Review: A Journey Through Learning

Do you enjoy lapbooking?  Have you ever even heard of lapbooking?  I discovered it many years ago and I've always thought it was a great way to learn.  A Journey Through Learning offers a multitude of lapbooks that you can use with your students.  I was given 4 lapbooks for this review and expected to complete just one, but we've actually finished two so I will share both.  We did Letters, Numbers and Shapes ,which is for ages 3-5 and The Earth, for grades 1-4.

A Journey Through Learning was created by two homeschooling moms, Nancy and Paula.  Take a moment to read their touching story.  If you are not familiar with lapbooking you may wish to watch these how to videos.

Letters, Numbers and Shapes is a 51 page pdf document with printable mini-books and activities to do with your younger children.  There are several booklets for tracing letters on the outside then copying the same letter under a flap on the inside, there is an ice cream cone triangle book, a firetruck rectangle book, number writing, a one-to-one correspondence activity with cards for matching numbers to objects, a booklet for matching capital and lowercase letters and more.

covers of the lapbooks Ellie and Connor made

You could choose to complete a booklet each day and have enough for about 4 school weeks.  We chose to just keep working on several books at a time and had this completed in about a week.  The end of the e-book contains 9 pages of finger plays, letter activities, poems, things to do with letters, learning about shapes with food.  There are lots of fun ideas in here to keep you busy for much longer.

a completed lapbook with the idea sheets that are also included

Connor matching capital and lowercase letters

cards to math numbers with objects

One of the things I really love about A Journey Through Learning is they provide you with an exact placement guide for each booklet in your lapbook.  You don't have to try to figure out what fits where! 

Here is a clip of part of the placement guide for this lapbook:

Add caption

The Earth lapbook is designed for your first to fourth grader.  It is an excellent introduction to Earth Science or would make a great go along for whatever Earth Science curriculum you are using.

The Earth is a 42 page e-book with directions for completing the lapbook, then each lapbook mini-book is accompanied by a page of text. No outside sources are needed to complete the lapbook.  There are 14 mini-books, a book list along with some songs, poems and crafts are included as well. 

The cover of Emma's lapbook

This is the cover of a layers of the earth booklet

and the inside of the same booklet

Part of the completed lapbook shown with the placement diagram that is included.

The Earth lapbook covers layers of the earth, types of rocks, landforms, seasons, mountains, volcanoes and more.

One thing I wanted to mention is that in the poem section there is a poem by Jane Yolen called Earth Day that starts out, "I am the earth, the earth is me." It's a little pantheistic for me, but it's not really a part of the study and you certainly wouldn't have to read it.  This would not prevent me from purchasing the study, but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Overall, we had a good time with these lapbooks and will likely complete more in the future.  These lapbooks are especially fun for kids who enjoy crafts and making projects.

You can purchase Letters, Numbers and Shapes for $13 (as a download...see the link for more options) and The Earth is also available for $13 as a download and $21 printed.

A Journey Through Learning offers lapbooks to go along with Jeannie Fulbright's Apologia Titles, Classical Conversations and many more! They also have Express Lapbooks for only $1!

See what others are saying about A Journey Through Learning on the crew blog.

Apologia Anatomy and Physiology

You know you've found a good curriculum when your child asks "Can we do science now, Mom?" and also asks to bring their book to bed with them. For the last 6 weeks, we have been using Apologia's Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology. This is a 3-part review since we received the textbook, notebooking journal, and the MP3 audio CD.

In our many years of homeschooling, we have used several of the Young Explorer Series of books by Jeannie Fulbright.  I think this is my absolute favorite.  (Probably because I am more interested in anatomy and physiology than in plants and animals, but that is just me.)

The textbook is a beautifully bound, hardback book with 265 high quality colorful pages. Though all of the books in this series are appropriate for kids aged 6-13, this book is recommended for grades 4-6. However, I really think this would be suitable for junior high as well. The book is divided into 14 lessons that take about 2 weeks each to complete.  There are so many activities, projects, experiments to do that you could easily stretch this out if you wanted to.

In the front of the book, you will find a 3-page supply list that is handy for planning your lessons. So far we have been able to easily obtain supplies we needed either from our home or in local stores. You can read more about how to use this book and see the lab list here.

We have been using this book several days a week by reading the book and doing the activities as we go.  I haven't really had to spend any time preparing (other than to be sure we have the supplies we need.)  It has been so easy to just open the book and go. It makes life easy when the curriculum is easy to plan for.

In the first chapter on cells we had fun making an edible cell.  Even though Emma is the one using this book the kids ALL enjoyed this one since it was jello and candy!

Another experiment involved putting slices of apples in cups with a variety of different substances.  It was interesting to see which ones preserved the best as we learned about embalming.

