It’s no secret that we really enjoy Apologia Educational Ministries, so when given the opportunity to review Exploring Creation with Astronomy, 2nd Edition, we were so excited. We received a hardback Student Text, Notebooking Journal, Jr. Notebooking Journal and an Audio CD-MP3, for this review. In addition, I purchased another Notebooking Journal so that Adisyn, Eli and Rebekah could all be working through Astronomy.
We already owned, Exploring Creation with Astronomy,1st Edition, so I was interested to see what the differences between the two versions were. The 2nd edition has improved illustrations and pictures. Many of the topics discussed have also been expanded in the newest edition.
The hardback Student Text is written in a conversational manner that is appealing to the kids. I really like that throughout the text, Bible verses are written that pertain to the information being taught. There are over 40 activities throughout the 14 Lessons that provide fun, hands-on learning using common household items. There is a list broken down by lesson that outlines the supplies needed to complete the activities in that lesson. For example the list for Lesson 1:
- Adult supervision
- Balloons of many sizes and colors
- Scissors
- Thumbtacks or tape
- Thread, ribbon or string
- Markers
- Measuring tape
- Construction paper
Recently, Apologia released information about their ASTRONOMY 2ND EDITION SCIENCE KIT that goes along with the 2nd edition. According to the textbook, this kit contains all of the materials needed to complete the textbook activities as well as additional activities that are found only in the science kit.
The Student Notebooking Journal is a spiral bound, 336 page book. A suggested daily schedule is listed in the front of the journal. The Notebooking Journal is designed to help the student record what he/she is learning. There are traditional notebooking pages which provide room for the student to record her thoughts about the lessons. There are also copywork pages, crossword puzzles, mini-books and “What Do You Remember” review pages.
*This post contains affiliate links.
The Junior Notebooking Journal is very similar to the Notebooking Journal. However, in place of the written work that is involved with the “What Do You Remember?” section, there are coloring pages. I really like that the copywork pages, crossword puzzles, mini-books are the same as the Notebooking Joural. Also the page numbers are consistent between Notebooking Journals. This makes working with students of different ages much easier.
The audio CD-MP3 may well be my favorite part of the 2nd edition. I LOVE that on days when I need to be working with Brock or Quinton or on another project, the kids can listen to the audio, which is a direct reading of the book by author, Jeannie Fullbright. They can follow right along with the audio in the textbook. All three kids also enjoy listening to the CD-MP3 which makes it a win-win for our house!!
You might remember that we were able to review the Apologia Field Trip Journal. The textbook suggests using the Field Trip Journal as a way to record “those moments when textbook lessons turn into real-life adventures.” What a great idea! Hopefully we can take a field trip to a planetarium later in the school year.
I hope you will take the time to read some of the other reviews from other members of the Schoolhouse Review Crew by clicking on the banner below.
Jennifer
