Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics (Apologia Elementary Science Series)

The Apologia elementary science series has been a highlight in our homeschool since 2008. I have used this Young Explorer series for all three of my daughters, across multiple ages. Read more about our experience with Apologia Chemistry and Physics for the elementary years in this post.

Don’t miss the giveaway at the end!

Apologia elementary science series

Apologia Educational Ministries has remained at the top of our favorites list since 2008 when we first used their homeschool elementary science series written by Jeannie Fulbright. This continues for us now as we’ve had the chance to review Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics, the newest addition to the series.

Apologia Chemistry & Physics Homeschool Science — **Hardcover Textbook**

Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics is intended for students in the K-6 grade range. It is divided into 14 lessons (chapters) meant to take about 2 weeks per lesson if you spend 2 days per week doing the lessons. Of course, this is easily adjusted to your own preference and the age/ability/interests of your children. The lessons are written in the Charlotte Mason style with an emphasis on narration and hands-on experiments. There is a supply list included at the back of the book so you can be prepared ahead of time with anything you might need to complete the experiments.

What Topics are Covered?

States of Matter
Atoms
Compound Chemistry
Mixtures
Laws of Motion
Forms of Energy
Sound
Light
Thermodynamics
Electricity
Magnetism
Simple Machines

These are just a sampling of the topics. Each lesson goes into more detail, written in an engaging “living book” style. It is a very thorough introduction to chemistry and physics.

In addition to the textbook, we also used the companion spiral-bound notebooking journals. They are available in two versions — Junior (for beginning writers) and one for older students. They aren’t required, but they definitely add to the learning.

What is in the Notebooking Journal?

A suggested daily schedule for the course
Coloring pages
cut-and-fold mini books
Project Pages (to record results of experiments and projects)
Field Trip Sheets
Scripture Copywork
Fascinating Facts (to record the highlights of each lesson)
Crosswords
Vocabulary
and more

How did it work for us?

We stuck with the 2-days per week schedule over the past month, which means we have completed the first two lessons. Ordinarily, I might do science 3-4 days per week due to Big Sis’ (11) interest level in it and her ability to do some of the reading on her own. Since we were including Lil Sis (6) this time around, we used a slower pace and it worked well for us.

Big Sis used the Notebooking Journal and Lil Sis used the Junior Notebooking Journal. Big Sis enjoyed recording the results of our experiments, as well as completing the crossword puzzles and vocabulary pages.

I helped Lil Sis by writing down everything for her as we talked about it. She was able to draw pictures in the journal and complete the coloring pages.

One of the fun “Try This!” activities in the first lesson is a game of I Spy with 20 Questions. By giving clues about the special features of things around the house, this simple game that they played together taught them about the properties of matter. I thought it was a clever way to introduce scientific observation and vocabulary.

Another favorite activity from the first lesson was a short role play they performed about Archimedes and the King’s golden crown. Believe it or not, this was an example of how volume was discovered and how it works. The girls had a fun time with it and it’s another great example of how this homeschool elementary science curriculum works for different age ranges. It’s nice to have science lessons that the girls can do together.
One of the things I appreciate most about this series is the Creationist viewpoint. The first lesson starts with Genesis and God’s creation of all things, including matter and energy. It includes scriptures for reference and a suggested Bible reading. I think it’s essential as a Christian to show that the Bible and science are not at odds, but that scientific facts and discoveries actually support what we read in God’s word.

Combined with the hands-on projects, the notebooking journal, interesting text and engaging writing style, and the Biblical foundation for all the lessons, I have been very pleased with all aspects of Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics. We will continue to use it throughout this school year.

Apologia Science Giveaway

If you’re looking for a fun way to help your kids gain a love and understanding for science, look no further! This month, we are teaming up with Apologia to give away a science curriculum of the winner’s choice. That’s right – if you win, you get to choose your science curriculum package and level!

To enter, just fill out the entry card below. You can pick and choose which entry options you complete, and along the way, you’ll find some fantastic new homeschool bloggers to follow!

In addition, by entering you will also receive a Digital Swag Bag valued at over $20 – so everyone who enters gets free curriculum resources! You can find the details of the Swag Bag below the entry.

It is your responsibility to read the terms and conditions upon entering. Entering this giveaway signs you up for the following email newsletters: In All You Do, My Joy-Filled Life, The Art Kit, Making Room 4 One More, Faith & Good Works, Simple Living, Creative Learning, Yellow House Book Rental, Clarissa R. West, Peace Creek on the Prairie, and Brookdale House if you aren’t already subscribed. The winner has 48 hours to claim their prize before a new winner is drawn. Giveaway ends November 17, 2019 at 12 AM CST.

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Swag Bag Details:

All entrants will receive the Swag Bag (valued at over $20) within 24 hours of the giveaway closing.

Your kids will have fun practicing their number skills with fun themed playdough mats and other goodies from The Art Kit!

Learn all about the anatomy of different animals with an Animal Anatomy Notebooking Set from Simple Living, Creative Learning!

You might also like to read:

Exploring Creation with General Science by Apologia {review}

Exploring a Biblical Worldview with Apologia

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Sara

Author/Speaker/Consultant at Heart and Soul Homeschooling

Sara is a homeschool mom to 3 creative girls. She holds a degree in Social Work specializing in early childhood development, which led to her interest in individualized educational options like homeschooling. She believes that learning should be a lifelong adventure, not just a checklist to get through. She is a writer, avid reader, introvert (INFJ), and dreamer of dreams.