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Energy: Elementary Physics, Forces & Motion: Elementary Physical Science, and Matter: Elementary Chemistry (Student Journals and Teacher's Guides) Review by Karen Yuen

By Tom DeRosa and Carolyn Reeves
Master Books
PO Box 726
Green Forest, AR 72638
http://www.masterbooks.com/

Finally, a creation-based science series for elementary students that is fun to use and simple to teach! Master Books has published a great series that covers physics (energy), physical science (forces and motion), and chemistry (matter). For each title in the series, a Student Journal and Teacher Guide are available.

The texts are full of colorful pictures and simple experiments that use common household items. Also, since these books are designed for elementary students, they don't seem overwhelmingly long or complex. This is important, as this is the first exposure many younger students will have to these often complex branches of science! Instead of being overwhelmed, the students are intrigued and excited to learn more. The books are designed so that you can skip some lessons or learn a little about several branches of science each week! They are written in a very flexible and easy-to-use format.

Although these books are designed for 3rd through 6th grade students, I was able to adapt many of these experiments so that younger children could enjoy the study as well. Over 20 activities per study teach kids to apply scientific concepts to life. Most important, the lessons help ground the students' faith in God as they learn about His creation!

The chemistry book utilizes bubbles, heat, water, colors, and salt through interactive lessons to teach kids what things are made of, how they work, and where they came from. The physical science text highlights the science behind roller skating, skateboarding, and running. The physics book utilizes magnets, wind and wave energy, electricity, and even solar energy to firmly plant science understanding in young minds.

The Student Journals cleverly introduce the scientific method by providing worksheets on which students record observations and draw pictures of experiments. There's also a place for kids to write unsolved questions about each experiment, prompting further research!

The Teacher Guide, while not essential, provides a leg up for the non-scientific parent! It has an equally colorful, clean, and easy-to-follow format, but it provides all the answers and background information so that parents become experts overnight! The guide also provides creation information and Bible references, along with historical background on various scientists.

If you have younger learners, these books are well worth investigating. They can be used in any order that suits the interest of your students!

Product review by Karen Yuen, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, July 2010

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