Exploring Creation With Physics

Description

Judging by the number of Saxon Physics books we sell in a year, physics must not be a very popular course among homeschoolers. But this book could change that. Just as in Dr. Wile's other science books, he does a wonderful job of explaining complex ideas in simple, understandable terms, using common household items for experiments instead of expensive lab equipment, and discussing science from a creationist standpoint. The course comes in two parts. The "mass"ive part is the student text, which also includes "On Your Own" questions with accompanying solutions and discussions, lab exercises, end-of-chapter review questions and practice problems. Color drawings help to illustrate points on all the concepts covered, which include Measurement and Units, Motion in One Dimension, Two-Dimension Motion, Newton's Laws, Circular Motion, Work and Energy, Momentum, Periodic Motion, Waves and Optics, Electrostatics, Electrodynamics, Electrical Circuits, and Magnetism. The second part is Solutions and Tests, which includes answers to review questions, answers to practice problems, chapter tests, and test answers. This manual does include the perforated tests listed separately below. Each of the 16 chapters, or modules, is designed to take about two weeks if done daily for 45 to 60 minutes per day. Since physics involves some higher-level math, Algebra I, geometry and basic trigonometry are prerequisites for this course. The author also suggests taking other science courses, like biology and chemistry, before this course. This book was revised in 2004, and the new edition features many useful updates. Module 1 is no longer a review of chemistry, so if a student has not already taken chemistry, he will be directed to an online version of the first module of the chemistry course. This way, students can learn the basic skills needed for the physics course even if they have not taken chemistry. More topics have been added to this edition, as well as extra practice problems; cumulative tests for those who wish to assign quarterly, semester, or final exams; ten more experiments; as well as a directory of online resources for students who have the time and desire to access advanced subject matter. What do students think of the course? One wrote, "On my very first test in college physics, I got the highest score in the class. My professor said that I must have had an excellent high school physics course. He was right!"

Even though the module tests are found in the solutions and test manual (so that the parent/teacher always has a copy of them), a second set of tests is provided in a perforated booklet. This allows the student to be given the tests without using those in the solutions and test manual.

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.