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Good Science Workshop DVD (Hands-On Science for K-6 Based on the Six Days Of Creation) Review by Donna Campos

By Mr. Fred Willson
The Institute for Creation Research
20506 Delks Drive
Marengo, IL 60152
847-322-6167
http://www.davescreationresources.com/

Good Science Workshop is a 75-minute DVD that comes with a 33-page soft-cover video guide. Conveniently sized at just smaller than 7" x 4" inches, the video guide fits neatly into the clips inside the DVD case. The video is a lecture-style presentation by Mr. Fred Willson, who freely interacts with his audience. The workshop includes more than 20 easy-to-do science experiments and demonstrations. The attendees shown on the video are seated at tables, and they have supplies for the experiments within bags for use. As the instructor moves through activities, items necessary for the experiments are shown in a close-up view on a PowerPoint display so that viewers understand what is required. Then experiments are completed with a step-by-step demonstration. The DVD could easily be used in a homeschool setting. It is also appropriate for use with Sunday School groups, vacation Bible schools, Christian camps, or homeschool co-ops.

The experiments on the DVD are fun and appropriate for all ages. Some supplies are uncommon (such as a filaree seed or wild oat seeds), while others are more common, like a Mason jar lid. The Guide Booklet includes "A Word About Education," with tips for parents in their teaching overall. It also has a chart listing God's attributes with definitions. A list of experiments is provided, along with the science topic referenced for each. And there is a list of key concepts and questions to ask students during the experiments.

The live workshop itself is obviously a little outdated, as seen by the general dress of participants, but it becomes an issue when information is outdated as well. At one point, the video states that there are 72 elements. As of this review, Wikipedia states, "In total, 118 elements have been observed as of March 2010, of which 94 occur naturally on earth." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_element) Thankfully, the Internet makes it easy to verify facts of this nature, as they change regularly. The sound quality of the program could use better clarity, as it picks up quite a bit of the group noise and a bit of large empty gymnasium sound. But overall, this aspect didn't cause any loss of information. We really enjoyed the example of using gravity to understand freedom within God's rules. And no child, or adult for that matter, should miss the wonder God built into a filaree seed--one of the many things I never learned in school! Wonderful opportunities for serious consideration of God and His attributes are expertly woven into this DVD and its experiments.

Scientific experimentation can be one of the most intimidating parts of homeschooling. The Good Science Workshop DVD is an excellent resource that helps build confidence on the part of parent-teachers as they have the experiments so clearly performed for their use. The foundation of the six days of Creation is a wonderful way to first introduce experimentation as well as hands-on science for children. Our family enjoyed this DVD tremendously and will repeatedly come back to it.

Product review by Donna Campos, Senior Product Reviewer, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, March 2010

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