My children are always humming, singing snatches of a hymn or song, or saying, "This song keeps running through my head!" So...why not have Life Science concepts running through their heads?
These "singing science texts" come in three volumes. Volume 1 is a general life science overview covering an assortment of topics including the scientific method, characteristics of living things, vascular plants, algae, fungi and non vascular plants, invertebrates, cold-blooded vertebrates, birds, genetics, and microscopic organisms. [In 2010, the publishers updated Vol. 1 with two new songs, one about cell organelles, and one about protists. Visit their website at http://www.lyricallearning.com/vol1download.html for the free update that includes the songs, updated text and workbook pages!] Volume 2 covers mammals, ecology, and biomes. Volume 3 is The Human Body. Lyrics are sung to old, familiar tunes, traditional, patriotic songs or songs you used to sing around the campfire (no rock or rap here).
The complete program includes the text, CD, and reproducible workbook. Each chapter in the text begins with a song. Memorization of scientific terms and concepts should be fairly painless as students sing such memorable lyrics as (to the tune of "Clementine," "Man-y crea-tures have different fea-tures, Yet all have a common trait:, With no back-bone, They are all known, To be called in-ver-te-brate." Texts are of fair size (about 90 pgs each) and follow up the lyrical learning with a some informative textual content.
The reproducible workbook has exercises to reinforce the lyrics and textual information and ensure comprehension of the material. The first exercise in each chapter set has students fill in missing keywords from the lyrics. The second quizzes on information from the chapter. This exercise varies somewhat in format. The third exercise is in short answer/essay format and concludes with some "Digging Deeper" questions which require some critical thinking. A complete answer key is provided at the back of the workbook.
While the content is roughly equivalent to a year's curriculum (especially at the lower grades), the publisher recommends supplementing this program with hands-on activities and "field trips". Learning basic biology just got a little easier...