I brought a few school things with us to work on, but nothing significant.  In my defense, I had no idea we would be spending the summer as nomads.  I realized quickly we needed to start some school to not only stay busy, but to also just GET started with a new school year.  Problem is, all of our life to include school supplies and curriculum are in storage somewhere and to simply start over was going to be quite costly.  I have been trying to piece things together and this review fell into my lap!  My science for 6th grade problem was solved.  It doesn't hurt that it is Geology, which thrills Colby.

Let me start by telling you that Geology for Kids is a young Earth, creation based curriculum, as is all of the curriculum created by Northwest Treasures.  That is so important to me because of our family's beliefs.  While I enjoy teaching science, there have been times in the past that I have had to stop on numerous occasions and remind my kids that we do not adhere to the "millions of years" belief, and that we do not believe in evolution.  It is refreshing to know that the science we are studying is being taught by a believer that holds to the same beliefs we do.  It's just one less thing for me to have to worry about.

Geology for Kids is a 147 page, soft color science book about Geology, intended for 4th-8th grade students.  It is full color and dotted with many pictures and graphics.  Comprised of 6 sections is has 22 chapters and can be used for a semester of teaching.

Sections include-

• Introduction to Biblical Geology
• The Two Contrasting Views of Earth History
• The Rocks and Minerals of the Earth
• Fossils and Noah's Flood
• Dinosaurs and Noah's Flood
• The Ocean

The book also includes fossil card templates and rock groupings charts.  When you buy it as a kit, you will also receive a Journal for your child as well as several bags of rocks, minerals and fossils-60 total. (quite possibly Colby's favorite part, of course!)  A materials list is included in the book for additional materials you will need for activities presented as well as a "how to" section that encourages you to cover only about 2-5 pages a day, a few days a week.  While it can be done independently, the author encourages you as a parent to walk through the course with our child and I have to second that.  Some of the words are quite big and harder to pronounce and it is a great gateway to open Biblical worldview conversations with your children.

The pages in the book are quite interactive and often will ask personal questions as well a geology related questions, with room to write directly in the book.  The first section explains a biblical background to science and worldview and has you look up and memorize quite a bit of scripture.  Every so often Rock Man Pat  (a character version of the author), will ask a little "did you know" question or fact.

In addition to the questions sprinkled throughout the book, the journal has a corresponding section for each section in the book that has additional questions, much like a review or test.  There are also a few sections that are labeled quizzes, comprised of just a few questions, Periodically you will find projects that include doing additional research to write a paragraph about a new learned fact or drawing pictures to show what your child has learned.

How we have used this program and our thoughts-
(Beware, this is where the gushing comes in.)

Colby and I decided to work on science three days a week during the summer months.  Each of the 6 sections are divided into "parts" and so we do one part each lesson.  If you found that to be too much information for your child, you could most certainly break it down into smaller chunks.  I thought we might have it, but he loves this book and doesn't want to stop mid section.  If it gets to be a lot we have sometimes taken turns reading.

He has answer the questions himself in the book and where it asks you to memorize scripture, we have written that scripture in as well.  Some activities have called for more writing or drawing so we have done that one separate notebook paper.  We have since gotten a dedicated science notebook, (remember all my supplies are packed) and the rest of his work outside the journal will be done in it.

As for the journal, we now complete a section right after we read it.  We waited in the beginning, but it was too much for him to write (capable but not happy!) and required us trying to remember too much at once.  I have tried treating them like a mini quiz to challenge him to remember as much as he could before going back to the book to look up any answers he did not know.

We are just now getting around to the chapters that really begin to explore the rocks in the kits, but let me emphasize how important the first few sections are.  Listen to this-

"Why would people want to tell a different story from that of the Scriptures?  Realize that the debate over Scripture and Science is really not about science but about rebelling against our Maker." (p.30)  

Throughout Geology for Kids, author Patrick Nurre points us back to the Creator of Earth and His Word.   This is not an evolution bashing book, but it IS one that shows where evolution theories came from and how they work against what the Bible teaches us.  It speaks of Creation and the Flood and is unapologetic in its teachings.

It is refreshing!  And convicting!  And interesting!

And Colby loves it!  What more could you want from a science program?

Oh, I know, videos!  Got it!

In addition to the Geology for Kids Kit, we were also given access to a video series called Dinosaurs and the Bible also by Patrick.  We are currently working our way through Dinosaurs and the Bible, shown through a vimeo subscription, and loving it as well.  I mean, who doesn't love dinosaurs?  Colby and I had intended to watch alone, but now are going to include our family in our viewing time, knowing they will love them too!  There are 6 sessions to watch and each are about 16-21 minutes long. 

Our Crew was able to review several other courses to include Taking the Mystery Out of Geology, Dinosaurs and the Bible, and Geology and Apologetics.  Be sure to check out their reviews!

Be sure to check out Northwest Treasures on their website or on Facebook.  Science never looked so good!

