Biology: Through a Microscope

Lab notebook.....pretty non-descriptive, unexciting, general term. Even evokes thoughts of empty pages waiting to be filled, seat work in the making.....and from a homeschool mom's perspective a possible fight waiting to happen since most of my children are kinetic learners who despise seatwork more than anything. Yet that is not what goes on here at all! No way. This book has children seeing God's intricate design in a whole new way. While exploring Science topics God's amazing character and love for His creation is front and center, through the microscope invites children into God's world - a part of the world that goes largely unseen by people. They are invited into a world that is smaller than they have known to see how the basic building blocks of life work together. My 4 year old was listening to conversation we were having about some of the lessons when she chimed in - "how amazing that God likes the tiny things that we can't see!!" Yes!! How amazing!! And how amazing that God uses all things, even the tiny to point to His creation and his character!! A must have for Science lovers!

Biology

BIOLOGY – Masterbooks. I had the amazing opportunity to review the Biology course for Masterbooks. This included the lab book, teacher book and student book. I was excited to see the addition of Biology to their already excellent Science rich curriculum. For me this is so important because in Science the tension between faith and “science” creates a constant testing ground for the faith of students. I often think of the movie “God’s not Dead” when thinking about Science, as well as my own experience in highschool over 20 years ago. Having a curriculum that clearly relates Science to the orderly character and nature of God is a great thing. While students learn about the amazing facets of Biology they are strengthened in their faith as they see the orderly world of God and the amazing handi-work of a Creator that is both personal and all-powerful. This careful examination of Science through the lense of faith is essential for students to begin to solidify their own Biblical-world view and to see how this world view influences every aspect of their thinking process. Scientific procedures and hypothesis always end up pointing back to a divine Creator. Masterbooks has once again worked with a writer to develop a comprehensive curriculum that will prepare students for the University level work that will be required of them post graduation. The scope and sequence is clearly laid out with recommendations for extra material and all the experiments. The extra kit for experiments can be ordered – and I would highly recommend this for the added hands on experience that this will bring. Although, my grade 12 daughter was already doing Chemistry she has opted to start this in the new year to get ½ credit before graduating in June. As a parent I can’t say enough how much I appreciate the order of Masterbooks. You simply open up to the weekly planner and assign dates for completion and move on. At this point students are basically self-taught, or at least my students do their own study. However, It is easy enough for any parent to teach every lesson as well. Great job Masterbooks.