Friday, April 13, 2012

Review: Christian Kids Explore Chemistry



If there is one thing that excites me, it's seeing Bright Ideas Press on our list of possible reviews.  I have a few of their products and I love them all.  I was practically giddy when I learned that I was getting the opportunity to review one of their science products from the Christian Kids Explore series.

About the Christian Kids Explore series


The award winning series includes four books that cover one year of Biology, Earth & Space, Chemistry, and Physics.  Designed to be used twice a week, these books are specifically tailored to the homeschool audience - multi-grade, easy prep, and a combination of reading/research and hands-on projects.  

Our Experience


We were given the chance to use the PDF version Chemistry program.  I don't believe that the PDF version is currently available for purchase yet but I hear it's in the works.  It's worth the wait.

I love the way they set up the program via the PDF.   It so user friendly and easy to navigate.  Instead of having having to scroll your way through the book they offer this handy dandy resource CD so all that you can find what you need with just a simple click.  Just check out this screen shot.  They are genius!!  I heart the set-up.  A lot!
Love!!!
The lesson plans themselves were my next favorite thing.  They include memory work, review items, required reading, supplemental reading, vocabulary, hands-on projects with materials list.  All neatly organized on one page.  So fabulous!!

Christian Kids Explore Chemistry is made up of five units with 5 lessons per unit.  Near the end of the study there is a wonderful literature guide for the book, Piece of the Mountain.  I love using literature to help cement concepts.
Reproducibles include Review It! pages, Activity charts, follow up questions, and coloring pages.

 The text itself is well written and easy to understand. The lessons were short and informative.  My daughter looked forward the readings and often volunteered read them on her own. LOL No my dear, I can't review it if I'm not involved.

Supplies needed to complete the hands-on portion were easy for this hate-to-find-supplies momma to find.  Yay!  The directions were clear and we were able to complete them without any problems.  The only thing I would've liked to have seen was a section that explained what we were supposed to see.  There was one activity in particular where we questioned whether our results were correct and could've used some further explanation.

Separating compounds

Learning about the periodic table

All-in-all, we were very pleased with this product.  We were only able to complete the first unit during the review period and are thinking about finishing it up at a faster pace this summer.  I think the idea of Mackenzie having a bit of a chemistry background before she hits high school.   

F.Y.I.


Website:
main site  http://www.brightideaspress.com/
Chemistry page https://www.brightideaspress.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=6_54&products_id=98
Age Range: Fourth through Eighth grade
Price:  $39.95 for printed text
Samples:  Text, Table of Contents, Materials List

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Disclaimer:  I received a free download of this product for review purposes.  All opinions are my own or that of my daughter.

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