Field guides are usually not fun to look at, but this book is done in the same fun manner as Periodic Table: Elements with Style? An introduction gives a brief explanation of geology and Charles Lyell, the grandfather of geology. The book is then divided into 8 chapters of rocks, minerals, and fossils - Sedimentary and Stylish, Molten Maniacs, The Metamorphics, Shock and Ore, Mineral Gang, The Purists, Little Gems, and Fossils. Each chapter begins with an explanation for that group and shows a pictorial listing of the items in that chapter. A two-page spread is dedicated to each specimen in the chapter one page of information and an illustrated picture on the second. The information offered includes a description of the element, how it is formed, mineral composition, hardness, grain size, color, and other interesting facts. A large part of the description is done in first person as if the specimen was speaking, and the picture has human-like features (face, legs, arms, etc.) to help you get a feel for the personality of that particular specimen and make it easier to remember the names of each. The glossary at the back of the book offers short, simple definitions for geology related words, and a Mohs scale poster is included which features 10 of the characters from the book to represent the levels of hardness. This book will be a 'gem' of a resource as your students learn about rocks and minerals. This book does make reference to millions of years in a couple of places. ~ Donna
Basher Science: Rocks and Minerals
Description
Basher Science: Rocks and Minerals
is a compelling guide to a community of characters who come together to create the foundations of our planet. Unlock the mysteries of the ground beneath our feet, from the difference between sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, to the origins of rocks that help fuel nuclear power stations. Learn how the island of Surtsey was created from a volcanic eruption in just a few days, and which mineral can be found on Mars.
Finally, discover how rocks and minerals form essential parts of our daily lives: sparkly diamond earrings, copper wires, graphite pencils and even in talcum powder.
Basher's unique illustrations combine with chatty, first-person text by expert author Dan Green to hook even the most reluctant readers and help them to understand the science behind the headlines.
Sassafras Science Adventures is a fun, Charlotte Mason-inspired, hands-on science program from the publisher of Elemental Science. It follows the Sassafras Twins on exciting around-the-world adventures with their eccentric Uncle Cecil and his lab assistant, a prairie dog named President Lincoln. Through an engaging story, children discover that science is anything but boring!
The premise is simple: read a story, perform experiments, and keep a log. This living books approach combines rich narration, real experiments, notebooking, copywork, and discussion to help students develop a genuine love for science while building strong observation and thinking skills. It works especially well for multi-age learning.
Sassafras Science Curriculum Components
Each semester-long Adventure requires three core components:
- Reader: The heart of the program, it is a lively story that carries the science lessons as the twins travel and explore.
- Guide: Provides chapter summaries, discussion questions, vocabulary, encyclopedia suggestions, experiment instructions, copywork & dictation, additional activities, and more. Includes an appendix with reproducible pages for family use.
- Scidat Logbook: A consumable student notebook where children record observations, color maps, draw illustrations, complete copywork/dictation, and document experiments and projects. The Logbook becomes a beautiful record of your child’s journey!
The Scidat Logbook is not reproducible, so you’ll need one per child. A fair amount of writing is involved, making this program slightly more intensive than some other Charlotte Mason-style science curricula. Younger children may need parental help.
Available Adventures by Volume
- Volume 1: Zoology
- Volume 2: Anatomy
- Volume 3: Botany
- Volume 4: Earth Science
- Volume 5: Geology
- Volume 6: Astronomy
- Volume 7: Chemistry
Sassafras Science is an excellent choice for families who want living-books science that is engaging, memorable, and gently rigorous. It’s perfect for fostering a true love for science in a multi-age homeschool!
Browse all Sassafras Science Adventures, including Readers, Guides, Scidat Logbooks, and complete Sets below!
| Product Format: | Softcover Book |
|---|---|
| Grades: | 5-9 |
| Brand: | Kingfisher |
| Author: | Dan Green |
| ISBN: | 9780753481042 |
| Length in Inches: | 7 |
| Width in Inches: | 7 |
| Height in Inches: | 0.4375 |
| Weight in Pounds: | 0.6 |