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Christian Kids Explore Biology, published by Bright Ideas Press, is a one-year science curriculum, divided into 8 Units and 35 weekly lessons. Written for grades 3-6, it can easily be adapted for students a bit older or younger. Ben is able to work through these science books mostly independently, as long as I gathered needed supplies for him ahead of time.
The Units covered in this curriculum include:
- Biology Basics
- Plants in God’s World
- Birds of the Earth
- Mammals in the Wild
- The Human Factor
- Reptile All Around
- Insects High and Low
- Water Creatures
One of my favorite things about this curriculum is that things area laid out in easy, bite-sized pieces. The lessons all begin with “Teaching Time”, an explanation of the week’s information, written directly to the student. Next comes “Hands-On Time” which includes some kind of hands-on activity or experiment (like making a model of a cell with Jell-o, M&Ms and licorice), with options for younger students. Within the book for the “Hands-on Time” you’ll find a materials list, clear, concise, easy-to-follow directions. Lastly, there is an time for written evaluation. All of these lessons are meant to be spread out over the course of a week, though we tend to just do organized science once a week. It is quite adaptable for our preferences.
Peppered throughout is scripture and vocabulary. Also included, and a very big plus for us, is a unit-by-unit book list. Since we always have a book basket going related to what we are studying, I love this. Without the added the books, I would not have found this curriculum meaty enough for Ben’s insatiable love for science. At the end of each unit is “Show What You Know” which can be used as a unit test or to review. In the appendix you’ll find lists and scripture for memorization, an ABC Animal Book to create, recipes and printables. Lessons are short, fun, and interesting.
Christian Kids Explore Biology is written from a young earth, unabashedly Biblical worldview. There are no worries about anything your child will read in this book, not even in the “Human Body” unit. Even books are pretty carefully selected, though I didn’t read them all.
If you are looking for a Bible-based, easy-to-use, hands-on, Charlotte Mason-friendly biology curriculum for elementary-aged students, you will not be disappointed in Christian Kids Explore Biology.
You can purchase Christian Kids Explore Biology for $34.95 on the Bright Ideas Press website.
We have also used Christian Kids Explore Chemistry and have been equally as pleased with it. Other members of the Homeschool Crew reviewed it, as well as Physics and Earth and Space. To see what they thought, click over to the Homeschool Crew blog.
Disclaimer: As a member of the TOS Crew, I received this product, at no cost to me, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are those of myself and/or my son.
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