All you have to do is look in our schoolroom and it will be obvious to you that Science is one of our favorite disciplines – microscopes and experiment materials, chemistry sets, rock collections, and a large variety of prepared slides all have a home on our bookcases. I absolutely believe the best way to learn about science is to experience it, plus it’s just FUN! After reading through and completing some of the activities in Big Bible Science from Christian Focus, I can confidently say it is a great addition to any homeschool library.
About this resource…
Big Bible Science by Erin Lee Green is a 96 page book recommended for ages 5-11. You will need to read the material with or to your younger child, but older kids can read through and complete most of the activities independently. BBS contains material for 21 topical studies:
- Gravity
- Newton’s First Second and Third Laws of Motion
- Co–efficient of Friction
- Static Electricity
- Acid Base Taste Test
- Combustion Reactions
- Plant Requirements
- Lunar Craters
- Water Cycle
- Angle of the Sun’s Rays
- Basic Animal Classification
- Field Trip: The Zoo
- Nervous System
- Muscles
- Bones
- Respiratory System
- Circulatory System
- Digestive System
- Urinary System
Each chapter or topic includes objectives, material lists, a “Big Idea”, activities and experiments, application, and optional “Go Beyond” recommendations for more advanced students. What really makes this volume unique is it’s heavy focus on tying Bible study into science study.
The “Big Idea” in each topic gives a scientific explanation of each concept, then ties in a Biblical perspective and a memory verse. For example, in one of the topics we studied: Water Cycle, we discussed God’s promises, why water is important to all life on Earth, the steps of the water cycle, and how God has control over all of it. Then we read a Bible story taken from 1 Kings 17-18 which related directly to what we had discussed.
There are 2-3 experiments included for each topic covered in Big Bible Science. For example, in the water cycle lesson we completed a project recreating a water cycle in a bowl. Then we learned a poem to help us remember the steps of the water cycle. In the Go Beyond section, we completed an experiment comparing the rate of evaporation in different conditions. We also discussed water usage and brainstormed ideas for conserving water.
Completing all the activities in the water cycle section really helped my kiddos understand and retain what they learned and reinforced how important the water cycle is – both in a scientific way and a Biblical way!
Our Experience
We love completing hands-on activities together as a family. The lessons we completed from Big Bible Science had something for each of my boys ages 6, 11, and 17. They were able to be completed in a minimal amount of time. Including the reading and discussion, we spent no more than about 30 minutes on each topic (not including observation time for experiments that required more time to get results). Most of the materials required we already had on hand and there wasn’t a lot of prep – just gathering everything before we sat down to begin. We all really enjoyed using this resource!
If you want to read more reviews of this and other books from Christian Focus, make sure to head on over to the Crew blog to see what other homeschooling families have to say!
