Tuesday

Apologia's Exploring Creation with Zoology: Land Animals of the Sixth Day {Review and GIVEAWAY!}



Our family has used the Apologia Exploring Creation Science series for years now and I haven't found one yet that my kids and I didn't like! This, however, is my first published review of this particular series but feel free to check out my review of Apologia's Writers in Residence program and Readers in Residence Program as well.

For science this upcoming year, we are using Land Animals of the Sixth Day. It is the third book in the zoology series, although you do not have to complete them in any particular order. (We haven't.) This unit study helps students learn about jungles, deserts, forests, farms and even their own backyard. My children chose this book for their science curriculum this year because they loved the idea of studying about animals whether they be monkeys, kangaroos, turtles,  dinosaurs and more.

How We Use This Series

Since we've used this biblically based science series for several years now, I'll tell you the different ways I've gone about it. Initially, we just used the hardcover textbook by itself. The textbook is written in an easy to understand, conversational manner and as if the teacher were talking to the student. It includes lots of color pictures, has a durable binding and provides great discussion questions to make sure children are comprehending what they are reading.





It is perfectly acceptable to purchase just the hardcover book without purchasing any additional materials. That is what I did when we were to new to the program and my children were younger. On that note, as they have gotten older, I started purchasing the Notebooking Journals that go along with each series. I feel that they have helped solidify what my children are learning by providing activities, review and discussion questions, etc. I do not test our children when they are younger with the exception of Math. Because of this, I think the notebooking journals provide an excellent way to assess what my children are comprehending. Because of that, we have used the Notebooking Journals for the past two years and plan to continue to do so.

That being said, if you have a child in the younger elementary years, you don't NEED to purchase a notebooking journal. But, if you have the money AND you have a child that likes cutting, gluing, coloring and discussing questions with you, and you like to keep a record of what they have learned, then the journal  will not disappoint. It's also handy to have if your state requires periodic updates to see how your homeschooler is progressing. 

I will be using Land Animals of the Sixth Day with my rising 6th grader, 4th grader and Kindergartner. Because of that, we are using the Notebooking Journals for the two older children and the Junior Notebooking Journal for our Kindergartner. My soon to be Kindergartner loved his Journal so much that as soon as we got it in the mail he started taking it places with him so he could color the pictures. 

Here are some snapshots to give you a peak at what is covered in each Journal style.



Notebooking Journal



Junior Notebooking Journal

In addition to the Notebooking Journal and textbook, you also have the option to purchase the CD-Rom. I have not utilized this feature in the past. However, I think it's a great option and I'm planning to use it this year for a couple of reasons. For one, I am a busy mom of five children, four of whom will be in school this year. I have felt pulled is so many different directions just trying to make sure that everyone is getting all the attention that they need for school (and life). 😜 That being said, the CD-Rom will allow me to have someone else read the textbook to them. The last several years my older children have always had the responsibility of reading their science lesson out loud to the younger child(ren) that is also in that level. But, with the CD-Rom option it takes that burden off of the older child to read (it's just a nice break!!). It's recommended that the student have the textbook with them while listening to the CD-Rom so that they can see the pictures that the author is referring to. 

I definitely don't plan to have the CD-Rom ever replace the book though because it's easier to take on the go (what homeschooler doesn't do lessons in the car??), it provides fantastic pictures to help visual learners and when it comes time for the review sections in the notebooking journal it's kind of a must have. Plus, you really need the book to refer to pictures and examples that the author touches on on the CD-Rom.

Who Is This Series For?


This series is a great fit for children in Kindergarten through Sixth Grade. But the topics are interesting and engaging enough that my 7th grader said he wouldn't mind continuing to use this series for science. But, to help prepare him for higher level learning, he's currently finishing up Apologia's General Science program

GIVEAWAY!





So, who wants a chance to win a course from the Young Explorer Series??? The winner will receive the textbook, Notebook (in the level you need) and an Audio CD. Enter the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win!




Are you looking for ways to improve your health? Then I'd love to have you join me in my private Facebook group called Bridging the Gap. Also, be sure to check out my "Bee Kind" nature based character development unit and my ebooks as well: A Wife's Guide to Studying ProverbsTopical Devotions for Pregnancy and Early Potty Teaching. Or, if you're looking for a way to get 30 raw fruits and vegetables in your diet every day, contact me here

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