Try This! activities are sprinkled throughout the chapters.  They are often quick demonstrations or activities such as checking reflexes or figuring out how much your muscles weigh.  Experiments that require more time are also included.  You can choose to do some of the activities or do all of them.

This series of books uses notebooking (with or without the companion notebooking journal) and narration.  They are also written from a Christian, young earth, Creationist point of view which we thoroughly appreciate.

The book also comes with a password to access a course website that is loaded with links for every chapter. It also includes blank notebook pages and a field trip website.

Prior to this review, I wouldn't have considered buying the notebooking journal. It seemed expensive and I would have figured I could just do my own notebooking pages.  However, I cannot say enough about how much I love the Notebooking Journal   I believe it is worth every penny.  This is a spiral bound book that is just packed with all kinds of notebooking pages, crossword puzzles, copy work and more.  Here are a few sample pages:

There are pages for students to draw and write fascinating facts for each chapter.

Questions for each chapter:

Scripture copywork pages in both manuscript and cursive.

Mini-books to be made are at the back of the journal and can be glued into the proper chapters as they are completed.

This next one is my favorite.  Students make a personal person.  There are 3 skin tones to choose from.  First cut out the body and print a picture of your student's head to glue to the body.  Then there are overlays of all of the systems to place on the person.  I set the skeletal system to the side so you could see that it is separate.  I LOVE this!

The MP3 Audio CD is a very handy tool. Sometimes I don't have enough time to read lessons to everyone, sometimes it is nice to have someone else do the reading, sometimes it is nice to let the kids listen to their lessons as they fall asleep (nice review!). These are all ways you could use this MP3 CD. The author, Jeannie Fulbright reads the book. She is very pleasant to listen to and we have enjoyed using this. I really haven't even been reading the book to Emma. She likes using the CD. It pops up on my computer screen like an ipod and every section of the book has its own track which is SO nice. (One thing to note is that the recording is slightly different from the book but we haven't had any issues with this at all. So far the differences seem to mostly be in the first chapter.)

A clip of the player on my
 computer screen

A clip of the player showing the multitude
of places you can access in the chapters.
Very convenient!

There are samples from the textbook, notebooking journal and the mp3 CD on the website.


Purchase Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology
Textbook  $39.00
Regular Notebooking Journal  $24.00
MP3 Audio CD  $29.00

A Junior Notebooking Journal for children not yet writing well is also available for $24.00. (Some crew members are reviewing these as well so be sure to check out the other reviews if you are interested.  I know I am!)

Here in our house, we love Apologia.  If you are not familiar with the company I suggest you head over there and see all they have to offer from elementary science to junior and senior high science, Biblical worldview curriculum,  online classes are much more!

See what others are saying about Apologia's Elementary Science on The Schoolhouse Review Crew blog. In addition to the book I reviewed, Zoology 1, 2 and 3 are also being reviewed.  Check them out!




disclaimer: I received Exploring Creation with Human Anatomy and Physiology textbook, notebooking journal and mp3 CD in exchange for an honest review

Solar Oven (from Summer Bucket list)

Earlier this summer, I made a summer bucket list and we've been steadily working on crossing off some items.  Last week we made a solar oven with a pizza box and made some toast in it.  What a fun thing to make!

I had to cut a rectangle out of the cover and glue black construction paper to the bottom of the inside.

Then I made a flap with cardboard (my box didn't have a solid cover to begin with), and cover it with  foil.
Then I taped it to the box with masking tape.  I also covered the opening with plastic wrap.

We taped a ruler to the box and flap to get it to stay open correctly.
We elevated the solar oven to keep it off the wet grass.

Finished project was toasted hamburger rolls (they were a little hard).
We also noticed how much the sun had bleached the paper.

A very fun project.  I think we'll use this again sometime.  I'd like to make a bigger one and try cooking a meal someday.

Go Science DVDs

A few years ago a friend of mine told me about Library and Ed Services.  I have ordered from them in the past and have always been happy with their services and prices.  I was thrilled when I found out that we were going to get the opportunity to review Go Science DVDs sent to us by Library and Ed Services.  I was  given a coupon code to order and went right to the website and ordered like a regular customer and received my order a short time later. (Most things I review just come to me in the mail. I don't have to order them.)





This 6 Volume Series, recommended for ages 6-14, features the high-energy science demonstrations of Ben Roy.  Ben teaches science methods at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and is the former director of a science program on TV.  Each of the 67 demonstrations of physical or chemical science has a spiritual application and points to our Creator.


