Bright Ideas Press—Christian Kids Explore Physics

 

• Bright Ideas Press
• Christian Kids Explore Physics 2nd Edition
• Book includes a CD with all student worksheets for printing
• Grades 4-8
• $39.95

Bright Ideas Press is a curriculum company that promises to publish Christian-oriented curriculum that will fit into a busy life. Their focus is on affordable, easy-to-use, multiple age products. T

Last year I had the privilege of reviewing two of their products, A Young Scholar’s Guide to Composers and WonderMaps. We thoroughly enjoyed those programs and were very excited to have an opportunity to review their science curriculum.

Christian Kids Explore Physics (taken from the website)

The universe that we live in is the result of God’s thoughtful design and careful building. Physics gives us a glimpse into the materials, laws, and structures of that universe. Behold the wonders of creation with this series of 30 easy-to-understand lessons for grades 4-8. Each lesson helps develop an understanding of matter and energy and the rules they follow. Exploring physics is an exciting adventure!

There are also other topics besides Physics in the Christian Kids Explore Science series. Available are Chemistry, Earth and Space, and Biology.

 

ClarkClan Thoughts

We had just finished up our science curriculum when we received this review. Ben, Rebekah and I were very excited to get started. This curriculum was very easy to begin.

The curriculum is divided into Units and Lessons. There are 30 Lessons divided into 6 Units. Each lesson has two parts, a Teaching Time and a Hands on Time. We followed the Lesson plans that are included in the book. We did the Teaching Time one day, then the Hands on Time the next. I would read the Teaching Time out loud to Ben and Rebekah and go over any vocabulary. Then I would give them their “Review It” worksheet to fill out on their own. If they needed help, I would let them read the chapter themselves to find the answers. At the end of each Unit is a “Show What You Know”. I would give them this to see what they had remembered, then we would go over it together and find what answers they missed.

The Hands on Time was Ben and Rebekah’s favorite part of the program. This is where mom would bog down a little, because I sometimes had to gather supplies I did not have on hand. It was well worth the effort, though, to get the proper supplies listed. (There is a sheet with all supplies needed for each lesson you can take to the store with you.) The Hands on Time cemented the Teaching Time and brought greater understanding of the lesson.

An example of this is when we made an atom. An atom is hard for kids to understand, but when we painted Styrofoam balls and put them together with straws, I could see the understanding as they explained to Dad and big brother Matthew what they had made. Then next lesson, they made a water molecule and then took to wondering how many water molecules would be needed for a drop of water. This is one aspect that I really liked about this program, my kids excited about what they were learning and telling others what they knew.

The focus on God as the creator of the world, truly came through with this curriculum. Each lesson a bible verse was given to go over that corresponded to the lesson theme. I found the creation references to mesh very well with the solid science presented.

This  curriculum has been a great fit for our family. It has a great mix of pencil work and hands on time. Rebekah has some trouble sitting still for long drawn out worksheets, but these provided  work that she could do in one sitting without being overwhelmed.  I have been trying to find things for her to practice finishing a worksheet on her own and this has really helped. Having a day of listening and then a day with a Hands- on activity was a great fit for both Ben and Rebekah.

I enjoyed using Christian Kids Explore Physics so much I plan to continue using it. Ben and Rebekah are learning and retaining the information presented as well as thoroughly enjoying the many Hands-on projects that go with each lesson. 

Read what my Crew Mates thought about the Christian Kids Explore Science Series. Visit the Crew Blog to get a thorough overview of all their science programs.

Disclaimer:  As an Independent contractor for The Old Schoolhouse and member of TOS Homeschool Crew I received  Christian Kids Explore Science: Physics  for free from Bright Ideas Press in exchange for my honest review of their product. All opinions given are mine and/or my children’s.