Sassafras Science

[Chelli]

I'm planning on using this as the science portion for our world geography study we are starting in the new year. I don't really want to buy the guide since I can figure out supplemental books and other things on my own.

 

Is it possible to use just the book and SCIDAT logbook on their own without the Zoology Guide book?

[H_Household]

The guide gives you all the information that goes in your SCIDAT logbook. Also, it includes some extra activities that you wouldn't have without it. It can be done without the guide. It would just require more work on your part to come up with the answers. We are really enjoying it this year and my kids ask to do it first! We are excited that she's working on book #2 as we speak.

[Chelli]

So the guide is basically an answer key for the SCIDAT logbook with extra activities. The logbook does have instructions about what to put on each page, doesn't it?

 

And just because I'm curious, what is book #2 going to be about? :bigear:

[lexi]

I think I read on her blog that book 2 is anatomy.

[H_Household]

Yes....book 2 has been announced and it is human anatomy.

 

The SCIDAT logbook is basically the student pages without any explanation. If you want the answers for them, then you need the guide. You can do it without the guide but it would require you to come up with all the answers for the student logbook. They are found mostly in the story but I find the guide very helpful so I'm not having to search for answers. Also, sometimes my kids copy the work needed from my guide. The guide has information on the chapter summary, habitat, animals, extra encyclopedia readings, living book suggestions, experiments, vocabulary, copywork/dictation, additional activities along with 2 and 5 day week schedules. I bought the hard copy of the novel and guide and then the PDF files for their student logbook. This has been a great way for us. You could save money and buy them in the combo packs depending on what form you want them in.

 

If you children are anything like mine....who love adventure stories.....they will love this series. It kinda reminds me of Adventures in Odyssey or Jonathan Park (but is not religious) or a better version of Magic Tree House. The story is great and they learn all about the animals along the way!

[Sew happily ever after]

What about evolution/creation? Is that addressed? Or is it general? Old earth/young earth?

[H_Household]

So far there is no discussion of creation/evolution or old/young earth. It's just an adventure story about 2 kids who zipline through space to different locations to collect information about the animals. These things have not come up and I think she's tried to keep it neutral so that it can be used by anyone. That way you can discuss it based on what you believe.