TOS Review - Apologia Astronomy, 2nd Edition

Sometimes, a review comes along that is just so exciting that it has me jumping up and down with joy! This is one of those. I love Apologia Educational Ministries materials I have used in the past, and was excited to see this one as well. Needless to say, I was thrilled to get a chance to review Exploring Creation with Astronomy, 2nd Edition from Apologia Educational Ministries.

What is Exploring Creation with Astronomy, 2nd Edition from Apologia Educational Ministries?

I received the complete set:

• Hardcover Student Text
• Paperback, Large Spiral-Ring Notebooking Journal (for Grades 3/4 or Older)
• Paperback, Large Spiral-Ring Jr. Notebooking Journal (for Grades K-2/3)
• Audio CD with mp3 Files

The text presents the material. The notebooking journal serves as a sort of lab manual or findings sheet, with the choice to use the Jr. Notebooking Journal for younger kids to keep it on the proper learning level. An addition that pleasantly surprised me was the mp3 audio book files. These are so perfect for learning on the go. You can even transfer them to your child's iPod for convenience. Also referenced in the material is the Field Trip Journal, which I had the privilege of previously reviewing as did the entire TOS Crew review of the Field Trip Journal. 

The Journal provides a suggested daily schedule that outlines 4 to 7 assignments per lesson, so if you work at a pace of 2 daily assignments each week, the course takes a complete year to finish.
 

Jeannie Fulbright is the author of this biblical worldview science book about astronomy. She partnered with NASA engineer, Damian Ludwiczak. In this 2nd Edition of the curriculum, Jeannie Fulbright uses an immersion approach to explore God's creation in space and the wonders of our solar system. The curriculum presents hands-on activities, a text, and an mp3 audio book. The 14 lessons cover:

Sun Planets Asteroid Belt Dwarf Planets Kuiper Belt Galaxies Nebulae Black Holes New color-coordinated schedule for the text, notebooking journals and lab kit Fresh activities layouts in the textbook All new full-color illustrations Plenty of space to journal each textbook and notebook activity

We ended up using the Jr. Notebooking, but I wanted to show a side-by-side comparison of a couple examples of how they differ. Basically, they both provide fun and colorful activities, but the one has higher elementary/middle school level lines for the copywork and other fill-in writing pages. The Notebooking Journal also seems to dive slightly deeper in the lessons while the Jr. one is a perfect fit for the younger set.

How Did We Use It?

 

My daughter used the Jr. Notebook, but a side by side comparison shows one of the differences in the two Notebooking Journals is the size of lines for copywork. Both journals offer cursive and print options.

First, I inserted the CD to my daughter's laptop to gain access to the mp3 files. I then, looked over the materials to decide whether or not I would use the Jr. Notebooking with one daughter and the other Notebooking Journal with my older daughter or just how I would approach it. Turns out that my younger daughter is on the borderline between the Jr. and the regular Notebooking Journal. So, I started her with the Jr. Notebooking Journal and decided that it would work well for me to look over each lesson's assignments and decide which one would best meet her needs.

What Did We Think?

Apologia has never let me down when it comes to solid, Christian biblical worldview curriculum. This Astronomy course is no exception. Our family is a Christian-based homeschool and believe in creation science. To us, science and our faith are not separate components. We firmly believe that science is explained and understood better when you understand the creator who designed it. That's why I so much appreciate Apologia and their Astronomy curriculum.

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