Exploring Creation with General Science by Apologia {review}

Exploring Creation with General Science by Apologia is a solid middle school science option for your homeschool. Read more about our experience in this post.

Apologia General Science for Middle School

There’s no doubt that the middle school years are a time of transition, both for kids and their moms. You want to provide them with solid resources to bridge the gap between the teacher intensive early years and the more independent high school years. It’s not always easy to find that happy medium. Thankfully, homeschooling allows us the flexibility to try different things and find what works the best.

Exploring Creation with General Science by Apologia

Apologia has been one of our favorite homeschool curriculum resources for years. We loved their elementary science series, so we were glad to have the chance to try their newly updated middle school Exploring Creation with General Science, 3rd edition, textbook and student notebook set.

Homeschool General Science for Middle School

As always, Apologia has high-quality materials for science and Exploring Creation with General Science, 3rd edition, is no exception.

My first question about the General Science course was what exactly does it cover? I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I have been very pleased with the layout of this course. It includes:

The History of Science
Scientific Inquiry and the Scientific Method
Documenting and Interpreting Experimental Results
Scientific Analysis and History
Earth Science – Astronomy
Earth Science – Geology and Paleontology
Earth Science – Meteorology and Oceanography
General Chemistry
General Physics
Life Science
General Biology
The Oceans of the Earth
Environmental Science
Science and Creation

That is the Table of Contents from the textbook. Although we don’t usually take a textbook approach to learning, Apologia science has been one of our rare exceptions to that rule. I feel that to thoroughly cover the subject of science and make sure we’re truly learning from the hands-on experiments and projects we do, a textbook helps us out.

Since we take a relaxed, delight-directed approach to learning, this is definitely different than our usual living books kind of study. However, my daughters have really enjoyed Apologia science for years as I mentioned, so this is a great option for us. Also, I feel that the Apologia science books have a Charlotte Mason-inspired slant so that dovetails with my overall educational philosophy.

Exploring Creation with General Science, 3rd edition, is not a dry textbook in the sense that you usually think of textbooks. Anyone who is familiar with the author, Sherri Seligson, knows her passion for the topic. That’s why I consider this more of a living science book than a traditional textbook.

There is a history of science at the beginning of the book, then a module on science and creation at the end of the book. Ten different modern day scientists share how their faith and science are compatible and what it means to their work.

Here is a peek at the author’s motivation for writing Exploring Creation with General Science:

Why Exploring Creation with General Science is a Good Choice for the Middle School Years

This General Science textbook from Apologia was specifically designed for the middle school years in order to be a stepping stone from elementary science to high school science.

Apologia recognizes that the middle school years are an important transition time for students. They have written this with that in mind, so all of the experiments and information are presented in a way to move students forward from concrete thinking to more abstract thinking and analysis.

One of my favorite parts of Exploring Creation with General Science, 3rd edition, is the student notebook. It’s not optional for this course because it’s an essential part of the learning process. Students learn how to take notes accurately and efficiently and rely on those notes to draw conclusions and take exams. This is a terrific skill to learn and I’m so glad it’s included!

Everything is laid out for a 4-day per week schedule, including 29 formal experiments and 47 Explore More optional activities. There is also a Solutions and Test Manual, which makes it easier for homeschool parents to evaluate their child’s work.

General Science Sample

You can get a free sample preview of General Science. I encourage you to download it and take a look. I always appreciate homeschool publishers who offer a sneak peek at the material when shopping online.

You’ll receive Module 1 of both the textbook and Student Notebook, the Table of Contents, and an FAQ guide immediately via email.

Summary

I think Exploring Creation with General Science, 3rd edition, from Apologia is an excellent option for middle school science. It can help you make the transition between elementary and high school science in your homeschool.

Visit the website and read more details today! Don’t forget your free sample preview, too.

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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.