Review: Life Science: Origins and Scientific Theory Curriculum Pack

I was really excited to have an opportunity to review Life Science: Origins and Scientific Theory Curriculum Pack from Master Books.  When the package arrived, I sent a text with the photo but no description to a friend and she was a bit confused why I had videos and DVDs that appeared to be on evolution when I believe in creationism. I told her it was part of Master Books 9th Grade Curriculum set and it wasn't teaching evolution, it is a curriculum  that teaches the differences between creationist and secular scientist views and teaches students to be able to defend their beliefs biblically and scientifically.

The Life Science: Origins and Scientific Theory Curriculum Pack($107.25) includes:

Evolution: The Grand Experiment DVD--58 min long.  This DVD examines the validity of Darwin's theory.
Living Fossils: Evolution The Grand Experiment Vol 2 DVD-53 min long. Dr. Carl Werner traveled 160,000 miles visiting 10 dinosaur dig sites and 60 natural history museums to see if dinosaur fossils have been found with modern plants and animals.
Evolution: The Grand Experiment Vol 1 Text-307 page hardcover text. Contains full color photos and charts.  Corresponds with the Vol 1 DVD.
Living Fossils: Evolution the Grand Experiment Vol 2 Text-274 page hardcover text.  Contains full color photos and charts.  Corresponds with Vol 2 DVD.
Vol 1 Teacher's Guide-255 page paperback book.  Contains purpose for each chapter, class discussion questions and answers, chapter objectives, 3 different tests for each chapter (choose 1) and answers.
Vol 2 Teacher's Guide-273 page paperback book. Contains purpose for each chapter, class discussion questions and answers, chapter objectives, 3 different tests for each chapter and answers.
Parent Lesson Planner-57 page paperback book.  This book has the daily lesson plans for the course.  It also also alternate sectional tests and answers.

This course is suggested for students in 7-9th grade. There are 180 days of lesson plans in the PLP.  After completing the course students will have earned one credit in Paleontology.

I really think it is so important that we not tell our students what to believe, but show them why we believe what we believe.  They need to be able to defend their beliefs .  I was interested in reviewing this course because it doesn't just tell students what to believe but rather shows them the differing views.  The course presents evidence, shows interviews and discussions with both creationist and secular scientists, and allows students to reach their own conclusions.  The images in both the DVD and text are stunning!  The photography is outstanding!  The evidence is presented in a clear and understandable way.  It is definitely is an informative interesting course that teens will enjoy, and the videos themselves can be viewed by a wide range of ages.  I learned many things that I did not know!

The course was written for a classroom which makes it a little harder on the homeschool mom with one student.  With one student you can have them orally answer the discussion questions with you or have them copy them into a notebook and answer them.  I wish that it had been set up like other courses I have reviewed from Master Books with the vocabulary and questions included in the PLP rather than having separate Teacher Manuals.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of these materials for the purpose of writing a fair and honest review.  I received no other compensation and all opinions are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC regulations.

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