Fulfilling the vision that middle school science should inspire discovery, follow the model of other scientists, and be enjoyable, this course prepares students for upper-level science through the lens of creation. The Student Reader is the heart of the program and contains the student readings, vibrant illustrations, a glossary, and a helpful “How to Use” guide for parents. It also includes a link and unique code to download the Lab Manual. This required resource contains all the reproducible resources necessary for the course. We do expect a printed (optional) Lab Manual to be available in the future, for families who desire a printed resource.
The Student Reader contains 32 lessons divided into 8 units. You will spend approximately 2-3 hours on each lesson. The author recommends that you cover one lesson per week, with a 4-day per week schedule. This is, however, flexible enough to meet your family’s needs. The Reader is well-illustrated with full-color illustrations, bold vocabulary words and marginal notes with the vocabulary word list, word origins, memory verse, and creation corner. The New American Standard Bible is utilized. Written to the student, the text is interesting, with clearly explained concepts and vocabulary. Topics covered include the scientific method, worldview, cells, mammals, reptiles, fish, amphibians, birds, mollusks, insects, the human body, the plant kingdom, fungi, Protista, and more. The topic of human reproduction is not included.
The included digital Lab Manual is where the learning happens! Along with a planning guide that includes a suggested daily guide and the list of additional materials for each weekly lesson, the Manual includes a place for students to write notes, define vocabulary words, perform a guided review of chapter concepts, research suggestions, consider hands-on activity suggestions, complete sketching pages, review sections with a quiz (odd numbered weeks) or a crossword puzzle (even numbered weeks), and two-semester tests. It also includes the answer key, optional coloring pages, and scripture memory cards. Most of the suggested activities include easily sourced items, although some science specific items are needed –for example, a butterfly garden. A comprehensive list is available in the Lab Manual or see the PDF on our website. Students will also need various sketching tools available for nearly every lesson, including pencils, colored pencils, a charcoal pencil, markers, etc. They will also need access to additional books, a science encyclopedia, and/or the internet (parental supervision is recommended). This is reproducible (or may be printed for additional children), by purchasing families.
Mystery of Science: Biology is a well-done, engaging introduction to a subject that is often considered a challenging high school course. Parents and students will appreciate how easy this course is to use, the colorful illustrations, and well-written text. Parents will appreciate the course’s flexibility which allows them to use it with children of different ages or abilities. An excellent option for families wanting to lay a strong biblical foundation in Biology. ~Deanne