Our basement bathroom is basically one giant science lab for my boys.  Their love for experiments shines through and I knew they would love the Big Bible Science book from Christian Focus.  I knew I would love it as well.  Having a science curriculum focused on teaching not only science but also how it relates to the world around them through hands-on experience is perfect for us.

The beginning of the book lays out some information to make the most of every lesson.  I especially like that they include beginning your lesson with prayer.  That is something we do before we start any book work.  We pray for patience and focus and lots of grace.  Every lesson also has a bible verse that reinforces the lesson for that day that is repeated throughout the lesson.

Each lesson consists of the materials needed, the big idea, activities, apply it and go beyond.  This takes your kids through learning about the concept and then demonstrating it through an experiment.  Then they can apply it and see how that science concept applies to the real world around them.  Go beyond takes it one step further to challenge them to think and examine that concept even more.  Each activity also includes a short mini-biography about a science influence and how their life applied to the bible verse and concept they are learning about.

They are also introduced to the idea of a science notebook.  We didn’t do this, we will probably add it in next year.  I love the idea more than the kids do – I want them to write about what they are learning and write their hypothesis about it.

The best part of all is that the neighbor kids are just as excited about the experiments and almost always join us when we are doing the activities outside.  The gravity experiment was such a hit.  We had a ton of fun taking turns dropping the balls to see if they landed at the same time.  We had to continuously repeat the experiment because they had a tough time grasping that the balls would all hit at the same time regardless of which ball was bigger, heavier, etc..

The lunar crater experiment was a ton of fun that lasted long past when we were done with our experiment.  We read about the big idea and then looked up pictures of lunar craters online.  Then we went outside for the experiment.  We took turns dropping the balls for the experiment.  Then we would talk about the ejecta, the rays and the different parts of the crater.  It was fun to see them yell out about how far the ejecta went and talking about the differences between this crater and the ones we looked at online.  And – in true Henry four-year-old fashion – as soon as we were done experimenting – or rather – when he took over – he used the flour to drive his tractors around in.  I would expect nothing less from him.

Kids are naturally questioning the way the world around them works.  Being able to talk about it with them while including how it relates to the bible has been a great experience for us.  I love how the book is inviting to look through; not overwhelming like some science books can be.  Don’t just take my word for it – check out some other experiments from the Big Bible Science book.