TOS Review: Go Science DVDs from Library and Educational Services

I was asked to review two Go Science DVDs from Library and Educational Services. I was asked to choose from several available titles. I chose:

     
1.Volume 2: Life Science, Weather
2.Volume 7: Engineering, Design, Flight

Each of the two DVDs I received is intended for children ages 4 to 12 and retails for $14.95, but is available on the site for $8.97. The full set of 7 DVDs retails for $99.70, but is available through the Library and Educational Services site for $59.82.

The videos are presented by Ben Roy who is an energetic instructor who demonstrates many science experiments that are not safe to be conducted at home. Volume 2: Life Science, Weather included:
Life Science: Flashlight-animal eyes animal skulls bobby pins What are you looking at? how much do your lungs hold? eating nails for breakfast naked eggs Weather: Fire Tornado Ping Pong Cannon Liquid Nitrogen Cloud Cloud in a Bottle Garbage Can Vortex Volume 7: Engineering, Design, Flight included:
Engineering/Design: How Much Will it Hold Leaning Tower of Lyra Nail Balance Trebuchet Centrifuge Walking on Eggs Bed of Nails-Small Flight: Rocket Balloons Vinegar Rocket Toilet Paper on Paint Roller Film Canister Rocket

The complete list of available DVDs include:

Volume 1: Sound, Gravity, Space
Volume 2: Life Science, Weather
Volume 3: Air
Volume 4: Motion, Friction, Electricity, Light
Volume 5: States of Matter, Water
Volume 6: Chemistry
Volume 7: Engineering, Design, Flight

These new Go Science DVDs is just one example of the type of products Library and Educational Services carry. The Go Science DVDs began to develop about two years ago. This new series has been revised from the original to include a more consistent sound level, outdoor science demonstrations, audience participants, and demonstrations that can be done at home. Each DVD is approximately one hour long.

Library and Educational Services (L.E.S.) is a wholesale distributor that services re-sellers, schools, homeschools, churches, daycare centers, missionaries, and libraries. The website offers between 30 to 70% off every day on educational resources, and they offer the same discounts to homeschoolers as they offer to other schools.

L.E.S. carefully handpicks all of their CDs, books and DVDs to make sure they are held to Christian values, including several evolution-free science items. They have been in business for more than 35 years. The company is a small family operated service located in Southwest Michigan along the banks of the St. Joseph River.

HOW WE USED IT AND WHAT WE THOUGHT

It was really cut and dry how the product was to be used, so I explained to my 7 year old and my 12 year old that they would have the privilege of watching a couple DVDs that had to do with science. I then put the DVDs on the big screen TV in our living room while she watched from the comfy couch. You could expand the lessons by conducting the experiments at home or by reading more about each one or using the video clips as a supplement to your existing science curriculum.

I really liked how the videos showed experiments being conducted so I didn't have to mess up my kitchen, like I usually do with science experiments.

I also liked how each segment, or new experiment, was just a short 5 minute clip that was packed with learning information.

Another thing I liked is how the lessons are presented using other kids and an instructor who makes it fun. But, I like seeing a group of kids who are about the same age as my child because outside of the homeschool co-op or Sunday School, she really doesn't get the group learning experience. These videos allow the feeling that you are part of the group.

When we learn more about science, we learn more about our creator, God.

The video clips focus on how learning more about science actually helps you learn more about Jesus. Since I homeschool from a Christian worldview, I liked how there were little subtle references to biblical concepts that he incorporated into the lessons without turning it into a Bible lesson or changing the concepts of science. For instance, after showing kids how to make a water pump centrifuge, he explains how it reminds him of the Bible story where Jesus met the woman at the well and told her about living water. He then led the children in a song about Jesus and His love bubbling over. 

Browse the Library and Educational Services website to discover the Go Science DVDs available.