Christian Kids Explore Physics - A Review

$39.95 - Curriculum and Resource CD


from Bright Ideas Press

Grades 4 - 8
Lots of other great homeschool curricula are available. 

Brief Intro from Bright Ideas Press:
About curriculum -
The universe that we live in is the result of God’s thoughtful design and careful building. Physics gives us a glimpse into the materials, laws, and structures of that universe. Behold the wonders of creation with this series of 30 easy-to-understand lessons for grades 4-8. Each lesson helps develop an understanding of matter and energy and the rules they follow. Exploring physics is an exciting adventure!

About Resource CD -
Now including a convenient, easy-to-use Resource CD, unlocking the mystery of science has never been easier. The brand-new CD includes Daily Lesson Plans, Materials Lists, Bonus Literature Study Guide, and All Reproducibles, such as:

• Coloring Pages
• Unit Reviews
• Follow-Up Questions for each lesson
• Activity Charts

 Our Thoughts:
The subject we struggle to find a good fit with is Science.  Math - we have found some companies we like.  Language Arts - we have found some companies we love.  History - the library is full of resources.  Science - this is where we struggle.

From what I have heard, this is where many families struggle.  So many of the textbooks we have tried have been so dry and boring.  So many of the documentaries state old-earth and evolution not just as theory, but as un-debatable fact.  I respectfully disagree with this opinion.  And I haven't been as successful pulling living books into this subject as I have been with History.  So, when Science curricula comes up on the TOS Crew Reviews, I usually try to jump on board.  I keep hoping to find a good fit.

I was glad to see my name come out on the list for Christian Kids Explore Physics.  Upon first glance, I liked the set up.  And several weeks into it, I still like the layout and flow of it.  The lessons are a nice length.  Each is set up with the same basic format.
 - The lesson
 -  A Bible verse
 - Some vocabulary words in the sidebars
 - Fill-in-the-blank review questions
 - An activity of some sort

I like that each lesson has an activity at the end.  They are simple and easy to set up.  Sometimes it is a word find.  Sometimes it involves a small research topic.  And other times, it is a simple experiment such as weighing and measuring.

This book makes Physics a do-able topic for lower grade levels, whereas it is usually thought of as a high school level course.  It starts at the very basic levels of matter and atoms and works its way up.  I would say that my 7th grader understands it better than my 4th grader.  But I'm okay with that.  My 4th grader is still learning and touching on some higher level topics and when the topics are re-introduced to her in a few years, it will already be a little familiar.  The activities are right on level for both my daughters, from looking up characteristics of elements to word searches of key vocabulary words.

The resource CD includes the Student Activity Book, so you can print out the required pages.  It also has a supply list for upcoming experiments and a lesson plan schedule, based on 2 days a week for 30 weeks.  It is a nice addition to the curriculum, and it is nice that it is included with the book for free.

I like the curriculum and plan to keep using it with both of my daughters.


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Disclaimer: I received this product free of charge to review, as part of the TOS Homeschool Crew. The above is just my opinion. Please remember that opinions may, and do, vary.