Grab a Friend for Dissections

It is no secret that Science is not my favorite subject to teach.  In the younger grades, there are always "cool" experiments to do that in my opinion, are just like art- messy and usually a pain.  By the time you get to science in the older grades, things just get complicated and I want to throw the towel in.  I mean, do we really need Biology and Chemistry?  Please, just don't even answer or I might cry.

And yet, here I am, just having finished teaching Biology for the third time.  Please note I only have one more time to go, and I am making him do it in a class of some sort.  Any sort, really, as long as it does not require me teaching!

I am proud to report we made it through successfully.  And with a little help.  Because you see, I did not do dissections alone.  Nope, this was another time I grabbed a friend,  and in this case a teacher as well, to help me.  I learned the hard way two too many times!

Plus, just like we have found with art and many other subjects, some things are just better done with friends.  There are also some other perks-
 

• Knowledge- Not all of us are science people.  That's ok.  There are some people who are and they are happy to help.

• Peer pressure- In this case, that is a good thing.  When everyone else around you is excited to dissect or at least willing to take a chance and try, other more reluctant kids are more willing to try as well.  

• Safety in numbers- There are also some kids who just can barely stomach science things like dissections.  I get it.  When there are many kids working together, those kids can often get by with standing in the back and simply observing.  Yes, their hands may not touch the frog or other specimens but I assure you they ARE learning!

 

• Wider Age Range- I have found when you teach kids in a group you can widen your age range in teaching.  It is an interesting phenomenon but it seems that the young kids step up to the plate when challenged by the bigger kids, and often the big kids jump in at helping and mentoring the younger kids.  It is quite a sight to see and I love it!

• Cost- Science experiments can get costly, ya'll!  Luckily, when you order as a team and pool your resources with supplies you might already have, you can keep the costs down.

So are you ready for dissections?  Just grab a friend, or two, and go for it!

Blessings,

Is There a Doctor in the House?

So is there a doctor in our house?  At the rate we are going, there might be one soon!  Colby LOVES all things human body.  In his various science curriculum we have explored the human body quite a bit.  He is beginning to become a walking encyclopedia when it comes to the body, so much so that I recently had to retire one book for a while as it was starting to get on everyone's nerves. (and don't even think about asking him where babies come from!)

But sucker that I am, when I got the chance to review The Dr. Bonyfide books from Timberdoodle, I jumped at the chance.  Just call me a glutton for punishment.  This set of 4 books can be ordered together, and do come together if you order the Timberdoodle complete 6th grade curriculum set.  You can also order them separately if you choose.

Each of these amazing, paperback books is approximately 120-160 pages long.  Printed in full color, the slick pages are thick enough to hold up to little hands and wear and tear.  They are written in a rhyming fashion that are easy to read and even have pronunciation guides for harder or possibly unfamiliar words, such as Osteology.  There are many pages that describe the specific bones being highlighted in each particular book and then sprinkled throughout are games, word searches, puzzles, activities, and more.  At the end of each book is a certificate of completion to reward your child for work well done.

Books include-

Book 1- Dr. Bonyfide Presents Bones of the Hand, Arm, and Shoulder.

Book 2- Dr. Bonyfide Presents Bones of the Foot, Leg and Pelvis.

Book 3- Dr. Bonyfide Presents Bones of the Rib Cage and Spine

Book 4-  Dr. Bonyfide Presents Bones of the Head, Face and Neck.

So what do we think?

Let's face it, no matter how much great information is in a book, it will do your child no good if they do not read it.  You will not have that problem with Dr. Bonyfide.  These are such fun books and my son, age 10, devoured them.  Though I had hoped to read them all together, he immediately took several to his room to read alone.  When I finally got my hands on them, he chose Book 1- Dr. Bonyfide Presents Bones of the Hand, Arm, and Shoulder to work through together first.  Not because it was Book 1, mind you, but because he found the cool "x ray" glasses in the back! 

 
We had fun counting fingers, identifying bones, and looking through the special glasses.  We even learned how to finger spell words, including his name.  One of Colby's favorite parts was finding the surprise jokes through the glasses.  His favorite?

"Why didn't the skeleton eat at the cafeteria?  Because he didn't have the stomach for it!"

Colby also really enjoyed the fun comics sprinkled in the last two books. Hey, if that's what it takes to hold the attention of and teach a 10 year old, so be it, right?!

While you could not count this as a full human body curriculum for middle schoolers or upper elementary, the Dr. Bonyfide books are a great supplement!  They will provide not only hours of fun, but also some great facts.

Did you know-

• there are 64 bones in your upper extremities?

• your big toe is known as the hallux?

• there are 26 bones in your spine?

• or that your head, neck and and face contain 29 bones? 

Well, now you do!  You can learn this and so much more with Dr. Bonyfide books from Timberdoodle.  Keep an eye on Family, Faith ad Fridays for more Timberdoodle reviews!

Blessings,