Apologia Educational Ministries has long been known for their science curricula. Their reputation is well deserved. They are Biblical, thorough, and enjoyable. We are currently using our fifth book from the Young Explorer Series by Jeannie Fulbright. When we were given the opportunity to review Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy & Physiology, I jumped on it.
The text ($39.00) can be read aloud or read by your learner. This does not read like your typical text book. It is very conversational and enjoyable to read. We have especially enjoyed the Scripture references throughout the lessons. It seems there are more in this title than in the others we have done. Science is one of the subjects we study together, so I read most of our lessons aloud. There is an accompanying audio ($29.00) version (mp3 on CD) available that we listened to from time to time as well – especially on the days Mama was fighting a cold. This is a great option for those who spend time in the car or have an audio learner. This would also help a learner be more independent if their reading is not on level with this text. The audio option is currently only available for this title of the series, but others will be added in the future. The audio is also available in a 9-CD unabridged set ($39.00)
I love how the layout of the lessons has built-in points for narration. I can simply read the narration prompts or questions as written or use them as a guide for our own conversations. Also throughout the lessons are “Try This” blocks of quick, hands-on opportunities to illustrate something from the lesson. For my younger tag-along learners this always seems to come at the perfect time to keep them involved as well. Using friction to demonstrate the need for lubrication in our joints or an exercise to illustrate how your muscles become tired are just two examples. At the end of the lesson is the project or experiment. I have started leaving myself a post-it note earlier in the text. Just because the project is at the end of the lesson doesn’t mean it is always best to wait until you have reached the end to begin it.
The projects and experiments have been the highlight for my children. I make sure to have everything ready to go and then call everyone to the kitchen counter (where all the “fun school” happens). Thus far, the supplies have all been something we have had on hand or easily obtained from the grocery store. There are kits available with all or most of the supplies needed. These kits come from other sources at various prices. The only thing I see us needing to order is a blood-typing kit. Apologia has this available on their website for $14.00.
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| The edible cell |
The Notebook Journal ($24.00) has always been a nice companion for the science texts. For this particular title, I think it is a must. The overlays for building your Personal Person are not to be missed. We often just use the notebook pages you can access free from the course page on the Apologia website. The Human Anatomy and Physiology Notebook Journal (or junior version $24.00) are something even this frugal mama sees as well worth the money. Besides the Personal Person, you will find notebook pages for narration, various vocabulary/comprehension pages, a mini-book of some sort for each lesson and a page for the results of the experiment or activity. A schedule is given, complete with page numbers for reading and the journal pages that go along.
The schedule included in the Notebook Journal is set up for two days a week to cover a lesson in two weeks. This has been a great pace for us. The Human Anatomy & Physiology text is intended for the older elementary ages. It has been right on target for my advanced 3rd grader, 4th grader and 6th grader. The younger siblings in 1st, early K and newly 3 are tagging along – for now. I can see that future lessons may start going over their heads and I won’t expect the to participate with us. We’ll play that by ear, I know of other families whose younger elementary age learners have kept up just fine.
One of my favorite resources to use along with the Young Explorer Series of Exploring Creation with ____ by Jeannie Fulbright is the Yahoo group. Families are asking questions and sharing with each other how these lessons look in their homes. Mrs. Fulbright is active on this group as well. I love that the author of the curriculum is part of the conversations – answering questions, seeking feedback, etc.
Other Schoolhouse Review Crew members received this or one of the three Zoology texts. Be sure to check out all the reviews!
