Exploring Creation With General Science

Description

Designed as a student’s first middle school science course, Exploring Creation with General Science by Apologia teaches the three branches of science while guiding students in the development of independent learning skills. Within the three branches, students study astronomy, geology, paleontology, meteorology, oceanography, marine science, life science, environmental science, and a basic overview of chemistry, physics, and biology. The history of science, scientific inquiry and the scientific method, documenting and interpreting experimental results, and scientific analysis are also covered.  A biblical worldview is emphasized through the scripture references (NIV/NLT), creation connections, and the stories of scientists who believe the study of science declares the glory of God. Anatomy is not covered to prevent overlap of content from the Young Explorer Anatomy and Physiology course.

Exploring Creation with General Science contains 14 modules (chapters), with a suggested 4 day per week schedule. Each module will take 2 - 2 ½ weeks to complete, with the student spending one hour per day studying science. A suggested daily schedule is found in the companion Student Notebook. According to the publisher, 3 components are required: the Student Textbook, Student Notebook, and Solutions Book with Test Pages. Optional supplements are also available, including an MP3 Audio CD and a Video Instruction Thumb Drive. All components are sold individually or in one of several convenient sets below. Experiments and activities are integral to learning in this course. Numerous household items and science supplies are needed to complete all labs in the course; you may opt to gather these yourself or purchase the convenient Lab Kit from Nature’s Workshop Plus, which includes most of the necessary items.
Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.