Here is a sample from one of the videos:


The 6 Volumes are:

1. Motion
2. Simple Machines-Sound and Weather
3. Magnetism, Electricity, Engineering and Design
4. Chemistry, States of Matter and Life Sciences
5. Air and Flight
6. Water, Space and the Solar System

I was able to pick the 2 videos we wanted to review so we picked 1) Chemistry and 2) Water, Space and the Solar System.  We have enjoyed these science videos but I would say they are really for a younger crowd. (4-10 maybe) Older children may watch with their siblings and enjoy watching but there isn't much "meat" to them.  Each segment was taken from a children's TV show.  They compiled these science segments into the videos. Often he uses the science experiment to tie in a Bible truth.  At the end of every segment he says, "Each time you learn something about science you learn more about the Creator, God."  This might be true, but he never really says how.  It's just a catch phrase.  I do like that these are Christian videos and Ben Roy is clearly passionate about what he is doing.

In the Chemistry video demonstrations include:

• Chemical Luminescence (cool one)
• Exploding Bottle (kids love anything that explodes)
• Exploding Balloons
• Flash Paper (my favorite...has a great explanation of how Jesus takes our sin away)
• pH (very cool)
• Root Beer Float (this one you can try at home)
• Liquid Nitrogen
• Single Cell
• Optical Illusion
• Lycopodium Powder
• Camouflage

Each demonstration ranges from 3-6 minutes

In the Water, Space and the Solar System video demonstrations include:

• Water Disappear
• Boil Water in a Paper Cup
• Properties of Water
• Floating Balls
• As Cold as Outer Space
• Make a Rocket
• Living in Space
• Solar System
• Centripetal Force

The thing my kids did not like about the videos is that the experiments are not explained thoroughly (and sometimes not at all).  They also didn't like that most of the things were not experiments they could repeat at home.  However, I do think there is value in watching experiments with liquid nitrogen for example because that is not something I could ever obtain and use at home.

So, all in all I think these are a fun addition to our homeschool for younger children and are good to create an interest in learning about science. My nine year old daughter wants me to buy the rest of them.


Library and Ed Services has been in business for 35 years. They are a small family company in Southwest Michigan. As a wholesale distributor they serve resellers, schools, churches, missionaries, licensed daycare centers, and libraries. They offer the same wholesale discounts to homeschools that they offer to other schools.


The CDs, DVDs, and books they choose to distribute are carefully selected to ensure they are in harmony with Christian values and morals. They offer a wide variety of evolution-free science resources. However, on rare occasion, they find a book or series that contains 1 or 2 brief references to evolution. They may choose to still carry this item, but will clearly note on our website that it does contain a minor reference to evolution – so you know before you buy.

You can purchase the entire set of videos for $47.95 or purchase individual titles for just $8.97 each.  I believe you will need to create an account in order to view the pricing.  While you're there be sure to sign up for their newsletter.  They have lots of great deals and have wonderful prices on Your Story Hour and Drive Thru History among other things.

Read what others are saying about Go Science and Library and Ed Services on the TOS crew blog.


disclaimer: I was given two Go Science DVD's by Library and Educational Services in exchange for an honest review.

Amazing Science DVD

Don't you just love when something educational is fun too?  I was recently give a copy of Amazing Science Volume I on DVD.  This set has 2 DVDs that teach fundamental principles of science including electricity, magnetism, heat, temperature, pressure, surface tension, buoyancy, and more.

Disk 1	Disk 2
1) Color Changing Milk	13) Floating Eggs
2) Egg in a Bottle	14) Keep Paper Dry Underwater
3) Exploring Air Pressure	15) Dry Ice Bubbles
4) Build a Lemon Battery	16) Balloon in a Candle Flame
5) Inverted Cup of Water	17) Ocean in a Bottle
6) Candle Suction Power	18) Build a Motor with Lights
7) Amazing Magnetic Force	19) Simple Lava Lamp
8) Lift an Ice Cube with String	20) Invisible Ink
9) Unburnable Money	21) Density Tower
10) Matchstick Speedboat	22) Soda Can Fizz
11) Reversing an Image with Water	23) Build a Motor #2

Watch this quick overview: (30 seconds long)



Many of the experiments are performed using household ingredients and supplies. It's great to be able to say, "Yes, we can try that!" because we already have everything.  At the start of each video a supply list pops up on the screen and he also tells you what you need.  I think it would have been helpful if a supply list was made available either inside the case or as a pdf document on the DVD but it's not that difficult to note what you need as you watch. (update: Ami from Walking by the Way has put together a supply list. You can find it here. Yay!!)

The experiments grabbed my kids' attention right from the start.  The experiments really are amazing.  My kids  love to watch these videos and want to do the experiments.   These are the kind of demonstrations that really make you say, "Wow!  How does that work?"  The creator of these videos, Jason Gibson, does a fantastic job of showing you how to do the experiment and then explains the science behind it.  I can't speak highly enough about them.  These would be a great addition to any home with children of all ages!  In my house, our entire family was glued to the set. 

