Disclaimer:
I received a FREE copy of this product through the HOMESCHOOL REVIEW
CREW in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a
positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.
This is where the fun starts. Little Bug just loves learning new things and she is forever fascinated with the night sky. She also seems obsessed with the sun at times. The chance to review an online homeschool astronomy course seemed just perfect for us. Experience Astronomy: Elementary from Journey Homeschool Academy is a hands-on, online video course. I say hands-on because it includes wonderful hands-on projects throughout each lesson. The best part of all is this is a LIFETIME subscription. You can take your time or revisit the lessons at your leisure.
Online video lessons |
What exactly is included? You get 30 video lessons (approximately 15 minutes each), a downloadable lesson/activity pack, links to extra resources, a list of recommended books, downloadable printable memory cards, and memory videos to help with memorizing the facts. If you don't want to download and print your lessons and cards they are also available for purchase.
A couple of the recommended books from the list There are a LOT of books on the list so when our library gets back in full swing we will take advantage of that! |
Copywork pages |
Memory cards |
It is recommended that you complete one lesson per week which would give you an entire year for a great science course. The lessons consist of an online video, recommended reading (including scripture references), a hands-on activity, copy work (available in print and cursive), memory lesson cards, and a quick quiz to test knowledge retained. We spread our lesson activities out over a week. We would watch the video one day and then practice with the memory cards. Another day we would do the copy work, and another day the activity. We generally ended the week with the quiz. I was amazed at how much Little Bug retained.
Quiz |
Little Bug is really enjoying this curriculum. At first, she was a little impatient with the videos since they are packed with knowledge but not so much fun for her age (2nd grade). The more she got into it though she got used to the format and enjoyed what she was learning. I just love that Luke goes into the history of everything and not just straight-up "sky stuff." It is fascinating to learn the history behind what is being learned and the origins of the subjects being covered. A history lesson to boot!
Hands on activities |
I absolutely love that this is creation based and I don't have to worry about misinformation in that area. The very first lesson is called, "Why God Loves Astronomy" and Luke does a great job distinguishing between Astrology and Astronomy. Other topics covered include the moon, sun, constellations, seasons (and why we experience the weather we do), stars (falling rocks and shooting stars), Galileo, the planets, and the heavens. I am so looking forward to this next year of learning with her. I have already learned a few things I thought I knew but didn't.
So much fun creating our Leo constellation |
I really feel that I can't say enough good about this creation based homeschool science program. I feel it is well rounded and definitely Christian based with a wonderful Charlotte Mason flair! I really don't think you will be disappointed in what it has to offer. If you have a little one who loves learning and has a great interest in the sky, moon, and stars then I think this is the perfect science class for them.
We give Experience Astronomy: Elementary two thumbs up!! You can connect with Journey Homeschool Academy on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM. Also, be sure to check out what my fellow Crew members have to say about this and the other two science programs that were reviewed (Biology Elementary and Upper Level) by clicking on the graphic link below.