Homeschool Reviews

Christian Kids Explore Chemistry
Authors: Robert and Elizabeth Ridlon
Publisher: Bright Ideas Press
For more information or to order: www.homeschoolingfromtheheart.com

Christian Kids Explore Chemistry is the second in a series of excellent science courses for upper elementary and middle school students from Bright Ideas Press.  Written for 4th – 8th graders, this well-written course presents a solid introduction to this exciting field of science.  Actually, to say Christian Kids Explore Chemistry provides a solid introduction is an understatement.  In addition to the “basics” one might expect to find covered in a book for the target age group, the authors also cover more advanced topics that you would most likely not study until reaching the high school level.    

Christian Kids Explore Chemistry begins by covering topics such as the tools of chemists, measurement, mixtures, compounds and the period table.  It then moves on to lessons covering chemical bonds, formulas, chemical reactions, and acids and bases.  The final sections cover states of matter and organic chemistry.  All of the material is presented in an easy to understand, conversational tone.  I used this curriculum with my 12 year old son and, although some of the material was a bit challenging, we thoroughly enjoyed our year of science and we both learned a lot!

The book is organized into five units, which are further divided into 30 lessons.  We chose to do science two days per week, which is perfect for this course.  Each lesson has a “Teaching Time” which provides the text and vocabulary.  There is also a brief review section at the end of this part of the lesson. Older students will be able to read the lessons on their own, but you will most likely need to present the material in a more summarized format for younger students, especially when you get to the more advanced topics.  The second part of the lesson is the “Hands On Time.”  Of course, this will be any young chemist’s favorite part!  There are plenty of interesting experiments that use items you will most likely have easy access to at home or at the grocery store.  Students record observations and results in their book, or they can make their own lab notebook.  In addition to the experiments, there are also other projects such as creating a set of cards for the periodic table of elements, building models of molecules, word searches, coloring sheets for younger children and more.  The final part of each lesson is the “Think About It” section.  We usually complete this part orally, though you could photocopy the page and use it as a lesson quiz.  At the end of each of the five units, there is a multiple choice “Unit Wrap Up.”

Christian Kids Explore Chemistry has definitely been written with busy moms in mind. The authors have provided an extensive glossary, a complete answer key and a lesson-by lesson-list of suggested supplemental reading or viewing materials to further enhance your study.  At the beginning of each unit there is a list of all of the items need for that unit’s hands-on activities.  In addition to the engaging text, there are also interesting side bar notes, related Scriptures, quotes and websites for further investigation. 

With easy to teach lessons that can be used to teach multiple children at the same time, Christian Kids Explore Chemistry combines a comfortable structure that many desire with plenty of flexibility for tailoring the program to fit each family’s homeschool style.

Making the grade: A
Cost: $29.95
Value for your homeschool dollar: 10