Go Science DVDs - A Review

Go Science DVDs - " Every time we learn something about SCIENCE, we learn something about our CREATOR GOD!" - Ben Roy

$47.95 for a set of 6 
$8.97 each
Suggested age range of 6 to 14 

Many other great items are available at Library & Educational Services, such as Adventures in Odyssey and Focus on the Family. 
Library and Educational Services offers "great quality at great prices".  It is the perfect  place for homeschoolers on a budget to find just the right the right item at just the right price. 

 Library & Educational Services asked us to review 2 of the Go Science DVDs.  I chose "Volume 1, Motion - Discovering the Laws of Gravity and Motion" . . . and       . . ."Volume 3, Magnetism, Electricity, Engineering, and Design".

About the series, from the website:

"These episodes were originally produced for a religious television show (WTVC Newschannel 9 Science Theater).

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Even kids who claim an aversion to science will be engaged by the high-energy science demonstrations of Ben Roy! Ben teaches science methods at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and is the former director of a science program on television. With this expertise, Ben captivates, motivates, and inspires students to be excited about science, while providing effective instruction based on science phenomena. Each spectacular demonstration of physical or chemical science has a spiritual application and points to our Creator!
More information about Ben Roy can be found on his website www.gosciencezone.com and Facebook."




 

OUR THOUGHTS:
When it comes to science and history, I prefer not to use textbooks, when at all possible.  I like to use living books, biographies, documentaries,  museums, etc.  A DVD full of science experiments is a great fit for our learning style.



The experiments on these videos were originally produced to be aired one at a time on television; the experiments range from 3 to 6 minutes.

 DVD #1 (Motion) has a running time of 29 minutes and includes the following experiments:

• Ring and Chain
• Gyroscope
• Newtonian Cradle
• Frisbee
• Egg Spin
• Inertia
• Ball, Ring, and Sphere

DVD #3 (Magnetism/Electricity) has a running time of 54 minutes and includes the following experiments:

• Monster Magnets
• A/C Electromagnet
• D/C Electromagnet
• Making a Compass
• Static Electricity
• Light Bulb
• Jacob's Ladder
• Conductivity
• Solar Energy
• Tesla Coil
• Color
• Cut Paper Halves
• Heat Engine
• Plastic Pre Forms

 Ben Roy has an obvious love of God and science and enjoys sharing both with children.  The videos are filmed with a live audience of children of varying ages.  Children are called up to help with the experiments and observations.  Ben energetically shares a science lesson and then connects it back to God.  He ends each segment with the motto, " Every time we learn something about SCIENCE, we learn something about our CREATOR GOD!"

Some experiments can be repeated at home.  Others cannot.  Regardless, your child can enjoy and learn from the presented scientific principles just from observing Mr. Roy's lessons. It will peak interest.  It is up to you what you choose to do with it.  Whether finding related experiments to try at home, watching further documentaries about the topic, checking out books on the subject at the library.  View these videos as a springboard to get the discussion started; it is up to you where you jump off.


I appreciated that these videos were filmed with a Christian perspective.  It is difficult to find science videos that aren't peppered with references to evolution and old-age theories.  This is important to my homeschool.  Although it is unavoidable at times, it is always a welcomed relief, when it isn't an issue.  Science is about God's creation; I appreciate Ben Roy giving God the credit and glory.


I will say that I think the recommended age range is high.  The topics will be of interest to a 14 year old.  But more than likely, a 14 year old will find the host's presentation too "kiddie-ish" for their tastes.  Ben Roy is very peppy and energetic and basically talks like I would talk to my preschooler through the whole lesson. Granted, he is trying to show just how exciting science can be.  But the set-up and excitement level made me think of the classic "Howdy-Doody" show.  This learning style works great if your children are in the early elementary years.  But you may get some eye-rolling if your kids are past that age.  Watch the sample video to get a feel for it.


My 13 and 10 year old daughters did find the topics and experiments of interest; I did as well.  But they felt the show was too "kiddie-ish" for their tastes.  My 3 year old daughter enjoyed it and I'm sure she would for several more years.  I would recommend the DVDs for up to about age 8 or 9.



Read more reviews here.

 
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.