Can we make an egg float by adding salt to the water?

We set the laptop right on the island so we could do the
experiment while we watched. (normally we watch on the TV though)

It worked!

Emma's idea was to add the salt water to the fresh to see how much it would take to get  it to float.
 I love when  the kids think of things to try themselves.

another experiment using blueberry juice and baking soda to write invisible messages
(this lesson is on acids and bases)

Here is a clip of a whole experiment from the video:  (one of my favorites)



There are a few others you can watch here.  If you like these, I think you will really love Amazing Science Volume 1.

The mission of ScienceAndMath.com is simple - 

to kindle your love of Science, Math, and the world around you!

Amazing Science is available for immediate download to your computer for $17.99 or order the DVD for $19.95 plus shipping.  Scienceandmath.com also has Math, Chemistry and Physics courses on DVD. (very reasonable prices too!) Also, you can sign up for the free e-newsletter to get free science and math videos.

Read what others are saying about Amazing Science on the TOS crew blog.


disclaimer:I received a free copy of Amazing Science in exchange for an honest review.

Christian Kids Explore Chemistry

Chemistry.  Does this word strike fear in your heart?  :)  Chemistry is the only subject I ever failed in high school.  Perhaps if I had been introduced to chemistry with Christian Kids Explore Chemistry in my younger years it wouldn't have seemed so foreign to me. Christian Kids Explore Chemistry is a science curriculum for grades 4-8 in the Christian Kids Explore Series from Bright Ideas Press and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to review it.

There are four books in this series written for elementary and junior high students.  Christian Kids Explore Chemistry, now in its 2nd edition, comes with a brand new resource CD that includes daily lesson plans, materials lists, all the reproducibles you need and even a bonus literature study guide for the book, Piece of the Mountain, a story about the life of Blaise Pascal.  Reproducibles include coloring pages, unit reviews, follow-up questions for each lesson and activity charts.

Christian Kids Explore Chemistry is a 385 page, black and white, paperback textbook that provides 30 lessons in 5 units.  Read the Table of Contents or view Sample Pages.  You will find hands on activities such as making model atoms, breaking covalent bonds and making gas expand.  There are Chemistry terms, notations and rules, unit reviews, coloring pages and a supplemental book list.

a sample page showing clear, easy to read text with bold vocabulary words
within the text and definitions in the margin

We were introduced to this series this year and completed Christian Kids Explore Biology a few weeks ago.  I am really enjoying the series and plan to purchase the other 2 books that I don't have when we are done with Chemistry.

Each lesson is not too long making it easy to teach and not overwhelming to the student.  I read it aloud to my children but older students could certainly do this by themselves.  The vocabulary words are defined within the text AND in the margins of the lessons making it easy for students to find the words they need to define with each lesson. There is a glossary as well that students can use if they prefer. The detailed lesson plans give you 2 days of work for each week making it easy to double up for the week if you wish to cover 2 books in a year (which is my plan for next year.)  We will finish Chemistry and move on the Physics.

Lesson plans include memory work including a scripture verse (which can also be used as copy work), review, reading, discussion, vocabulary, hands on activities and supplemental reading.

Vocabulary words are placed on index cards for easy review or you can use a notebook.  We are using blank notebooking pages for vocabulary at this time.

In the supplemental reading section, you will find a list of books by unit that you can purchase or order from your library.  I have had no problem getting the books through our library system.  The lessons also have a weekly reading from the Kingfisher Science Encyclopedia.  I have enjoyed using this beautiful book for the Chemistry lessons but be warned it is full of evolutionary content which I did not like when using the Biology book.

By the end of the first unit my reluctant 12 year old son told me he likes this.  High praise from him indeed!

Ryan and Emma learning the difference between mixtures and compounds.

Getting it all down on paper

You can purchase Christian Kids Explore Chemistry for $39.95 at Bright Ideas Press.  This includes the Bright Ideas Press also carries Illuminations full curriculum, history and geography resources and more.  I LOVE Bright Ideas Press and highly recommend them!

Information on the other CKE books:
Christian Kids Explore Earth and Space (grades 3-6) $34.95
Christian Kids Explore Biology (grades 3-6) $34.95
Christian Kids Explore Physics (grades 4-8) $39.95 (new 2nd edition)

Read what others are saying about the Christian Kids Explore series on the TOS crew blog. All 4 books in this series are being reviewed.  Feel free to ask questions if you have any.

disclaimer: I received a free pdf copy of Christian Kids Explore Chemistry along with a digital copy of CKEC supplements in exchange for an honest review.