Exploring Creation With Astronomy

Description

Now in the 2nd edition, chapters include, "What is Astronomy?," "The Sun," "Mercury," "Venus," "Earth," "The Moon," "Mars," "Space Rocks," "Jupiter," "Saturn," "Uranus," "Neptune," "Kuiper Belt and the Dwarf Planets," and "Stars, Galaxies, and Space Travel." Chapters 11-14 are where you see a change in the chapter sequence from the first edition. There are still interesting activities and projects including a model solar system made of balloons, pinhole eclipse viewing box, making a compass, understanding the moon phases, and creating an astrometer. The text is formatted differently from first edition - it begins with an explanation of the text, activities, course website, and the notebooking journals in clear bold print. Each lesson is full of new photography and illustrations and interspersed with scripture. Blue "Think about this" and "Wisdom from Above" boxes give special attention to the Creator, and questions are scattered throughout. Activities for each lesson include instructions and illustrations. Every chapter is rounded out with "What do you Remember?" for review. Appendices include a lesson-by-lesson supply list for hands-on activities and an answer key for "What do you Remember?" questions.

The Astronomy 1st/2nd edition supply kit from Nature's Workshop still contains the supplies for all of the activities which are printed in the text.

Notebooking journals (sold separately) are now in full color and color-coordinated. Notebooking Journals are for mid- to upper-elementary students who can write independently. Junior Notebooking Journals are for early elementary students or those who are still developing writing skills. These feature activities that require less handwriting and more coloring. A suggested schedule is provided at the beginning, with 71 daily assignments, and the lists have items listed in 3 different colors - green for textbook reading assignments, and blue for notebook assignments. Pages in the Notebooking Journals are formatted for students to answer questions and complete activities. A review of the inner planets now follows Lesson 8, review of the outer planets follows Lesson 12, and a final review follows lesson 14. "Take it Further" pages are now drawing, making lists of books you've read, movies you've watched, additional experiments you may have completed, and making scrapbooking pages. Copywork is still included and coloring pages in the junior notebooking journals. Answer keys are provided for vocabulary crossword puzzles and final review questions.

For audio learners, consider adding the MP3 CD audiobook which features a reading from the textbook. Labs and activities require a mix of household, craft and science supplies. You can gather these yourself, or opt for a convenient Lab Kit packaged by Nature’s Workshop. If you’re looking for more hands-on activities, consider the Activity Guide which includes all labs from the textbook, plus 21 more activities.

The Textbook and Regular Notebooking Journal have been reprinted with new, updated covers. The content is essentially the same except the reference to the Astronomy Lab Kit has been removed. At this time, the Junior Notebook has not been updated.

Because of the content changes, 1st edition products are not compatible with the 2nd edition.

~ Donna

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.