Exploring Creation with Astronomy
Homeschool astronomy is a wonderful way to learn about the the sun, the moon, and the stars. The fact that I can do that from a Biblical standpoint is a big bonus for me. So, as you can imagine, we are so excited to be able to review for you Exploring Creation with Astronomy, 2nd Edition from Apologia Educational Ministries. The kids and I have so enjoyed this review!
The Goodies of Our Homeschool Astronomy
We received from Apologia a gorgeous set of books! The Student TextBook, the Notebooking Journal, the Junior Notebooking Journal, and an MP3 Audio CD. Incredibly beautiful homeschool astronomy books; the student textbook is hardbound with a stunning image on the front, both of the journals for the kids are large spiral bound books with glossy card stock covers.
The Student TextBook 
This is the student textbook for the entire class. It has all of the text for the year, all of the activities listed, small tidbits of information and quotes throughout, and prompting questions. This book can be used by any student with a good vocabulary and reading skills. Otherwise this book is good for parents or teachers to read aloud. There is a total of 210 pages in the book, and it will cover an entire years worth of science.
The Notebooking Journal 
The Notebooking Journal is where the kids do all of their work for the class. Each journal is age appropriate. This Notebooking Journal is geared more for children that are able to read and follow directions. It has a bunch of spots for note and/or fact taking throughout the journal. This makes it seem less like work and more like putting your thoughts or ideas on paper.
Here are some of the fun pages that are included:
- lined pages for note taking
- copywork pages (print and cursive)
- crossword puzzles
- what I did pages
- what I learned pages
- doodle pages for drawings of the lesson
- scrapbook pages for the lesson
- comprehension questions with space for answers
The Junior Notebooking Journal
The Junior Notebooking Journal is very similar to the Notebooking Journal but better suited for younger children. This journal seems a better fit for younger elementary ages children. As some of the features would suggest a fledgling writer. The lined pages for writing out what they learned has larger lined with guides so help with handwriting skills. There are some of the same features as listed above but this Junior Notebooking Journal also features coloring pages.
The MP3 Audio Book
This is one of the neatest part of this set. We received a CD that is designed to be used via the computer. It can either be loaded into your iTunes account or listen to via the speakers on your computer. It is the complete audio recording of this astronomy course, as read by Jeannie Fulbright. A wonderful addition to this class for young learners or struggling learners. What an incredibly brilliant way to allow everyone included in this astronomy class!
How This Homeschool Astronomy Worked for Us
We were able to complete two full lessons during this review. Which allowed us to cover what astronomy actually is and then we learned all about the sun. Both of these lessons were fairly long, and took us days to complete. By following the suggested daily schedule this class could easily be completed within one school year. Depending on your child(ren) you may even be able to get it done sooner. There is an astounding amount of information in each lesson!
The activities are fun and easy to understand, which is a wonderful thing when it comes to teaching young children. Ana is almost 12 years old so she was able to follow the directions easily on her own. But Joseph, who is 8, needed some more one on one assistance with the activities. The enjoyed making their mini books and drawing out the solar system. Also using items to compare how large the sun is to Earth was one of the most fun activities we have done in the lessons.
The kids were so impressed by the amazing photos that are in the book as well as their respective journals. It was fascinating to watch their eyes light up when we discussed the size of Earth compared to the Sun. The language in the textbook made it vary easy to explain to the children what we were learning about. Often times we would wander down a path of discussion that wasn’t in the book but lead them to a better understanding of the text.
We are looking forward to completing the rest of this book and doing all of the activities that are listed. We are excited that we will be able to incorporate our Field Trip Journal in later lessons.
Visit my fellow Crew Members to see how this Homeschool Astronomy class worked for them:
Social Corner
Facebook: https://facebook.com/apologiaworld
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/apologiaworld
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/apologia/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apologiaworld/
If you are interested in more items from Apologia Educational Ministries, I have reviewed some of their other products. Feel free to visit the links below for more information about each product:
Writers in Residence
The Ultimate Homeschool Planner
Exploring Creation Field Trip Journal
iWitness Books
What on Earth Can I Do?
I hope you enjoyed this review and visit again soon to see what else the kids and I have to share with you.
In His Grace.
Callie
Leave a Reply