If you are looking for concise, explicit, and rich science materials, I have a treat for you!
This is a review of Science Lessons and Investigations Grade 1 by Evan-Moor Educational Publishers.
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I am very particular when picking science resources to use in our homeschool.
The resources need accurate and encourage the process of reasoning while still giving kids the opportunity to explore and engage their senses.
The activities in Science Lessons and Investigations teaches kids the process of observation and reasoning while being explorative and fun.
Get the nitty-gritty on Science Lessons and Investigations Grade 1 below!
The Set-Up
This book is divided up into sections based on fields of science, specifically biology, earth, and physical science.
Then each field is subdivided into questions that are meant to catch the child’s curiosity.
Next, the resource goes on to explore the subject through reading, engaging illustrations, games, art, and science literacy exercises.
Each individual unit beings with 2 teacher pages that explain the overall unit concept that is being taught within that unit.
Then it explains exactly how that unit teaches the skills one needs to engage in the scientific process from reading comprehension, visual literacy, vocabulary, and writing.
The Good
So my favorite part of this book is the fact that art is included throughout the book as a means of reinforcing observational, modeling, and critical thinking skills.
For example, the rose activity on page132-133 is a fun, easily set up art project that focuses on these skills.
After talking about the similarity and difference between rose plants, the kids are asked to use string to draw 2 different roses.
So this one activity is going to teach your kids about roses, analyzation, modeling, art skills, and fine motor skills.
Another great point of this book is that it truly encourages kids to explore.
In the unit that teaches kids about light, it challenges kids to guess an object in the dark, under a small amount of light, and in plenty of light.
This activity teaches kids they can’t see without light, and it also shows them that different amounts of light can change the way things appear.
That is an important concept because it helps them understand that part of the scientific process is investigating how changing an experiment affects the outcome.
The last great point of this book is that it teaches that science is a process.
For instance, in the sound portion of the book, the kids get to build their own musical instruments out of household items.
They plan, create, test, and evaluate. This 4 step process is basically the scientific method summarized.
I just wished they included instructions to revise your creation!
The Bad
First, it is designed for a classroom, but all the demonstrations are easily done at home.
Second, some activities are obviously teacher-led, because of the skill needed to read the questions. And some are heavy on writing.
I feel like these select activities would seem very intimidating to kids in grade 1.
Conclusion: Review Of Evan-Moor Science Lessons and Investigations Grade 1
Science Lessons and Investigations Grade 1 is a great resource for anyone who really wants to dig deeper into the process of scientific investigation while making sure to hit some important science facts, too.
The hands-on science activities have greatly helped Cayden’s (5 years old) comprehension and retention.
See more reviews on Evan-Moor Educational Publisher’s products:
Smart Start Read and Write or Giant Science Resource Book.
To learn more about Science Lessons and Investigations click here.
Have you heard about their e-book option? Click here if you haven’t! (Can you say instant delivery!)
